First Fifteen Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:29:42 -0400 https://word-of-prayer.com en-us © 2026 First Fifteen yes Support this Podcast 44c6dccc-3dd5-5ff4-bb5f-dec849a2be75 Ron Oltmanns episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Bible reading, God's Word, daily devotional, quiet time with God, discipleship Ron Oltmanns https://storage.buzzsprout.com/l5gcycraorz2krola13p40hiscoo?.jpg First Fifteen https://word-of-prayer.com Give Us a King! (1 Samuel 8) Give Us a King! (1 Samuel 8) Israel was unique in the ancient world, but they often struggled with their God who made them unique, and that power struggle is a feature of every person's story. The central question is: Who will be king? 1 Samuel 8 is more than a story about how Israel gets a king. It's about how they displace the King they already had. 

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We started season five in 1 Samuel 1-3 before going back to the beginning of the story in Genesis 1. Today's episode catches up with where we started this season and continues Israel's story and Samuel's life in a fascinating clash of power dynamics.

Samuel has risen to the place of leadership in Israel as  Judge, the name for Israel's rulers in that day. In 1 Samuel 7 he leads Israel is a definitive victory over their enemies. It's somewhat surprising, then, in 1 Samuel 8 that the people of Israel are so eager to reject his leadership and ask for a king.

We learn there's more at play. In fact, it's a spiritual struggle on a national level: Who will be the true king of Israel? Yahweh or a human king who leads an army?

The question of who will be king is relevant for today. Will we choose to acknowledge God as King, or will we go after a leader who inspires our confidence in the daily challenges of our culture? 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

We have a Youtube video based on this scripture that you can watch here.

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Israel was unique in the ancient world, but they often struggled with their God who made them unique, and that power struggle is a feature of every person's story. The central question is: Who will be king? 1 Samuel 8 is more than a story about how Israel gets a king. It's about how they displace the King they already had. 

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We started season five in 1 Samuel 1-3 before going back to the beginning of the story in Genesis 1. Today's episode catches up with where we started this season and continues Israel's story and Samuel's life in a fascinating clash of power dynamics.

Samuel has risen to the place of leadership in Israel as  Judge, the name for Israel's rulers in that day. In 1 Samuel 7 he leads Israel is a definitive victory over their enemies. It's somewhat surprising, then, in 1 Samuel 8 that the people of Israel are so eager to reject his leadership and ask for a king.

We learn there's more at play. In fact, it's a spiritual struggle on a national level: Who will be the true king of Israel? Yahweh or a human king who leads an army?

The question of who will be king is relevant for today. Will we choose to acknowledge God as King, or will we go after a leader who inspires our confidence in the daily challenges of our culture? 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

We have a Youtube video based on this scripture that you can watch here.

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-11848469 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0600 1005 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Samuel, Book of 1 Samuel 5 22 full false In Our Own Eyes (Judges) In Our Own Eyes (Judges) The eyes are a window to the heart. Unless we're striving to do what is right in God's eyes, things are not going to go well for us! That's the message in the book of Judges as part of our series on praying Bible stories.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We listen to part of Judges 2 in today's episode. It reveals a pattern that repeats over and over in Israel's early history of living in the land God promised them.

What is that pattern? Israel forgets God's works and miracles and the terms of the covenant relationship they have made with him. They go after other gods. Hostile people in and around the land of Canaan come against Israel. They suffer and fall prey to them before crying out for relief and rescue. God raises us a leader (called a Judge) who will lead Israel in victory. God's blessing is with the people...until they repeat the pattern all over again by forgetting God and disobeying him.

In the book of Judges there is a lot of dark and wicked things recorded, things that violate God's law and show the depths to which his own people have sunk when they do what is "right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25). They clearly need a King to rule over them and show them what is right. So do we.

When we see the patterns of sin and addiction, disobedience and living for ourselves, there's hope for rescue. It requires repentance and turning back to God. We weren't created to just do what we think is right in our own eyes. We needs God's eyes on us and showing us what's truly good.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The eyes are a window to the heart. Unless we're striving to do what is right in God's eyes, things are not going to go well for us! That's the message in the book of Judges as part of our series on praying Bible stories.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We listen to part of Judges 2 in today's episode. It reveals a pattern that repeats over and over in Israel's early history of living in the land God promised them.

What is that pattern? Israel forgets God's works and miracles and the terms of the covenant relationship they have made with him. They go after other gods. Hostile people in and around the land of Canaan come against Israel. They suffer and fall prey to them before crying out for relief and rescue. God raises us a leader (called a Judge) who will lead Israel in victory. God's blessing is with the people...until they repeat the pattern all over again by forgetting God and disobeying him.

In the book of Judges there is a lot of dark and wicked things recorded, things that violate God's law and show the depths to which his own people have sunk when they do what is "right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25). They clearly need a King to rule over them and show them what is right. So do we.

When we see the patterns of sin and addiction, disobedience and living for ourselves, there's hope for rescue. It requires repentance and turning back to God. We weren't created to just do what we think is right in our own eyes. We needs God's eyes on us and showing us what's truly good.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-11341388 Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0500 960 5 21 full false Into the Promised Land (Joshua) Into the Promised Land (Joshua) What is the secret to standing strong in faith? We see a specific truth about that in the book of Joshua.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We look at four readings from the book of Joshua that tell the story of Israel entering into the land God promised them.

First there is a new leader before Israel. With Moses' death, Joshua and chosen to lead the people into the new land. Joshua 1:1-11 gives the charge to Joshua for how he is to lead.

In the book of Joshua the people of Israel end their wanderings in the wilderness. Their first victory comes in capturing the ancient city of Jericho.  Just as God delivered them from Egypt by crossing the Sea of Reeds, they now enter Canaan by crossing the Jordan River. Victory is turned to defeat when sin among the ranks takes hold. Joshua 7:1-13 reveals Achan's sin and shows how it must be dealt with before there can be any more conquests. 

As the victories continue, Israel takes over a number of Canaanite cities and the land must be divided among the tribes. Joshua 18:1, 8-10 shows how this happened at the place of the holy tent, the tabernacle at Shiloh.

In the final chapter (Joshua 24:14-15, 23-28 ), Joshua gives his charge to Israel to purify themselves, choose God and throw away the idols they have been carrying for generations. The challenge is to continue strengthening our faith and take courageous steps to rely on God alone.  After reading these passages, we pray them and practice seeing God powerfully at work delivering us from our enemies, calling out sin, giving us our inheritance and binding us to him in a covenant of love.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What is the secret to standing strong in faith? We see a specific truth about that in the book of Joshua.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We look at four readings from the book of Joshua that tell the story of Israel entering into the land God promised them.

First there is a new leader before Israel. With Moses' death, Joshua and chosen to lead the people into the new land. Joshua 1:1-11 gives the charge to Joshua for how he is to lead.

In the book of Joshua the people of Israel end their wanderings in the wilderness. Their first victory comes in capturing the ancient city of Jericho.  Just as God delivered them from Egypt by crossing the Sea of Reeds, they now enter Canaan by crossing the Jordan River. Victory is turned to defeat when sin among the ranks takes hold. Joshua 7:1-13 reveals Achan's sin and shows how it must be dealt with before there can be any more conquests. 

As the victories continue, Israel takes over a number of Canaanite cities and the land must be divided among the tribes. Joshua 18:1, 8-10 shows how this happened at the place of the holy tent, the tabernacle at Shiloh.

In the final chapter (Joshua 24:14-15, 23-28 ), Joshua gives his charge to Israel to purify themselves, choose God and throw away the idols they have been carrying for generations. The challenge is to continue strengthening our faith and take courageous steps to rely on God alone.  After reading these passages, we pray them and practice seeing God powerfully at work delivering us from our enemies, calling out sin, giving us our inheritance and binding us to him in a covenant of love.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-10581697 Sun, 08 May 2022 18:00:00 -0500 1745 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Joshua 5 20 full false Psalm 2 Psalm 2 The Psalms lead us in prayer and teach us to pray. Listen to Psalm 2 and pray along with it.

Want a fuller devotional based on Psalm 2? Listen to it here in season 3 episode 3 of our podcast.

In our regular podcast you can listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started! Enjoy listening to God's word and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more.

Season Three features many of the psalms and has a companion book. I encourage you to get a copy  God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> The Psalms lead us in prayer and teach us to pray. Listen to Psalm 2 and pray along with it.

Want a fuller devotional based on Psalm 2? Listen to it here in season 3 episode 3 of our podcast.

In our regular podcast you can listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started! Enjoy listening to God's word and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more.

Season Three features many of the psalms and has a companion book. I encourage you to get a copy  God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-10489485 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0500 96 God's Word, Christian Prayer, Bible Reading, Meditation, Psalm 2 3 52 bonus false Psalm 1 Psalm 1 The Psalms lead us in prayer and teach us to pray. Listen to Psalm 1 and pray along with it.

Want a fuller devotional based on Psalm 1? Listen to it here in the pilot episode of our podcast.

In our regular podcast you can listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started! Enjoy listening to God's word and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more.

Season Three features many of the psalms and has a companion book. I encourage you to get a copy  God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> The Psalms lead us in prayer and teach us to pray. Listen to Psalm 1 and pray along with it.

Want a fuller devotional based on Psalm 1? Listen to it here in the pilot episode of our podcast.

In our regular podcast you can listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started! Enjoy listening to God's word and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more.

Season Three features many of the psalms and has a companion book. I encourage you to get a copy  God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-10489438 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500 60 God's Word, Christian Prayer, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Scripture, Psalm 1 3 51 bonus false The Law, Again (Deuteronomy) The Law, Again (Deuteronomy) God gave the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai. So why did Moses repeat the law again to the children of Israel in Moab 40 years later? We find out in today's episode.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We aren't looking at any specific laws in this episode. Instead we consider the story of why Moses gave the law again and the final events before Israel entered Canaan. We listen to Deuteronomy 1 and 34, the first and last chapter of the book, to get a sense of the story taking place.  

Israel and Moses are camped in Moab just east of the Jordan River looking across into the land God has promised them, Canaan. Moses won't enter with the people; instead he dies and God buries him in an undisclosed location in Moab. It is up to Joshua to lead the people to take possession of the land and to live by God's law in it.  We pray this passage and learn to see the mercy of God giving us a second chance and a second hearing of his teaching. 

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> God gave the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai. So why did Moses repeat the law again to the children of Israel in Moab 40 years later? We find out in today's episode.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

We aren't looking at any specific laws in this episode. Instead we consider the story of why Moses gave the law again and the final events before Israel entered Canaan. We listen to Deuteronomy 1 and 34, the first and last chapter of the book, to get a sense of the story taking place.  

Israel and Moses are camped in Moab just east of the Jordan River looking across into the land God has promised them, Canaan. Moses won't enter with the people; instead he dies and God buries him in an undisclosed location in Moab. It is up to Joshua to lead the people to take possession of the land and to live by God's law in it.  We pray this passage and learn to see the mercy of God giving us a second chance and a second hearing of his teaching. 

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-10371585 Sun, 03 Apr 2022 18:00:00 -0500 1707 God's Word, Christian Prayer, Bible Reading, Christian Meditation, Deuteronomy 5 19 full false In the Wilderness (Numbers 14) In the Wilderness (Numbers 14) In the wilderness is where God leads, provides, judges and forgives. God gives the Law and tests his people in the wilderness.  After Genesis (actually Exodus 13) all of the the action in the next four books of the Torah/Pentateuch happens in the wilderness. Today’s episode is one story from the wilderness that shows God's nature, the people's failure and how to pray in the midst of this.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

Numbers 14 is our focus in this episode. It happens a year after the exodus from Egypt and right after 12 spies are sent into Canaan to prepare for taking the land. Most of them bring back a good news/bad news report that is tilted toward discouraging the people. You can read the important background in Numbers 13.   

In Numbers 14:1-19 the people complain, grumble and want to pick their own leader and head back to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb speak up and encourage faith, but the people won't hear it. God contemplates starting over with Moses, but he pleads for God to be merciful and act according to his nature. Numbers 14:18 echoes Exodus 34:6-7, which is the most quoted passage in the Old Testament.  We pray this passage and learn about how to stay faithful in the wilderness.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> In the wilderness is where God leads, provides, judges and forgives. God gives the Law and tests his people in the wilderness.  After Genesis (actually Exodus 13) all of the the action in the next four books of the Torah/Pentateuch happens in the wilderness. Today’s episode is one story from the wilderness that shows God's nature, the people's failure and how to pray in the midst of this.

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.

Numbers 14 is our focus in this episode. It happens a year after the exodus from Egypt and right after 12 spies are sent into Canaan to prepare for taking the land. Most of them bring back a good news/bad news report that is tilted toward discouraging the people. You can read the important background in Numbers 13.   

In Numbers 14:1-19 the people complain, grumble and want to pick their own leader and head back to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb speak up and encourage faith, but the people won't hear it. God contemplates starting over with Moses, but he pleads for God to be merciful and act according to his nature. Numbers 14:18 echoes Exodus 34:6-7, which is the most quoted passage in the Old Testament.  We pray this passage and learn about how to stay faithful in the wilderness.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture from Psalm 1 demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-9986141 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0600 1081 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Book of Numbers 5 18 full false Out of Egypt (Genesis 37-Exodus 18) Out of Egypt (Genesis 37-Exodus 18) Jesus spent time in Africa as a baby, and when the time was full scripture says, "Out of Egypt I called my son."  The meaning of that phrase has a deep resonance that reaches back to the prophets (especially Hosea) and then further back to the prophet Moses.  One of the great stories of the Bible is how God's people came to live in Egypt, slide into slavery and oppression, then see a mighty deliverance from Egypt by God.  Today’s episode is about the story of God bringing Israel out of Egypt. 

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer. 

Genesis 37:2 begins with, "These are the generations of Jacob."  But the very next word after this is Joseph, and in the following chapters Joseph's figure is central to the story.  We've already heard about Jacob in the previous 10 or 11 chapters of Genesis (go back to the previous episode of First Fifteen if you haven't listened to "How Jacob became Israel"). The last 13 chapters of Genesis (37-50) talk mostly about Jacob's sons (see Gen 35:23-26), and they show the remarkable story of how the entire family of Jacob came to live in Egypt.  

Exodus begins by naming the sons of Jacob again, but several generations pass and even though their numbers have increased greatly, Israel is reduced to slavery.  430 years pass (Ex 12:40), and God raises up a deliverer named Moses. After God visits plagues upon Egypt, Moses leads the people out of Egypt.  These 31 chapters make for an epic story that takes several hours to read.  It's well worth the time to listen to it; on this podcast, though, we listen to a biblical summary of the events found in Psalm 81.  

We take a closer look at the events that happened in Genesis 37-Exodus 18 and also the deeper meaning of this great story.  Much like the cross for Christians, the story of deliverance from Egypt is fundamental to Jewish identity and is retold every year in the celebration of Passover.      

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Jesus spent time in Africa as a baby, and when the time was full scripture says, "Out of Egypt I called my son."  The meaning of that phrase has a deep resonance that reaches back to the prophets (especially Hosea) and then further back to the prophet Moses.  One of the great stories of the Bible is how God's people came to live in Egypt, slide into slavery and oppression, then see a mighty deliverance from Egypt by God.  Today’s episode is about the story of God bringing Israel out of Egypt. 

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer. 

Genesis 37:2 begins with, "These are the generations of Jacob."  But the very next word after this is Joseph, and in the following chapters Joseph's figure is central to the story.  We've already heard about Jacob in the previous 10 or 11 chapters of Genesis (go back to the previous episode of First Fifteen if you haven't listened to "How Jacob became Israel"). The last 13 chapters of Genesis (37-50) talk mostly about Jacob's sons (see Gen 35:23-26), and they show the remarkable story of how the entire family of Jacob came to live in Egypt.  

Exodus begins by naming the sons of Jacob again, but several generations pass and even though their numbers have increased greatly, Israel is reduced to slavery.  430 years pass (Ex 12:40), and God raises up a deliverer named Moses. After God visits plagues upon Egypt, Moses leads the people out of Egypt.  These 31 chapters make for an epic story that takes several hours to read.  It's well worth the time to listen to it; on this podcast, though, we listen to a biblical summary of the events found in Psalm 81.  

We take a closer look at the events that happened in Genesis 37-Exodus 18 and also the deeper meaning of this great story.  Much like the cross for Christians, the story of deliverance from Egypt is fundamental to Jewish identity and is retold every year in the celebration of Passover.      

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-9749434 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 14:00:00 -0600 1709 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis, Exodus, Joseph, Moses 5 17 full false How Jacob Became Israel (Genesis 32-33) How Jacob Became Israel (Genesis 32-33) How do you deal with someone who is slippery? You're not sure you are getting the full story from them or they seem to have other motives or intentions. Some people are pretty good at plotting and planning and getting the better side of a bargain. This might even describe you!  One of those people in the Bible is a man named Jacob. Today’s episode is How Jacob became Israel.  

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer. 

Jacob lived a life blessed by God, but he spent a lot of time and effort trying to get more.  He outmaneuvered his older brother Esau and tricked his own father Isaac all so he could have more of God's blessing.  God appeared to him in dreams and he knew from personal experience that God was looking out for his good. Yet he still grasped to get the upper hand.  After 20 years with his father in law Laban, God tells him to return to Canaan. 

Despite having great wealth and a large family, he was still afraid of his older brother Esau. Today's episode shows Jacob wrestling with his fears about Esau and his doubts about getting the full blessing from God without resorting to elaborate schemes. In Genesis 32-33, Jacob emerges with his name changed to Israel and more importantly encountering the face of God. 

Take a closer look at Genesis 32:9-12 and Jacob's prayer. In the midst of his elaborate schemes to ensure his safety from his brother Esau, he learns that God is really in control and he doesn't have to grasp or devise his own blessing.  God is working  in this and he has a better plan.    

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> How do you deal with someone who is slippery? You're not sure you are getting the full story from them or they seem to have other motives or intentions. Some people are pretty good at plotting and planning and getting the better side of a bargain. This might even describe you!  One of those people in the Bible is a man named Jacob. Today’s episode is How Jacob became Israel.  

Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer. 

Jacob lived a life blessed by God, but he spent a lot of time and effort trying to get more.  He outmaneuvered his older brother Esau and tricked his own father Isaac all so he could have more of God's blessing.  God appeared to him in dreams and he knew from personal experience that God was looking out for his good. Yet he still grasped to get the upper hand.  After 20 years with his father in law Laban, God tells him to return to Canaan. 

Despite having great wealth and a large family, he was still afraid of his older brother Esau. Today's episode shows Jacob wrestling with his fears about Esau and his doubts about getting the full blessing from God without resorting to elaborate schemes. In Genesis 32-33, Jacob emerges with his name changed to Israel and more importantly encountering the face of God. 

Take a closer look at Genesis 32:9-12 and Jacob's prayer. In the midst of his elaborate schemes to ensure his safety from his brother Esau, he learns that God is really in control and he doesn't have to grasp or devise his own blessing.  God is working  in this and he has a better plan.    

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
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We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

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]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-9589563 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0600 1568 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 32-33 5 16 full false The God Who Sees Me (Genesis 16) The God Who Sees Me (Genesis 16) The Bible is full of surprises. There is an overarching story that God is directing, and yet he chooses to write it with human characters.  Even when they go “off-script”, God’s story will get told, with extra twists and turns included. 

In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. 

Abram and Sarai were promised great blessing by God, but they also struggle to fully embrace God's timing and methods of working.  Often other people get caught up in the consequences, whether Pharaoh, Abimelech or in today's episode Hagar.  Sarai takes an active role in this chapter of the story much like Eve in Genesis 3.  

Hagar has a similar experience to Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-2 (see the early episodes of season 5).  Through her difficulties, she comes to realize that Yahweh is the God who sees me (El Roi) and her son is named God hears (Ishmael), a name very similar in root and meaning to Samuel.    

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
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Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

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]]> The Bible is full of surprises. There is an overarching story that God is directing, and yet he chooses to write it with human characters.  Even when they go “off-script”, God’s story will get told, with extra twists and turns included. 

In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. 

Abram and Sarai were promised great blessing by God, but they also struggle to fully embrace God's timing and methods of working.  Often other people get caught up in the consequences, whether Pharaoh, Abimelech or in today's episode Hagar.  Sarai takes an active role in this chapter of the story much like Eve in Genesis 3.  

Hagar has a similar experience to Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-2 (see the early episodes of season 5).  Through her difficulties, she comes to realize that Yahweh is the God who sees me (El Roi) and her son is named God hears (Ishmael), a name very similar in root and meaning to Samuel.    

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-9437247 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0500 1636 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 16, Hagar 5 15 full false Abram's Big Blessing - (Gen 11:27-12:20) Abram's Big Blessing - (Gen 11:27-12:20) When things are going well people sometimes say “I have been so blessed!”  Before the blessing comes, though, how do you act, how do you talk, how do you behave?  How we act before we receive the blessing shows something revealing about our character. 

In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.

Abraham's faith is famous, and three great religions are called "Abrahamic" because they trace their origins back to him (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).  How Abram's faith begins is a fascinating story told in Genesis 11:27-12:20.

Abram and Sarai are promised great blessing and a land that their descendants would enjoy...even before they had any descendants.  Some of the early steps they took after arriving in that land (Canaan) and sojourning in another (Egypt) show that they struggled with how to trust God for the blessing he had in mind for them.    

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> When things are going well people sometimes say “I have been so blessed!”  Before the blessing comes, though, how do you act, how do you talk, how do you behave?  How we act before we receive the blessing shows something revealing about our character. 

In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.

Abraham's faith is famous, and three great religions are called "Abrahamic" because they trace their origins back to him (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).  How Abram's faith begins is a fascinating story told in Genesis 11:27-12:20.

Abram and Sarai are promised great blessing and a land that their descendants would enjoy...even before they had any descendants.  Some of the early steps they took after arriving in that land (Canaan) and sojourning in another (Egypt) show that they struggled with how to trust God for the blessing he had in mind for them.    

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-9224586 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0500 1518 God's Word, Prayer, Abraham, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 12 5 14 full false The Big Story of the Bible The Big Story of the Bible Stories draw us in.  It's hard to resist listening to a good story that is well told. Stories hold our interest.  What's less obvious is that stories shape us, inspire us and teach us important truths. There is great untapped power in the stories of the Bible. As we learn to pray them we can grow closer to God and experience a growing faith too.
 
In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  We plunged into the beginning of the story of Samuel first then turned back to Genesis to the beginning of it all.  On today's episode we zoom out to take in the overall storyline of the entire Bible. 

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. 

The story that God reveals in the Bible can be summarized in six parts: 
1. Creation and the royal task (Genesis 1-2) 
2. Rebellion and the unravelling (Genesis 3-11) 
3. God’s covenant with Israel (Gen 12-Malachi) 
4. Jesus and the Kingdom of God (Matthew-John)
5. The Spread of Jesus' Kingdom People (Acts-Jude)
6. The Victory and Return of the King (Revelation)  

The longest part of the story that covers the most books of the Bible is #3, which we can detail in three movements:
  3. God’s covenant with Israel (Gen 12-Malachi)
     A. God choose Israel to bless the nations (Genesis 12-Deuteronomy)
     B. Israel’s royal failure (Joshua-2 Kings)
     C. Israel’s exile and the prophetic, covenant hope (Ezra-Malachi)

How does this help us to pray? 

The bigger storyline helps us see that this is a God story.  It starts with God and he is active in it (even when that isn’t obvious). Prayer orients us properly toward God.

Second, it’s a moral story about our freedom and failing as humans. In prayer we align ourselves morally with God; we choose him and his ways and acknowledge he is good. 

Third, this is a covenant story. God makes promises and acts to protect us within a loving relationship.  Prayer is built on God’s promises and is a primary way to grow or strengthen our relationship with God.

Finally, it’s a kingdom story. God of course is King and he reigns over all. Jesus came as King, and the Church's ultimate destiny is to reign with God in his Kingdom. In prayer we acknowledge these truths and we pray in expectant hope for God’s kingdom to come in fulness and power, for justice and righteousness to prevail, and for the return of our King. 

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Stories draw us in.  It's hard to resist listening to a good story that is well told. Stories hold our interest.  What's less obvious is that stories shape us, inspire us and teach us important truths. There is great untapped power in the stories of the Bible. As we learn to pray them we can grow closer to God and experience a growing faith too.
 
In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  We plunged into the beginning of the story of Samuel first then turned back to Genesis to the beginning of it all.  On today's episode we zoom out to take in the overall storyline of the entire Bible. 

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. 

The story that God reveals in the Bible can be summarized in six parts: 
1. Creation and the royal task (Genesis 1-2) 
2. Rebellion and the unravelling (Genesis 3-11) 
3. God’s covenant with Israel (Gen 12-Malachi) 
4. Jesus and the Kingdom of God (Matthew-John)
5. The Spread of Jesus' Kingdom People (Acts-Jude)
6. The Victory and Return of the King (Revelation)  

The longest part of the story that covers the most books of the Bible is #3, which we can detail in three movements:
  3. God’s covenant with Israel (Gen 12-Malachi)
     A. God choose Israel to bless the nations (Genesis 12-Deuteronomy)
     B. Israel’s royal failure (Joshua-2 Kings)
     C. Israel’s exile and the prophetic, covenant hope (Ezra-Malachi)

How does this help us to pray? 

The bigger storyline helps us see that this is a God story.  It starts with God and he is active in it (even when that isn’t obvious). Prayer orients us properly toward God.

Second, it’s a moral story about our freedom and failing as humans. In prayer we align ourselves morally with God; we choose him and his ways and acknowledge he is good. 

Third, this is a covenant story. God makes promises and acts to protect us within a loving relationship.  Prayer is built on God’s promises and is a primary way to grow or strengthen our relationship with God.

Finally, it’s a kingdom story. God of course is King and he reigns over all. Jesus came as King, and the Church's ultimate destiny is to reign with God in his Kingdom. In prayer we acknowledge these truths and we pray in expectant hope for God’s kingdom to come in fulness and power, for justice and righteousness to prevail, and for the return of our King. 

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-9057880 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0500 1052 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Story 5 13 full false Towering Pride (Genesis 11) Towering Pride (Genesis 11) What's the tallest building you've ever seen up close?  In Genesis 11 there was a city and a people who decided to build a tower to heaven.  Why they did it and what it meant has a deeper meaning than just a story with a moral about towering pride.
 
In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  We started in the middle of the story at 1 Samuel 1-3 before turning to beginnings in Genesis.  In all the plot twists and different settings, with the growing list of characters we've seen that God is creating the world and shaping human destiny toward his ultimate purposes.  He meant for humans to rule over creation and fill the earth according to his goodness.  People from the beginning decided to go their own way, to make a name for themselves,  and that sad story gets repeated over and over through the generations with few exceptions.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. 

The story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 is pretty distinctive.  It's the last story of the universal history in Genesis 1-11, and it's set between two genealogies in Genesis 10 and 11:10-26.  We need to be careful not to mis-read the story by missing the larger context.  After Noah and the flood, the action shifts to his three sons and their descendants.  No one individual is called out, but mankind shows their tendency to disregard God's will and to instead pursue what seems right and good to them. 

Three key terms or words in this story stand out:  "name" (shem in Hebrew, see 11:4 and 9), "scattered" (see 11:4, 8 and 9), and "all the land (or earth)" (kol eretz in Hebrew, used 5x in these verses).  The tower of Babel shows a people united in pursuing a human agenda that God opposes.  God ends up scattering the people and confusing their language into many tongues.  The story of Babel forms a clear contrast with the story of Abram that follows it starting in ch. 12.  

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What's the tallest building you've ever seen up close?  In Genesis 11 there was a city and a people who decided to build a tower to heaven.  Why they did it and what it meant has a deeper meaning than just a story with a moral about towering pride.
 
In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  We started in the middle of the story at 1 Samuel 1-3 before turning to beginnings in Genesis.  In all the plot twists and different settings, with the growing list of characters we've seen that God is creating the world and shaping human destiny toward his ultimate purposes.  He meant for humans to rule over creation and fill the earth according to his goodness.  People from the beginning decided to go their own way, to make a name for themselves,  and that sad story gets repeated over and over through the generations with few exceptions.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. 

The story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 is pretty distinctive.  It's the last story of the universal history in Genesis 1-11, and it's set between two genealogies in Genesis 10 and 11:10-26.  We need to be careful not to mis-read the story by missing the larger context.  After Noah and the flood, the action shifts to his three sons and their descendants.  No one individual is called out, but mankind shows their tendency to disregard God's will and to instead pursue what seems right and good to them. 

Three key terms or words in this story stand out:  "name" (shem in Hebrew, see 11:4 and 9), "scattered" (see 11:4, 8 and 9), and "all the land (or earth)" (kol eretz in Hebrew, used 5x in these verses).  The tower of Babel shows a people united in pursuing a human agenda that God opposes.  God ends up scattering the people and confusing their language into many tongues.  The story of Babel forms a clear contrast with the story of Abram that follows it starting in ch. 12.  

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8970378 Tue, 03 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0500 881 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 11 5 12 full false It All Comes Flooding Back (Genesis 6:9-9:29) It All Comes Flooding Back (Genesis 6:9-9:29) The Great Flood and Noah’s Ark is a universal story, a familiar tale to many people regardless of their background or religion.  In the story of the Bible it is a prominent marker on the path that shows us what God is up to in the world. It also tells us a lot about humans.
 
In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  In Genesis 1-2 we heart about God creating the world in an orderly way and calling it good.  He meant for humans to rule over creation according to his goodness.  People from the beginning decided to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own apart from God's clear teaching, and that sad story gets repeated over and over through the generations with few exceptions.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  

The story of the Flood in Genesis 6-9 is crucial for several reasons.  Noah is one man who is righteous, and God uses him to teach us about what a covenant means and the extent he is willing to go to bring hope and second chances to a seriously broken world.  Noah is not perfect, and sin continues to trip up humans even after the flood, but God is working to bring about his plan for humans to have a relationship with him unhindered by sin.

This is one of the longest sections of scripture or readings we've ever had on our podcast.  You can also read the story yourself in Genesis 6:9-9:29 if that helps you stay alert and focused.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The Great Flood and Noah’s Ark is a universal story, a familiar tale to many people regardless of their background or religion.  In the story of the Bible it is a prominent marker on the path that shows us what God is up to in the world. It also tells us a lot about humans.
 
In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives.  In Genesis 1-2 we heart about God creating the world in an orderly way and calling it good.  He meant for humans to rule over creation according to his goodness.  People from the beginning decided to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own apart from God's clear teaching, and that sad story gets repeated over and over through the generations with few exceptions.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  

The story of the Flood in Genesis 6-9 is crucial for several reasons.  Noah is one man who is righteous, and God uses him to teach us about what a covenant means and the extent he is willing to go to bring hope and second chances to a seriously broken world.  Noah is not perfect, and sin continues to trip up humans even after the flood, but God is working to bring about his plan for humans to have a relationship with him unhindered by sin.

This is one of the longest sections of scripture or readings we've ever had on our podcast.  You can also read the story yourself in Genesis 6:9-9:29 if that helps you stay alert and focused.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8890211 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 18:00:00 -0500 1772 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 6-9 5 11 full false Live Long and Prosper! (Gen 5:4-6:8) Live Long and Prosper! (Gen 5:4-6:8) “Live long and prosper.” The line  from Star Trek’s character Spock is a sentiment common to all human cultures.  Most people who enjoy any kind of quality of life desire to have a long life.  What the Bible says about that challenges our common assumptions.

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  We started in the middle of things with the beginnings of the story of Samuel before turning back to the very start with creation and how the first couple chose to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own apart from God's clear teaching, followed by their sons engaged in a murderous power struggle with sin.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We are focusing on narratives or stories in this season.

In a previous episode of our podcast we talked about Genesis 5 and emphasized the first few verses and Adam's part in the story when we talked about praying a family tree in Genesis 5.  Listen to the podcast here.

The end of chapter 5 mentions Noah and shares some important notes that highlight the stories to come in Genesis 6-9 about the Flood. 

One of the words used repeatedly in Genesis to mark a new section of the story is toladoth (generations or family).  In fact, Genesis is divided into ten parts by these sections.

1:1-2:3  Bereshith – In the beginning
1) 2:4-4:26  Account of the heavens and the earth
2)  5:1-6:8  Family history of Adam and his descendants
3)  6:9-9:29  Family history of Noah and his descendants
4)  10:1-11:9  Family history of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham and Japheth
5)  11:10-26  Family history of Shem and his descendants
6)  11:27-25:11  Family history of Terah and his descendants
7)  25:12-18  Family history of Ishmael and his descendants
8)  25:19-35:29  Family history of Isaac and his descendants
9)  36:1-37:1  Family history of Esau and his descendants
10) 37:2-50:26  Family history of Jacob and his descendants


Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> “Live long and prosper.” The line  from Star Trek’s character Spock is a sentiment common to all human cultures.  Most people who enjoy any kind of quality of life desire to have a long life.  What the Bible says about that challenges our common assumptions.

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  We started in the middle of things with the beginnings of the story of Samuel before turning back to the very start with creation and how the first couple chose to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own apart from God's clear teaching, followed by their sons engaged in a murderous power struggle with sin.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We are focusing on narratives or stories in this season.

In a previous episode of our podcast we talked about Genesis 5 and emphasized the first few verses and Adam's part in the story when we talked about praying a family tree in Genesis 5.  Listen to the podcast here.

The end of chapter 5 mentions Noah and shares some important notes that highlight the stories to come in Genesis 6-9 about the Flood. 

One of the words used repeatedly in Genesis to mark a new section of the story is toladoth (generations or family).  In fact, Genesis is divided into ten parts by these sections.

1:1-2:3  Bereshith – In the beginning
1) 2:4-4:26  Account of the heavens and the earth
2)  5:1-6:8  Family history of Adam and his descendants
3)  6:9-9:29  Family history of Noah and his descendants
4)  10:1-11:9  Family history of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham and Japheth
5)  11:10-26  Family history of Shem and his descendants
6)  11:27-25:11  Family history of Terah and his descendants
7)  25:12-18  Family history of Ishmael and his descendants
8)  25:19-35:29  Family history of Isaac and his descendants
9)  36:1-37:1  Family history of Esau and his descendants
10) 37:2-50:26  Family history of Jacob and his descendants


Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8816781 Mon, 05 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500 1901 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 5 5 10 full false The Plot Thickens (Genesis 4) The Plot Thickens (Genesis 4) Murder. Intrigue. Outrageous behavior.  Those sound like elements of a crime story.  It’s actually part of the story in the first book of the Bible, Genesis 4. 

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  We started in the middle of things with the beginnings of the story of Samuel before turning back to the very start with creation and how the first couple chose to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own apart from God's clear teaching.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We are focusing on narratives or stories in this season.

From a good God creating the world to mankind's exile from a garden of paradise, we have a narrative about beginnings that includes the effects of disobedience and sin.  When a simple story gets more complicated, we say the plot thickens.   That's what happens in the story of the first two brothers, Cain and Abel and the fallout from sin and the spiral of violence.  Sin leads to death as God told Adam back in Genesis 2, and now man himself is making it happen in an awful way. 

Genesis 4 has two main parts:  the story of the first two brothers in which Cain murders Abel, in vv. 1-16, and the descendants of Cain contrasted with a third brother named Seth in vv. 17-26.   

One of the wordplays in Genesis 4 that we emphasize is Cain being called a fugitive (na`) and a wanderer (nad) on the earth, and then later he is sent out east of Eden to the land of Nod (wandering). 

What is God telling us in this story?  We explore a few messages, one underscoring the seriousness of sin and the need to master it (seen in Cain's life), as well as the spiraling into aggression and violence that Lamech's life shows.  Contrast this with the note about Seth and his son Enosh and the fact that humans at this time began to call on God's name, and we can see that there is an ongoing choice between darkness and deciding good and evil for ourselves, or call on God's name and deciding to serve him. 

After this story continue the Genesis narrative by praying the family tree in Genesis 5.  Listen to the podcast here.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Murder. Intrigue. Outrageous behavior.  Those sound like elements of a crime story.  It’s actually part of the story in the first book of the Bible, Genesis 4. 

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  We started in the middle of things with the beginnings of the story of Samuel before turning back to the very start with creation and how the first couple chose to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own apart from God's clear teaching.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We are focusing on narratives or stories in this season.

From a good God creating the world to mankind's exile from a garden of paradise, we have a narrative about beginnings that includes the effects of disobedience and sin.  When a simple story gets more complicated, we say the plot thickens.   That's what happens in the story of the first two brothers, Cain and Abel and the fallout from sin and the spiral of violence.  Sin leads to death as God told Adam back in Genesis 2, and now man himself is making it happen in an awful way. 

Genesis 4 has two main parts:  the story of the first two brothers in which Cain murders Abel, in vv. 1-16, and the descendants of Cain contrasted with a third brother named Seth in vv. 17-26.   

One of the wordplays in Genesis 4 that we emphasize is Cain being called a fugitive (na`) and a wanderer (nad) on the earth, and then later he is sent out east of Eden to the land of Nod (wandering). 

What is God telling us in this story?  We explore a few messages, one underscoring the seriousness of sin and the need to master it (seen in Cain's life), as well as the spiraling into aggression and violence that Lamech's life shows.  Contrast this with the note about Seth and his son Enosh and the fact that humans at this time began to call on God's name, and we can see that there is an ongoing choice between darkness and deciding good and evil for ourselves, or call on God's name and deciding to serve him. 

After this story continue the Genesis narrative by praying the family tree in Genesis 5.  Listen to the podcast here.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8652441 Sun, 06 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0500 1509 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 4 5 9 full false Picture This! (Conversation on Narrative 2) Picture This! (Conversation on Narrative 2) Most good stories have a strong visual component, and the stories of creation and beginnings in Genesis 1-3 are no different.  In this conversation we explore how the first couple is portrayed imaginatively in art as an extended meditation on the imagery of creation and the fall.   

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture. 

In our regular episodes we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the psalms, prayers or "uplifting" parts of it that seem suited for devotionals.  On today's episode we take time for a conversation between Ron and Angela about the imagery of the early stories and how they have been imagined through the ages.

Make sure you follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Angela found a series of reliefs with images online that picture creation.  These come from the Orvieto cathedral or Duomo di Orvieto ( aka Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta ) in central Italy.  Six reliefs of creation are on the outside of the church just left of the entrance.  You can see them at http://bit.ly/AdamEveOrvieto  or on the travel channel by Rick Steves here.

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading narrative parts of scripture?  We recommend these four short videos done by The Bible Project to get you further into reading, understanding and praying Bible stories:   Plot,  Setting,  Characters, and the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

Support the show

]]> Most good stories have a strong visual component, and the stories of creation and beginnings in Genesis 1-3 are no different.  In this conversation we explore how the first couple is portrayed imaginatively in art as an extended meditation on the imagery of creation and the fall.   

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture. 

In our regular episodes we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the psalms, prayers or "uplifting" parts of it that seem suited for devotionals.  On today's episode we take time for a conversation between Ron and Angela about the imagery of the early stories and how they have been imagined through the ages.

Make sure you follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Angela found a series of reliefs with images online that picture creation.  These come from the Orvieto cathedral or Duomo di Orvieto ( aka Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta ) in central Italy.  Six reliefs of creation are on the outside of the church just left of the entrance.  You can see them at http://bit.ly/AdamEveOrvieto  or on the travel channel by Rick Steves here.

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading narrative parts of scripture?  We recommend these four short videos done by The Bible Project to get you further into reading, understanding and praying Bible stories:   Plot,  Setting,  Characters, and the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8603263 Fri, 28 May 2021 08:00:00 -0500 2393 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 1-3 5 8 full false The Fall (Genesis 3) The Fall (Genesis 3) The goodness of creation and the close relationship that man and woman shared with God gets severely tested and ultimately changed because of a series of decisions.  Genesis 3 takes us from the ideal state of "everything was good" to a serious rupture in the relationship.  What happened?  Is there any hope?   

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  Our focus today is the very human story of how the first couple on earth used their freedom and choices to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the "uplifting" or inspirational parts of it.  On today's episode we listen to Genesis 3 as a rival to God's voice appears in the garden and small actions with big consequences unfold.

Many of the words used in Genesis 1-11 are important even beyond the immediate context of the story and get repeated later on in the stories of the Bible (either verbatim or in echoes).  We’ll return to this point in future episodes.   In this reading, pay attention to the words and themes used repeatedly:  life (and death), seeing (and hiding from sight), and eating.

The wordplay in Genesis 2 between the Hebrew word for man, adam, and ground, adamah is carried over and continued here, as well as the  word for woman or wife, ishshah.  In fact, the woman is named a second time at the end of Genesis 3:  she is called Eve , which means "life".  This reading of Genesis 3 is based on a fresh translation from the Hebrew original so we can  ponder what it means before we pray a prayer to God shaped by this passage.

This passage is traditionally called The Fall, and we are concerned with identifying the themes and recognizing patterns that intersect with our own lives.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The goodness of creation and the close relationship that man and woman shared with God gets severely tested and ultimately changed because of a series of decisions.  Genesis 3 takes us from the ideal state of "everything was good" to a serious rupture in the relationship.  What happened?  Is there any hope?   

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  Our focus today is the very human story of how the first couple on earth used their freedom and choices to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the "uplifting" or inspirational parts of it.  On today's episode we listen to Genesis 3 as a rival to God's voice appears in the garden and small actions with big consequences unfold.

Many of the words used in Genesis 1-11 are important even beyond the immediate context of the story and get repeated later on in the stories of the Bible (either verbatim or in echoes).  We’ll return to this point in future episodes.   In this reading, pay attention to the words and themes used repeatedly:  life (and death), seeing (and hiding from sight), and eating.

The wordplay in Genesis 2 between the Hebrew word for man, adam, and ground, adamah is carried over and continued here, as well as the  word for woman or wife, ishshah.  In fact, the woman is named a second time at the end of Genesis 3:  she is called Eve , which means "life".  This reading of Genesis 3 is based on a fresh translation from the Hebrew original so we can  ponder what it means before we pray a prayer to God shaped by this passage.

This passage is traditionally called The Fall, and we are concerned with identifying the themes and recognizing patterns that intersect with our own lives.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8525244 Mon, 17 May 2021 07:00:00 -0500 1288 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 3 5 7 full false In the Garden (Genesis 2) In the Garden (Genesis 2) If "In the beginning" is the perfect way to start a story of creation, why not have a flashback and tell the story again but with a close-up camera angle?  That's what Genesis 2 does, touching on some of the common themes already introduced, but advancing the plot and conflict further by zooming in on the human scale of things in a garden.   

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the "uplifting" or inspirational parts of it.  On today's episode we listen to Genesis 2:4-25 and hear about God creating the world, but from a different perspective than Genesis 1.

Genesis 2 gives us a different view of the creation story, a ground level perspective that focuses on the human actors.  We're striving to let the story speak to us with its own logic and power as God teaches us about his purposes in creation.

Some of the themes of this chapter are goodness and relationship.  There is an interesting wordplay between the Hebrew word for man, adam, and ground, adamah.   It is repeated so many times it can't be just a coincidence.  Then at the end of chapter two the other word for man or person, ish, is used in contrast to the word for woman or wife, ishshah.  Listen to this fresh reading of Genesis 2 from an original translation from the Hebrew original and then ponder what it means before we pray a prayer to God shaped by this passage.

The first three episodes of season 5 focused on 1 Samuel 1-3, and Angela Oltmanns has written a month-long series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading Genesis 2?  We emphasize reading the scripture as meditation literature, and we recommend a short video done by The Bible Project to get you further into practice: the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> If "In the beginning" is the perfect way to start a story of creation, why not have a flashback and tell the story again but with a close-up camera angle?  That's what Genesis 2 does, touching on some of the common themes already introduced, but advancing the plot and conflict further by zooming in on the human scale of things in a garden.   

In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the "uplifting" or inspirational parts of it.  On today's episode we listen to Genesis 2:4-25 and hear about God creating the world, but from a different perspective than Genesis 1.

Genesis 2 gives us a different view of the creation story, a ground level perspective that focuses on the human actors.  We're striving to let the story speak to us with its own logic and power as God teaches us about his purposes in creation.

Some of the themes of this chapter are goodness and relationship.  There is an interesting wordplay between the Hebrew word for man, adam, and ground, adamah.   It is repeated so many times it can't be just a coincidence.  Then at the end of chapter two the other word for man or person, ish, is used in contrast to the word for woman or wife, ishshah.  Listen to this fresh reading of Genesis 2 from an original translation from the Hebrew original and then ponder what it means before we pray a prayer to God shaped by this passage.

The first three episodes of season 5 focused on 1 Samuel 1-3, and Angela Oltmanns has written a month-long series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading Genesis 2?  We emphasize reading the scripture as meditation literature, and we recommend a short video done by The Bible Project to get you further into practice: the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8496970 Mon, 10 May 2021 23:00:00 -0500 1635 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 1 5 6 full false In the Beginning (Genesis 1) In the Beginning (Genesis 1) "In the beginning" seems like the perfect way to start a story, even better than "once upon a time".  This is especially so if we're telling a true story about things that really happened that answers some of our deepest, most basic questions about where we came from and our place in the world.  In today's episode we are reading Genesis 1 together and going back to the beginning. 

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture.  We also need to grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the "uplifting" or inspirational parts of it.  On today's episode we listen to Genesis 1:1-2:3 and hear about God creating the world.

Genesis 1 has become a battleground even though no fighting or military action is described.  A modern, scientific viewpoint seems to contradict Genesis 1, and a number of people have criticized this account of how the world began for various reasons.  While we acknowledge those debates do influence how we hear this story, we're striving to let the story speak to us with its own logic and power as God speaks creation into existence. 

Listen to this fresh reading of Genesis 1 from an original translation from the Hebrew original and then ponder what it means before we pray a prayer to God shaped by this passage.

You can follow up this podcast by reading Genesis 1 in another translation or version of the Bible.  I also encourage you to read one of the Psalms that speak about creation:  Psalm 19, 33, ,104 or 148.  Make sure you follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Angela Oltmanns has written a month-long series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading Genesis 1?  We recommend two short videos by The Bible Project to get you further into reading, understanding and praying this essential Bible story:  Genesis 1 and the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> "In the beginning" seems like the perfect way to start a story, even better than "once upon a time".  This is especially so if we're telling a true story about things that really happened that answers some of our deepest, most basic questions about where we came from and our place in the world.  In today's episode we are reading Genesis 1 together and going back to the beginning. 

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture.  We also need to grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible.

In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the "uplifting" or inspirational parts of it.  On today's episode we listen to Genesis 1:1-2:3 and hear about God creating the world.

Genesis 1 has become a battleground even though no fighting or military action is described.  A modern, scientific viewpoint seems to contradict Genesis 1, and a number of people have criticized this account of how the world began for various reasons.  While we acknowledge those debates do influence how we hear this story, we're striving to let the story speak to us with its own logic and power as God speaks creation into existence. 

Listen to this fresh reading of Genesis 1 from an original translation from the Hebrew original and then ponder what it means before we pray a prayer to God shaped by this passage.

You can follow up this podcast by reading Genesis 1 in another translation or version of the Bible.  I also encourage you to read one of the Psalms that speak about creation:  Psalm 19, 33, ,104 or 148.  Make sure you follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Angela Oltmanns has written a month-long series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading Genesis 1?  We recommend two short videos by The Bible Project to get you further into reading, understanding and praying this essential Bible story:  Genesis 1 and the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

We use a four step process for reading/hearing, meditating, praying and then living out scripture demonstrated here.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8433066 Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 1834 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, Genesis 1 5 5 full false Stories that Shape Us (Conversation on Narrative 1) Stories that Shape Us (Conversation on Narrative 1) Do you live a storybook life?  Most of us don't.  In fact, our daily routines and happenings often seem so ordinary to us that we seek excitement, adventure or escape through songs, movies or stories of other people that attract us (or at least distract us).  But the truth is, you are living out a story whether or not you are aware of it, and the things that happen in your life become elements of your own personal story.   

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture. 

In our regular episodes we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God and carry that word through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the psalms, prayers or "uplifting" parts of it that seem suited for devotionals.  On today's episode we take time for a conversation between Ron and Angela about how to read and pray Scripture stories especially in the family setting.

1 Samuel 1-3 introduces several parents and children: Elkanah and Hannah and their son Samuel along with Eli and his two sons Hophni and Phinehas.  The story helos us notice the contrast between Eli's two wicked sons and young Samuel growing up in Shiloh under Eli's supervision.  One natural question is how is faith formed in children (or deformed by adults making their own choices)?  Ron and Angela reflect on that in light of their own experiences and offer some guidance about  intentionally sharing stories from the Bible with young people.

Make sure to follow or subscribe to this podcast.

Angela Oltmanns has written a month-long series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

We also have a study based on the stories of Elisha called Spirit of Elisha: A Double Portion for Moms on Amazon (the ebook is here).

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading narrative parts of scripture?  We recommend these four short videos done by The Bible Project to get you further into reading, understanding and praying Bible stories:   Plot,  Setting,  Characters, and the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Do you live a storybook life?  Most of us don't.  In fact, our daily routines and happenings often seem so ordinary to us that we seek excitement, adventure or escape through songs, movies or stories of other people that attract us (or at least distract us).  But the truth is, you are living out a story whether or not you are aware of it, and the things that happen in your life become elements of your own personal story.   

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture. 

In our regular episodes we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God and carry that word through the rest of the day.  We use the entire Bible to do that and not just the psalms, prayers or "uplifting" parts of it that seem suited for devotionals.  On today's episode we take time for a conversation between Ron and Angela about how to read and pray Scripture stories especially in the family setting.

1 Samuel 1-3 introduces several parents and children: Elkanah and Hannah and their son Samuel along with Eli and his two sons Hophni and Phinehas.  The story helos us notice the contrast between Eli's two wicked sons and young Samuel growing up in Shiloh under Eli's supervision.  One natural question is how is faith formed in children (or deformed by adults making their own choices)?  Ron and Angela reflect on that in light of their own experiences and offer some guidance about  intentionally sharing stories from the Bible with young people.

Make sure to follow or subscribe to this podcast.

Angela Oltmanns has written a month-long series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

We also have a study based on the stories of Elisha called Spirit of Elisha: A Double Portion for Moms on Amazon (the ebook is here).

The Action Bible is a great resource for visually engaging with Bible stories, both for older children and adults who are young at heart.  See our review of this book on our Youtube channel.

Want to go deeper into reading narrative parts of scripture?  We recommend these four short videos done by The Bible Project to get you further into reading, understanding and praying Bible stories:   Plot,  Setting,  Characters, and the Bible as Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8338427 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0500 2607 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Scripture, Narrative 5 4 bonus false Speak, Lord (1 Samuel 3) Speak, Lord (1 Samuel 3) The story of your life can be told with a few words.  Your story is really about who you are, where you've come from, what you're overcoming, and where it's all headed.  We get the story of Samuel's life in summary form in 1 Samuel 3 as he first hears the word of the Lord and has to decide how to respond to it. 

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture.  We also need to grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

We will listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with through the rest of the day.  It's the perfect way to get started in each day's journey of faith!

1 Samuel 1-2 sets us up to understand Samuel's background and the important background of Eli and his sons.  By looking at the first three chapters of Samuel, we learn a few key things about stories in general as well as how stories in the Bible are a little different. 

We mentioned before the three key parts of any story are the plot, setting and characters.  Plot is the basic action sequence, and two additional parts of it are conflict and resolution.  You really don't have a story without some kind of conflict.  If we didn't have the all-important information from v. 1, we wouldn't really have a conflict in this story.

1 Samuel 3 starts and ends with an emphasis on the word of Yahweh, and Samuel's story is distinctive because he listens to God and fearlessly speaks it to others regardless of their position.  That's what makes him a prophet.  Even with the lack of many details, description or even a moral judgment on the actions of the characters, the Bible creates a big impact with a very few words.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

We have a Youtube video based on this scripture that you can watch here.

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The story of your life can be told with a few words.  Your story is really about who you are, where you've come from, what you're overcoming, and where it's all headed.  We get the story of Samuel's life in summary form in 1 Samuel 3 as he first hears the word of the Lord and has to decide how to respond to it. 

In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture.  We also need to grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

We will listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with through the rest of the day.  It's the perfect way to get started in each day's journey of faith!

1 Samuel 1-2 sets us up to understand Samuel's background and the important background of Eli and his sons.  By looking at the first three chapters of Samuel, we learn a few key things about stories in general as well as how stories in the Bible are a little different. 

We mentioned before the three key parts of any story are the plot, setting and characters.  Plot is the basic action sequence, and two additional parts of it are conflict and resolution.  You really don't have a story without some kind of conflict.  If we didn't have the all-important information from v. 1, we wouldn't really have a conflict in this story.

1 Samuel 3 starts and ends with an emphasis on the word of Yahweh, and Samuel's story is distinctive because he listens to God and fearlessly speaks it to others regardless of their position.  That's what makes him a prophet.  Even with the lack of many details, description or even a moral judgment on the actions of the characters, the Bible creates a big impact with a very few words.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

We have a Youtube video based on this scripture that you can watch here.

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8338401 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0500 1484 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, 1 Samuel 5 3 full false Prayer and Prophecy for Parents (1 Samuel 2) Prayer and Prophecy for Parents (1 Samuel 2) What comes next?! A good story pulls us in and makes us look forward to where we're going next.  In the Bible book of 1 Samuel we start with a sad wife who is ridiculed and she becomes a grateful mother through God's goodness.  What comes next is what we cover today in 1 Samuel 2. 

We began season five with a focus on praying the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  In this season we will learn to read and pray the half of the Bible filled with narrative or stories and also grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible in the process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

We will listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with through the rest of the day.  It's the perfect way to get started in each day's journey of faith!

Like most good stories, we begin this podcast season "in the middle of things" by featuring 1 Samuel 1-3.  By looking at the first three chapters of Samuel, we observe a few key things about stories in general as well as dive into the storyline of scripture.  In later episodes we'll turn to Genesis and then to other narrative parts of the Bible.

We mentioned in episode 1 the three key parts of any story are the plot, setting and characters.  Plot is the basic action sequence, setting is where it happens and characters are the main actors we pay attention to in the story.  The setting of today's episode is still ancient Israel over 3,000 years ago in the town of Shiloh.  The key characters are Hannah, Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas--and of course God, the hero of every Bible story!  The main plot points are summarized on this episode.  Beyond that, we reflect on the theme of parents and children and how that theme stretches across the books of 1-2 Samuel and really the larger narrative of Genesis 12-2 Kings.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

Support the show

]]> What comes next?! A good story pulls us in and makes us look forward to where we're going next.  In the Bible book of 1 Samuel we start with a sad wife who is ridiculed and she becomes a grateful mother through God's goodness.  What comes next is what we cover today in 1 Samuel 2. 

We began season five with a focus on praying the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  In this season we will learn to read and pray the half of the Bible filled with narrative or stories and also grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible in the process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

We will listen to God's word, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with through the rest of the day.  It's the perfect way to get started in each day's journey of faith!

Like most good stories, we begin this podcast season "in the middle of things" by featuring 1 Samuel 1-3.  By looking at the first three chapters of Samuel, we observe a few key things about stories in general as well as dive into the storyline of scripture.  In later episodes we'll turn to Genesis and then to other narrative parts of the Bible.

We mentioned in episode 1 the three key parts of any story are the plot, setting and characters.  Plot is the basic action sequence, setting is where it happens and characters are the main actors we pay attention to in the story.  The setting of today's episode is still ancient Israel over 3,000 years ago in the town of Shiloh.  The key characters are Hannah, Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas--and of course God, the hero of every Bible story!  The main plot points are summarized on this episode.  Beyond that, we reflect on the theme of parents and children and how that theme stretches across the books of 1-2 Samuel and really the larger narrative of Genesis 12-2 Kings.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8291968 Fri, 09 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0500 1227 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, 1 Samuel 5 2 full false Reading and Praying through Bible Narrative (1 Samuel 1) Reading and Praying through Bible Narrative (1 Samuel 1) It began with a story.  When we were young we listened to stories being told or read to us and it's one of those human activities we never outgrow.  Whether in gatherings with family or meetups with friends, at work or afterwards, at school and in our movies we tell and listen to stories throughout our entire lives.  The Bible is a book filled with stories (almost half of it is narrative), and what's more it tells one coherent over-arching story from beginning to end.

We begin season five with a focus on praying the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  In this season we will learn to read and pray the narrative half of scripture and also grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible in the process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Like most good stories, we begin this podcast season "in the middle of things" by featuring 1 Samuel 1.  We'll use the first three chapters of Samuel to make some comments about stories in general as well as dive into the storyline of scripture.  In later episodes we'll turn to Genesis and then to other narrative parts of the Bible. 

Three key parts of any story are the plot, setting and characters.  Plot is the basic action sequence, setting is where it happens and characters are the main actors we pay attention to in the story.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch other videos on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel (link).

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> It began with a story.  When we were young we listened to stories being told or read to us and it's one of those human activities we never outgrow.  Whether in gatherings with family or meetups with friends, at work or afterwards, at school and in our movies we tell and listen to stories throughout our entire lives.  The Bible is a book filled with stories (almost half of it is narrative), and what's more it tells one coherent over-arching story from beginning to end.

We begin season five with a focus on praying the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories.  In this season we will learn to read and pray the narrative half of scripture and also grasp the overall storyline of the entire Bible in the process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Like most good stories, we begin this podcast season "in the middle of things" by featuring 1 Samuel 1.  We'll use the first three chapters of Samuel to make some comments about stories in general as well as dive into the storyline of scripture.  In later episodes we'll turn to Genesis and then to other narrative parts of the Bible. 

Three key parts of any story are the plot, setting and characters.  Plot is the basic action sequence, setting is where it happens and characters are the main actors we pay attention to in the story.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch other videos on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel (link).

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Connect with us on one of our social channels:
Twitter  @WordofPrayer15
Instagram @WordofPrayer15 
Facebook Page at Word of Prayer 15.

Support our show with your purchase of one of our products:
Etsy store WordofPrayer
Amazon Ron Oltmanns and Angela S Oltmanns

Angela Oltmanns has written a series of family devotions based on 1 Samuel.  Get a copy of the book 1 Samuel: How to Be a Child After God's Heart on Amazon (or the ebook).

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-8262674 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0500 1895 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Narrative, 1 Samuel 5 1 full false Doing Good (Titus 3) Doing Good (Titus 3) "Do Good."  It seems so basic, like something you don't have to even say.  If you follow Christ, you should no doubt be active in doing good.  Yet, throughout Paul's letter to Titus there is a repeated emphasis on "doing good." Today we explore that and focus on the third and final chapter of this short letter.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we have been praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We conclude the short letter to Titus today.  As one of the "Pastoral Letters" (along with 1 & 2 Timothy),  Paul writes to one of his co-workers about how to strengthen the church in Crete as well as how to teach, appoint leaders, and leave a legacy of faith behind.   

Throughout the letter to Titus Paul repeats the importance of "doing good."  We explore that theme further in this episode as well as look at the concrete way that Paul says it can be done.  The Christian faith has a bias for action; we should be doing good rather than spending most of our time on arguments and interpretations and controversies.  Paul also shares another summary statement about what God has done through us through his Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in Titus 3:4-8. 

From his opening emphasis in Titus 1 on character and leadership to a wider focus on living out our faith in our given roles in community (Titus 2), this letter sets forth simple but foundational truths that God's people in all places at all times should practice.  

We have used the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> "Do Good."  It seems so basic, like something you don't have to even say.  If you follow Christ, you should no doubt be active in doing good.  Yet, throughout Paul's letter to Titus there is a repeated emphasis on "doing good." Today we explore that and focus on the third and final chapter of this short letter.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we have been praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We conclude the short letter to Titus today.  As one of the "Pastoral Letters" (along with 1 & 2 Timothy),  Paul writes to one of his co-workers about how to strengthen the church in Crete as well as how to teach, appoint leaders, and leave a legacy of faith behind.   

Throughout the letter to Titus Paul repeats the importance of "doing good."  We explore that theme further in this episode as well as look at the concrete way that Paul says it can be done.  The Christian faith has a bias for action; we should be doing good rather than spending most of our time on arguments and interpretations and controversies.  Paul also shares another summary statement about what God has done through us through his Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in Titus 3:4-8. 

From his opening emphasis in Titus 1 on character and leadership to a wider focus on living out our faith in our given roles in community (Titus 2), this letter sets forth simple but foundational truths that God's people in all places at all times should practice.  

We have used the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-7867990 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0600 1344 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Titus 4 23 full false Healthy Teaching (Titus 2) Healthy Teaching (Titus 2) There is a type of growth that's harmful to the body.  We call it cancer.  When Paul wrote to Titus on Crete, he was deeply concerned about a type of teaching that was growing like cancer among the young churches on the island.  In Titus 2 we see Paul describe the effects of healthy teaching in the church and how it would produce people bent on doing good. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are listening to Paul's letter to Titus, one of his shortest letters.  Paul turns from instructions about leaders to the roles that each separate group plays in a healthy body, old or young, male or female, slave or free.

In the last few verses of chapter 2 Paul grounds his teaching in God's grace and what God himself teaches us through the example of the Son, Jesus Christ, who gives us instruction and power to turn away from ungodliness and toward virtue. 

The key word in this chapter is "teaching" and especially healthy teaching which grows good people.  

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> There is a type of growth that's harmful to the body.  We call it cancer.  When Paul wrote to Titus on Crete, he was deeply concerned about a type of teaching that was growing like cancer among the young churches on the island.  In Titus 2 we see Paul describe the effects of healthy teaching in the church and how it would produce people bent on doing good. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are listening to Paul's letter to Titus, one of his shortest letters.  Paul turns from instructions about leaders to the roles that each separate group plays in a healthy body, old or young, male or female, slave or free.

In the last few verses of chapter 2 Paul grounds his teaching in God's grace and what God himself teaches us through the example of the Son, Jesus Christ, who gives us instruction and power to turn away from ungodliness and toward virtue. 

The key word in this chapter is "teaching" and especially healthy teaching which grows good people.  

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-7867945 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0600 1883 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Titus 4 22 full false The Character of a Leader (Titus 1) The Character of a Leader (Titus 1) We seem to have a perpetual shortage of leaders.  That's really nothing new as we see today in Paul's letter to Titus.  The problem isn't that we have no leaders, but the ones we have aren't very good.  Paul was concerned as he looked at the small households of faith scattered over the Roman world and instead of good strong leaders, he saw the body of Christ being misled and deceived.  He doesn't waste time complaining about it. Instead he gives instructions to Titus about what to look for and prioritize in good leaders for God's people.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We begin the short letter to Titus today.  Besides Philemon, this is Paul's next shortest letter.  It gives us a lot to reflect on, meditate about and to pray on in its 46 verses.  After briefly considering the context and situation that Paul is writing to, we turn to the main theme of the first part of this letter: leadership.   

Paul gives Titus specific instructions about appointing elders to guide and oversee the local churches on Crete (for more background, watch the video here).  These small groups of believers were already facing the challenge of many wayward teachers coming among them and leading them astray.  In Titus 1:10-16 we get a vivid picture of this "anti-leadership" or the opposite of what the body needs.  Paul shares with Titus in 1:5-9 the key desirable characteristics of leaders, and it really comes down to character or virtue.  These are old-fashioned words, but the need for leaders of strength never goes out of fashion. 

What is the prime virtue of character trait that leaders need according to Paul?  They should be "blameless" or "irreproachable" (Titus 1:6, 7).  Paul paints a vivid picture of desirable leadership, and the key themes center around self-control and social conscience.  In other words, leaders of the local body need to have the character of Christ and good emotional intelligence.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> We seem to have a perpetual shortage of leaders.  That's really nothing new as we see today in Paul's letter to Titus.  The problem isn't that we have no leaders, but the ones we have aren't very good.  Paul was concerned as he looked at the small households of faith scattered over the Roman world and instead of good strong leaders, he saw the body of Christ being misled and deceived.  He doesn't waste time complaining about it. Instead he gives instructions to Titus about what to look for and prioritize in good leaders for God's people.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We begin the short letter to Titus today.  Besides Philemon, this is Paul's next shortest letter.  It gives us a lot to reflect on, meditate about and to pray on in its 46 verses.  After briefly considering the context and situation that Paul is writing to, we turn to the main theme of the first part of this letter: leadership.   

Paul gives Titus specific instructions about appointing elders to guide and oversee the local churches on Crete (for more background, watch the video here).  These small groups of believers were already facing the challenge of many wayward teachers coming among them and leading them astray.  In Titus 1:10-16 we get a vivid picture of this "anti-leadership" or the opposite of what the body needs.  Paul shares with Titus in 1:5-9 the key desirable characteristics of leaders, and it really comes down to character or virtue.  These are old-fashioned words, but the need for leaders of strength never goes out of fashion. 

What is the prime virtue of character trait that leaders need according to Paul?  They should be "blameless" or "irreproachable" (Titus 1:6, 7).  Paul paints a vivid picture of desirable leadership, and the key themes center around self-control and social conscience.  In other words, leaders of the local body need to have the character of Christ and good emotional intelligence.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-7833184 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0600 1704 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Titus 4 21 full false The Final Word (1 John 5) The Final Word (1 John 5) Do you like to have the last word?  1 John has a lot of truths for us, and in the last chapter it circles back to many of those that we've visited before.  John's final word about why he is writing and what's most important and even the last verse in the letter all hold something rich and powerful for us.    

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are finishing 1 John by listening to chapter 5 in this episode.  The language is simple but the truths are rich and plentiful.  We explore three of them and they all lead us deeper into faith.  

These 21 verses offer a lot to meditate on and perhaps you should focus on just one or two at a time.  In our daily walk with God we can listen to him and watch how he gives us opportunities to live out the truth in this passage. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Do you like to have the last word?  1 John has a lot of truths for us, and in the last chapter it circles back to many of those that we've visited before.  John's final word about why he is writing and what's most important and even the last verse in the letter all hold something rich and powerful for us.    

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are finishing 1 John by listening to chapter 5 in this episode.  The language is simple but the truths are rich and plentiful.  We explore three of them and they all lead us deeper into faith.  

These 21 verses offer a lot to meditate on and perhaps you should focus on just one or two at a time.  In our daily walk with God we can listen to him and watch how he gives us opportunities to live out the truth in this passage. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-7506634 Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0600 1980 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, 1 John 4 20 full false Fear or Faith (1 John 4) Fear or Faith (1 John 4) What is God like?  1 John tells us a lot about this, and it also says that how we behave toward others and live our lives shows what we think about God.  Love, fear, faith, trust...how we approach our relationships gives us plenty of opportunity to answer on a practical level what we think of God.   

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are reading 1 John and listening to chapter 4 in this episode.  It gives us another simple but striking way of seeing God based on elemental truth.  God is love, and to embrace him means not being driven by fear.  

These 21 verses give us a lot to meditate on.  In our daily relationships we get to decide if we will come from love or selfishness, faith or fear.   

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What is God like?  1 John tells us a lot about this, and it also says that how we behave toward others and live our lives shows what we think about God.  Love, fear, faith, trust...how we approach our relationships gives us plenty of opportunity to answer on a practical level what we think of God.   

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are reading 1 John and listening to chapter 4 in this episode.  It gives us another simple but striking way of seeing God based on elemental truth.  God is love, and to embrace him means not being driven by fear.  

These 21 verses give us a lot to meditate on.  In our daily relationships we get to decide if we will come from love or selfishness, faith or fear.   

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-7326835 Sat, 16 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0600 1602 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, 1 John 4 19 full false True Love (1 John 3) True Love (1 John 3) Love is what we are called to, and God calls us his children.  That's our identity:  children of God.  That's immense if we let it sink in.  As children of the Creator God, we experience his love and are called to practice it in our lives.  1 John 3 takes us into the heart of this letter and it reveals God's heart as well.  God commands us to believe in Jesus Christ and to love one another.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We're continuing through 1 John and listening to chapter 3 in this episode.  It's challenging because it brings up the reality of God's commands and his love, which is quite different from what the world means when it uses the word "love".   

There are a lot of words in these 24 verses, and we focus on vv. 1, 16, 19-23.  We talk about what to do with our feelings when our hearts condemn us.  The main two points, in this passage are to obey God's commands and to practice love toward others.  This simplifies what we need to focus on even if it's not easy. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Love is what we are called to, and God calls us his children.  That's our identity:  children of God.  That's immense if we let it sink in.  As children of the Creator God, we experience his love and are called to practice it in our lives.  1 John 3 takes us into the heart of this letter and it reveals God's heart as well.  God commands us to believe in Jesus Christ and to love one another.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We're continuing through 1 John and listening to chapter 3 in this episode.  It's challenging because it brings up the reality of God's commands and his love, which is quite different from what the world means when it uses the word "love".   

There are a lot of words in these 24 verses, and we focus on vv. 1, 16, 19-23.  We talk about what to do with our feelings when our hearts condemn us.  The main two points, in this passage are to obey God's commands and to practice love toward others.  This simplifies what we need to focus on even if it's not easy. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-7201945 Fri, 08 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0600 1427 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, 1 John 4 18 full false Remain in Christ (1 John 2) Remain in Christ (1 John 2) "I write these things to you so that you may not sin.  If anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the righteous one."  These words begin 1 John 2, and clearly the desire is that we avoid sin.  Jesus Christ is the answer to our sin problem, and it is essential that we abide or remain in him. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We're continuing through 1 John and listening to chapter 2 in this episode.  It's quite a bit longer than chapter 1, but it gives us a lot to meditate on and pray back to God in our walk with him.   

There are many things mentioned in this chapter--sin, our desire for things of the world, the end times, antichrist, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and other topics as well.  The central point, however, is to focus on Christ, remain in him and abide in fellowship with him.  We talk about some practical ways to do that in this episode before praying the themes of this chapter together. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> "I write these things to you so that you may not sin.  If anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the righteous one."  These words begin 1 John 2, and clearly the desire is that we avoid sin.  Jesus Christ is the answer to our sin problem, and it is essential that we abide or remain in him. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In each episode you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. 

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We're continuing through 1 John and listening to chapter 2 in this episode.  It's quite a bit longer than chapter 1, but it gives us a lot to meditate on and pray back to God in our walk with him.   

There are many things mentioned in this chapter--sin, our desire for things of the world, the end times, antichrist, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and other topics as well.  The central point, however, is to focus on Christ, remain in him and abide in fellowship with him.  We talk about some practical ways to do that in this episode before praying the themes of this chapter together. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-7073461 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 20:00:00 -0600 1758 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, 1 John 4 17 full false Life in Christ (1 John 1) Life in Christ (1 John 1) "God has come.  We have heard and seen him and touched him with our own hands..."  This is John's boldly audacious claim in 1 John 1, and he has more bold and striking things to say.  John sticks to the truth and boils it down to the essence, which is why we're listening to him. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we are starting 1 John.   Although the author never introduces himself and the name John doesn't appear anywhere in the letter, the language and themes are so strikingly similar to the gospel of John that there can be no coincidence.  John's community is dealing with division and very real questions about how to live out their faith.  The problems ultimately involve you see Christ and how you live in fellowship with him and others.

The central focus of this letter comes down to something simple yet profound:  love.  How do we love God and show proper love to other people?   John gives us some very helpful insights. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> "God has come.  We have heard and seen him and touched him with our own hands..."  This is John's boldly audacious claim in 1 John 1, and he has more bold and striking things to say.  John sticks to the truth and boils it down to the essence, which is why we're listening to him. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we are starting 1 John.   Although the author never introduces himself and the name John doesn't appear anywhere in the letter, the language and themes are so strikingly similar to the gospel of John that there can be no coincidence.  John's community is dealing with division and very real questions about how to live out their faith.  The problems ultimately involve you see Christ and how you live in fellowship with him and others.

The central focus of this letter comes down to something simple yet profound:  love.  How do we love God and show proper love to other people?   John gives us some very helpful insights. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-6939245 Sun, 20 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0600 1600 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, 1 John 4 16 full false Mary's Prayer - Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) Mary's Prayer - Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) "My soul magnifies the Lord."  Who said those words?  What do they mean?
In this special bonus episode we take a deeper look at Mary's prayer in Luke 1 and how we can pray them ourselves led by co-hosts Ron and Angela Oltmanns.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In this podcast you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we have been praying through some of the letters in the Bible, but today we take a break from that to look at a special prayer from the gospel of Luke: Mary's prayer as she meets her older cousin Elizabeth and shares the gracious news of how God has blessed both of them with unexpected pregnancies.     

Luke 1 -2 has four separate songs or prayers offered by different people:  Mary, Zechariah, a chorus of angels to the shepherds, and Simeon in the temple.  Each one is traditionally referred to by a Latin title like "Magnificat" or "Gloria in excelsis Deo", but there is nothing mystical about the words.  In this episode we listen to the first prayer, Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55.  It echoes several much older songs from the Old Testament such as Exodus 15 and most strikingly Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.   The themes and language speak of God's great reversals and his salvation for his people, the poor and oppressed and those overlooked. 

While we use Mary's song, the Magnificat, to grow closer to God in this season, we can't exhaust the riches in this part of scripture.   You can go deeper into it on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com.  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

Support the show

]]> "My soul magnifies the Lord."  Who said those words?  What do they mean?
In this special bonus episode we take a deeper look at Mary's prayer in Luke 1 and how we can pray them ourselves led by co-hosts Ron and Angela Oltmanns.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In this podcast you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.

In season four we have been praying through some of the letters in the Bible, but today we take a break from that to look at a special prayer from the gospel of Luke: Mary's prayer as she meets her older cousin Elizabeth and shares the gracious news of how God has blessed both of them with unexpected pregnancies.     

Luke 1 -2 has four separate songs or prayers offered by different people:  Mary, Zechariah, a chorus of angels to the shepherds, and Simeon in the temple.  Each one is traditionally referred to by a Latin title like "Magnificat" or "Gloria in excelsis Deo", but there is nothing mystical about the words.  In this episode we listen to the first prayer, Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55.  It echoes several much older songs from the Old Testament such as Exodus 15 and most strikingly Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.   The themes and language speak of God's great reversals and his salvation for his people, the poor and oppressed and those overlooked. 

While we use Mary's song, the Magnificat, to grow closer to God in this season, we can't exhaust the riches in this part of scripture.   You can go deeper into it on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com.  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-6833176 Sun, 13 Dec 2020 22:00:00 -0600 1764 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Luke 1, Magnificat, Mary's Prayer 4 15 bonus false Saved from Sin (James 5:7-20) Saved from Sin (James 5:7-20) Sin is all around us and certainly in us, even if it’s not popular to call it that.  The message of Jesus Christ is one of the few to take sin seriously and the only one to deal with it effectively.  James 5:7-20 shows us the key concern of this short letter and draws the major themes of the letter together so we will be active in winning people back from the way of sin.  

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  In this episode we finish praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  We see again today that James' letter is very gospel-centered and also rooted in the Jewish Torah.  

The last few verses of James show us the overriding concern that James has as he writes this letter.  There are two ways, wisdom and foolishness, and following the world's "wisdom" or pursuing its riches will lead us down the wrong way and encourage us to sin. James wants to be active in restoring people back from sin and praying with them and for them.  

At the beginning of the letter he told us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.  Now at the end, he says the same thing essentially but with different words:  be patient, don't grumble against a brother or swear an oath vainly, and instead of getting angry, love and forgive your brother.  

James also points to the example of Job and Elijah to encourage forbearance and faith, especially expressed through prayer.  The key application question is are you saved from sin beyond doubt?  If not, contact us.  If so, take the next step of faith and  win someone back from the path of sin.  

We have been using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .   You can find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a book on Matthew 1-7 that goes more in-depth into the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 5.  It's called Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle). 

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Sin is all around us and certainly in us, even if it’s not popular to call it that.  The message of Jesus Christ is one of the few to take sin seriously and the only one to deal with it effectively.  James 5:7-20 shows us the key concern of this short letter and draws the major themes of the letter together so we will be active in winning people back from the way of sin.  

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  In this episode we finish praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  We see again today that James' letter is very gospel-centered and also rooted in the Jewish Torah.  

The last few verses of James show us the overriding concern that James has as he writes this letter.  There are two ways, wisdom and foolishness, and following the world's "wisdom" or pursuing its riches will lead us down the wrong way and encourage us to sin. James wants to be active in restoring people back from sin and praying with them and for them.  

At the beginning of the letter he told us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.  Now at the end, he says the same thing essentially but with different words:  be patient, don't grumble against a brother or swear an oath vainly, and instead of getting angry, love and forgive your brother.  

James also points to the example of Job and Elijah to encourage forbearance and faith, especially expressed through prayer.  The key application question is are you saved from sin beyond doubt?  If not, contact us.  If so, take the next step of faith and  win someone back from the path of sin.  

We have been using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .   You can find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a book on Matthew 1-7 that goes more in-depth into the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 5.  It's called Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle). 

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-6098683 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 20:00:00 -0600 761 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 14 full false The Stuff of Life (James 4:11-5:6) The Stuff of Life (James 4:11-5:6) Money is like a mirror for our character.  It reflects back to us what is really there.  If you like what you see in the mirror, or you don’t, it’s not because of the mirror, it’s because of your own heart.     James 4:11-5:6 points us back to our hearts, whether it's speaking against our brothers, judging others, or using riches to oppress others--all of these go against the law of freedom. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  in this episode we finish praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  We see again today that James' letter is very gospel-centered and also rooted in the Jewish Torah.  

James says in 4:11-12 “Don’t speak against your brothers...”  and this idea can be traced back to Leviticus 19:16.  Similarly, Leviticus 19:13  talks about oppressing and withholding wages from workers just as James 5:4 does.  At the same time, James tells us not to judge others, echoing Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2.  

 We looked at James 4:13-17 previously in season 1 of First Fifteen and we won't repeat that lesson here.  Our desire for riches, our treatment of the rich, our planning for and pursuit of riches, the trap of riches and treatment of the poor—all of these come under James’ teaching and what he does, simply, is take us back to Jesus’ teaching about the heart.  

Have you internalized the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself?  Spend time meditating on what you've heard/read from his word.  James emphasizes being a doer of the word in this passage, not a judge of others.

We have been using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .   You can find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a book on Matthew 1-7 that goes more in-depth into the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 5.  It's called Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle). 

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Money is like a mirror for our character.  It reflects back to us what is really there.  If you like what you see in the mirror, or you don’t, it’s not because of the mirror, it’s because of your own heart.     James 4:11-5:6 points us back to our hearts, whether it's speaking against our brothers, judging others, or using riches to oppress others--all of these go against the law of freedom. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  in this episode we finish praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  We see again today that James' letter is very gospel-centered and also rooted in the Jewish Torah.  

James says in 4:11-12 “Don’t speak against your brothers...”  and this idea can be traced back to Leviticus 19:16.  Similarly, Leviticus 19:13  talks about oppressing and withholding wages from workers just as James 5:4 does.  At the same time, James tells us not to judge others, echoing Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2.  

 We looked at James 4:13-17 previously in season 1 of First Fifteen and we won't repeat that lesson here.  Our desire for riches, our treatment of the rich, our planning for and pursuit of riches, the trap of riches and treatment of the poor—all of these come under James’ teaching and what he does, simply, is take us back to Jesus’ teaching about the heart.  

Have you internalized the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself?  Spend time meditating on what you've heard/read from his word.  James emphasizes being a doer of the word in this passage, not a judge of others.

We have been using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .   You can find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a book on Matthew 1-7 that goes more in-depth into the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 5.  It's called Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle). 

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-6098608 Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0600 743 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 13 full false Wisdom and Envy (James 3:13-4:10) Wisdom and Envy (James 3:13-4:10) It’s not wise to envy, but we do it anyway.  The solution James gives for envy is surprising, but it shows true wisdom if we follow it.    James 3:13-4:10 reveals true vs. false wisdom and also what to do about envy or jealousy that threatens to take over our life. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue praying through James, a letter filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  One of the thematic verses in James is 1:19 - we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  In the last episode we showed how he turns to our speaking in ch. 3.  We got at least 6 images of speech as James talked about the tongue.

In today's reading James shows the tight connection between envy and wisdom.  He gives us seven characteristics of God's wisdom to meditate on.  Next he shows how our lack is really tied to our lack of faith in God, another way to point to a lack of wisdom.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> It’s not wise to envy, but we do it anyway.  The solution James gives for envy is surprising, but it shows true wisdom if we follow it.    James 3:13-4:10 reveals true vs. false wisdom and also what to do about envy or jealousy that threatens to take over our life. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue praying through James, a letter filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  One of the thematic verses in James is 1:19 - we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  In the last episode we showed how he turns to our speaking in ch. 3.  We got at least 6 images of speech as James talked about the tongue.

In today's reading James shows the tight connection between envy and wisdom.  He gives us seven characteristics of God's wisdom to meditate on.  Next he shows how our lack is really tied to our lack of faith in God, another way to point to a lack of wisdom.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-6098563 Sat, 14 Nov 2020 23:00:00 -0600 747 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 12 full false Proper Speech--The Tongue (James 3:1-12) Proper Speech--The Tongue (James 3:1-12) The tongue is a unique muscle of the body, loose and unattached at one end. James says our basic failure to control our tongue is the main cause of so much harm in the world.  James 3:1-12 addresses proper speech by focusing on the tongue, and James uses many word pictures in just a few verses to teach a series of truths about our speech.   

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue praying through James, a letter filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  One of the thematic verses in James is 1:19 - we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  James talked about how we listen in chs. 1-2.  Now he turns to how we speak in ch. 3.

In just 12 verses, James uses no fewer than five word pictures for our speech (he refers to it as our tongue).  They come fast and furious, so it pays to slow down and meditate on one at a time.  Here are some metaphors for the tongue that I noticed: bit and bridle, rudder,  fire, poison, a spring of fresh water, a source of bitter/brackish or salt water.  I encourage you to pick one of those to meditate on and let God teach you about how to control your tongue and use your speech for good. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The tongue is a unique muscle of the body, loose and unattached at one end. James says our basic failure to control our tongue is the main cause of so much harm in the world.  James 3:1-12 addresses proper speech by focusing on the tongue, and James uses many word pictures in just a few verses to teach a series of truths about our speech.   

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue praying through James, a letter filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  One of the thematic verses in James is 1:19 - we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  James talked about how we listen in chs. 1-2.  Now he turns to how we speak in ch. 3.

In just 12 verses, James uses no fewer than five word pictures for our speech (he refers to it as our tongue).  They come fast and furious, so it pays to slow down and meditate on one at a time.  Here are some metaphors for the tongue that I noticed: bit and bridle, rudder,  fire, poison, a spring of fresh water, a source of bitter/brackish or salt water.  I encourage you to pick one of those to meditate on and let God teach you about how to control your tongue and use your speech for good. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897959 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0600 650 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 11 full false Faith and Action (James 2:14-26) Faith and Action (James 2:14-26) There’s an expression that says “Talk is cheap”, and the point is that it’s easier to say something than to do it.  James would have liked that expression.   James 2:14-26 focuses on the theme of faith and action, expanding on being both a hearer and a doer of God’s word.  Don’t just say you believe or trust God, follow it through with action and do what he says.   

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  Like the Proverbs and wisdom Psalms, James makes us think deeper about our faith and also challenges us to act on our insights.

The last half of James 2 shifts from talking about the rich and the poor and fulfilling the law to talk about faith and action.  Traditionally, some readers have noted the similarity between Paul's discussion of faith and works in his letters  and tried to explain why James seems to have the opposite emphasis.  This is a misreading because Paul and James really aren't addressing the same issue.  Paul is concerned about people relying on works of righteousness for their own salvation.  James is focused on demonstrating the sincerity of faith.  

What James does here expands on what he said in 1:17-27 about hearing the word (only) and doing the word.  He will return to this theme of faith and action again before he finishes the letter, so it is a major point of his teaching.  He uses two examples to illustrate his point:  Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, and Rahab sheltering the spies in Jericho.  

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> There’s an expression that says “Talk is cheap”, and the point is that it’s easier to say something than to do it.  James would have liked that expression.   James 2:14-26 focuses on the theme of faith and action, expanding on being both a hearer and a doer of God’s word.  Don’t just say you believe or trust God, follow it through with action and do what he says.   

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  Like the Proverbs and wisdom Psalms, James makes us think deeper about our faith and also challenges us to act on our insights.

The last half of James 2 shifts from talking about the rich and the poor and fulfilling the law to talk about faith and action.  Traditionally, some readers have noted the similarity between Paul's discussion of faith and works in his letters  and tried to explain why James seems to have the opposite emphasis.  This is a misreading because Paul and James really aren't addressing the same issue.  Paul is concerned about people relying on works of righteousness for their own salvation.  James is focused on demonstrating the sincerity of faith.  

What James does here expands on what he said in 1:17-27 about hearing the word (only) and doing the word.  He will return to this theme of faith and action again before he finishes the letter, so it is a major point of his teaching.  He uses two examples to illustrate his point:  Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, and Rahab sheltering the spies in Jericho.  

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897947 Sun, 08 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0600 648 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 10 full false Rich and Poor (James 2:1-13) Rich and Poor (James 2:1-13) There’s a big misunderstanding that the Bible isn’t too concerned with money.  The fact is, the Bible has a lot to say about money because the choices we make with money reflect what’s in our hearts.  James 2:1-13 shows us our bias for the rich and God's concern for the poor while redirecting our hearts from chasing money to loving people.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  in this episode we continue praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  At the same time, James' letter is very gospel-centered and today's section particularly shows links to Jesus and the Jewish Torah. 

James says in 2:1 “Don’t hold the faith of Jesus Christ with partiality.”   This idea actually comes from Torah.  Leviticus 19:15 says, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich, but judge your neighbor fairly.”  That one verse hits all the points that James talks about in 2:1-13.  

 We as humans are very concerned with money and we let it warp our character.  We pursue it and we give honor to those who have more than us.  God is concerned with money not because he needs it or because he shares our values, but because he wants to use it to train our character.  God’s bigger concern is: do you value people or money most?  James returns to the Torah, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.  I am Yahweh.”  Lev 19:18   That was something Jesus stressed in his ministry, and James repeats it here.  In fact, if you go back to Matthew 5 (the first part of the Sermon on the Mount), James is basically anchoring all of his instruction in Jesus' core teachings. 

Are you biased toward the rich and against the poor?  Most of us don't think we are, but James says we need to get real.   Have you internalized the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself?  Spend time meditating on what you're heard/read from his word.  James emphasizes being a doer of the word, not just a hearer. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .   You can find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a book on Matthew 1-7 that goes more in-depth into the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 5.  It's called Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle). 

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> There’s a big misunderstanding that the Bible isn’t too concerned with money.  The fact is, the Bible has a lot to say about money because the choices we make with money reflect what’s in our hearts.  James 2:1-13 shows us our bias for the rich and God's concern for the poor while redirecting our hearts from chasing money to loving people.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  in this episode we continue praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  At the same time, James' letter is very gospel-centered and today's section particularly shows links to Jesus and the Jewish Torah. 

James says in 2:1 “Don’t hold the faith of Jesus Christ with partiality.”   This idea actually comes from Torah.  Leviticus 19:15 says, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich, but judge your neighbor fairly.”  That one verse hits all the points that James talks about in 2:1-13.  

 We as humans are very concerned with money and we let it warp our character.  We pursue it and we give honor to those who have more than us.  God is concerned with money not because he needs it or because he shares our values, but because he wants to use it to train our character.  God’s bigger concern is: do you value people or money most?  James returns to the Torah, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.  I am Yahweh.”  Lev 19:18   That was something Jesus stressed in his ministry, and James repeats it here.  In fact, if you go back to Matthew 5 (the first part of the Sermon on the Mount), James is basically anchoring all of his instruction in Jesus' core teachings. 

Are you biased toward the rich and against the poor?  Most of us don't think we are, but James says we need to get real.   Have you internalized the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself?  Spend time meditating on what you're heard/read from his word.  James emphasizes being a doer of the word, not just a hearer. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .   You can find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a book on Matthew 1-7 that goes more in-depth into the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 5.  It's called Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle). 

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897944 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0600 781 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Wisdom, James 4 9 full false God's Gift of Wisdom (James 1:17-27) God's Gift of Wisdom (James 1:17-27) When gifts are being given out, who doesn’t want to receive a gift?!  God is the great giver of gifts and he has something special in store for you.  James 1:17-27 emphasizes that God gives good gifts, and one of his great gifts is wisdom which is ours for the asking.  True wisdom is shown by doing the word and not just hearing it.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  Like the Proverbs and wisdom Psalms, James makes us think deeper about our faith and also challenges us to act on our insights. 

We mentioned in the last episode that James 1 reads like an index of topics for the rest of the letter.  Wisdom and action are highlighted in our verses today, but we also get mention of words and phrases that James will elaborate further in his letter:  faith (ch 2), wisdom (ch 3, 5), rich and poor (ch 2, 4), trials/test/temptation (ch 5), the tongue (ch 3), and speech and action (ch 2, 4).

Where do you need wisdom?  Have you asked God for it yet?  Spend time meditating on what you're heard/read from his word and examine your heart to see if you are receiving his truth humbly.  James emphasizes being a doer of the word, not just a hearer.  He uses the vivid image of someone looking at themselves in a mirror to drive home the point. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> When gifts are being given out, who doesn’t want to receive a gift?!  God is the great giver of gifts and he has something special in store for you.  James 1:17-27 emphasizes that God gives good gifts, and one of his great gifts is wisdom which is ours for the asking.  True wisdom is shown by doing the word and not just hearing it.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We are praying through James, one of the General Letters filled with practical teaching and wisdom.  Like the Proverbs and wisdom Psalms, James makes us think deeper about our faith and also challenges us to act on our insights. 

We mentioned in the last episode that James 1 reads like an index of topics for the rest of the letter.  Wisdom and action are highlighted in our verses today, but we also get mention of words and phrases that James will elaborate further in his letter:  faith (ch 2), wisdom (ch 3, 5), rich and poor (ch 2, 4), trials/test/temptation (ch 5), the tongue (ch 3), and speech and action (ch 2, 4).

Where do you need wisdom?  Have you asked God for it yet?  Spend time meditating on what you're heard/read from his word and examine your heart to see if you are receiving his truth humbly.  James emphasizes being a doer of the word, not just a hearer.  He uses the vivid image of someone looking at themselves in a mirror to drive home the point. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897935 Sat, 31 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500 783 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 8 full false Blessed in Trials (James 1:1-16) Blessed in Trials (James 1:1-16) None of us really want to do foolish things.  We want to be wise, or at least see ourselves as wise.  James warns us not to be deceived and instead to ask God for wisdom, believing he will give it to us generously.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we start one of the General Letters which is filled with practical teaching and wisdom, James.  The characteristics of a letter are less obvious in James and instead it reads like a set of practical instructions for wise living as Christians.   

James 1 reads like an index of topics for the rest of the letter.  Words and phrases mentioned only briefly in chapter 1 are further developed later in the letter.   A few words that stand out and to watch for later include:  faith (ch 2), wisdom (ch 3, 5), rich and poor (ch 2, 4), trials/test/temptation (ch 5), the tongue (ch 3), and speech and action (ch 2, 4).

Where do you need wisdom?  Have you asked God for it yet?  Trust him to give generously and ask in faith.  James makes a distinction between 3 things that we often confuse as one thing:  troubles, testing and temptation.  In this episode we briefly distinguish those three along the lines that James uses them. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> None of us really want to do foolish things.  We want to be wise, or at least see ourselves as wise.  James warns us not to be deceived and instead to ask God for wisdom, believing he will give it to us generously.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we are praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we start one of the General Letters which is filled with practical teaching and wisdom, James.  The characteristics of a letter are less obvious in James and instead it reads like a set of practical instructions for wise living as Christians.   

James 1 reads like an index of topics for the rest of the letter.  Words and phrases mentioned only briefly in chapter 1 are further developed later in the letter.   A few words that stand out and to watch for later include:  faith (ch 2), wisdom (ch 3, 5), rich and poor (ch 2, 4), trials/test/temptation (ch 5), the tongue (ch 3), and speech and action (ch 2, 4).

Where do you need wisdom?  Have you asked God for it yet?  Trust him to give generously and ask in faith.  James makes a distinction between 3 things that we often confuse as one thing:  troubles, testing and temptation.  In this episode we briefly distinguish those three along the lines that James uses them. 

We are using the letters to grow closer to God in season four.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

 Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897899 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500 759 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 7 full false Greetings (Colossians 4) Greetings (Colossians 4) Greetings may seem unimportant, but don’t be too quick to dismiss them.  When you’re on the frontlines serving and missing home, a greeting from someone who cares and gives some encouragement is life-giving!    Colossians 4 gives us a rare glimpse into what was happening in cities across the Roman Empire in the first century:  Christ was being preached, prayers were fervently prayed as letters and gospels were written , leaving us an unmistakable picture of faith and conviction amidst hardship.  

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We finish Colossians as Paul and Timothy send greetings to believers in Colossae and final instructions for how to carry on the work of the gospel.  Ancient letters usually ended with greetings, and the New Testament letters give us a portrayal of how intensely social and close-knit the early Christian communities were as they carried the gospel with urgency and purpose.  

Colossians 4 begins by urging prayer and dedication to the task of sharing the gospel.  The early Christians were not bookish types writing their gospels, letters or other writings safely in a university or private study.  They were on the frontlines, contesting in the marketplace and taking care of the poor and sick and hungry as they faced misunderstanding and persecution.   

The greetings that Paul and Timothy share not only give us insight into how churches related to one another or how letters and teachers were shared, they also embody the essence of Christian living.   Listen to the end and strive to make the application practical today. 

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Greetings may seem unimportant, but don’t be too quick to dismiss them.  When you’re on the frontlines serving and missing home, a greeting from someone who cares and gives some encouragement is life-giving!    Colossians 4 gives us a rare glimpse into what was happening in cities across the Roman Empire in the first century:  Christ was being preached, prayers were fervently prayed as letters and gospels were written , leaving us an unmistakable picture of faith and conviction amidst hardship.  

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We finish Colossians as Paul and Timothy send greetings to believers in Colossae and final instructions for how to carry on the work of the gospel.  Ancient letters usually ended with greetings, and the New Testament letters give us a portrayal of how intensely social and close-knit the early Christian communities were as they carried the gospel with urgency and purpose.  

Colossians 4 begins by urging prayer and dedication to the task of sharing the gospel.  The early Christians were not bookish types writing their gospels, letters or other writings safely in a university or private study.  They were on the frontlines, contesting in the marketplace and taking care of the poor and sick and hungry as they faced misunderstanding and persecution.   

The greetings that Paul and Timothy share not only give us insight into how churches related to one another or how letters and teachers were shared, they also embody the essence of Christian living.   Listen to the end and strive to make the application practical today. 

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897800 Sat, 24 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500 846 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Colossians 4 6 full false Above All (Colossians 3) Above All (Colossians 3) The ethical ideal of the Christian life is not something you attain by willpower or individual effort alone.  Only Christ’s power activated within a person makes the moral demands of following Christ possible.   Colossians 3 takes us from the truth about what is into the everyday world of what should be, how we should live out the reality of "Christ in you." 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue with Colossians as Paul and Timothy work out the implications of Christ at the center of it all.  Paul's letters have a similar plot or structure:  they begin with theology, teaching truth about what is based on what God has done and who he is, then they move into practical application or teaching about how to live  this out in the real world.  In today's section, we transition from theology into practical instruction.  

Colossians 3 reminds us of what we were apart from Christ and also appeals to us to live in the power of what Christ has done in us and not go back to earlier ways of sensual indulgence and fleshly thinking.  How this is lived out in concrete relationships is also highlighted.  

Above all, love is the goal and the uniting principle.  All virtues are united and harmonized in love.  Christ taught that it is the most important commandment and applies toward both God and humans.   Some possible verses from this episode to meditate on are Colossians 3:14 and 15-16.   Make the application practical today.  Lean on Christ and his power and don't rely on willpower alone.

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The ethical ideal of the Christian life is not something you attain by willpower or individual effort alone.  Only Christ’s power activated within a person makes the moral demands of following Christ possible.   Colossians 3 takes us from the truth about what is into the everyday world of what should be, how we should live out the reality of "Christ in you." 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue with Colossians as Paul and Timothy work out the implications of Christ at the center of it all.  Paul's letters have a similar plot or structure:  they begin with theology, teaching truth about what is based on what God has done and who he is, then they move into practical application or teaching about how to live  this out in the real world.  In today's section, we transition from theology into practical instruction.  

Colossians 3 reminds us of what we were apart from Christ and also appeals to us to live in the power of what Christ has done in us and not go back to earlier ways of sensual indulgence and fleshly thinking.  How this is lived out in concrete relationships is also highlighted.  

Above all, love is the goal and the uniting principle.  All virtues are united and harmonized in love.  Christ taught that it is the most important commandment and applies toward both God and humans.   Some possible verses from this episode to meditate on are Colossians 3:14 and 15-16.   Make the application practical today.  Lean on Christ and his power and don't rely on willpower alone.

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897749 Wed, 21 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500 781 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Colossians 4 5 full false Rooted (Colossians 2) Rooted (Colossians 2) It’s dangerous to have a shallow faith.  When life’s storms come along, that faith won’t stand.  Paul and Timothy imprisoned and writing this letter knew that.  Even as they praised the Colossians for having a vibrant, living faith, they encouraged and warned them about being uprooted.   Colossians 2 is about being rooted in Christ, filled with his fulness of divine power, not settling for human substitutes or spiritual counterfeits.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue with Colossians as Paul and Timothy work out the implications of Christ at the center of it all.  Christ's work for us at the cross is finished and complete; Christ's work in us continues as we grow in him and fully live out all that it means to seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father.    

Colossians 2 also shows us more about the dangerous teaching that was circulating that competed with the true gospel.  Some of it was drawn from the Jewish roots of Christianity, and there were also some strange practices that mixed Jewish rituals with pagan mysticism and spiritism.  We don't have all the details.  But the main point that comes through is these other practices were not based on Christ and they did nothing to help you live a life that looked like Christ.  

True spirituality is found in Christ.  Full spiritual expression is found in his life alive in you.  Some possible verses from this episode to meditate on are Colossians 2:9-10, 12-13, 20, or 3:1-3.  Make the application in a tangible way today.  Make Christ the focus and go further than you have before.

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> It’s dangerous to have a shallow faith.  When life’s storms come along, that faith won’t stand.  Paul and Timothy imprisoned and writing this letter knew that.  Even as they praised the Colossians for having a vibrant, living faith, they encouraged and warned them about being uprooted.   Colossians 2 is about being rooted in Christ, filled with his fulness of divine power, not settling for human substitutes or spiritual counterfeits.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue with Colossians as Paul and Timothy work out the implications of Christ at the center of it all.  Christ's work for us at the cross is finished and complete; Christ's work in us continues as we grow in him and fully live out all that it means to seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father.    

Colossians 2 also shows us more about the dangerous teaching that was circulating that competed with the true gospel.  Some of it was drawn from the Jewish roots of Christianity, and there were also some strange practices that mixed Jewish rituals with pagan mysticism and spiritism.  We don't have all the details.  But the main point that comes through is these other practices were not based on Christ and they did nothing to help you live a life that looked like Christ.  

True spirituality is found in Christ.  Full spiritual expression is found in his life alive in you.  Some possible verses from this episode to meditate on are Colossians 2:9-10, 12-13, 20, or 3:1-3.  Make the application in a tangible way today.  Make Christ the focus and go further than you have before.

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5897473 Sat, 17 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500 902 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Colossians 4 4 full false In Christ (Colossians 1:15-2:5) In Christ (Colossians 1:15-2:5) Have you ever stumbled upon something of surpassing beauty, which took your breath away and humbled you at the same time?  It affects you so that you can’t turn away unchanged.  The hymn about Christ in Colossians 1 is a lot like that.  As Paul and Timothy develop their letter they focus attention on Christ, the center not just of the Christian community but of all God's work in the universe! 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue with Colossians and Paul appeals to an early Christian hymn to Christ as he builds his case that all the mysteries of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.  He writes this letter so that the Colossians are firmly anchored in their faith and not led astray by those who don't uphold the supremacy of Christ.   

Two big truths in this portion of the letter include:
Jesus Christ is supreme, first in all categories,  and  all mysteries, all wisdom and knowledge are contained “in Christ”.  These high truths should stretch us, they should help us to grow further than we have so far.  Make the application in a tangible way today.  Make Christ the focus and go further than you have before.

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Have you ever stumbled upon something of surpassing beauty, which took your breath away and humbled you at the same time?  It affects you so that you can’t turn away unchanged.  The hymn about Christ in Colossians 1 is a lot like that.  As Paul and Timothy develop their letter they focus attention on Christ, the center not just of the Christian community but of all God's work in the universe! 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

In season four we're praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  We continue with Colossians and Paul appeals to an early Christian hymn to Christ as he builds his case that all the mysteries of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.  He writes this letter so that the Colossians are firmly anchored in their faith and not led astray by those who don't uphold the supremacy of Christ.   

Two big truths in this portion of the letter include:
Jesus Christ is supreme, first in all categories,  and  all mysteries, all wisdom and knowledge are contained “in Christ”.  These high truths should stretch us, they should help us to grow further than we have so far.  Make the application in a tangible way today.  Make Christ the focus and go further than you have before.

As we read the letters we grow closer to God and realize we can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture that we cover.  However, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5886178 Wed, 14 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0500 888 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Colossians 4 3 full false Grace and Peace (Colossians 1) Grace and Peace (Colossians 1) What’s missing in our culture today are courtesies, those words of respect, graciousness and sincere regard at the beginning of a conversation, a visit, a letter.  So much is often said in those first few words if you only listen! We get to hear how Paul and Timothy greet the believers in Colossae today and catch a glimpse of how to pray for others to grow in their faith.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

We are at the start of season four and praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we start one of Paul's shorter letters which has some very deep ideas and practical instruction, Colossians.  The letters are unusual because we only hear one side of a two-way conversation.  We have to try to understand in some part the other side of the conversation if we want to hear God's word for us in these writings.

Paul and Timothy write to the Colossians, believers who lived in a small Greek city about 100 miles inland from Ephesus in modern-day Turkey.  Most likely Philemon lives in Colossae and these two letters (Philemon and Colossians) are carried at the same time to this city perhaps by Tychicus.  Paul mentions another letter we don't have that he writes to Laodicea, a city about 10 miles west of Colossae that any traveler from Ephesus would have passed through first.  Paul intends for his letters to each of the churches to be exchanged and read in each assembly.   

Where do you need filling with God’s truth?  Head, heart, feet, hands, will, emotions or spirit?  If you know, make that your prayer today.  If you don’t, I suggest you start with head and heart--knowledge, wisdom and understanding—and ask God to fill you.  And whatever you have received, wherever you have gotten your fill, make it your job to share some of that with others today.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God as season four starts.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What’s missing in our culture today are courtesies, those words of respect, graciousness and sincere regard at the beginning of a conversation, a visit, a letter.  So much is often said in those first few words if you only listen! We get to hear how Paul and Timothy greet the believers in Colossae today and catch a glimpse of how to pray for others to grow in their faith.

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

We are at the start of season four and praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we start one of Paul's shorter letters which has some very deep ideas and practical instruction, Colossians.  The letters are unusual because we only hear one side of a two-way conversation.  We have to try to understand in some part the other side of the conversation if we want to hear God's word for us in these writings.

Paul and Timothy write to the Colossians, believers who lived in a small Greek city about 100 miles inland from Ephesus in modern-day Turkey.  Most likely Philemon lives in Colossae and these two letters (Philemon and Colossians) are carried at the same time to this city perhaps by Tychicus.  Paul mentions another letter we don't have that he writes to Laodicea, a city about 10 miles west of Colossae that any traveler from Ephesus would have passed through first.  Paul intends for his letters to each of the churches to be exchanged and read in each assembly.   

Where do you need filling with God’s truth?  Head, heart, feet, hands, will, emotions or spirit?  If you know, make that your prayer today.  If you don’t, I suggest you start with head and heart--knowledge, wisdom and understanding—and ask God to fill you.  And whatever you have received, wherever you have gotten your fill, make it your job to share some of that with others today.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God as season four starts.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5829241 Sat, 10 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0500 813 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Colossians 4 2 full false Free in Christ (Philemon) Free in Christ (Philemon) A fundamental problem of humans is our tendency to think we’re free while living under the influence or control of people and ideas that we seem blind to.  When Christ comes into our life, we are set free from all of that and that’s really good news! Listen to the short letter to Philemon today and learn more about the freedom and responsibilities of love. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

We are starting season four and praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we start with Paul's shortest letter which is very warm and personal, Philemon.  The letters are unusual because we are only hearing one side of a two-way conversation.  We have to try to understand in some part the other side of the conversation if we want to hear God's word for us in these writings.

Paul and Timothy write to Philemon, an early Christian who was probably well off and owned slaves which was quite common in the Roman world.  Onesimus is likely a runaway slave who has since become a Christian, connected with Paul, and now he is returning to his master with this letter from Paul asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul--his debt cleared and free to serve the gospel. 

Apart from the dynamic of slavery in the background, the relationship between Paul and Philemon and the love shown and requested are in focus.  Paul could have made some demands and exercised power over Philemon; instead he appeals to him as a brother who is free to decide and who is influenceable to "do the right thing."  There's a lot for us to learn here about how to treat other people as well.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God as season four starts.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> A fundamental problem of humans is our tendency to think we’re free while living under the influence or control of people and ideas that we seem blind to.  When Christ comes into our life, we are set free from all of that and that’s really good news! Listen to the short letter to Philemon today and learn more about the freedom and responsibilities of love. 

If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes or less you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's a perfect way to get started!

We are starting season four and praying through some of the letters in the Bible.  Today we start with Paul's shortest letter which is very warm and personal, Philemon.  The letters are unusual because we are only hearing one side of a two-way conversation.  We have to try to understand in some part the other side of the conversation if we want to hear God's word for us in these writings.

Paul and Timothy write to Philemon, an early Christian who was probably well off and owned slaves which was quite common in the Roman world.  Onesimus is likely a runaway slave who has since become a Christian, connected with Paul, and now he is returning to his master with this letter from Paul asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul--his debt cleared and free to serve the gospel. 

Apart from the dynamic of slavery in the background, the relationship between Paul and Philemon and the love shown and requested are in focus.  Paul could have made some demands and exercised power over Philemon; instead he appeals to him as a brother who is free to decide and who is influenceable to "do the right thing."  There's a lot for us to learn here about how to treat other people as well.

We are using the letters to grow closer to God as season four starts.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

We have a course on Philemon and Colossians for in-depth Bible study called "Christ Supreme".  If you are interested in going deeper, check out the links on our website or the Facebook page.

A classic book that does an imaginative retelling of the Onesimus-Philemon story that will appeal to young and old is Twice Freed by Patrician St. John.  You can find it on Amazon.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5783314 Wed, 07 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0500 805 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Philemon 4 1 full false From First to Last (Psalm 150) From First to Last (Psalm 150) “Hallelujah!” has entered into English vocabulary and even non-religious people recognize it.  It’s a way to celebrate and punctuate something.  “Praise Yah!” (short for Yahweh) is what it literally means and is more specific.  It points us to God, the one we celebrate and praise.    Psalm 150 concludes the book of Psalms with six powerful verses that tells us where, why, how and who should praise God. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are finishing season three and Psalm 150 takes us sky-high with praise to God! As the last of the "Hallelujah" psalms, it begins and ends with the Hebrew expression Hallelu-Yah or "praise Yah".

God deserves all praise in all forms, so whether with percussion, strings or wind instruments, we lift up praise to God for his greatness and great works.  Everything that has breath praises God! 

Psalm 150 uses some form of the Hebrew verb "to praise" (hallal) 13 times in 6 verses.  Besides the opening and closing Hallelu-Yah, there are a large number of hallelu-hu ("praise him") and one hallelu-El ("praise God", v. 1).  The entire psalm is a doxology or short song of praise to God.     

Raise up a shout of praise to God today and set an intention for how you will continue to use the Psalms to grow closer to God now that season three is over.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> “Hallelujah!” has entered into English vocabulary and even non-religious people recognize it.  It’s a way to celebrate and punctuate something.  “Praise Yah!” (short for Yahweh) is what it literally means and is more specific.  It points us to God, the one we celebrate and praise.    Psalm 150 concludes the book of Psalms with six powerful verses that tells us where, why, how and who should praise God. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are finishing season three and Psalm 150 takes us sky-high with praise to God! As the last of the "Hallelujah" psalms, it begins and ends with the Hebrew expression Hallelu-Yah or "praise Yah".

God deserves all praise in all forms, so whether with percussion, strings or wind instruments, we lift up praise to God for his greatness and great works.  Everything that has breath praises God! 

Psalm 150 uses some form of the Hebrew verb "to praise" (hallal) 13 times in 6 verses.  Besides the opening and closing Hallelu-Yah, there are a large number of hallelu-hu ("praise him") and one hallelu-El ("praise God", v. 1).  The entire psalm is a doxology or short song of praise to God.     

Raise up a shout of praise to God today and set an intention for how you will continue to use the Psalms to grow closer to God now that season three is over.  We can't exhaust the riches in each part of scripture we cover, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5455834 Wed, 16 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0500 897 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 150 3 50 full false All Praise (Psalm 145) All Praise (Psalm 145) Imagine we didn’t have language to communicate with.  No words, no letters.  Only noises, looks, body expressions, like charades—but all the time.  If God didn’t use language, what would we know about him?  How would we express ourselves to him?   Psalm 145 lifts up praise to God and sums up so much that has come before it in the Psalms, leading us into the final movement of prayer--pure praise of God.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are nearly done with season three and we've prayed a wide selection of psalms trying to expand our vocabulary of prayer.  We've noticed that the second half of Psalms has fewer laments and more praise songs and hymns.  Psalm 145 is a high point, a kind of climax in Book 5 and really for the book of Psalms overall. 

God deserves all praise, and we marshall all our language to bless him, praise him, exalt and give thanks to him for who he is and all the mighty works he has done.  Psalm 145 is special because its first and last verse uses the Hebrew word tehillah which means praise.  It's the only psalm that is specifically called tehillah, and yet the plural form of this word (Tehillim) is the Hebrew title for the entire book of Psalms!

Psalm 145 is also an acrostic psalm, the eighth and final one of the book of Psalms, so from A to Z (or aleph to taw) we get a comprehensive treatment of what praise is all about. The other acrostic psalms we've covered include Psalm 25, 111, 112, and 119.  If you want to read the remaining acrostic psalms we didn't cover in season 3, check out Psalms 9, 10, 34 and 37.  One feature of this psalm is the repeated use of the word "all", which is especially prominent in the second half of the prayer.  God is good to all, and all beings are called on to give praise to God.   

Psalm 145:8 echoes a foundational verse from Exodus 34:6 in which God reveals his fundamental character.  This is a good verse to meditate on.  Other verses to meditate on or memorize include vv. 1-3, 5, 18 and 21.  Choose one of more of these verses and let God work out its truth in your life. 

While we can't exhaust the riches in these verses, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  The entire psalm is worth pondering and reading or listening to multiple times. You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Imagine we didn’t have language to communicate with.  No words, no letters.  Only noises, looks, body expressions, like charades—but all the time.  If God didn’t use language, what would we know about him?  How would we express ourselves to him?   Psalm 145 lifts up praise to God and sums up so much that has come before it in the Psalms, leading us into the final movement of prayer--pure praise of God.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are nearly done with season three and we've prayed a wide selection of psalms trying to expand our vocabulary of prayer.  We've noticed that the second half of Psalms has fewer laments and more praise songs and hymns.  Psalm 145 is a high point, a kind of climax in Book 5 and really for the book of Psalms overall. 

God deserves all praise, and we marshall all our language to bless him, praise him, exalt and give thanks to him for who he is and all the mighty works he has done.  Psalm 145 is special because its first and last verse uses the Hebrew word tehillah which means praise.  It's the only psalm that is specifically called tehillah, and yet the plural form of this word (Tehillim) is the Hebrew title for the entire book of Psalms!

Psalm 145 is also an acrostic psalm, the eighth and final one of the book of Psalms, so from A to Z (or aleph to taw) we get a comprehensive treatment of what praise is all about. The other acrostic psalms we've covered include Psalm 25, 111, 112, and 119.  If you want to read the remaining acrostic psalms we didn't cover in season 3, check out Psalms 9, 10, 34 and 37.  One feature of this psalm is the repeated use of the word "all", which is especially prominent in the second half of the prayer.  God is good to all, and all beings are called on to give praise to God.   

Psalm 145:8 echoes a foundational verse from Exodus 34:6 in which God reveals his fundamental character.  This is a good verse to meditate on.  Other verses to meditate on or memorize include vv. 1-3, 5, 18 and 21.  Choose one of more of these verses and let God work out its truth in your life. 

While we can't exhaust the riches in these verses, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  The entire psalm is worth pondering and reading or listening to multiple times. You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5425651 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 20:00:00 -0500 792 God's Word, Prayer, Christian Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 145 3 49 full false You Know Me (Psalm 139) You Know Me (Psalm 139) We want to be known, to be heard, to be understood.  Our biggest problem is we expect another flawed, broken human being to fully understand us when only God can.   Psalm 139 celebrates the truth that God knows us completely and well, but it also wrestles with the implications of that in our lives.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are nearing the end of season three and we've prayed a lot of different psalms.  Toward the end of the book there is a greater concentration of praise songs and hymns, and Psalm 139 is one of the most profound of those. 

God knows me and God is everywhere.  These are great spiritual truths.  But there are other realities in Psalm 139 that we might miss or wish to avoid.  The 24 verses of Psalm 139 are divided into four sections with six verses each.  The main idea of each section is stated up front in the first verse:  vv. 1, 7, 13 and 19.  If you read those, you'll get the overall sense of the entire psalm instead of seeing this as a random collection of inspirational verses with a weird ending you might want to avoid. 

Psalm 139 shows us how complete God's knowledge of us is and the instinctive reaction we might have to flee from him.  But God's goodness and desire to bless us above everything else reassures us that being known by him isn't nearly as dangerous as trying to live life apart from him.   There is also no neutral ground; it's worship or rebellion, and not serving God puts you in the camp of his enemies.  

Four verses from this psalm to meditate on at length are vv. 1, 14, 23 and 24.  Choose one of more of these and let God work out its truth in your life.  

While we can't exhaust the riches in these verses, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> We want to be known, to be heard, to be understood.  Our biggest problem is we expect another flawed, broken human being to fully understand us when only God can.   Psalm 139 celebrates the truth that God knows us completely and well, but it also wrestles with the implications of that in our lives.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are nearing the end of season three and we've prayed a lot of different psalms.  Toward the end of the book there is a greater concentration of praise songs and hymns, and Psalm 139 is one of the most profound of those. 

God knows me and God is everywhere.  These are great spiritual truths.  But there are other realities in Psalm 139 that we might miss or wish to avoid.  The 24 verses of Psalm 139 are divided into four sections with six verses each.  The main idea of each section is stated up front in the first verse:  vv. 1, 7, 13 and 19.  If you read those, you'll get the overall sense of the entire psalm instead of seeing this as a random collection of inspirational verses with a weird ending you might want to avoid. 

Psalm 139 shows us how complete God's knowledge of us is and the instinctive reaction we might have to flee from him.  But God's goodness and desire to bless us above everything else reassures us that being known by him isn't nearly as dangerous as trying to live life apart from him.   There is also no neutral ground; it's worship or rebellion, and not serving God puts you in the camp of his enemies.  

Four verses from this psalm to meditate on at length are vv. 1, 14, 23 and 24.  Choose one of more of these and let God work out its truth in your life.  

While we can't exhaust the riches in these verses, you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter or Instagram @WordofPrayer15 .  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5367133 Wed, 09 Sep 2020 12:00:00 -0500 1097 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 139 3 48 full false Out of the Depths (Psalm 130) Out of the Depths (Psalm 130) I hate to wait.  If I really want it, I want it right now.  God’s sense of timing sometimes frustrates me, which is why I have to learn to ask, trust and hope while I grow in my understanding of his will and his ways.  Psalm 130 gives me language in prayer to call on God, trust in him, hope and declare the certainty that he will put things right for me and for the world.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've prayed through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible within Book 5 (Psalms 107-150).  We continue through the Songs of Ascent, the collection of short pilgrim songs for those going up to the temple and we'll listen to Psalm 130.

The eight verses of Psalm 130 work progressively to take us from the dark pit of despair and sin to confident hope in God's deliverance.

Psalm 130 is one of the 7 penitential psalms used in the Christian Church during Lent, the 40 days of preparation before Easter.  The penitential psalms include Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143.  We've covered several of these on First Fifteen.

What truth do you need to repeat or demonstrate today? 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> I hate to wait.  If I really want it, I want it right now.  God’s sense of timing sometimes frustrates me, which is why I have to learn to ask, trust and hope while I grow in my understanding of his will and his ways.  Psalm 130 gives me language in prayer to call on God, trust in him, hope and declare the certainty that he will put things right for me and for the world.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've prayed through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible within Book 5 (Psalms 107-150).  We continue through the Songs of Ascent, the collection of short pilgrim songs for those going up to the temple and we'll listen to Psalm 130.

The eight verses of Psalm 130 work progressively to take us from the dark pit of despair and sin to confident hope in God's deliverance.

Psalm 130 is one of the 7 penitential psalms used in the Christian Church during Lent, the 40 days of preparation before Easter.  The penitential psalms include Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143.  We've covered several of these on First Fifteen.

What truth do you need to repeat or demonstrate today? 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5316823 Sun, 06 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0500 1065 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 130 3 47 full false Lift My Eyes (Psalm 121) Lift My Eyes (Psalm 121) Where do we look for help?  In most situations, where do you turn for help?   Psalm 121 begins by asking where we look for help and then affirming our protection, our keeper and watcher is God alone.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've been praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible within Book 5 (Psalms 107-150).  Today we start the Songs of Ascent, the collection of short pilgrim songs for those going up to the temple and we'll listen to Psalm 121.

The word shamar  is repeated 6 times in these 8 verses, and it emphasizes the fact that God watches over us, keeps us and protects us. 

What truth do you need to repeat or demonstrate today? 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Where do we look for help?  In most situations, where do you turn for help?   Psalm 121 begins by asking where we look for help and then affirming our protection, our keeper and watcher is God alone.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've been praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible within Book 5 (Psalms 107-150).  Today we start the Songs of Ascent, the collection of short pilgrim songs for those going up to the temple and we'll listen to Psalm 121.

The word shamar  is repeated 6 times in these 8 verses, and it emphasizes the fact that God watches over us, keeps us and protects us. 

What truth do you need to repeat or demonstrate today? 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5255980 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500 758 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 121 3 46 full false Psalm 119: A Look Back Psalm 119: A Look Back When you look back on a journey, it often gives you a very different perspective from the one you had during the trip.  That’s also what meditation is like: you get to reflect on what you experienced and engage with it on a deeper level.  Psalm 119 keeps paying rich rewards the more you reflect on it and give it your attention.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've prayed through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, which is an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We have listened to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and we have given attention to most of the stanzas.

In this episode we listen to the first and last verse of each stanza--44 verses in all--and give attention to all the themes featured throughout Psalm 119.  The first verse usually states the theme and the last verse recaps it in a heightened way and often transitions to the next thought. 

For application, write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 today, and you'll be able to see more connections and reflect better on what God is saying.  After you've written out a stanza, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.  We also have the original translation of these 44 verses we will share with you as well as a free booklet "77 Wonderful Insights from Psalm 119." 

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15 or like the Word of Prayer 15 page on Facebook. You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> When you look back on a journey, it often gives you a very different perspective from the one you had during the trip.  That’s also what meditation is like: you get to reflect on what you experienced and engage with it on a deeper level.  Psalm 119 keeps paying rich rewards the more you reflect on it and give it your attention.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've prayed through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, which is an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We have listened to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and we have given attention to most of the stanzas.

In this episode we listen to the first and last verse of each stanza--44 verses in all--and give attention to all the themes featured throughout Psalm 119.  The first verse usually states the theme and the last verse recaps it in a heightened way and often transitions to the next thought. 

For application, write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 today, and you'll be able to see more connections and reflect better on what God is saying.  After you've written out a stanza, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.  We also have the original translation of these 44 verses we will share with you as well as a free booklet "77 Wonderful Insights from Psalm 119." 

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15 or like the Word of Prayer 15 page on Facebook. You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4933757 Sun, 30 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500 1191 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 45 full false The Final Word (Psalm 119:169-176) The Final Word (Psalm 119:169-176) The last word usually leaves a lasting impression.  It seems part of our design as human beings:  we pay most attention to the first and the last thing more than the rest. We’ve come to the end of Psalm 119, and it’s time to hear the final word.  Psalm 119:169-176 (Taw) is the last word and it returns us to our dependence on God, praising him and many of the great themes we've seen in this great psalm.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've been praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, which is an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We have listened to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the last (22nd) stanza -- taw.

The letter taw allows you to turn any verb into a wish if you put it on the front, so in six of the eight verses that's what happens.  This stanza also has several expressions of praise, which is similar to how the book of Psalms itself ends—with a note of praise.   I

This stanza also restates the themes we’ve been hearing throughout Psalm 119:  the poet is looking for understanding, for deliverance and for new life.  The emphasis is on how much we depend on God, for salvation, to teach us to praise, for life itself.  The last verse likens us to a lost sheep who needs to be sought out and returned to the right way, the way we have set our hearts on:  following God in all his words and teachings.   

Finish writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, and you'll be able to see more connections and reflect better on what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

What petition do you need to make of God?  Give me understanding, deliver me, or teach me to praise you?  Make that your application today.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The last word usually leaves a lasting impression.  It seems part of our design as human beings:  we pay most attention to the first and the last thing more than the rest. We’ve come to the end of Psalm 119, and it’s time to hear the final word.  Psalm 119:169-176 (Taw) is the last word and it returns us to our dependence on God, praising him and many of the great themes we've seen in this great psalm.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've been praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, which is an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We have listened to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the last (22nd) stanza -- taw.

The letter taw allows you to turn any verb into a wish if you put it on the front, so in six of the eight verses that's what happens.  This stanza also has several expressions of praise, which is similar to how the book of Psalms itself ends—with a note of praise.   I

This stanza also restates the themes we’ve been hearing throughout Psalm 119:  the poet is looking for understanding, for deliverance and for new life.  The emphasis is on how much we depend on God, for salvation, to teach us to praise, for life itself.  The last verse likens us to a lost sheep who needs to be sought out and returned to the right way, the way we have set our hearts on:  following God in all his words and teachings.   

Finish writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, and you'll be able to see more connections and reflect better on what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

What petition do you need to make of God?  Give me understanding, deliver me, or teach me to praise you?  Make that your application today.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5152903 Wed, 26 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0500 726 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 44 full false Revive Me (Psalm 119:153-168) Revive Me (Psalm 119:153-168) To bring something back to life is a big deal.  When we pray for revival, it’s because we have acknowledged death and the need for God’s spirit to bring life again. The cry “Revive me!” is a prayer that arises in desperation.  Psalm 119:153-168 (Resh-Shin) focus on the God who sees us, revives us, and our response of rejoicing, praise and love to him.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, and as an acrostic poem it is structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 20-21st stanzas (resh-shin).

We focus on two themes in these sections: God sees and revives us, and rejoicing, praising and loving him as our response.   

There is an allusion back to Genesis 16:13 where Hagar calls on God as "El Roi" - the God who sees me.  That same idea is repeated here twice in vv. 153 and 159.

By slowing down and reflecting on God's teaching as we write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, we are able to see more connections and listen better to what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> To bring something back to life is a big deal.  When we pray for revival, it’s because we have acknowledged death and the need for God’s spirit to bring life again. The cry “Revive me!” is a prayer that arises in desperation.  Psalm 119:153-168 (Resh-Shin) focus on the God who sees us, revives us, and our response of rejoicing, praise and love to him.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, and as an acrostic poem it is structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 20-21st stanzas (resh-shin).

We focus on two themes in these sections: God sees and revives us, and rejoicing, praising and loving him as our response.   

There is an allusion back to Genesis 16:13 where Hagar calls on God as "El Roi" - the God who sees me.  That same idea is repeated here twice in vv. 153 and 159.

By slowing down and reflecting on God's teaching as we write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, we are able to see more connections and listen better to what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-5117329 Sun, 23 Aug 2020 19:00:00 -0500 704 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 43 full false Done Deal (Psalm 119:121-136) Done Deal (Psalm 119:121-136) How do we take ancient words from another language and culture and use them to pray today?  That’s the challenge of praying the Psalms and especially Psalm 119.  Psalm 119:121-136 (Ayin-Pe) focus on God's word as a "done deal" and the wondrous effect his word has on us.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, and as an acrostic poem it is structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 16-17th stanzas (ayin-pe). 

We explore several themes in these two sections: being a doer of God's Word, relying on God's covenant as a "done deal", taking on the role of God's servant, and exploring the very personal effects that God's Word has on our lives.     

There are numerous allusions in these verses to other parts of Scripture, both in the Psalms and elsewhere, but especially in the Law (Genesis-Exodus and the folllowing).    We should not just read or study the Bible alone, but we should use the Bible as God’s Word to let God himself teach us and help us apply it to our lives.

By slowing down and reflecting on God's teaching as we write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, we are able to see more connections and listen better to what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day. 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> How do we take ancient words from another language and culture and use them to pray today?  That’s the challenge of praying the Psalms and especially Psalm 119.  Psalm 119:121-136 (Ayin-Pe) focus on God's word as a "done deal" and the wondrous effect his word has on us.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, and as an acrostic poem it is structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 16-17th stanzas (ayin-pe). 

We explore several themes in these two sections: being a doer of God's Word, relying on God's covenant as a "done deal", taking on the role of God's servant, and exploring the very personal effects that God's Word has on our lives.     

There are numerous allusions in these verses to other parts of Scripture, both in the Psalms and elsewhere, but especially in the Law (Genesis-Exodus and the folllowing).    We should not just read or study the Bible alone, but we should use the Bible as God’s Word to let God himself teach us and help us apply it to our lives.

By slowing down and reflecting on God's teaching as we write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, we are able to see more connections and listen better to what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day. 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4933781 Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0500 830 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 42 full false Teach Me (Psalm 119:97-112) Teach Me (Psalm 119:97-112) Everyone wants to do the smart thing, to show some wisdom (and not act stupid).  Every day we see marketing trying to tell us what the smart thing is.  Psalm 119:97-112 (Mem-Nun) teaches us to embrace and love God's word and to walk daily in his ways.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  As an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, it explores God's word from A to Z.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 13-14th stanzas (mem-nun), the "m" and "n" words.

The main theme in this section is the plea for God to teach me. The first stanza (vv. 97-104) doesn't have any petitions or pleas in it, just expressions of blessing that come following  God's word.  To love God’s Word is our goal.  To make it our day-long meditation, what we think about and keep returning to over and over, is our prayer (v. 97).   

There is also an emphasis on applying God's Word to our lives so that it affects our daily decisions and the path we walk (vv. 101, 105).  This takes us back to the language of Psalm 119:1 and even back to Psalm 1 itself.  We should not just read or study the Bible only, but use the Bible as God’s Word to let God himself teach us and help us apply it to our lives.

Continue slowing down and remembering God's teaching by writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose a verse which expresses your own experience with God.  Try vv. 97, 99, 101 or 105 from these two sections.

We don't spend much time on the last seven verses in the nun stanza (vv. 105-112) in this episode, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Everyone wants to do the smart thing, to show some wisdom (and not act stupid).  Every day we see marketing trying to tell us what the smart thing is.  Psalm 119:97-112 (Mem-Nun) teaches us to embrace and love God's word and to walk daily in his ways.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  As an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, it explores God's word from A to Z.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 13-14th stanzas (mem-nun), the "m" and "n" words.

The main theme in this section is the plea for God to teach me. The first stanza (vv. 97-104) doesn't have any petitions or pleas in it, just expressions of blessing that come following  God's word.  To love God’s Word is our goal.  To make it our day-long meditation, what we think about and keep returning to over and over, is our prayer (v. 97).   

There is also an emphasis on applying God's Word to our lives so that it affects our daily decisions and the path we walk (vv. 101, 105).  This takes us back to the language of Psalm 119:1 and even back to Psalm 1 itself.  We should not just read or study the Bible only, but use the Bible as God’s Word to let God himself teach us and help us apply it to our lives.

Continue slowing down and remembering God's teaching by writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose a verse which expresses your own experience with God.  Try vv. 97, 99, 101 or 105 from these two sections.

We don't spend much time on the last seven verses in the nun stanza (vv. 105-112) in this episode, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4933508 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:00:00 -0500 779 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 41 full false Forever (Psalm 119:89-96) Forever (Psalm 119:89-96) Forever is a long time.  Never is also a long time.  God’s Word never fails. Never.  Psalm 119:89-96 (Lamedh) expresses a great faith in God, that he will remain faithful and his word will come through just as it always has, even in the midst of trials.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  As an acrostic poem made up of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, it explores God's word from A to Z.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the twelfth stanza (lamedh) in which all the lines begin with the L sound.  

The main feature of this stanza is the long view.  God's word has been at work a long time, and God's faithfulness is famous. The confidence and faith expressed in this stanza are especially notable.  There is also mention of affliction (v. 92) and threats (v. 95), but the tone throughout is God's faithfulness which encourages faith from us.    

Try slowing down and remembering God's teaching by writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose whichever verse expresses your own experience with God.  There are many to choose from today: vv. 89, 90, 92, 93, 94 and 96.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Forever is a long time.  Never is also a long time.  God’s Word never fails. Never.  Psalm 119:89-96 (Lamedh) expresses a great faith in God, that he will remain faithful and his word will come through just as it always has, even in the midst of trials.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  As an acrostic poem made up of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, it explores God's word from A to Z.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the twelfth stanza (lamedh) in which all the lines begin with the L sound.  

The main feature of this stanza is the long view.  God's word has been at work a long time, and God's faithfulness is famous. The confidence and faith expressed in this stanza are especially notable.  There is also mention of affliction (v. 92) and threats (v. 95), but the tone throughout is God's faithfulness which encourages faith from us.    

Try slowing down and remembering God's teaching by writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose whichever verse expresses your own experience with God.  There are many to choose from today: vv. 89, 90, 92, 93, 94 and 96.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4930052 Wed, 12 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500 500 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 40 full false Even If (Psalm 119:81-88) Even If (Psalm 119:81-88) What do we do when we have faith in God and confidence he will come through for us, but we have to wait?  What if we fail or our life runs out before then?  That’s the question  posed by our section today.  Psalm 119:81-88 (Kaph) is like a lament that keeps asking heart-wrenching questions while running to God in faith, not rebelling against him.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm of the Bible and it's like a complete class in listening to God's word and growing closer in our faith and devotion to him.  We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the eleventh stanza (kaph) in which all the lines begin with the K sound. 

The main feature of this stanza is the difficulties, suffering and vulnerability of the poet and  questioning God. In the first seven of the verses (vv. 81-87) there is some mention of affliction, trial or challenge, and in many of those a question is raised to God.  These verses sound a lot like the laments that feature prominently in the first half of the book of Psalms. The last verse (v. 88) expresses trust in God, and this is the midpoint of the entire psalm.  

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose whichever verse expresses your own experience with God.  For today's reading, I recommend v. 88.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> What do we do when we have faith in God and confidence he will come through for us, but we have to wait?  What if we fail or our life runs out before then?  That’s the question  posed by our section today.  Psalm 119:81-88 (Kaph) is like a lament that keeps asking heart-wrenching questions while running to God in faith, not rebelling against him.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm of the Bible and it's like a complete class in listening to God's word and growing closer in our faith and devotion to him.  We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the eleventh stanza (kaph) in which all the lines begin with the K sound. 

The main feature of this stanza is the difficulties, suffering and vulnerability of the poet and  questioning God. In the first seven of the verses (vv. 81-87) there is some mention of affliction, trial or challenge, and in many of those a question is raised to God.  These verses sound a lot like the laments that feature prominently in the first half of the book of Psalms. The last verse (v. 88) expresses trust in God, and this is the midpoint of the entire psalm.  

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose whichever verse expresses your own experience with God.  For today's reading, I recommend v. 88.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4885643 Sun, 09 Aug 2020 03:00:00 -0500 770 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 39 full false Let it Be (Psalm 119:73-80) Let it Be (Psalm 119:73-80) “Let it Be.”  If you hear that phrase, as most of us do, meaning “Don’t rock the boat; let things rest as they are,” then I think we owe it to the Beatles for their 1970 song and one of their last hits. Psalm 119 teaches us a completely different way to think about and say “Let it Be” that will challenge and build your faith.  Psalm 119:73-80 retraces the drama of faith centered in God's name and helps us declare, "Let it be as you have spoken." 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  As we listen to one or two stanzas at a time, we develop more attraction and affection for God's word.  Today's episode features the tenth stanza (yodh) in which all the lines begin with the Y sound. 

The big idea that features in this stanza is that God is at the center: as Creator (v. 73), as the One to be feared (v. 74), as Yahweh whom I know (v. 75), everything begins with God.  His name means "I will be who I will be", and he speaks things into being, saying "Let it be." The last five verses similarly use a form of the Hebrew verb that starts with yodh and means "Let it be..."    

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  There are many good ones to choose from today; pick one that speaks to you.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> “Let it Be.”  If you hear that phrase, as most of us do, meaning “Don’t rock the boat; let things rest as they are,” then I think we owe it to the Beatles for their 1970 song and one of their last hits. Psalm 119 teaches us a completely different way to think about and say “Let it Be” that will challenge and build your faith.  Psalm 119:73-80 retraces the drama of faith centered in God's name and helps us declare, "Let it be as you have spoken." 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  As we listen to one or two stanzas at a time, we develop more attraction and affection for God's word.  Today's episode features the tenth stanza (yodh) in which all the lines begin with the Y sound. 

The big idea that features in this stanza is that God is at the center: as Creator (v. 73), as the One to be feared (v. 74), as Yahweh whom I know (v. 75), everything begins with God.  His name means "I will be who I will be", and he speaks things into being, saying "Let it be." The last five verses similarly use a form of the Hebrew verb that starts with yodh and means "Let it be..."    

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  There are many good ones to choose from today; pick one that speaks to you.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4869467 Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:00:00 -0500 853 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 38 full false God is Good (Psalm 119:65-72) God is Good (Psalm 119:65-72) “No one is good except God alone.”  That sounds so absolute, and human reason rushes to take exception to it.  But Jesus is the one who said it, and he spoke truly (Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19).  If you want to look for goodness, you’re only going to find it in God and whatever reflects his nature.  Psalm 119:65-72 prompts us to affirm God is good and does good, and we need him to teach us about true goodness.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time, each of which begins with the same letter in Hebrew, which makes this  an acrostic in Hebrew. Today's episode features the ninth stanza (tet).  

One word stands out in this stanza:  the Hebrew word “tov” is common and means “good.” It is the lead word in 5 of the 8 lines of this stanza (vv. 65, 66, 68, 71, 72).  Even in adversity and affliction we can make God the center of our lives.   

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend v. 68.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> “No one is good except God alone.”  That sounds so absolute, and human reason rushes to take exception to it.  But Jesus is the one who said it, and he spoke truly (Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19).  If you want to look for goodness, you’re only going to find it in God and whatever reflects his nature.  Psalm 119:65-72 prompts us to affirm God is good and does good, and we need him to teach us about true goodness.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time, each of which begins with the same letter in Hebrew, which makes this  an acrostic in Hebrew. Today's episode features the ninth stanza (tet).  

One word stands out in this stanza:  the Hebrew word “tov” is common and means “good.” It is the lead word in 5 of the 8 lines of this stanza (vv. 65, 66, 68, 71, 72).  Even in adversity and affliction we can make God the center of our lives.   

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend v. 68.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4812188 Sun, 02 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500 721 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 37 full false Psalm 119: A Special Conversation (bonus episode) Psalm 119: A Special Conversation (bonus episode) Psalm 119 is the longest psalm (and chapter) of the Bible: 176 verses long.  We pause in our mini-series on Psalm 119 to reflect on the why and the how of praying this part of Scripture. 

Ron is joined by special guest Angela Oltmanns, a regular listener to First Fifteen, who has some questions about this podcast and the current season. 

If you are listening to the podcast for the first time, this episode is unlike any that we've done, but more like a traditional podcast with a conversational format.  First Fifteen is s devotional podcast to help people listen to God and respond in a personal way.  All of our regular episodes use some part of Scripture to listen to God's Word, reflect on it and then pray it back to him. 

We are usually done in fifteen minutes (or less), but today's episode goes a little longer.  We hope you'll appreciate the change of pace and format as you continue praying through the Psalms and Psalm 119 in particular. 

Some of the topics we discuss:  Why pray Psalm 119? What does reading it in Hebrew teach us about this psalm?  What is an acrostic poem and how does it work in the case of Psalm 119?  Do we know the author or this psalm?  How can we better appreciate the poetry of this psalm?  How is the Bible similar and different compared to other great literature?  Why do people call the Bible "God's Word" and what are they talking about? Is it essential to learn Hebrew to appreciate this psalm?   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow us on Twitter @WordofPrayer15 (Ron) and @angelaoltmanns (Angela).  Go ahead and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Psalm 119 is the longest psalm (and chapter) of the Bible: 176 verses long.  We pause in our mini-series on Psalm 119 to reflect on the why and the how of praying this part of Scripture. 

Ron is joined by special guest Angela Oltmanns, a regular listener to First Fifteen, who has some questions about this podcast and the current season. 

If you are listening to the podcast for the first time, this episode is unlike any that we've done, but more like a traditional podcast with a conversational format.  First Fifteen is s devotional podcast to help people listen to God and respond in a personal way.  All of our regular episodes use some part of Scripture to listen to God's Word, reflect on it and then pray it back to him. 

We are usually done in fifteen minutes (or less), but today's episode goes a little longer.  We hope you'll appreciate the change of pace and format as you continue praying through the Psalms and Psalm 119 in particular. 

Some of the topics we discuss:  Why pray Psalm 119? What does reading it in Hebrew teach us about this psalm?  What is an acrostic poem and how does it work in the case of Psalm 119?  Do we know the author or this psalm?  How can we better appreciate the poetry of this psalm?  How is the Bible similar and different compared to other great literature?  Why do people call the Bible "God's Word" and what are they talking about? Is it essential to learn Hebrew to appreciate this psalm?   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow us on Twitter @WordofPrayer15 (Ron) and @angelaoltmanns (Angela).  Go ahead and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron and Angela Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4775414 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0500 1242 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Hebrew, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119, Conversation 3 36 bonus false Remember and Comfort (Psalm 119:49-56) Remember and Comfort (Psalm 119:49-56) Memory is a tricky thing.  We don’t remember things very well or for long.  It’s because we forget that we need to go back to God’s word, to learn it again, to recall its principles and lessons.  Psalm 119:49-56 prompts us to remember God's word and receive the comfort he will give us.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time, each of which begins with the same letter in Hebrew, which makes this  an acrostic in Hebrew. Today's episode features the seventh stanza (zayin).  

One word gets special prominence in this stanza:  in Hebrew, the verb “zakar” is a common word that means “remember”, and it begins vv. 49, 52 and 55. The first plea is for God to remember his promise which gives us hope.  God comforts us in our difficulty (v. 50) and in our remembering (v. 52), which leads us to remember God's name and keep his law.   

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 49, 52, or 55.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Memory is a tricky thing.  We don’t remember things very well or for long.  It’s because we forget that we need to go back to God’s word, to learn it again, to recall its principles and lessons.  Psalm 119:49-56 prompts us to remember God's word and receive the comfort he will give us.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time, each of which begins with the same letter in Hebrew, which makes this  an acrostic in Hebrew. Today's episode features the seventh stanza (zayin).  

One word gets special prominence in this stanza:  in Hebrew, the verb “zakar” is a common word that means “remember”, and it begins vv. 49, 52 and 55. The first plea is for God to remember his promise which gives us hope.  God comforts us in our difficulty (v. 50) and in our remembering (v. 52), which leads us to remember God's name and keep his law.   

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 49, 52, or 55.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4574105 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0500 684 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 35 full false Learning to Love (Psalm 119:33-48) Learning to Love (Psalm 119:33-48) One lesson you can’t learn fully on your own is how to love.  Love is an inclusive activity; it involves you AND someone else.  It’s simply impossible to love yourself enough to learn what true love is. 

Psalm 119:33-48 stresses God as the primary cause and power behind our prayers as well as the inclusive "and":  me and you, us and them, God and me.  It ends with an emphasis on God's love as our primary motive in studying his word. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time, and we've seen that this psalm is written as an acrostic in Hebrew, where the lines begin with the letters of the alphabet in order. This episode features the fifth and sixth stanzas (he and waw). 

God is the source or cause behind our prayers, and our ultimate longing for him and his word is expressed through love (vv. 47-48).  The "and" is crucial here; we can't learn what true love is alone or in isolation.  It takes a relationship or a community to experience true love.   God is good for his promises, and his love is an expression of his faithfulness and fierce loyalty. 

I invite you to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  Writing out scripture is one way to meditate on it and make it stick.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 33, 35, 47 or 48.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> One lesson you can’t learn fully on your own is how to love.  Love is an inclusive activity; it involves you AND someone else.  It’s simply impossible to love yourself enough to learn what true love is. 

Psalm 119:33-48 stresses God as the primary cause and power behind our prayers as well as the inclusive "and":  me and you, us and them, God and me.  It ends with an emphasis on God's love as our primary motive in studying his word. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time, and we've seen that this psalm is written as an acrostic in Hebrew, where the lines begin with the letters of the alphabet in order. This episode features the fifth and sixth stanzas (he and waw). 

God is the source or cause behind our prayers, and our ultimate longing for him and his word is expressed through love (vv. 47-48).  The "and" is crucial here; we can't learn what true love is alone or in isolation.  It takes a relationship or a community to experience true love.   God is good for his promises, and his love is an expression of his faithfulness and fierce loyalty. 

I invite you to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  Writing out scripture is one way to meditate on it and make it stick.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 33, 35, 47 or 48.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4574021 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0500 711 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 34 full false Running Wild and Free (Psalms 119:25-32) Running Wild and Free (Psalms 119:25-32) The alphabet is a wonderful invention.  It simplifies our written language, gives us a way to handle the complexity of communication.  In Psalm 119 we’re learning the alphabet of God’s Word.  Are you ready for the next lesson?

Psalm 119:25-32 stresses our choice of the way or path we will walk, and the psalmist encourages us to choose God's way and run wild and free in it.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time.  This wisdom psalm about God’s law is written as an acrostic in Hebrew, a poem where the lines begin with the letters of the alphabet in order. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters, and Psalm 119 has 22 sections of 8 verses each.  Each section or stanza starts every line with the same letter: This episode features the fourth stanza (daleth) where every line starts with "d". 

In this episode we pay attention to what gets repeated.  The word “way” is repeated a lot, five times in fact.  The Hebrew word “way” is derek, the same word that is prominent in Psalm 1 (the way of the righteous and of the wicked).  It’s also in the first verse of Psalm 119, which shows its importance.

Scripture teaches we are free to choose.  God gives us free will.  He wants us to choose him and his way, but he doesn’t force us.  The psalmist is quietly, persistently urging us, “Choose his way.”

I invite you to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  Writing out scripture is one way to make it "sticky".  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 31 or 32.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> The alphabet is a wonderful invention.  It simplifies our written language, gives us a way to handle the complexity of communication.  In Psalm 119 we’re learning the alphabet of God’s Word.  Are you ready for the next lesson?

Psalm 119:25-32 stresses our choice of the way or path we will walk, and the psalmist encourages us to choose God's way and run wild and free in it.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  We're listening to one or two stanzas at a time.  This wisdom psalm about God’s law is written as an acrostic in Hebrew, a poem where the lines begin with the letters of the alphabet in order. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters, and Psalm 119 has 22 sections of 8 verses each.  Each section or stanza starts every line with the same letter: This episode features the fourth stanza (daleth) where every line starts with "d". 

In this episode we pay attention to what gets repeated.  The word “way” is repeated a lot, five times in fact.  The Hebrew word “way” is derek, the same word that is prominent in Psalm 1 (the way of the righteous and of the wicked).  It’s also in the first verse of Psalm 119, which shows its importance.

Scripture teaches we are free to choose.  God gives us free will.  He wants us to choose him and his way, but he doesn’t force us.  The psalmist is quietly, persistently urging us, “Choose his way.”

I invite you to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  Writing out scripture is one way to make it "sticky".  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 31 or 32.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4573967 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500 831 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 33 full false Open My Eyes (Psalm 119:17-24) Open My Eyes (Psalm 119:17-24) To come before God’s word and learn anything, you first have to admit you are empty, blind, broken.  If you feel full, enlightened and comfortable, what can God possibly teach you? Psalm 119 is long and tedious and plain for the full. For the hungry, it only increases your appetite for more real food.

Psalm 119:17-24 teaches us that before we can see God's truth, we need to confess our difficulties, acknowledge our blindness and ask God to open our eyes to see his truth.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  We listened to the first two stanzas (aleph and bet) in the last episode.  Psalm 119 is divided into 22 parts or stanzas, each one 8 verses long, and we'll be listening to one or two stanzas at a time. 

In today's episode we focus on the third stanza (gimel), which lands us into lament, difficulty, and hardship.  This doesn't sound like the blessedness we heard in the first two stanzas!  The psalmist speaks as a stranger, someone slandered, crushed, cursed and bearing contempt.  But instead of looking for pity or self-justification, look at what the psalmist does:  meditates on God’s statutes (v. 23), pleads for God’s generosity (v. 17), asks God for revelation (v. 18), and takes delight in God’s revealed law (v. 24).  That kind of response instructs us in how we should respond to difficulties and troubles.                          

Even with the difficulties, vv. 18 and 24 are full of confidence and longing for God.  I recommend v. 18 as a brief prayer you can pray before you open scripture and listen to God.

I invite you to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 for the next few weeks until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 18 or 24.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> To come before God’s word and learn anything, you first have to admit you are empty, blind, broken.  If you feel full, enlightened and comfortable, what can God possibly teach you? Psalm 119 is long and tedious and plain for the full. For the hungry, it only increases your appetite for more real food.

Psalm 119:17-24 teaches us that before we can see God's truth, we need to confess our difficulties, acknowledge our blindness and ask God to open our eyes to see his truth.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  We listened to the first two stanzas (aleph and bet) in the last episode.  Psalm 119 is divided into 22 parts or stanzas, each one 8 verses long, and we'll be listening to one or two stanzas at a time. 

In today's episode we focus on the third stanza (gimel), which lands us into lament, difficulty, and hardship.  This doesn't sound like the blessedness we heard in the first two stanzas!  The psalmist speaks as a stranger, someone slandered, crushed, cursed and bearing contempt.  But instead of looking for pity or self-justification, look at what the psalmist does:  meditates on God’s statutes (v. 23), pleads for God’s generosity (v. 17), asks God for revelation (v. 18), and takes delight in God’s revealed law (v. 24).  That kind of response instructs us in how we should respond to difficulties and troubles.                          

Even with the difficulties, vv. 18 and 24 are full of confidence and longing for God.  I recommend v. 18 as a brief prayer you can pray before you open scripture and listen to God.

I invite you to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 for the next few weeks until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  For today's reading, I recommend either v. 18 or 24.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4573988 Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0500 603 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 32 full false Delight in God's Word (Psalm 119:1-16) Delight in God's Word (Psalm 119:1-16) What brings you delight in life? God wants to speak to you and fill you with his delights.  He invites you to come and feast on his rich food and grow strong on his truth. You are in for a treat!

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  We aren't going to pray the whole psalm in this episode!  Psalm 119 is divided into 22 parts or stanzas, each one 8 verses long, and we'll be listening to one or two stanzas at a time.  Psalm 119 is a wisdom psalm that praises God for his word or law (torah).  It uses the entire Hebrew alphabet for that, like saying "God's word has everything, from A to Z".  

The first stanza focuses on the blessing of walking in God’s ways and setting a firm intention to embrace all of God’s law or teaching.  The first three verses set the tone for all the psalm with a double blessing on those who walk in God's ways.  

The second stanza    (vv. 9-16) brings up what happens as soon as we commit to walking in God's Word:  we have to face our sin, our tendency to wander, and get serious about purifying our hearts. It’s not all serious and grim, though.  When we do this, there is joy, focus (meditation) and delight in this path (vv. 14-16).  

The language of delight, joy and longing is unmistakable in Psalm 119.  It leads us to move beyond the head and to embrace God and his word with our full heart. 

I invite you to join me in writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 for the next few weeks until you finish it.  After you've done that you can pick one verse to meditate on throughout the day.    

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> What brings you delight in life? God wants to speak to you and fill you with his delights.  He invites you to come and feast on his rich food and grow strong on his truth. You are in for a treat!

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  We aren't going to pray the whole psalm in this episode!  Psalm 119 is divided into 22 parts or stanzas, each one 8 verses long, and we'll be listening to one or two stanzas at a time.  Psalm 119 is a wisdom psalm that praises God for his word or law (torah).  It uses the entire Hebrew alphabet for that, like saying "God's word has everything, from A to Z".  

The first stanza focuses on the blessing of walking in God’s ways and setting a firm intention to embrace all of God’s law or teaching.  The first three verses set the tone for all the psalm with a double blessing on those who walk in God's ways.  

The second stanza    (vv. 9-16) brings up what happens as soon as we commit to walking in God's Word:  we have to face our sin, our tendency to wander, and get serious about purifying our hearts. It’s not all serious and grim, though.  When we do this, there is joy, focus (meditation) and delight in this path (vv. 14-16).  

The language of delight, joy and longing is unmistakable in Psalm 119.  It leads us to move beyond the head and to embrace God and his word with our full heart. 

I invite you to join me in writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 for the next few weeks until you finish it.  After you've done that you can pick one verse to meditate on throughout the day.    

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4529489 Sat, 11 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0500 1144 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 119 3 31 full false God is for Me (Psalm 118) God is for Me (Psalm 118) Life is tough and we will get knocked down.  The truth that God is for you should encourage you daily.  The reality that God in Jesus came for you gives you your whole reason for living.  Psalm 118 is full of truth that will transform your life.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 118, the last psalm of the Hallel (Psalm 113-118) that was sung at the Jewish holy festivals and especially Passover.  Psalm 118 was the last hymn sung after the Passover meal, so this was also the last song Jesus sang before the cross.  It begins, "Give thanks to Yahweh for he is good, for his loyal love lasts forever" (Psalm 118:1).  It ends with the same line in v. 29.  In between, it recalls God's deliverance of his people Israel in bringing them back to the promised land from exile among the nations.   

God is addressed in the most personal of terms.  We've been translating his covenant name "Yahweh" (traditionally "Lord" in English Bibles) throughout this series, and besides using that name often, this psalm also addresses God as "Yah", a shortened and very intimate way to speak to God.

One of the striking things about Psalm 118 is the three references to it in the gospels that are tied to Jesus' last week in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.  We give more details on the podcast, but some of the lines of the psalm will probably sound familiar.  There is more in this psalm than we can really cover in 15 minutes, so you should consider meditating on a verse or a few verses at a time.  I've been writing out sections of this psalm this week and want to invite you to do the same.  You might want to start with vv. 1, 6, 8, 16, 24, 25, 28, and 29.  You could also write out one verse a day for a month.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Life is tough and we will get knocked down.  The truth that God is for you should encourage you daily.  The reality that God in Jesus came for you gives you your whole reason for living.  Psalm 118 is full of truth that will transform your life.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 118, the last psalm of the Hallel (Psalm 113-118) that was sung at the Jewish holy festivals and especially Passover.  Psalm 118 was the last hymn sung after the Passover meal, so this was also the last song Jesus sang before the cross.  It begins, "Give thanks to Yahweh for he is good, for his loyal love lasts forever" (Psalm 118:1).  It ends with the same line in v. 29.  In between, it recalls God's deliverance of his people Israel in bringing them back to the promised land from exile among the nations.   

God is addressed in the most personal of terms.  We've been translating his covenant name "Yahweh" (traditionally "Lord" in English Bibles) throughout this series, and besides using that name often, this psalm also addresses God as "Yah", a shortened and very intimate way to speak to God.

One of the striking things about Psalm 118 is the three references to it in the gospels that are tied to Jesus' last week in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.  We give more details on the podcast, but some of the lines of the psalm will probably sound familiar.  There is more in this psalm than we can really cover in 15 minutes, so you should consider meditating on a verse or a few verses at a time.  I've been writing out sections of this psalm this week and want to invite you to do the same.  You might want to start with vv. 1, 6, 8, 16, 24, 25, 28, and 29.  You could also write out one verse a day for a month.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4479602 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0500 930 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 118 3 30 full false Not to Us (Psalm 115) Not to Us (Psalm 115) When we start praying, God meets us where we are.  But he doesn’t leave us there.  The Psalms have been guiding us to put our attention, trust and praise in God, which is where it belongs.  Psalm 115 begins with the plea: Not to us, Yahweh, not to us...  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 115, which is part of the Hallel (Psalm 113-118) that was sung at the Jewish holy festivals and especially Passover.  Psalm 115 draws several contrasts in it, first between us and God (let Him gain the glory), next between God and idols that other nations serve, and finally between the ungodly who have little to look forward to beyond the grave and the righteous who will praise God forever.   

Spend some time examining your heart for idols, and meditate on Psalm 115:1 ("Not to us, Yahweh, not to us...") today.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> When we start praying, God meets us where we are.  But he doesn’t leave us there.  The Psalms have been guiding us to put our attention, trust and praise in God, which is where it belongs.  Psalm 115 begins with the plea: Not to us, Yahweh, not to us...  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 115, which is part of the Hallel (Psalm 113-118) that was sung at the Jewish holy festivals and especially Passover.  Psalm 115 draws several contrasts in it, first between us and God (let Him gain the glory), next between God and idols that other nations serve, and finally between the ungodly who have little to look forward to beyond the grave and the righteous who will praise God forever.   

Spend some time examining your heart for idols, and meditate on Psalm 115:1 ("Not to us, Yahweh, not to us...") today.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4423307 Fri, 03 Jul 2020 01:00:00 -0500 746 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 115 3 29 full false Jesus is Messiah (Psalm 110) Jesus is Messiah (Psalm 110) Psalm 110 is one of two psalms about the Messiah that is widely quoted in the New Testament by Jesus himself and his early followers.  At the same time, it is cryptic and mysterious in some of its details.  How do we pray it?   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 110 today, which along with Psalm 2 is a messianic psalm.  It's language comes from Israel's early kingdom days, yet it refers to the king as a priest too, something that was never true during the the reign of any of Israel's kings.  In speaking of the Messiah to come, it clearly is drawing from ancient language and ideas while making far-reaching claims for the Messiah.  In the New Testament, Jesus used this psalm to confound his opponents, and he considered himself the fulfillment, both son of David and David's Lord or superior.  Jesus quotes from this psalm in three of the four gospels, and Peter also refers to it on Pentecost (Acts 2).  It shows up again in Hebrews, which makes use of it in several ways.   

How do we pray Psalm 110 today?  We follow Jesus' lead along with the early Church and welcome Jesus as Messiah, both king and priest who alone rises to fulfill the prophetic role of the Messiah and who will return again to reign at the end of the age.  We look forward in anticipation to God's righteous judgment and victory over his enemies.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Psalm 110 is one of two psalms about the Messiah that is widely quoted in the New Testament by Jesus himself and his early followers.  At the same time, it is cryptic and mysterious in some of its details.  How do we pray it?   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 110 today, which along with Psalm 2 is a messianic psalm.  It's language comes from Israel's early kingdom days, yet it refers to the king as a priest too, something that was never true during the the reign of any of Israel's kings.  In speaking of the Messiah to come, it clearly is drawing from ancient language and ideas while making far-reaching claims for the Messiah.  In the New Testament, Jesus used this psalm to confound his opponents, and he considered himself the fulfillment, both son of David and David's Lord or superior.  Jesus quotes from this psalm in three of the four gospels, and Peter also refers to it on Pentecost (Acts 2).  It shows up again in Hebrews, which makes use of it in several ways.   

How do we pray Psalm 110 today?  We follow Jesus' lead along with the early Church and welcome Jesus as Messiah, both king and priest who alone rises to fulfill the prophetic role of the Messiah and who will return again to reign at the end of the age.  We look forward in anticipation to God's righteous judgment and victory over his enemies.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4390064 Wed, 01 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500 603 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 110 3 28 full false ABC's of Praise (Psalms 111 & 112) ABC's of Praise (Psalms 111 & 112) What is the most basic but essential thing about praise, the abc's?  Not only does Psalm 111 tell us what that is, it teaches us how to practice it.  Psalm 112 continues the theme that Psalm 111 ends on and shows us the blessings of praising and worshiping God. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 111 and considering Psalm 112 from Book 5 of the Psalms.  In form and structure these two psalms are quite similar: both start the same with "Hallelu-Yah!", both are ten verses long, and both are Hebrew acrostics--poems where the first word of each line start with the letters of the alphabet, from "A to Z" (or aleph to taw).  Further, the last verse of Psalm 111 provides the theme that Psalm 112 begins with. 

Psalm 111 and 112 are wisdom psalms and contain themes and emphases that we find in the other wisdom books (Job, Ecclesiastes and especially Proverbs).  A key verse that illustrates this is Psalm 111:10 "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom."  Psalm 112 in many ways echoes Psalm 1 and the entire book of Proverbs.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> What is the most basic but essential thing about praise, the abc's?  Not only does Psalm 111 tell us what that is, it teaches us how to practice it.  Psalm 112 continues the theme that Psalm 111 ends on and shows us the blessings of praising and worshiping God. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 111 and considering Psalm 112 from Book 5 of the Psalms.  In form and structure these two psalms are quite similar: both start the same with "Hallelu-Yah!", both are ten verses long, and both are Hebrew acrostics--poems where the first word of each line start with the letters of the alphabet, from "A to Z" (or aleph to taw).  Further, the last verse of Psalm 111 provides the theme that Psalm 112 begins with. 

Psalm 111 and 112 are wisdom psalms and contain themes and emphases that we find in the other wisdom books (Job, Ecclesiastes and especially Proverbs).  A key verse that illustrates this is Psalm 111:10 "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom."  Psalm 112 in many ways echoes Psalm 1 and the entire book of Proverbs.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4332959 Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0500 780 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 111, Psalm 112 3 27 full false God's Love Delivers Us (Psalm 107) God's Love Delivers Us (Psalm 107) God’s salvation seems cheap to those not lost, God’s redemption isn’t sweet to those not bound or imprisoned.  God’s love isn’t especially meaningful to those who haven’t been cheated, robbed or forgotten.  In other words, if you haven’t cried out to God in desperation, you probably won’t seek his deliverance.       

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 107 from Book 5 of the Psalms.  While it has some similarities to the two previous psalms (105-106), it has less emphasis on history and more on God's deliverance from a variety of human conditions.  There are three main parts to this psalm: the first three verses or introduction, the many ways and situations God delivers us (vv. 4-32), and a meditation on God’s ways that calls for wisdom (vv. 33-43).  Altogether, it’s a thanksgiving psalm for God’s deliverance that urges us to grow in wisdom. 

Psalm 107 begins with praise, not lament.  God's goodness, love and deliverance are highlighted.  The psalm recalls specific ways God has delivered people in a wide variety of circumstances: from dry desert wanderings to watery ocean waves, from the darkness of prison to the foolishness of rebellion, from hunger and thirst  and from sickness and discouragement. The last part of Psalm 107 is a wisdom psalm.  It says God is fully able to reverse situations; he is the master of reversals in nature and in human fortunes.  Wisdom teaches us to be humble and seek God’s will, because our situation can be reversed.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> God’s salvation seems cheap to those not lost, God’s redemption isn’t sweet to those not bound or imprisoned.  God’s love isn’t especially meaningful to those who haven’t been cheated, robbed or forgotten.  In other words, if you haven’t cried out to God in desperation, you probably won’t seek his deliverance.       

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 107 from Book 5 of the Psalms.  While it has some similarities to the two previous psalms (105-106), it has less emphasis on history and more on God's deliverance from a variety of human conditions.  There are three main parts to this psalm: the first three verses or introduction, the many ways and situations God delivers us (vv. 4-32), and a meditation on God’s ways that calls for wisdom (vv. 33-43).  Altogether, it’s a thanksgiving psalm for God’s deliverance that urges us to grow in wisdom. 

Psalm 107 begins with praise, not lament.  God's goodness, love and deliverance are highlighted.  The psalm recalls specific ways God has delivered people in a wide variety of circumstances: from dry desert wanderings to watery ocean waves, from the darkness of prison to the foolishness of rebellion, from hunger and thirst  and from sickness and discouragement. The last part of Psalm 107 is a wisdom psalm.  It says God is fully able to reverse situations; he is the master of reversals in nature and in human fortunes.  Wisdom teaches us to be humble and seek God’s will, because our situation can be reversed.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4306442 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0500 875 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 107 3 26 full false Remember and Repent (Psalms 105 & 106) Remember and Repent (Psalms 105 & 106) Is God concerned with the past or with wrongs our ancestors committed in the past?  Do we in fact need to give any thought to history?  The Psalms answer these questions and show us how to engage with history and the past in God’s way.        

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to parts of Psalm 105 and 106 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  These both retrace Israel's history and yet they have two different approaches.  Since these are longer psalms (45 and 48 verses long), we won't read the entire psalm on the episode.  Psalm 105 focuses on Israel's early history and praises God for his mighty works demonstrated in their deliverance from Egypt and wandering in the wilderness.  God's covenant with his people is emphasized.  

Psalm 106 also praises God for his loyal covenant love and mighty acts, but Israel's sin and rebellion is repeatedly mentioned.  The psalmist also confesses he and the nation share in the sin; it is not just a past problem but it continues in the present.  The disobedience has landed the nation in exile and the psalmist prays for God to bring his people back to the land of Israel.  These two psalms show that God works in history and wants his people to praise him and remember what he has done as well as honor the covenant and repent of their sins and those of their fathers.     

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Is God concerned with the past or with wrongs our ancestors committed in the past?  Do we in fact need to give any thought to history?  The Psalms answer these questions and show us how to engage with history and the past in God’s way.        

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to parts of Psalm 105 and 106 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  These both retrace Israel's history and yet they have two different approaches.  Since these are longer psalms (45 and 48 verses long), we won't read the entire psalm on the episode.  Psalm 105 focuses on Israel's early history and praises God for his mighty works demonstrated in their deliverance from Egypt and wandering in the wilderness.  God's covenant with his people is emphasized.  

Psalm 106 also praises God for his loyal covenant love and mighty acts, but Israel's sin and rebellion is repeatedly mentioned.  The psalmist also confesses he and the nation share in the sin; it is not just a past problem but it continues in the present.  The disobedience has landed the nation in exile and the psalmist prays for God to bring his people back to the land of Israel.  These two psalms show that God works in history and wants his people to praise him and remember what he has done as well as honor the covenant and repent of their sins and those of their fathers.     

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4288436 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:00:00 -0500 1015 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 105, Psalm 106 3 25 full false Bless Yahweh (Psalm 103) Bless Yahweh (Psalm 103) When was the last time you gave much thought to God’s benefits for you? God’s blessings are rich and complete and when you wake up to them, you are compelled to bless God for all his benefits.        

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 103 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is one of the most gracious and beautiful psalms in the collection.  It has three sections:  vv. 1-5 praise God for his benefits, vv. 6-18 focus on who God is, his covenant and how he deals with sin, and vv. 19-22 swells from God reigning at the center to show all creation blessing him.  The first and last verse encourages us to stir our soul and bless God, to learn to turn from seeking the blessing to start being the blesser.  God's grace, compassion and tender love is a prominent theme and it echoes what Moses saw in Exodus 34:6-7.    

Psalm 103 can transform you from a blessed child to a blesser, a giver who extends blessing to others, starting with God.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> When was the last time you gave much thought to God’s benefits for you? God’s blessings are rich and complete and when you wake up to them, you are compelled to bless God for all his benefits.        

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 103 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is one of the most gracious and beautiful psalms in the collection.  It has three sections:  vv. 1-5 praise God for his benefits, vv. 6-18 focus on who God is, his covenant and how he deals with sin, and vv. 19-22 swells from God reigning at the center to show all creation blessing him.  The first and last verse encourages us to stir our soul and bless God, to learn to turn from seeking the blessing to start being the blesser.  God's grace, compassion and tender love is a prominent theme and it echoes what Moses saw in Exodus 34:6-7.    

Psalm 103 can transform you from a blessed child to a blesser, a giver who extends blessing to others, starting with God.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4238816 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0500 784 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 103 3 24 full false Holy Holy Holy (Psalm 99) Holy Holy Holy (Psalm 99) To call God holy is to speak truly about him as wholly good.  If we’re honest, it also involves us confessing that we are NOT holy or good, not like he is.  Any goodness we have is a very dim reflection of his dazzling brilliance.  Psalm 99 repeats three times: He is holy!

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 99 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  At first it seems to be an elaborated version of Psalm 93.  It begins by proclaiming "Yahweh reigns" (so does Psalm 97 by the way).  It lifts high God's praise, but then it starts laying down its own fresh emphases.  As we said before, all the Psalms from 90-100 have some intricate links between them and you would be blessed from in-depth study of all of these psalms.  

Psalm 99 names three of Israel's leaders who had priestly functions and intimacy with God (Moses, Aaron and Samuel), though they served in other ways too.  Moses was a messenger for God's law, Aaron was the first high priest to serve at the tabernacle, and Samuel also anointed Israel's first two kings.  Psalm 99 emphasizes that God is holy, his name is holy, and he reigns.  Besides the links to Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, this psalm also echoes the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.  Today, pray the Lord's prayer while keeping in mind the rich background of Psalm 99.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> To call God holy is to speak truly about him as wholly good.  If we’re honest, it also involves us confessing that we are NOT holy or good, not like he is.  Any goodness we have is a very dim reflection of his dazzling brilliance.  Psalm 99 repeats three times: He is holy!

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 99 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  At first it seems to be an elaborated version of Psalm 93.  It begins by proclaiming "Yahweh reigns" (so does Psalm 97 by the way).  It lifts high God's praise, but then it starts laying down its own fresh emphases.  As we said before, all the Psalms from 90-100 have some intricate links between them and you would be blessed from in-depth study of all of these psalms.  

Psalm 99 names three of Israel's leaders who had priestly functions and intimacy with God (Moses, Aaron and Samuel), though they served in other ways too.  Moses was a messenger for God's law, Aaron was the first high priest to serve at the tabernacle, and Samuel also anointed Israel's first two kings.  Psalm 99 emphasizes that God is holy, his name is holy, and he reigns.  Besides the links to Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, this psalm also echoes the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.  Today, pray the Lord's prayer while keeping in mind the rich background of Psalm 99.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4175597 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 01:00:00 -0500 578 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 99 3 23 full false Sing a New Song (Psalm 98) Sing a New Song (Psalm 98) Singing is a natural response when our emotions are aroused.  Psalm 98 shows us what singing a new song includes and reminds us we have plenty to sing about.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 98 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It celebrates God's salvation and justice by singing a new song.  It follows in the steps of Psalm 95 and 96 which are also songs of praise or urge singing a new song to Yahweh.  All the Psalms from 90-100 have some intricate links between them and you would be blessed from in-depth study on this topic.  The exuberant thanksgiving and praise by the rivers, the mountains and the seas helps us see that praise is not limited to humans alone.  The concluding note of God coming and his future judgment and restoration of justice strikes the note of hopeful expectation for believers.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Singing is a natural response when our emotions are aroused.  Psalm 98 shows us what singing a new song includes and reminds us we have plenty to sing about.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 98 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It celebrates God's salvation and justice by singing a new song.  It follows in the steps of Psalm 95 and 96 which are also songs of praise or urge singing a new song to Yahweh.  All the Psalms from 90-100 have some intricate links between them and you would be blessed from in-depth study on this topic.  The exuberant thanksgiving and praise by the rivers, the mountains and the seas helps us see that praise is not limited to humans alone.  The concluding note of God coming and his future judgment and restoration of justice strikes the note of hopeful expectation for believers.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4175591 Mon, 15 Jun 2020 01:00:00 -0500 651 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 98 3 22 full false Yahweh Reigns (Psalm 93) Yahweh Reigns (Psalm 93) Who (or what) is in control?  That is a question we have to ask today.  Psalm 93 gives us an emphatic answer:  Yahweh reigns.  He is in control.  And he is not like any other god you might have encountered.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 93 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of God's reign and rule.   In five verses, just 45 words in Hebrew, it captures an entire worldview.  Yahweh reigns, he created the world and all the mighty forces of nature are beneath him.  He has revealed himself faithfully, and he is holy.  From these truths, our response is to live acknowledging God's reign and his holiness and making daily choices that submit to him. 

The "waters" in v. 3 (this translation) are literally "rivers" in Hebrew and could refer to the mighty rivers of the ancient world, the seas (and their currents), or both.  "Yahweh" is repeated five times, and he is clearly central in this psalm.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Who (or what) is in control?  That is a question we have to ask today.  Psalm 93 gives us an emphatic answer:  Yahweh reigns.  He is in control.  And he is not like any other god you might have encountered.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 93 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of God's reign and rule.   In five verses, just 45 words in Hebrew, it captures an entire worldview.  Yahweh reigns, he created the world and all the mighty forces of nature are beneath him.  He has revealed himself faithfully, and he is holy.  From these truths, our response is to live acknowledging God's reign and his holiness and making daily choices that submit to him. 

The "waters" in v. 3 (this translation) are literally "rivers" in Hebrew and could refer to the mighty rivers of the ancient world, the seas (and their currents), or both.  "Yahweh" is repeated five times, and he is clearly central in this psalm.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4133198 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 11:00:00 -0500 679 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 93 3 21 full false Shadow of Shaddai (Psalm 91) Shadow of Shaddai (Psalm 91) If there was ever a psalm for our day, it has to be Psalm 91.  So many people have turned to it for protection, comfort and reassurance.  God gave it to us in order to grow our faith and help us put confidence in him. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 91 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of confidence, trust and a prayer for God's protection.   It teaches us to call on God and even gives us four names for him:  Most High (Elyon), Almighty (Shaddai), Yahweh, and God (Elohim). It also gives us several descriptions or images of his help: hiding place, shadow, refuge, fortress as well as shield and rampart.  Though the threats and dangers that can assault us are many, God's protection is more secure and he sends angels to to guard and help us.  The last three verses has God speaking directly to us, promising to rescue, protect, answer, be with us, deliver, honor, satisfy and show us salvation.  Grab hold of one of these truths and meditate on it today.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> If there was ever a psalm for our day, it has to be Psalm 91.  So many people have turned to it for protection, comfort and reassurance.  God gave it to us in order to grow our faith and help us put confidence in him. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 91 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of confidence, trust and a prayer for God's protection.   It teaches us to call on God and even gives us four names for him:  Most High (Elyon), Almighty (Shaddai), Yahweh, and God (Elohim). It also gives us several descriptions or images of his help: hiding place, shadow, refuge, fortress as well as shield and rampart.  Though the threats and dangers that can assault us are many, God's protection is more secure and he sends angels to to guard and help us.  The last three verses has God speaking directly to us, promising to rescue, protect, answer, be with us, deliver, honor, satisfy and show us salvation.  Grab hold of one of these truths and meditate on it today.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4117664 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0500 851 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 91 3 20 full false Wisdom (Psalm 90) Wisdom (Psalm 90) Some psalms grow on you and become such a part of you over time that they are a touchstone, an anchor for your soul through the changing seasons of faith.  Psalm 90 is that psalm for me. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 90 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of Moses and has a lot packed into it, more than we can unpack in 15 minutes.  It teaches us that God is eternal yet our lives are fleeting.  God hates sin because it destroys us and his good creation.  Life apart from God is full of frustration and trouble, so the wisest choice you can make in life is to fear God and call on his name.  Ask him to teach you and show you the true purpose of your life.  God is compassionate and gives us both joy and purpose in living.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Some psalms grow on you and become such a part of you over time that they are a touchstone, an anchor for your soul through the changing seasons of faith.  Psalm 90 is that psalm for me. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 90 from Book 4 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of Moses and has a lot packed into it, more than we can unpack in 15 minutes.  It teaches us that God is eternal yet our lives are fleeting.  God hates sin because it destroys us and his good creation.  Life apart from God is full of frustration and trouble, so the wisest choice you can make in life is to fear God and call on his name.  Ask him to teach you and show you the true purpose of your life.  God is compassionate and gives us both joy and purpose in living.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we progress in season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4102610 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0500 898 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 90 3 19 full false Blessed-3X (Psalm 84) Blessed-3X (Psalm 84) Do you seek the blessing of being in God's presence? Those who have spent any time there know the joy and the comfort that God brings.  But the blessing isn't limited just to spending time in God's presence.  Psalm 84 shows us that the blessing extends to other times including when we set out hearts toward God and place our trust in him.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 84 from Book 3 of the Psalms.  It is a familiar psalm to many and it expresses a longing to be in God's presence, to spend time in the courts of God.  What if you can't actually be in a house of God or a place of worship?  Psalm 84 also speaks to those who have set their heart on pilgrimage, who are on their way to go worship God and speaks blessings upon the journey.  Finally, it blesses all who put their trust in God and who focus on doing their duty by choosing to do the right thing and turn their back on the ways of the wicked.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Do you seek the blessing of being in God's presence? Those who have spent any time there know the joy and the comfort that God brings.  But the blessing isn't limited just to spending time in God's presence.  Psalm 84 shows us that the blessing extends to other times including when we set out hearts toward God and place our trust in him.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 84 from Book 3 of the Psalms.  It is a familiar psalm to many and it expresses a longing to be in God's presence, to spend time in the courts of God.  What if you can't actually be in a house of God or a place of worship?  Psalm 84 also speaks to those who have set their heart on pilgrimage, who are on their way to go worship God and speaks blessings upon the journey.  Finally, it blesses all who put their trust in God and who focus on doing their duty by choosing to do the right thing and turn their back on the ways of the wicked.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4085972 Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0500 722 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 84 3 18 full false God of Justice (Psalm 82) God of Justice (Psalm 82) God is just and is concerned with justice.  The Psalms affirm this repeatedly.  Rulers who act like they are above the law or they *are* the law, like they are gods somehow, are in for a rude awakening.  God judges them and finds them lacking.  He will step in to restore justice when they don't.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 82 from Book 3 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of Asaph and it calls on God to judge the "gods" or rulers who fail to act justly and take the side of the wicked.  God's justice is rooted in his nature of goodness and righteousness, and he takes the side of the oppressed, the weak and those who cry out for mercy.  God will restore his creation back to its intended order and rightness.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> God is just and is concerned with justice.  The Psalms affirm this repeatedly.  Rulers who act like they are above the law or they *are* the law, like they are gods somehow, are in for a rude awakening.  God judges them and finds them lacking.  He will step in to restore justice when they don't.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 82 from Book 3 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of Asaph and it calls on God to judge the "gods" or rulers who fail to act justly and take the side of the wicked.  God's justice is rooted in his nature of goodness and righteousness, and he takes the side of the oppressed, the weak and those who cry out for mercy.  God will restore his creation back to its intended order and rightness.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4055348 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0500 761 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 82 3 17 full false Wicked Envy (Psalm 73) Wicked Envy (Psalm 73) Why do the wicked prosper and get away with doing wrong?  Aren't the righteous supposed to be blessed and the wicked be judged?  But the wicked are partying like they own the place!  It's enough to make you question God. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 73 which begins Book 3 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of Asaph and it wrestles with some big questions.  The prosperity and boasts of the wicked is enough to make you want to give up the faith or question what's the point of accepting God's limits.  Read and meditate on this entire psalm and you will see a glimpse of the bigger picture.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Why do the wicked prosper and get away with doing wrong?  Aren't the righteous supposed to be blessed and the wicked be judged?  But the wicked are partying like they own the place!  It's enough to make you question God. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 73 which begins Book 3 of the Psalms.  It is a psalm of Asaph and it wrestles with some big questions.  The prosperity and boasts of the wicked is enough to make you want to give up the faith or question what's the point of accepting God's limits.  Read and meditate on this entire psalm and you will see a glimpse of the bigger picture.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> http://The prosperity of the wicked challenges our ideas about God's power and the rewards of being righteous. We gain a new (and better) perspective when we go and worship God. Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4038407 Thu, 04 Jun 2020 01:00:00 -0500 863 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 73 3 16 full false A Lifelong Faith (Psalm 71) A Lifelong Faith (Psalm 71) There is fierce opposition to faith today, both from opposing voices and sometimes from our own wayward doubts and thoughts.  The challenge is to listen to the truth, to develop a lifelong faith like Psalm 71 demonstrates.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 71.  It is a lesser known psalm but it prepares us to think long-term about our choices and our faith in God.  Will we grow old and have more confidence and faith in God regardless?  This psalm shows us to way to do that.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> There is fierce opposition to faith today, both from opposing voices and sometimes from our own wayward doubts and thoughts.  The challenge is to listen to the truth, to develop a lifelong faith like Psalm 71 demonstrates.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 71.  It is a lesser known psalm but it prepares us to think long-term about our choices and our faith in God.  Will we grow old and have more confidence and faith in God regardless?  This psalm shows us to way to do that.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-4015508 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:00:00 -0500 825 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 71 3 15 full false In God Alone (Psalm 62) In God Alone (Psalm 62) What do you do when you feel shaken?  Psalm 11:3 asks "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"  Our prayer today is meant to take our focus off of the place that is shaken and to put it on the only place that is unshakeable-the rock and fortress that our God is.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 62.  It is a psalm of confidence, but it is well-suited to times like now when things around us and in us are in upheaval.  The main message of the psalm is repeated twice in a refrain (vv. 1-2 and 5-6), and the prayer ends focusing on two truths about God:  he is all-powerful and all-loving.  Only in God and by faith can we proclaim that. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> What do you do when you feel shaken?  Psalm 11:3 asks "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"  Our prayer today is meant to take our focus off of the place that is shaken and to put it on the only place that is unshakeable-the rock and fortress that our God is.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 62.  It is a psalm of confidence, but it is well-suited to times like now when things around us and in us are in upheaval.  The main message of the psalm is repeated twice in a refrain (vv. 1-2 and 5-6), and the prayer ends focusing on two truths about God:  he is all-powerful and all-loving.  Only in God and by faith can we proclaim that. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3995483 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0500 866 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 62 3 14 full false Why am I Depressed? (Psalms 42-43) Why am I Depressed? (Psalms 42-43) The Psalms give us language for our heart's longings and for our own prayers.  There is a tremendous difference, though, between saying the right words and living fully the power of those words. God isn't interested in giving us a quick fix.  He wants to restore us completely.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalms 42-431, the beginning of Book 2 in the Psalms.  The opening words are probably familiar: "As a deer pants for water, so my soul pants for you." But our desire is often not enough to get us into God's presence.  We may long to worship him freely with God's people and we cannot, either due to sickness or we are far from our spiritual home or another reason.  Besides that, we learn that haters are mocking and undermining faith in God and it leads our psalmist deeper into depression. 

Using the image of water in many different forms, we go on a journey with the psalmist.  He repeats the same refrain three times, but it means very different things as he tries to lift himself out of his despair remembering times of earlier communion with God.  It doesn't work.  Finally he turns to God in prayer and praise and things shift.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> The Psalms give us language for our heart's longings and for our own prayers.  There is a tremendous difference, though, between saying the right words and living fully the power of those words. God isn't interested in giving us a quick fix.  He wants to restore us completely.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalms 42-431, the beginning of Book 2 in the Psalms.  The opening words are probably familiar: "As a deer pants for water, so my soul pants for you." But our desire is often not enough to get us into God's presence.  We may long to worship him freely with God's people and we cannot, either due to sickness or we are far from our spiritual home or another reason.  Besides that, we learn that haters are mocking and undermining faith in God and it leads our psalmist deeper into depression. 

Using the image of water in many different forms, we go on a journey with the psalmist.  He repeats the same refrain three times, but it means very different things as he tries to lift himself out of his despair remembering times of earlier communion with God.  It doesn't work.  Finally he turns to God in prayer and praise and things shift.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3962282 Fri, 29 May 2020 07:00:00 -0500 944 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 42-43 3 13 full false Mercy (Psalm 41) Mercy (Psalm 41) Jesus emphasized mercy and said it's what God desires from us.  We certainly need mercy.  So why do we hold back from showing more mercy to others?  It's a heart issue, and Psalm 41 today shows us both the blessing of mercy and the ugliness when no mercy is given. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 41, the last psalm in Book 1 of the Psalms.  Just as Psalm 1 started with a blessing on the righteous, Psalm 41 starts with a blessing on the merciful.  Appropriately it ends with a praised-filled blessing on Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is the source of all righteousness and mercy.  Psalm 41 also delves into the complexities of healing and forgiveness, both of which our psalmist needed.  Instead of receiving mercy and compassion from the community and close friends, he receives ugly, treacherous treatment.  Instead of becoming bitter, the psalmist puts his focus on God's deliverance and healing and is restored.  There's a lot going on in just 13 verses!   

Another touchstone verse to meditate on arising from this psalm is Matthew 5:7.  "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Jesus emphasized mercy and said it's what God desires from us.  We certainly need mercy.  So why do we hold back from showing more mercy to others?  It's a heart issue, and Psalm 41 today shows us both the blessing of mercy and the ugliness when no mercy is given. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 41, the last psalm in Book 1 of the Psalms.  Just as Psalm 1 started with a blessing on the righteous, Psalm 41 starts with a blessing on the merciful.  Appropriately it ends with a praised-filled blessing on Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is the source of all righteousness and mercy.  Psalm 41 also delves into the complexities of healing and forgiveness, both of which our psalmist needed.  Instead of receiving mercy and compassion from the community and close friends, he receives ugly, treacherous treatment.  Instead of becoming bitter, the psalmist puts his focus on God's deliverance and healing and is restored.  There's a lot going on in just 13 verses!   

Another touchstone verse to meditate on arising from this psalm is Matthew 5:7.  "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3941084 Wed, 27 May 2020 16:00:00 -0500 675 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 41 3 12 full false Confidence (Psalm 27) Confidence (Psalm 27) Is this a tough time in your life?  Maybe you struggle with doubt or discouragement,  sickness, enemies or opponents, feeling abandoned, or being falsely accused.  Do any of these describe your situation?  Psalm 27 is a powerful weapon we pick up to deal with these.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 27 today and talking about confidence.  This psalm doesn't say you have to summon up the strength and confidence from within yourself.  You transcend fear and feelings by focusing on God and obeying his command to put your faith in him.  Spend time in his presence.  Let him minister to you and build a fortress around you.  Listen to these 14 verses and meditate on them.  Pick out a line or section that speaks to your heart and repeat it to yourself.  Make it your prayer today.  The reading of Psalm 27 starts at 2:00 and goes to 4:20.  There is also an example of a prayer taken from Psalm 27 at 6:40 to 7:35.   

Other psalms of confidence include: 16, 18, 23, and 91.  There are others as well, and we'll return to this theme in this season.  You can pray and meditate any of these to grow your confidence in God. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Is this a tough time in your life?  Maybe you struggle with doubt or discouragement,  sickness, enemies or opponents, feeling abandoned, or being falsely accused.  Do any of these describe your situation?  Psalm 27 is a powerful weapon we pick up to deal with these.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 27 today and talking about confidence.  This psalm doesn't say you have to summon up the strength and confidence from within yourself.  You transcend fear and feelings by focusing on God and obeying his command to put your faith in him.  Spend time in his presence.  Let him minister to you and build a fortress around you.  Listen to these 14 verses and meditate on them.  Pick out a line or section that speaks to your heart and repeat it to yourself.  Make it your prayer today.  The reading of Psalm 27 starts at 2:00 and goes to 4:20.  There is also an example of a prayer taken from Psalm 27 at 6:40 to 7:35.   

Other psalms of confidence include: 16, 18, 23, and 91.  There are others as well, and we'll return to this theme in this season.  You can pray and meditate any of these to grow your confidence in God. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3922814 Tue, 26 May 2020 12:00:00 -0500 570 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 27 3 11 full false Blessing of Forgiveness (Psalm 32) Blessing of Forgiveness (Psalm 32) You’ve done wrong and you don’t want to admit it.  How long do you keep quiet about it?  Psalm 32 talks about that situation and then trains us in the best way to handle it.  When we delay or defend ourselves, we're just prolonging a long slow death.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 32 today and talking about forgiveness, specifically our need for God's forgiveness.  When we delay confession or justify our sin, we end up suffering.  God is quick to forgive and to hide our sin so that it can never be recorded against us or used to condemn us.  But that doesn't work if we on our own try to hide our sin from God and others.  Read and meditate on this psalm and let it lead you to rapid repentance over any sin you've not confessed or dealt with before God.    

The penitential psalms include: 6, 32, 38, 51, 103, 130 and 143 (these are the Hebrew numbers; in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles the numbers are off by one).  We hear of these seven psalms being used in the early church by the fifth century and that could be based on an even earlier tradition.  They were prayed especially during Lent, the 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter.  Each of these psalms of forgiveness show us different things about the experience of confession and being reconciled in our relationship with God due to sin.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> You’ve done wrong and you don’t want to admit it.  How long do you keep quiet about it?  Psalm 32 talks about that situation and then trains us in the best way to handle it.  When we delay or defend ourselves, we're just prolonging a long slow death.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 32 today and talking about forgiveness, specifically our need for God's forgiveness.  When we delay confession or justify our sin, we end up suffering.  God is quick to forgive and to hide our sin so that it can never be recorded against us or used to condemn us.  But that doesn't work if we on our own try to hide our sin from God and others.  Read and meditate on this psalm and let it lead you to rapid repentance over any sin you've not confessed or dealt with before God.    

The penitential psalms include: 6, 32, 38, 51, 103, 130 and 143 (these are the Hebrew numbers; in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles the numbers are off by one).  We hear of these seven psalms being used in the early church by the fifth century and that could be based on an even earlier tradition.  They were prayed especially during Lent, the 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter.  Each of these psalms of forgiveness show us different things about the experience of confession and being reconciled in our relationship with God due to sin.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3872822 Fri, 22 May 2020 09:00:00 -0500 778 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 32 3 10 full false Waiting (Psalm 25) Waiting (Psalm 25) Waiting.  It's hardly my favorite activity.  For most people waiting is a waste of time, a tedious postponement of our life.  But waiting is precious to God.  Psalm 25 teaches us what to do while we're waiting.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 25 in this episode and the theme is waiting.  Psalm 25 is a lament, and lament is really about waiting and growing in the process.  This acrostic psalm shows artistry in its arrangement and depth in the range of themes that is tackles.  Some of the poetry is hard to appreciate in translation, but the main messages come through clearly. 

Here are some of the "power ideas" mentioned in the episode:  trust, shame-disgrace, teach-guide, path-ways, God's love (and goodness), sin, covenant, fear God, troubles-suffering, deliverance-salvation. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

In the spirit of the acrostic psalm, here are some of the clusters I mentioned for you to meditate on and use in prayer:  Trust/Truth/Troubles,  Shame/Sin/Salvation, prayers to God-Teach me/Love me/Deliver me.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Waiting.  It's hardly my favorite activity.  For most people waiting is a waste of time, a tedious postponement of our life.  But waiting is precious to God.  Psalm 25 teaches us what to do while we're waiting.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's w/Sin/ord for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to Psalm 25 in this episode and the theme is waiting.  Psalm 25 is a lament, and lament is really about waiting and growing in the process.  This acrostic psalm shows artistry in its arrangement and depth in the range of themes that is tackles.  Some of the poetry is hard to appreciate in translation, but the main messages come through clearly. 

Here are some of the "power ideas" mentioned in the episode:  trust, shame-disgrace, teach-guide, path-ways, God's love (and goodness), sin, covenant, fear God, troubles-suffering, deliverance-salvation. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

In the spirit of the acrostic psalm, here are some of the clusters I mentioned for you to meditate on and use in prayer:  Trust/Truth/Troubles,  Shame/Sin/Salvation, prayers to God-Teach me/Love me/Deliver me.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3837797 Wed, 20 May 2020 12:00:00 -0500 993 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 25 3 9 full false Worship Ready (Psalm 24) Worship Ready (Psalm 24) Are you ready to worship?  If it has been a while since you worshiped with God's people, Psalm 24 may be just the thing to get you ready for worship.  It helps us answer the question:  How do we enter God's presence?

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We listen to Psalm 24 in our episode today and it's words are probably familiar, but I think we fail to grasp the setting and message of this entire psalm.  It comes from the days of Israel's frequent battles with their enemies (3000 years ago!) when they brought the ark of the covenant back to its resting place in the sanctuary.  As they entered the gates of the holy city, the Levites stopped people at the great doors and a question/answer exchange took place (see Ps 24:3-6).  Listen to the entire episode to gain a deeper appreciation for the background of this psalm and also three key points to help apply it to your own worship and prayer time with God.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

For this episode we edited down the original recording which had four more minutes of background and content about Israel's history and scriptures that illustrate it.  If you are interested to hear those, send an email to guide@word-of-prayer.com.  Also, if you want to study scripture references for background look at  Deut 20:1-5, 1 Sam 4, 7:1, 2 Sam 6:12-18 and 1 Kings 8:1-6.  The larger context is found in the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, and1-2 Samuel.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Are you ready to worship?  If it has been a while since you worshiped with God's people, Psalm 24 may be just the thing to get you ready for worship.  It helps us answer the question:  How do we enter God's presence?

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We listen to Psalm 24 in our episode today and it's words are probably familiar, but I think we fail to grasp the setting and message of this entire psalm.  It comes from the days of Israel's frequent battles with their enemies (3000 years ago!) when they brought the ark of the covenant back to its resting place in the sanctuary.  As they entered the gates of the holy city, the Levites stopped people at the great doors and a question/answer exchange took place (see Ps 24:3-6).  Listen to the entire episode to gain a deeper appreciation for the background of this psalm and also three key points to help apply it to your own worship and prayer time with God.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

For this episode we edited down the original recording which had four more minutes of background and content about Israel's history and scriptures that illustrate it.  If you are interested to hear those, send an email to guide@word-of-prayer.com.  Also, if you want to study scripture references for background look at  Deut 20:1-5, 1 Sam 4, 7:1, 2 Sam 6:12-18 and 1 Kings 8:1-6.  The larger context is found in the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, and1-2 Samuel.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3831977 Tue, 19 May 2020 16:00:00 -0500 728 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 24 3 8 full false Where is God? (Psalm 14) Where is God? (Psalm 14) Is it foolish to pray to a god we can't see, who might not even be there?  Some think so, and just about everyone has questioned our belief in God at some time.  But Psalm 14 says the real folly is to see the evil around us and to persist in the belief that there is no god.  No one wants to live in a world dominated by sin.  We long for something better.  God planted that longing in our heart.  Those seeking God will find him.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We listen to Psalm 14 in our episode today and it begins with a startling statement:  the fool says in their heart, "There is no god."  At the same time, it pictures Yahweh looking down on humanity to see if any are seeking him.  No one is!  Sin has taken humanity captive.  As Ps 14:3 says (and Romans 1 and 3 echoes), all have turned aside and become corrupt.  No one does good, not even one."  The only hope is in turning to God and seeking him, renouncing the darkness and evil that has clouded our hearts and our thinking.  God will save and restore us when we put our hope in him. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Is it foolish to pray to a god we can't see, who might not even be there?  Some think so, and just about everyone has questioned our belief in God at some time.  But Psalm 14 says the real folly is to see the evil around us and to persist in the belief that there is no god.  No one wants to live in a world dominated by sin.  We long for something better.  God planted that longing in our heart.  Those seeking God will find him.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We listen to Psalm 14 in our episode today and it begins with a startling statement:  the fool says in their heart, "There is no god."  At the same time, it pictures Yahweh looking down on humanity to see if any are seeking him.  No one is!  Sin has taken humanity captive.  As Ps 14:3 says (and Romans 1 and 3 echoes), all have turned aside and become corrupt.  No one does good, not even one."  The only hope is in turning to God and seeking him, renouncing the darkness and evil that has clouded our hearts and our thinking.  God will save and restore us when we put our hope in him. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3763922 Mon, 18 May 2020 09:00:00 -0500 651 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 14 3 7 full false Nothing Better (Psalm 16) Nothing Better (Psalm 16) Think of a time when you felt fantastic.  How long did it last?  Do you know what caused it? You can actually learn to delight yourself in God.  Psalm 16 trains us in using our emotions in a positive way to grow in our relationship with God.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 16 in our episode today and it leads us into a close and personal experience of prayer to God. How do we pray this kind of prayer if we are not feeling a strong or intense affection for God?  It helps for us to tune in to danger on the one hand and to also surrender to God.  Psalm 16 points out both of these things, and it helps us to empty our cup so God can fill us with the good stuff:  more of Him in our life. God will show you the path that leads to life which leads into His presence and intense, joyful delight that never ends.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Think of a time when you felt fantastic.  How long did it last?  Do you know what caused it? You can actually learn to delight yourself in God.  Psalm 16 trains us in using our emotions in a positive way to grow in our relationship with God.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 16 in our episode today and it leads us into a close and personal experience of prayer to God. How do we pray this kind of prayer if we are not feeling a strong or intense affection for God?  It helps for us to tune in to danger on the one hand and to also surrender to God.  Psalm 16 points out both of these things, and it helps us to empty our cup so God can fill us with the good stuff:  more of Him in our life. God will show you the path that leads to life which leads into His presence and intense, joyful delight that never ends.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

As we get into season three get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3763904 Fri, 15 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500 577 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 16 3 6 full false Heal Me, Forgive Me (Psalm 6) Heal Me, Forgive Me (Psalm 6) Where do you need healing or forgiveness?  What part of you needs healing?  What do you need to be forgiven? Those might seem like different things, but what we will see today in Psalm 6 is they are pretty closely related.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 6 today and it helps us uncover what it means to pray "Heal me" to God.  The psalmist feels vulnerable before God and is suffering.  In body, spirit and soul there is distress and suffering.  It is not an individual matter either because others are implicated as well, taking part in the taunting and suffering.  What is needed is healing and forgiveness.  The prayer ends with some degree of confidence in being heard and in putting the enemies to shame.  Healing and forgiveness will come. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

With the beginning of season three I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Where do you need healing or forgiveness?  What part of you needs healing?  What do you need to be forgiven? Those might seem like different things, but what we will see today in Psalm 6 is they are pretty closely related.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 6 today and it helps us uncover what it means to pray "Heal me" to God.  The psalmist feels vulnerable before God and is suffering.  In body, spirit and soul there is distress and suffering.  It is not an individual matter either because others are implicated as well, taking part in the taunting and suffering.  What is needed is healing and forgiveness.  The prayer ends with some degree of confidence in being heard and in putting the enemies to shame.  Healing and forgiveness will come. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word. 

With the beginning of season three I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3749390 Thu, 14 May 2020 07:00:00 -0500 629 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 6 3 5 full false Sleep Well (Psalm 4) Sleep Well (Psalm 4) Having any trouble sleeping?  The Psalms show us how to pray at night before we go to bed.  If you have any hesitation about God hearing you, you need to listen to this episode and Psalm 4 and let it guide you to make your request, your tephillah or prayer known before God.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 4 in this episode and it leads us to pray a "Hear me" prayer to God.  The psalmist has confidence in being heard and shows us no matter our troubled heart or emotional upset, God can handle it if we will unload it before him.  We will find peace in his presence and a great blessing, even greater than the material things that we often call "blessings".  Let Psalm 4 be part of your new evening routine before you go to bed and learn to pray it each night.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Season Three has begun and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Having any trouble sleeping?  The Psalms show us how to pray at night before we go to bed.  If you have any hesitation about God hearing you, you need to listen to this episode and Psalm 4 and let it guide you to make your request, your tephillah or prayer known before God.  

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 4 in this episode and it leads us to pray a "Hear me" prayer to God.  The psalmist has confidence in being heard and shows us no matter our troubled heart or emotional upset, God can handle it if we will unload it before him.  We will find peace in his presence and a great blessing, even greater than the material things that we often call "blessings".  Let Psalm 4 be part of your new evening routine before you go to bed and learn to pray it each night.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Season Three has begun and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3745244 Wed, 13 May 2020 16:00:00 -0500 629 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 4 3 4 full false God's Son the King (Psalm 2) God's Son the King (Psalm 2) Royalty may not mean much to you but it's important to God. The Psalms have a lot to say about kings of the world and God's kingdom.  Who will you bow to?  Whose authority matters in your life?  Psalm 2 pushes those questions to the center of our prayers. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 2 in this episode and it challenges us  with its historical background and harsh language. But since it--together with Psalm 1--forms a thematic introduction to the entire book of Psalms, we need to pay attention.  This psalm also was cherished in the early Church for how it spoke of Jesus as God's Son.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

Season Three has begun and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Royalty may not mean much to you but it's important to God. The Psalms have a lot to say about kings of the world and God's kingdom.  Who will you bow to?  Whose authority matters in your life?  Psalm 2 pushes those questions to the center of our prayers. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We feature Psalm 2 in this episode and it challenges us  with its historical background and harsh language. But since it--together with Psalm 1--forms a thematic introduction to the entire book of Psalms, we need to pay attention.  This psalm also was cherished in the early Church for how it spoke of Jesus as God's Son.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

Season Three has begun and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3727364 Tue, 12 May 2020 10:00:00 -0500 911 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 2 3 3 full false Praying the Psalms - Part 2 (Psalm 3) Praying the Psalms - Part 2 (Psalm 3) The Psalms show us--and teach us--how to pray honestly, from the heart.  That doesn't mean that all the words come out sounding pretty and poetic.  Sometimes, they are ragged and raspy like the psalm we will pray today. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this episode we briefly introduce four types of prayer that we find in the Psalms:  Hear me, God;  Help me, God; Heal me, God; and Hallelujah, God!  These are spread thoughout the collection, but the early psalms do have more cries for being heard, help and healing while the later psalms toward the end have more expressions of praise and blessing. 

We feature in this episode Psalm 3, a short prayer of eight verses that cries out "Oh my God!"  The title says it is David's prayer when he fled from his son Absalom and the kingdom seemed to be lost to him.  He faced many internal enemies and felt surrounded and many said he couldn't count on God to deliver him.  The groan of "Oh my God!" was fully appropriate.  But after starting there, David moves on to trust and dependence and faith in God.  "Oh my God!" is not said in mock disbelief; it is a prayer that comes before "I will not fear" and "deliver me, O God."   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

Season Three has begun and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> The Psalms show us--and teach us--how to pray honestly, from the heart.  That doesn't mean that all the words come out sounding pretty and poetic.  Sometimes, they are ragged and raspy like the psalm we will pray today. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this episode we briefly introduce four types of prayer that we find in the Psalms:  Hear me, God;  Help me, God; Heal me, God; and Hallelujah, God!  These are spread thoughout the collection, but the early psalms do have more cries for being heard, help and healing while the later psalms toward the end have more expressions of praise and blessing. 

We feature in this episode Psalm 3, a short prayer of eight verses that cries out "Oh my God!"  The title says it is David's prayer when he fled from his son Absalom and the kingdom seemed to be lost to him.  He faced many internal enemies and felt surrounded and many said he couldn't count on God to deliver him.  The groan of "Oh my God!" was fully appropriate.  But after starting there, David moves on to trust and dependence and faith in God.  "Oh my God!" is not said in mock disbelief; it is a prayer that comes before "I will not fear" and "deliver me, O God."   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

Season Three has begun and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3667867 Fri, 08 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500 469 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 3 3 2 full false Praying the Psalms - Part 1 (Psalm 13) Praying the Psalms - Part 1 (Psalm 13) The Psalms are a favorite for praying, singing and meditation.  You probably have several favorite verses from the Psalms.  How well do you read the entire book--all 150 psalms, all ~2500 verses?  We want to explore how to go further and deeper in the psalms in this season.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this first episode we discuss three points that face us in the Psalms or humps to get over:  History, Hebrew poetry and Harsh language.  There is a lot of history in the Old Testament and in the writing of the Psalms.  David is no doubt behind many of the psalms but not all of them.  The historical background for any individual psalm is often not clear to us.  We can pray it anyway.  Poetry in any language is challenging, and Hebrew poetry has its own features that are different from English, especially parallelism and the figures of speech.  The Church from early days, though, enjoyed and prayed the Psalms even in translation (in Greek and other languages--Latin, Coptic, Syriac, etc.) and we can too.  The harsh language of the psalms targets enemies, foes, the wicked--even God!  Jesus quoted from the Psalms when he was being tried to the extreme, both at his temptation (Matthew 4) and at his death (Matthew 27).  God can hear us at our worst and he wants to bring us to a better place.   

We close this episode praying Psalm 13, a short prayer of five verses that echoes the question "How long?"  In Hebrew, ad nah is the phrases repeated four times in the first few verses, and God shows us here it's okay for us to question, to wonder, to pray "How long will this last?" 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

Season Three has started and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> The Psalms are a favorite for praying, singing and meditation.  You probably have several favorite verses from the Psalms.  How well do you read the entire book--all 150 psalms, all ~2500 verses?  We want to explore how to go further and deeper in the psalms in this season.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this first episode we discuss three points that face us in the Psalms or humps to get over:  History, Hebrew poetry and Harsh language.  There is a lot of history in the Old Testament and in the writing of the Psalms.  David is no doubt behind many of the psalms but not all of them.  The historical background for any individual psalm is often not clear to us.  We can pray it anyway.  Poetry in any language is challenging, and Hebrew poetry has its own features that are different from English, especially parallelism and the figures of speech.  The Church from early days, though, enjoyed and prayed the Psalms even in translation (in Greek and other languages--Latin, Coptic, Syriac, etc.) and we can too.  The harsh language of the psalms targets enemies, foes, the wicked--even God!  Jesus quoted from the Psalms when he was being tried to the extreme, both at his temptation (Matthew 4) and at his death (Matthew 27).  God can hear us at our worst and he wants to bring us to a better place.   

We close this episode praying Psalm 13, a short prayer of five verses that echoes the question "How long?"  In Hebrew, ad nah is the phrases repeated four times in the first few verses, and God shows us here it's okay for us to question, to wonder, to pray "How long will this last?" 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  

Season Three has started and I encourage you to get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3652309 Thu, 07 May 2020 09:00:00 -0500 977 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying Psalms, Psalm 13 3 1 full false How to Pray a Gospel - Part 2 How to Pray a Gospel - Part 2 How do you read and pray a gospel?  How are they like (and unlike) other books about famous people?  On today's program we talk about some key aspects of the gospels that are often overlooked. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this bonus episode we discuss four points that help you read any gospel with more understanding and to use it in your prayers.  This teaching helps us steer clear of common mistakes in reading and interpreting the gospels.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Season Two is over.  Season Three will begin in a few weeks' time.  Meanwhile, you can review lessons from Journey with Jesus or go back and listen to Season One.

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> How do you read and pray a gospel?  How are they like (and unlike) other books about famous people?  On today's program we talk about some key aspects of the gospels that are often overlooked. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this bonus episode we discuss four points that help you read any gospel with more understanding and to use it in your prayers.  This teaching helps us steer clear of common mistakes in reading and interpreting the gospels.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Season Two is over.  Season Three will begin in a few weeks' time.  Meanwhile, you can review lessons from Journey with Jesus or go back and listen to Season One.

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3458566 Tue, 21 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0500 487 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying a Gospel 2 54 full false How to Pray a Gospel - Part 1 How to Pray a Gospel - Part 1 What is it like to have a relationship with God? How does that work in the day to day?  Jesus showed us what it looks like to live a fully human life and to also be in a full, deep relationship with God.  We get a front row seat to witness that when we read/listen to one of the gospels in the Bible.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this bonus episode we want to reflect on how to pray through a gospel and give some guidance on how to do that with one of the other three gospels.   Ron shares personally about his own journey of faith and coming to understand the real nature of prayer. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Season Two is over.  Season Three will begin in a few weeks' time.  Meanwhile, you can review lessons from Journey with Jesus or go back and listen to Season One.

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> What is it like to have a relationship with God? How does that work in the day to day?  Jesus showed us what it looks like to live a fully human life and to also be in a full, deep relationship with God.  We get a front row seat to witness that when we read/listen to one of the gospels in the Bible.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

In this bonus episode we want to reflect on how to pray through a gospel and give some guidance on how to do that with one of the other three gospels.   Ron shares personally about his own journey of faith and coming to understand the real nature of prayer. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Season Two is over.  Season Three will begin in a few weeks' time.  Meanwhile, you can review lessons from Journey with Jesus or go back and listen to Season One.

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3366691 Wed, 15 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 574 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Praying through a Gospel 2 53 full false Go with God (Matthew 28) Go with God (Matthew 28) Jesus' final words to his followers carry special weight.  He has risen from the dead and speaks with God's full authority.  He receives the worship of his disciples and remains Lord even when some doubt, as all disciples do at one time or another. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 28:16-20.  The disciples go to a mountain in Galilee that Jesus had instructed them to journey to.  Some worship Jesus there, others doubt.   In his final words to his followers, Jesus emphasizes his authority and gives his followers the mission to take the gospel into all the world, to all nations, and to teach them to be his followers too.  He promises to remain with disciples to the end, until this age is over.  He will remain Immanuel--God with us.  He invites us to launch out on our own journey and to invite others to join us in following Jesus wherever we go.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

This is the final episode of First Fifteen Season Two.  Season Three will begin in a few weeks' time.  Meanwhile, you can review lessons from Journey with Jesus or go back and listen to Season One.

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Jesus' final words to his followers carry special weight.  He has risen from the dead and speaks with God's full authority.  He receives the worship of his disciples and remains Lord even when some doubt, as all disciples do at one time or another. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 28:16-20.  The disciples go to a mountain in Galilee that Jesus had instructed them to journey to.  Some worship Jesus there, others doubt.   In his final words to his followers, Jesus emphasizes his authority and gives his followers the mission to take the gospel into all the world, to all nations, and to teach them to be his followers too.  He promises to remain with disciples to the end, until this age is over.  He will remain Immanuel--God with us.  He invites us to launch out on our own journey and to invite others to join us in following Jesus wherever we go.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

This is the final episode of First Fifteen Season Two.  Season Three will begin in a few weeks' time.  Meanwhile, you can review lessons from Journey with Jesus or go back and listen to Season One.

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3354055 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 555 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 52 full false They Will See (Matthew 28) They Will See (Matthew 28) The Easter story is too big to be limited to one day a year.  There are many things in it that we can learn, so today's episode is like Easter, part 2. We hear the rest of the angel's message and Jesus himself.  We also learn of a conspiracy launched to counter what really happened at the tomb.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 28:7-15.  The women at the tomb hear the rest of the angel's message as he reassures them and also instructs them to share the good news of Jesus' rising with the other disciples.  After leaving the tomb Jesus meets them and they worship him.  Jesus reinforces what the angel has said and promises that the disciples will see him too. The soldiers guarding the tomb are paid a bribe to say Jesus' disciples stole his body at night, and the lie gets repeated widely among the Jews.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> The Easter story is too big to be limited to one day a year.  There are many things in it that we can learn, so today's episode is like Easter, part 2. We hear the rest of the angel's message and Jesus himself.  We also learn of a conspiracy launched to counter what really happened at the tomb.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 28:7-15.  The women at the tomb hear the rest of the angel's message as he reassures them and also instructs them to share the good news of Jesus' rising with the other disciples.  After leaving the tomb Jesus meets them and they worship him.  Jesus reinforces what the angel has said and promises that the disciples will see him too. The soldiers guarding the tomb are paid a bribe to say Jesus' disciples stole his body at night, and the lie gets repeated widely among the Jews.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3343510 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0500 561 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 51 full false He is Risen (Matthew 28) He is Risen (Matthew 28) The ground shakes again as it did on the day Jesus died, but the reason for it is completely different!  Additionally, an angel from God delivers an astonishing message today.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 28:1-6.  On the first day of the week the women go to the tomb, but what they find there is a complete surprise.  There is an earthquake, an angel from the Lord comes and rolls the stone away from the tomb and sits on it.  He scares the daylights out of the soldiers and reassures the women not to be afraid.  He has some incredible news about Jesus they need to hear.   He invites them to come and see what he's talking about.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> The ground shakes again as it did on the day Jesus died, but the reason for it is completely different!  Additionally, an angel from God delivers an astonishing message today.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 28:1-6.  On the first day of the week the women go to the tomb, but what they find there is a complete surprise.  There is an earthquake, an angel from the Lord comes and rolls the stone away from the tomb and sits on it.  He scares the daylights out of the soldiers and reassures the women not to be afraid.  He has some incredible news about Jesus they need to hear.   He invites them to come and see what he's talking about.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3330352 Sun, 12 Apr 2020 03:00:00 -0500 467 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 50 full false The Tomb (Matthew 27) The Tomb (Matthew 27) Aftermath.  Fallout.  Cleanup.   We have a number of words for what comes after a life-changing, world-changing event.  In our journey with Jesus, that’s where we are.  Jesus was condemned. He has died. Jerusalem is quiet on the Sabbath as everyone rests from any work.  We need a breather to catch our breath, to think about what has happened. 
   
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:55-66.  After Jesus' death two groups of people approach Pilate concerned about Jesus' body.  One is Joseph of Arimathea and the women who followed Jesus.  They want to ensure his body is treated decently and given a proper burial in Joseph's own tomb in the rock.  The other group is the Jewish authorities who want to ensure that Jesus' body stays in the tomb so it is sealed and a squad of soldiers is dispatched to guard the tomb.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Aftermath.  Fallout.  Cleanup.   We have a number of words for what comes after a life-changing, world-changing event.  In our journey with Jesus, that’s where we are.  Jesus was condemned. He has died. Jerusalem is quiet on the Sabbath as everyone rests from any work.  We need a breather to catch our breath, to think about what has happened. 
   
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:55-66.  After Jesus' death two groups of people approach Pilate concerned about Jesus' body.  One is Joseph of Arimathea and the women who followed Jesus.  They want to ensure his body is treated decently and given a proper burial in Joseph's own tomb in the rock.  The other group is the Jewish authorities who want to ensure that Jesus' body stays in the tomb so it is sealed and a squad of soldiers is dispatched to guard the tomb.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com   

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3324061 Sat, 11 Apr 2020 10:00:00 -0500 597 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 49 full false The Earth Shook (Matthew 27) The Earth Shook (Matthew 27) The journey stops--it feels like we have fallen off a cliff.  Everything has changed, and yet exactly how that change would look isn’t yet clear.  We've crossed a threshold.  Things are never going to be the same again.
   
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:50-54.  Jesus breathes his last breath and dies on the cross.  The immediate reaction is felt as a shockwave: the earth shakes, the temple curtain is torn, the dead are raised, and the centurion confesses "This was the Son of God!"  Something world-changing has just taken place, and the world can't even put words to it, except to acknowledge that the God's own Son has just died.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The journey stops--it feels like we have fallen off a cliff.  Everything has changed, and yet exactly how that change would look isn’t yet clear.  We've crossed a threshold.  Things are never going to be the same again.
   
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:50-54.  Jesus breathes his last breath and dies on the cross.  The immediate reaction is felt as a shockwave: the earth shakes, the temple curtain is torn, the dead are raised, and the centurion confesses "This was the Son of God!"  Something world-changing has just taken place, and the world can't even put words to it, except to acknowledge that the God's own Son has just died.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3309361 Fri, 10 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 459 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 48 full false Forsaken (Matthew 27) Forsaken (Matthew 27) We’re in the last gasp and things have gotten desperate.  The physical, emotional and spiritual suffering has taken its toll and is breaking down a man hanging on a cross. The real contradiction we will see today goes far beyond the physical pain and suffering, though. 
   
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:45-49.  Jesus is hanging on the cross and at noon darkness descends on the land for three hours.  Jesus feels abandoned, forsaken.  He calls on God, but even then he is mocked.  This is the time when darkness has the upper hand.  What a contradiction?!

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> We’re in the last gasp and things have gotten desperate.  The physical, emotional and spiritual suffering has taken its toll and is breaking down a man hanging on a cross. The real contradiction we will see today goes far beyond the physical pain and suffering, though. 
   
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:45-49.  Jesus is hanging on the cross and at noon darkness descends on the land for three hours.  Jesus feels abandoned, forsaken.  He calls on God, but even then he is mocked.  This is the time when darkness has the upper hand.  What a contradiction?!

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3296527 Thu, 09 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 475 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 47 full false Curses (Matthew 27) Curses (Matthew 27) We haven’t reached the peak yet.  It means we haven’t seen the worst of it.  What we're going to hear today is going to be tough and grim.  But you can make it through.  God has been here before.  He has something he really wants to speak to you if you're listening.
         
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:32-44.  Jesus is marched out of Jerusalem to Golgotha where he is crucified.  Simon of Cyrene is pressed into service carrying Jesus' cross.  After being stripped of his clothes and nailed to the cross, he is subjected to the humiliation and curses of by-passers, the religious leaders and even the two criminals crucified on either side of him.  The curses are words formed into weapons and demonstrate the sin and ignorance and pride of humanity on display.     

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> We haven’t reached the peak yet.  It means we haven’t seen the worst of it.  What we're going to hear today is going to be tough and grim.  But you can make it through.  God has been here before.  He has something he really wants to speak to you if you're listening.
         
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:32-44.  Jesus is marched out of Jerusalem to Golgotha where he is crucified.  Simon of Cyrene is pressed into service carrying Jesus' cross.  After being stripped of his clothes and nailed to the cross, he is subjected to the humiliation and curses of by-passers, the religious leaders and even the two criminals crucified on either side of him.  The curses are words formed into weapons and demonstrate the sin and ignorance and pride of humanity on display.     

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3282394 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 683 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 46 full false Crucify (Matthew 27) Crucify (Matthew 27) What's the crux of the matter?  Crux is Latin for "cross", and Jesus passes a crossroads, a "point of no return" in today's story.                     
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:20-31.  Jesus is rejected by the crowd as Pilate tries to offer him for pardon, so to avoid a riot Pilate binds Jesus over to be crucified.  He is whipped and then the Roman soldier's dress him in mock royal robes and pretend to worship him before he is marched through the streets of Jerusalem.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What's the crux of the matter?  Crux is Latin for "cross", and Jesus passes a crossroads, a "point of no return" in today's story.                     
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:20-31.  Jesus is rejected by the crowd as Pilate tries to offer him for pardon, so to avoid a riot Pilate binds Jesus over to be crucified.  He is whipped and then the Roman soldier's dress him in mock royal robes and pretend to worship him before he is marched through the streets of Jerusalem.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3266851 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 581 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 45 full false Ruler (Matthew 27) Ruler (Matthew 27) Who's in charge around here?  Look around today and you might wonder who’s in charge.  Who makes the rules…and enforces them?  Are they legitimate?  We’re going to listen to a part of Matthew’s gospel that speaks to these questions.                   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:11-19.  Jesus was arrested, tried and condemned by the Jewish leaders.  They take him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to carry out the death sentence.  Pilate interviews Jesus and is amazed at how composed he is and how he refuses to beg for mercy like a common criminal.  We get to see a lot of people holding the office of ruler, but only one really acts like one.  Since the beginning of this gospel, Matthew has emphasized Jesus’ royal background and behavior, though he doesn’t seem like the typical ruler sitting on a seat of power.  We see a different kind of power and a deeper sense of purpose than in anyone else, and that is key to his rule. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Who's in charge around here?  Look around today and you might wonder who’s in charge.  Who makes the rules…and enforces them?  Are they legitimate?  We’re going to listen to a part of Matthew’s gospel that speaks to these questions.                   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:11-19.  Jesus was arrested, tried and condemned by the Jewish leaders.  They take him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to carry out the death sentence.  Pilate interviews Jesus and is amazed at how composed he is and how he refuses to beg for mercy like a common criminal.  We get to see a lot of people holding the office of ruler, but only one really acts like one.  Since the beginning of this gospel, Matthew has emphasized Jesus’ royal background and behavior, though he doesn’t seem like the typical ruler sitting on a seat of power.  We see a different kind of power and a deeper sense of purpose than in anyone else, and that is key to his rule. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3252277 Mon, 06 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 569 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 44 full false Regret (Matthew 27) Regret (Matthew 27) What's your biggest regret?  It’s a heavy question, especially in difficult times.  But the Bible was written especially for difficult times.  We’re going to see what regret might drive a person to do, and I want to show you another way.               
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:1-10.  Jesus was arrested, tried and condemned.  He was betrayed and even denied by his closest followers.  Most of his followers fled.   Now Judas realizes the consequences of his rash actions and he has regrets.  The chief priests and elders are unconcerned, and when he returns the blood money they use it to buy a field to bury foreigners in.  Judas is overwhelmed by his sin and regret.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What's your biggest regret?  It’s a heavy question, especially in difficult times.  But the Bible was written especially for difficult times.  We’re going to see what regret might drive a person to do, and I want to show you another way.               
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 27:1-10.  Jesus was arrested, tried and condemned.  He was betrayed and even denied by his closest followers.  Most of his followers fled.   Now Judas realizes the consequences of his rash actions and he has regrets.  The chief priests and elders are unconcerned, and when he returns the blood money they use it to buy a field to bury foreigners in.  Judas is overwhelmed by his sin and regret.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3220975 Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500 589 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 43 full false After the Shock After the Shock We’re living in times of uncertainty.  This isn’t completely unprecedented in history, but it’s unprecedented for those of us living now.  Our system has been shocked.  Shut down.  Enforced distancing. What do we do?  How to navigate this?

As we are taking a pause from our journey with Jesus through Matthew's gospel, it's important to pull closer to God.  Pray and breathe and get a little perspective as you can.  

We're in the days of sacrifice, of doing without.  In the historical Christian tradition, the days of Lent precede Easter and in this time of reflection it has been customary to give up something voluntarily.  Some have given up a lot more recently--involuntarily.  It's a shock.

Acknowledge that and breathe.  Also know that there is a recovery, a rising again after the shock.  God is at work even when there's darkness at noon on Calvary and doom hangs in the air.  Keep praying.  Keep listening.  We'll get through this.
   

Support the show

]]> We’re living in times of uncertainty.  This isn’t completely unprecedented in history, but it’s unprecedented for those of us living now.  Our system has been shocked.  Shut down.  Enforced distancing. What do we do?  How to navigate this?

As we are taking a pause from our journey with Jesus through Matthew's gospel, it's important to pull closer to God.  Pray and breathe and get a little perspective as you can.  

We're in the days of sacrifice, of doing without.  In the historical Christian tradition, the days of Lent precede Easter and in this time of reflection it has been customary to give up something voluntarily.  Some have given up a lot more recently--involuntarily.  It's a shock.

Acknowledge that and breathe.  Also know that there is a recovery, a rising again after the shock.  God is at work even when there's darkness at noon on Calvary and doom hangs in the air.  Keep praying.  Keep listening.  We'll get through this.
   

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]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3206179 Wed, 01 Apr 2020 17:00:00 -0500 240 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 42 full false A Personal Message A Personal Message To our followers:  We're taking a break for the next few days to catch our breath but the journey continues on Friday with Episode 41.  In the meantime, consider reading or re-reading some portions or all of Matthew 21-26 the next few days.  Use our four step-process to read, meditate and pray God's message back to him.  If you're new to the podcast, there are other earlier episodes you can listen to for your first fifteen minutes of the day.

Send us an email and let us know what you think of the podcast:  guide@word-of-prayer.com

Peace and blessings!
Ron

Support the show

]]> To our followers:  We're taking a break for the next few days to catch our breath but the journey continues on Friday with Episode 41.  In the meantime, consider reading or re-reading some portions or all of Matthew 21-26 the next few days.  Use our four step-process to read, meditate and pray God's message back to him.  If you're new to the podcast, there are other earlier episodes you can listen to for your first fifteen minutes of the day.

Send us an email and let us know what you think of the podcast:  guide@word-of-prayer.com

Peace and blessings!
Ron

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3169462 Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 451 2 41 full false Denied (Matthew 26) Denied (Matthew 26) It’s a terrible thing to deny what you know is true.    Why would you ever do that?  Fear?  Pressure?  Torture?  These are not pleasant things to think about at the start of the day, or really any time.  But we need to look deeper so we do not deny the truth when we need to stand strong.         
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:69-75.  While Jesus was being mistreated by soldiers, waiting, and then standing trial, at the same time out in the cold, dark hours of the night and early morning in Caiaphas' courtyard, one follower tries to stay close enough to find out what is happening…but not too close to arouse suspicion.  These are dangerous times.  Peter is recognized by sight and by his accent as an associate of Jesus, but he denies it each time with increasing ferocity until the rooster crows and he breaks down.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> It’s a terrible thing to deny what you know is true.    Why would you ever do that?  Fear?  Pressure?  Torture?  These are not pleasant things to think about at the start of the day, or really any time.  But we need to look deeper so we do not deny the truth when we need to stand strong.         
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:69-75.  While Jesus was being mistreated by soldiers, waiting, and then standing trial, at the same time out in the cold, dark hours of the night and early morning in Caiaphas' courtyard, one follower tries to stay close enough to find out what is happening…but not too close to arouse suspicion.  These are dangerous times.  Peter is recognized by sight and by his accent as an associate of Jesus, but he denies it each time with increasing ferocity until the rooster crows and he breaks down.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3139201 Fri, 27 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 392 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 40 full false Condemned (Matthew 26) Condemned (Matthew 26) We hear stories often about a miscarriage of justice, of how the authorities charged to protect us and faithfully serve the law fall down on the job.  Of course it doesn’t happen always or even as often as the stories might make us believe.  But humans can be seriously wrong even when they fervently believe they are upholding the law.  Like in today’s story.     
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:57-68.  The armed crowd marches Jesus from Gethsemane on the slopes of the Mount of Olives into the city of Jerusalem, to the high priest Caiaphas' house.  The Jewish Sanhedrin meets there in an extraordinary session, not to hear the claims and counter-claims for and against Jesus, but to look for any evidence that can incriminate Jesus and remove him from the spotlight.  They convict him on his own testimony that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by condemning him they condemn themselves.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> We hear stories often about a miscarriage of justice, of how the authorities charged to protect us and faithfully serve the law fall down on the job.  Of course it doesn’t happen always or even as often as the stories might make us believe.  But humans can be seriously wrong even when they fervently believe they are upholding the law.  Like in today’s story.     
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:57-68.  The armed crowd marches Jesus from Gethsemane on the slopes of the Mount of Olives into the city of Jerusalem, to the high priest Caiaphas' house.  The Jewish Sanhedrin meets there in an extraordinary session, not to hear the claims and counter-claims for and against Jesus, but to look for any evidence that can incriminate Jesus and remove him from the spotlight.  They convict him on his own testimony that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by condemning him they condemn themselves.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3127852 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 586 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 39 full false Seized (Matthew 26) Seized (Matthew 26) Have you ever been seized by something that felt bigger than you, that seemed to carry you along without any effort on your part?  There are times we feel small in the light of larger events, when we do irrational things to try to get a handle on the situation.  Today’s reading speaks to that feeling and gives us a handle to grab on to in Matthew 26.   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:50-56.   A crowd arrests Jesus in Gethsemane and one of his followers draws a sword.  Before violence can escalate, Jesus defuses the situation and submits to God's will for saving his people instead of calling on overwhelming angel force which is at his disposal.  God's will has to be carried out God's way.  When Jesus is seized, it raises an important question for us:  What are you seized by?    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Have you ever been seized by something that felt bigger than you, that seemed to carry you along without any effort on your part?  There are times we feel small in the light of larger events, when we do irrational things to try to get a handle on the situation.  Today’s reading speaks to that feeling and gives us a handle to grab on to in Matthew 26.   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:50-56.   A crowd arrests Jesus in Gethsemane and one of his followers draws a sword.  Before violence can escalate, Jesus defuses the situation and submits to God's will for saving his people instead of calling on overwhelming angel force which is at his disposal.  God's will has to be carried out God's way.  When Jesus is seized, it raises an important question for us:  What are you seized by?    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3116587 Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 455 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 38 full false Sleeper (Matthew 26) Sleeper (Matthew 26) It can be deeply embarrassing when you are caught doing something you aren't supposed to be doing.  Jesus asks his disciples to stand watch, guard him, and pray with him while he faces the ultimate test.  Instead they fall asleep.  Three times.  Soldiers stationed for sentry duty who fall asleep can be court martialed.  Something worse is going to happen here.   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:40-49.   In Gethsemane Jesus asks his disciples to watch and pray.  They fall asleep instead.  Jesus remains steadfast in prayer, returning three times to find them sleeping.  Besides sleeping, they fall down in their sentry duty, not only letting Jesus down but also allowing the enemy to steal in among them and infiltrate their ranks.  Another sleeper, the traitor Judas, is activated and shows up with an armed mob to arrest Jesus.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> It can be deeply embarrassing when you are caught doing something you aren't supposed to be doing.  Jesus asks his disciples to stand watch, guard him, and pray with him while he faces the ultimate test.  Instead they fall asleep.  Three times.  Soldiers stationed for sentry duty who fall asleep can be court martialed.  Something worse is going to happen here.   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:40-49.   In Gethsemane Jesus asks his disciples to watch and pray.  They fall asleep instead.  Jesus remains steadfast in prayer, returning three times to find them sleeping.  Besides sleeping, they fall down in their sentry duty, not only letting Jesus down but also allowing the enemy to steal in among them and infiltrate their ranks.  Another sleeper, the traitor Judas, is activated and shows up with an armed mob to arrest Jesus.    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3090769 Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 453 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 37 full false Real Prayer (Matthew 26) Real Prayer (Matthew 26) We are learning to pray each episode of First Fifteen.  We’ve learned that prayer is conversation with God, a back and forth listening and response to him.  We make requests sometimes, and other times God makes requests of us.  What do we do when what God wants doesn’t line up with what we want? 
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:36-39.  Jesus takes his disciples back to the Mount of Olives, to a garden area called Gethsemane, where he prays.  He wrestles in prayer with the conflict between his own anguish and fear about death and accepting the divine will that makes the sacrifice necessary.  As in so many other circumstances, Jesus shows us how to be fully human and walk in relationship with God.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> We are learning to pray each episode of First Fifteen.  We’ve learned that prayer is conversation with God, a back and forth listening and response to him.  We make requests sometimes, and other times God makes requests of us.  What do we do when what God wants doesn’t line up with what we want? 
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:36-39.  Jesus takes his disciples back to the Mount of Olives, to a garden area called Gethsemane, where he prays.  He wrestles in prayer with the conflict between his own anguish and fear about death and accepting the divine will that makes the sacrifice necessary.  As in so many other circumstances, Jesus shows us how to be fully human and walk in relationship with God.   

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3090178 Mon, 23 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 540 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 36 full false Bethany (Matthew 26) Bethany (Matthew 26) Can you recall the last time you tried to do a kind deed and it was totally misunderstood?  There is some sting in that.  In today’s reading someone is going to get stung, and we get to see their true character revealed before the end of the story.
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:1-13.  Jesus and his disciples go to Bethany near Jerusalem two days before Passover and while in Simon the leper's house, a woman brings a very expensive perfume and uses it to anoint Jesus for burial.  He has just repeated his prophecy that he will soon be crucified.  The disciples criticize the woman for her extravagance and waste, citing they could have given a generous gift to the poor, but Jesus defends her sacrifice and honors her act of devotion which prefigures the costly sacrifice of the cross.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Can you recall the last time you tried to do a kind deed and it was totally misunderstood?  There is some sting in that.  In today’s reading someone is going to get stung, and we get to see their true character revealed before the end of the story.
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 26:1-13.  Jesus and his disciples go to Bethany near Jerusalem two days before Passover and while in Simon the leper's house, a woman brings a very expensive perfume and uses it to anoint Jesus for burial.  He has just repeated his prophecy that he will soon be crucified.  The disciples criticize the woman for her extravagance and waste, citing they could have given a generous gift to the poor, but Jesus defends her sacrifice and honors her act of devotion which prefigures the costly sacrifice of the cross.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3063835 Fri, 20 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 517 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 35 full false Talents (Matthew 25) Talents (Matthew 25) What would you do if you won the lottery?  What if someone rich gave you a large sum of money and asked you to manage it for them?  Jesus gives us that kind of a challenge question so we can see what importance God places on finishing what we started. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 25:14-30.  Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of bearing fruit and giving glory to God in our daily pursuits.  This parable challenges our notions of "fairness" and reassures us of a reward for faithful service and also a rebuke for failing to honor God with what he has blessed us with. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What would you do if you won the lottery?  What if someone rich gave you a large sum of money and asked you to manage it for them?  Jesus gives us that kind of a challenge question so we can see what importance God places on finishing what we started. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 25:14-30.  Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of bearing fruit and giving glory to God in our daily pursuits.  This parable challenges our notions of "fairness" and reassures us of a reward for faithful service and also a rebuke for failing to honor God with what he has blessed us with. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3053731 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 532 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 34 full false My Words (Matthew 24) My Words (Matthew 24) Who wouldn’t like to know the future?  What is going to happen to bring distressing times to an end?  Is there anything we can really count on in uncertain times? 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 24:29-35.  Jesus has left the temple grounds with his disciples and cross the valley before climbing the Mount of Olives which looks over the holy city.  In Matthew 24-25 he gives an extended teaching which looks to the future and end times.  The disciples are focused--like many people--on the question of when. When will these things happen?  Jesus focuses on the certainty that God will restore and put things right and when he will do that is in his hands.  Even earth and sky will pass away, but God's words never will.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Who wouldn’t like to know the future?  What is going to happen to bring distressing times to an end?  Is there anything we can really count on in uncertain times? 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 24:29-35.  Jesus has left the temple grounds with his disciples and cross the valley before climbing the Mount of Olives which looks over the holy city.  In Matthew 24-25 he gives an extended teaching which looks to the future and end times.  The disciples are focused--like many people--on the question of when. When will these things happen?  Jesus focuses on the certainty that God will restore and put things right and when he will do that is in his hands.  Even earth and sky will pass away, but God's words never will.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3043810 Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 441 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 33 full false Listen and Obey (Matthew 23) Listen and Obey (Matthew 23) What could possibly be more important than listening to God?  There is something, and Jesus tells us what it is today in Matthew 23.     
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 23:1-3.  Jesus has answered all the questions his opponents raised by the end of Matthew 22.  He doesn’t delight in putting down his opponents; he wants to win their hearts.  If they won’t let God touch them, Jesus wants to make sure their stubbornness doesn’t infect other sincere seekers of God.  Knowing God's word or his will isn't really enough--something else is required.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What could possibly be more important than listening to God?  There is something, and Jesus tells us what it is today in Matthew 23.     
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 23:1-3.  Jesus has answered all the questions his opponents raised by the end of Matthew 22.  He doesn’t delight in putting down his opponents; he wants to win their hearts.  If they won’t let God touch them, Jesus wants to make sure their stubbornness doesn’t infect other sincere seekers of God.  Knowing God's word or his will isn't really enough--something else is required.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3010540 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 434 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 32 full false Love (Matthew 22) Love (Matthew 22) What is the greatest teaching of God?  Which one matters more than any other?  That’s a great question, and we’re going to get Jesus’ answer today in Matthew 22. 
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 22:34-40.  Jesus continues teaching in the temple courts in Jerusalem during the week leading up to Passover.  Besides the priests and elders, he has also been challenged by the Pharisees and Saducees who are trying to catch him in a trap.  They are asking hard questions of him and hoping he will misspeak and get himself into trouble. Today one of the Pharisees asks him which is the most important commandment in God's law.  Jesus gives him the two most important commands of all.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What is the greatest teaching of God?  Which one matters more than any other?  That’s a great question, and we’re going to get Jesus’ answer today in Matthew 22. 
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 22:34-40.  Jesus continues teaching in the temple courts in Jerusalem during the week leading up to Passover.  Besides the priests and elders, he has also been challenged by the Pharisees and Saducees who are trying to catch him in a trap.  They are asking hard questions of him and hoping he will misspeak and get himself into trouble. Today one of the Pharisees asks him which is the most important commandment in God's law.  Jesus gives him the two most important commands of all.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  Book 4:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4 on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-3010408 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 470 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 31 full false Two Sons (Matthew 21) Two Sons (Matthew 21) What does obedience look like to God?  In our podcast we emphasize listening to God's word, reflecting on it and praying to God in the first fifteen minutes, and then equally important to obey or apply the word to the rest of our day.  Jesus' teaching today emphasizes that last step especially.

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 21:28-32.  The leaders in Jerusalem are opposing Jesus and questioning his authority to teach, heal and to act like a prophet even though they lack the courage to answer his questions.  Jesus tells a parable about obedience to emphasize that obedience is not what we say with our mouth but what we do with our actions. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What does obedience look like to God?  In our podcast we emphasize listening to God's word, reflecting on it and praying to God in the first fifteen minutes, and then equally important to obey or apply the word to the rest of our day.  Jesus' teaching today emphasizes that last step especially.

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 21:28-32.  The leaders in Jerusalem are opposing Jesus and questioning his authority to teach, heal and to act like a prophet even though they lack the courage to answer his questions.  Jesus tells a parable about obedience to emphasize that obedience is not what we say with our mouth but what we do with our actions. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2993275 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 501 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 30 full false Prayer Prevails (Matthew 21) Prayer Prevails (Matthew 21) If you want to see what’s important to a person, watch what they will guard and protect.  If something is worth fighting for, it’s probably important to you.  Jesus takes action to guard the holiness of the temple and it's original purpose as a house of prayer devoted to worship of God.      

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 21:12-22.  Jesus enters Jerusalem and heads to the temple where he chases out the moneychangers and those selling animals.  He chooses to restore the focus to prayer and worship of God, not commerce.  The blind and lame are healed and the children are praising Jesus, and that invites the reproach of the elders and priests who challenge Jesus' authority.  It's time to turn our attention back to God and dedicate ourselves to prayer and seeking his presence.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> If you want to see what’s important to a person, watch what they will guard and protect.  If something is worth fighting for, it’s probably important to you.  Jesus takes action to guard the holiness of the temple and it's original purpose as a house of prayer devoted to worship of God.      

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 21:12-22.  Jesus enters Jerusalem and heads to the temple where he chases out the moneychangers and those selling animals.  He chooses to restore the focus to prayer and worship of God, not commerce.  The blind and lame are healed and the children are praising Jesus, and that invites the reproach of the elders and priests who challenge Jesus' authority.  It's time to turn our attention back to God and dedicate ourselves to prayer and seeking his presence.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2987680 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 693 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 29 full false Blind (Matthew 20) Blind (Matthew 20) Matthew continually emphasized Jesus’ royal identity along with his unexpected behavior.  He doesn’t act like the despot Herod or the other kings of earth.  He is humble yet powerful, he heals and yet does not seek the spotlight, he teaches with authority but he is not boring or pompous. He sees the least important people, but the powerful and well-connected fail to see who Jesus really is.  We get to see more in Matthew 20.
 
In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 20:29-34.  Jesus is headed to Jerusalem. Leaving Jericho with a large crowd following, the first thing Jesus encounters is two blind men.  Despite their blindness, they're the ones who see Jesus for who he really is, and they ask for sight.  They gain it and get to follow Jesus up to Jerusalem, a city where darkness will reign before yielding to the true King.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Matthew continually emphasized Jesus’ royal identity along with his unexpected behavior.  He doesn’t act like the despot Herod or the other kings of earth.  He is humble yet powerful, he heals and yet does not seek the spotlight, he teaches with authority but he is not boring or pompous. He sees the least important people, but the powerful and well-connected fail to see who Jesus really is.  We get to see more in Matthew 20.
 
In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 20:29-34.  Jesus is headed to Jerusalem. Leaving Jericho with a large crowd following, the first thing Jesus encounters is two blind men.  Despite their blindness, they're the ones who see Jesus for who he really is, and they ask for sight.  They gain it and get to follow Jesus up to Jerusalem, a city where darkness will reign before yielding to the true King.  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2979544 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 450 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 28 full false Doing Good (Matthew 19) Doing Good (Matthew 19) What do you have to do to go to heaven?  Do you know what the Bible says in answer that question?  Jesus is asked what good thing will gain a person eternal life.  That’s the question we’re asking today in Matthew 19.
 
In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 19:16-30.  A rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to receive eternal life and Jesus tells him to obey all of God's commandments.  The young man claims he does obey all God's commands, so Jesus tells him to sell all he owns, give it to the poor, then come follow Jesus.  The young man refuses and goes away sad.  Peter asks what kind of reward will he and the disciples receive for their sacrifices?  Jesus promises them they will have more than they can imagine.  What is first place in your heart?

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What do you have to do to go to heaven?  Do you know what the Bible says in answer that question?  Jesus is asked what good thing will gain a person eternal life.  That’s the question we’re asking today in Matthew 19.
 
In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 19:16-30.  A rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to receive eternal life and Jesus tells him to obey all of God's commandments.  The young man claims he does obey all God's commands, so Jesus tells him to sell all he owns, give it to the poor, then come follow Jesus.  The young man refuses and goes away sad.  Peter asks what kind of reward will he and the disciples receive for their sacrifices?  Jesus promises them they will have more than they can imagine.  What is first place in your heart?

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2967073 Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 599 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 27 full false Forgiveness (Matt 18) Forgiveness (Matt 18) What do you do when someone has wronged you?  Not a minor offense, but they have sinned against you?  That’s the question we’re asking today in Matthew 18. 

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 18:21-35.  Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness and ventures a generous amount of forgiveness.  Is it enough, Jesus?  He answers the question then tells a parable that paints the incredible contrast between what we have been forgiven and what we are called to forgive.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What do you do when someone has wronged you?  Not a minor offense, but they have sinned against you?  That’s the question we’re asking today in Matthew 18. 

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 18:21-35.  Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness and ventures a generous amount of forgiveness.  Is it enough, Jesus?  He answers the question then tells a parable that paints the incredible contrast between what we have been forgiven and what we are called to forgive.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2956420 Mon, 09 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500 608 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 26 full false Transformation (Matthew 17) Transformation (Matthew 17) Catch a glimpse of who Jesus really is and how the Father sees him in today's reading.  God gives a special vision of his son and also two of Israel's greatest prophets on a high mountain.  The enormity of what Jesus reveals overwhelms his closest disciples.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 17:1-13.  Jesus takes Peter, James and John up on a high mountain where he reveals his glory.  They also see him conversing with Moses and Elijah.  God the Father speaks:  listen to my Son!  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Catch a glimpse of who Jesus really is and how the Father sees him in today's reading.  God gives a special vision of his son and also two of Israel's greatest prophets on a high mountain.  The enormity of what Jesus reveals overwhelms his closest disciples.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 17:1-13.  Jesus takes Peter, James and John up on a high mountain where he reveals his glory.  They also see him conversing with Moses and Elijah.  God the Father speaks:  listen to my Son!  

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2931691 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0600 782 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 25 full false Who is Jesus? (Matthew 16) Who is Jesus? (Matthew 16) It is a basic but crucial question:  Who is Jesus?  Jesus himself asked it of his disciples in order to stretch them to step out and commit to what they saw in Jesus' life and work.  It is not an academic question; it's one we have to answer as well.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 16:1-13.  Jesus takes his disciples to the far north of Galilee to the Greek city of Caesarea Philipppi with its pagan shrine complex.  There he asks the disciples what they've heard about Jesus.  Then he asks them a central question:  Who do *they* say he is?  Find out the answer on today's episode. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> It is a basic but crucial question:  Who is Jesus?  Jesus himself asked it of his disciples in order to stretch them to step out and commit to what they saw in Jesus' life and work.  It is not an academic question; it's one we have to answer as well.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 16:1-13.  Jesus takes his disciples to the far north of Galilee to the Greek city of Caesarea Philipppi with its pagan shrine complex.  There he asks the disciples what they've heard about Jesus.  Then he asks them a central question:  Who do *they* say he is?  Find out the answer on today's episode. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2922373 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0600 710 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 24 full false Feeding 4000 (Matthew 15) Feeding 4000 (Matthew 15) Are you hungry for God?  Is it hard to hear God when you're full?  Jesus takes the initiative to not just heal and teach but also to feed a large crowd near Lake Galilee.  He gives them more than enough and reminds us--we will always be hungry until we let God feed us.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 14:22-36.  Jesus has fed 5,000 plus people, and he spent most of the night in prayer.  Now he goes to his disciples by walking on the water and soon enough, his disciple Simon Peter wants to join him out on the water.  He gets out of the boat and actually walks on the water!   After a moment he gets scared and starts to doubt and then he starts to sink.  Faith can stumble at times.  Fix your eyes on Jesus if you want to see the impossible happen. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Are you hungry for God?  Is it hard to hear God when you're full?  Jesus takes the initiative to not just heal and teach but also to feed a large crowd near Lake Galilee.  He gives them more than enough and reminds us--we will always be hungry until we let God feed us.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 14:22-36.  Jesus has fed 5,000 plus people, and he spent most of the night in prayer.  Now he goes to his disciples by walking on the water and soon enough, his disciple Simon Peter wants to join him out on the water.  He gets out of the boat and actually walks on the water!   After a moment he gets scared and starts to doubt and then he starts to sink.  Faith can stumble at times.  Fix your eyes on Jesus if you want to see the impossible happen. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2911426 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0600 466 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 23 full false Canaanite (Matthew 15) Canaanite (Matthew 15) Have you ever been surprised by a discovery you made on a trip far from home?  Jesus is amazed by what he discovers when he takes his followers to Phoenicia.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 14:22-36.  Jesus has fed 5,000 plus people, and he spent most of the night in prayer.  Now he goes to his disciples by walking on the water and soon enough, his disciple Simon Peter wants to join him out on the water.  He gets out of the boat and actually walks on the water!   After a moment he gets scared and starts to doubt and then he starts to sink.  Faith can stumble at times.  Fix your eyes on Jesus if you want to see the impossible happen. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Have you ever been surprised by a discovery you made on a trip far from home?  Jesus is amazed by what he discovers when he takes his followers to Phoenicia.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 14:22-36.  Jesus has fed 5,000 plus people, and he spent most of the night in prayer.  Now he goes to his disciples by walking on the water and soon enough, his disciple Simon Peter wants to join him out on the water.  He gets out of the boat and actually walks on the water!   After a moment he gets scared and starts to doubt and then he starts to sink.  Faith can stumble at times.  Fix your eyes on Jesus if you want to see the impossible happen. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2900083 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0600 511 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 22 full false Walking by Faith (Matthew 14) Walking by Faith (Matthew 14) Have you ever wished that you could see an actual miracle in action?  Jesus walked on water, and when Peter sees that he wants to join Jesus and be part of the miracle.  Peter manages to get out of the boat and go see Jesus on the water before the wind and waves made a bigger impression on Peter.  How do *we* walk in bold faith today? 

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 14:22-36.  Jesus has fed 5,000 plus people, and he spent most of the night in prayer.  Now he goes to his disciples by walking on the water and soon enough, his disciple Simon Peter wants to join him out on the water.  He gets out of the boat and actually walks on the water!   After a moment he gets scared and starts to doubt and then he starts to sink.  Faith can stumble at times.  Fix your eyes on Jesus if you want to see the impossible happen. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Have you ever wished that you could see an actual miracle in action?  Jesus walked on water, and when Peter sees that he wants to join Jesus and be part of the miracle.  Peter manages to get out of the boat and go see Jesus on the water before the wind and waves made a bigger impression on Peter.  How do *we* walk in bold faith today? 

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 14:22-36.  Jesus has fed 5,000 plus people, and he spent most of the night in prayer.  Now he goes to his disciples by walking on the water and soon enough, his disciple Simon Peter wants to join him out on the water.  He gets out of the boat and actually walks on the water!   After a moment he gets scared and starts to doubt and then he starts to sink.  Faith can stumble at times.  Fix your eyes on Jesus if you want to see the impossible happen. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2889634 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 03:00:00 -0600 598 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 21 full false Mustard Seed (Matthew 13) Mustard Seed (Matthew 13) Do you ever wonder why God didn't launch his kingdom or the church with a little more...splash or an impressive debut?  Trumpets, clouds parting, a single beam from heaven becoming an intense burst of light, a deafening chorus of angels...you get the point.  Come to think of it, something like that took place in fields outside of Bethlehem, but the only audience was a group of shepherds.  Jesus addresses the nature of God's kingdom today in two short parables, and he speaks to this very issue. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:31-35.  After the parable of the soils and the weeds, Jesus points to the paradox of how God chooses to start his kingdom.  Not with fanfare, a lightshow, an awe-inspiring angel chorus, but in a tiny and obscure way that would be easy to miss.  Mustard seed...and yeast.  Tiny and unimpressive symbols that produce something unexpected compared to their humble beginnings.  That's the way God works, and it humbles us with our big egos and vanity.  Sure God could stage a more impressive debut, but then we would miss something important he is trying to teach us, something that will touch our hearts. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Do you ever wonder why God didn't launch his kingdom or the church with a little more...splash or an impressive debut?  Trumpets, clouds parting, a single beam from heaven becoming an intense burst of light, a deafening chorus of angels...you get the point.  Come to think of it, something like that took place in fields outside of Bethlehem, but the only audience was a group of shepherds.  Jesus addresses the nature of God's kingdom today in two short parables, and he speaks to this very issue. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:31-35.  After the parable of the soils and the weeds, Jesus points to the paradox of how God chooses to start his kingdom.  Not with fanfare, a lightshow, an awe-inspiring angel chorus, but in a tiny and obscure way that would be easy to miss.  Mustard seed...and yeast.  Tiny and unimpressive symbols that produce something unexpected compared to their humble beginnings.  That's the way God works, and it humbles us with our big egos and vanity.  Sure God could stage a more impressive debut, but then we would miss something important he is trying to teach us, something that will touch our hearts. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2858719 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 379 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 20 full false Be Fruitful (Matthew 13) Be Fruitful (Matthew 13) Have you ever wrestled to understood something difficult to figure out, only to later look back and wonder why you didn't see what is now obvious to you?  Our understanding is like that.  A lot depends on our mindset or attitude, and at a deeper level it depends on what Jesus calls our heart.  If our attitude, mindset and general receptiveness is open, we can learn and take in a lot.  If we are closed, it's going to be hard to learn anything!  So how much do you understand the essence of Jesus' message that he is introducing?

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:18-23.  Jesus explains to his closest followers what the parable of the soils means and how it holds the key to understanding the rest of his teaching.  If your heart is closed off and not receptive like the good soil, none of Jesus' other teachings are going to make a lasting difference in your life.   The truth of his message, like the seed of the sower, remains consistent, but the receptiveness of your heart, like the soil conditions, determines what will grow and how much.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Have you ever wrestled to understood something difficult to figure out, only to later look back and wonder why you didn't see what is now obvious to you?  Our understanding is like that.  A lot depends on our mindset or attitude, and at a deeper level it depends on what Jesus calls our heart.  If our attitude, mindset and general receptiveness is open, we can learn and take in a lot.  If we are closed, it's going to be hard to learn anything!  So how much do you understand the essence of Jesus' message that he is introducing?

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:18-23.  Jesus explains to his closest followers what the parable of the soils means and how it holds the key to understanding the rest of his teaching.  If your heart is closed off and not receptive like the good soil, none of Jesus' other teachings are going to make a lasting difference in your life.   The truth of his message, like the seed of the sower, remains consistent, but the receptiveness of your heart, like the soil conditions, determines what will grow and how much.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2856445 Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 602 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 19 full false Mysteries (Matthew 13) Mysteries (Matthew 13) Why do some seem so receptive to what God is doing and his message while others are resistant or just non-committal?  Jesus likens the response to different soils that yield different results.  Listen to learn from Jesus what kind of condition your own heart is in.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:1-17.  The third major teaching block in Matthew's gospel features one of Jesus' signature parables or teaching stories about different soils.  Jesus explains to his closest followers that he uses this indirect way of teaching in order to reveal what is in the heart of his listeners.  The kingdom of God is not coercive or violent; it works indirectly and organically like seed in the soil of human hearts.  As in the last episode, the state of the human heart is Jesus' main concern. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Why do some seem so receptive to what God is doing and his message while others are resistant or just non-committal?  Jesus likens the response to different soils that yield different results.  Listen to learn from Jesus what kind of condition your own heart is in.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:1-17.  The third major teaching block in Matthew's gospel features one of Jesus' signature parables or teaching stories about different soils.  Jesus explains to his closest followers that he uses this indirect way of teaching in order to reveal what is in the heart of his listeners.  The kingdom of God is not coercive or violent; it works indirectly and organically like seed in the soil of human hearts.  As in the last episode, the state of the human heart is Jesus' main concern. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2844592 Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 579 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 18 full false By the Spirit of God (Matthew 12) By the Spirit of God (Matthew 12) How do you handle conflict?  Stand and fight, run and hide, or something else?  We learn from Jesus that sometimes retreating further isn't an option.  Neither is fighting someone on their level.  God's servant only faces conflict by the Spirit of God who is always ready to give us the right thing to say (when we have to speak).

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 12:22-32.  Jesus continues his healing ministry then answers his opponents who slander him.  They claim he drives out demons by Satan's power, and Jesus responds that any house divided against itself can't stand.  God is forgiving of sin, but if someone can look straight at the work of God and call it the work of the devil, their own perversity will cut them off from turning to God for forgiveness. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> How do you handle conflict?  Stand and fight, run and hide, or something else?  We learn from Jesus that sometimes retreating further isn't an option.  Neither is fighting someone on their level.  God's servant only faces conflict by the Spirit of God who is always ready to give us the right thing to say (when we have to speak).

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 12:22-32.  Jesus continues his healing ministry then answers his opponents who slander him.  They claim he drives out demons by Satan's power, and Jesus responds that any house divided against itself can't stand.  God is forgiving of sin, but if someone can look straight at the work of God and call it the work of the devil, their own perversity will cut them off from turning to God for forgiveness. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2830552 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 550 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 17 full false God's Servant (Matthew 12) God's Servant (Matthew 12) Conflict and opposition.  We don't enjoy these things, especially when it directly involves us.  Jesus is facing mounting opposition and even conspiracies to murder him.  How he deals with it in today's reading is instructive for us in dealing with opponents and managing conflict.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 12:15-21.  Jesus shows us how he dealt with rising opposition and found his true identity in the scripture and what God the Father said about him.  His example shows us how to find our identity in God's truth.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Conflict and opposition.  We don't enjoy these things, especially when it directly involves us.  Jesus is facing mounting opposition and even conspiracies to murder him.  How he deals with it in today's reading is instructive for us in dealing with opponents and managing conflict.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 12:15-21.  Jesus shows us how he dealt with rising opposition and found his true identity in the scripture and what God the Father said about him.  His example shows us how to find our identity in God's truth.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2823142 Mon, 24 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 557 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 16 full false I Need Rest (Matthew 11) I Need Rest (Matthew 11) Do you feel stressed or tired?  Are you feeling the need for rest?  Jesus has a prayer just for you!  Today you'll get to see what is on the Father's heart and how Jesus' way is so different from the world's way of high-pressure activity.     

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 11:25-31.  Jesus prays to his Father spontaneously and reveals that God's way is different from human wisdom.  In fact, Jesus wants to lighten our load, not lay more on us.  If you feel burdened, let him teach you about his way that leads to greater faith and seeing God work out his plans before your eyes.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Do you feel stressed or tired?  Are you feeling the need for rest?  Jesus has a prayer just for you!  Today you'll get to see what is on the Father's heart and how Jesus' way is so different from the world's way of high-pressure activity.     

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 11:25-31.  Jesus prays to his Father spontaneously and reveals that God's way is different from human wisdom.  In fact, Jesus wants to lighten our load, not lay more on us.  If you feel burdened, let him teach you about his way that leads to greater faith and seeing God work out his plans before your eyes.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2792647 Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 556 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 15 full false Authority to Serve (Matthew 10) Authority to Serve (Matthew 10) God wants to promote you and give you greater responsibility.  Are you ready for it?  He will give you authority...to serve.  The Kingdom is about carrying out God's will and being humble, not inflating ourselves so we can lord it over others.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 10:1-16.  Jesus sends out his followers on a special mission to take the kingdom into each corner of Galilee.  His charge to them is to travel light and trust in God to provide.                      

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> God wants to promote you and give you greater responsibility.  Are you ready for it?  He will give you authority...to serve.  The Kingdom is about carrying out God's will and being humble, not inflating ourselves so we can lord it over others.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 10:1-16.  Jesus sends out his followers on a special mission to take the kingdom into each corner of Galilee.  His charge to them is to travel light and trust in God to provide.                      

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2792170 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 506 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 14 full false Have Mercy (Matthew 9) Have Mercy (Matthew 9) Do you feel like you are going from one small crisis to the next and everyone needs something from you?  That's what Jesus is experiencing in our reading today.  It's tempting to retreat, to withdraw and shut out the demands.  Jesus shows us another way.   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 9:27-31.  Crowds of people are following Jesus, his opponents are looking to find his weak spot, and countless people seek healing from him.  Two blind men are featured today, and their prayer is a simple one:  “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”  David was the great king of Israel’s past and Matthew has already established Jesus' link to him earlier in the gospel.  How ironic in today’s reading that the first ones in Israel to see Jesus’ true identity are blind men!  The King who is bringing the kingdom also shows mercy to the blind and gives them sight.       

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Do you feel like you are going from one small crisis to the next and everyone needs something from you?  That's what Jesus is experiencing in our reading today.  It's tempting to retreat, to withdraw and shut out the demands.  Jesus shows us another way.   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 9:27-31.  Crowds of people are following Jesus, his opponents are looking to find his weak spot, and countless people seek healing from him.  Two blind men are featured today, and their prayer is a simple one:  “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”  David was the great king of Israel’s past and Matthew has already established Jesus' link to him earlier in the gospel.  How ironic in today’s reading that the first ones in Israel to see Jesus’ true identity are blind men!  The King who is bringing the kingdom also shows mercy to the blind and gives them sight.       

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2745295 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 418 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 13 full false Outsiders (Matthew 9) Outsiders (Matthew 9) Who do you think Jesus chose to spend time with during his ministry on earth?  Did he ally himself with the spiritual leaders, the religious teachers and influencers of his day?  We get to see today who he approached and where he found willing followers. 
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 9:9-13.  Jesus has been busy, a lot of coming and going around Lake Galilee.  We get to meet someone special in today's reading.  This man is a tax collector and the religious leaders counted people like him as "sinners", people to be avoided.  Jesus makes friends with him and catches criticism from the Pharisees for it.  Jesus emphasizes an important point: he came to reach sinners and outsiders, to be a doctor to the sick, not to gain the respect of religious leaders.  If he hadn't done that, we wouldn't have Matthew's gospel, because that tax collector was Matthew!                       

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Who do you think Jesus chose to spend time with during his ministry on earth?  Did he ally himself with the spiritual leaders, the religious teachers and influencers of his day?  We get to see today who he approached and where he found willing followers. 
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 9:9-13.  Jesus has been busy, a lot of coming and going around Lake Galilee.  We get to meet someone special in today's reading.  This man is a tax collector and the religious leaders counted people like him as "sinners", people to be avoided.  Jesus makes friends with him and catches criticism from the Pharisees for it.  Jesus emphasizes an important point: he came to reach sinners and outsiders, to be a doctor to the sick, not to gain the respect of religious leaders.  If he hadn't done that, we wouldn't have Matthew's gospel, because that tax collector was Matthew!                       

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2744959 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 637 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 12 full false Willing (Matthew 8) Willing (Matthew 8) Does you God really care about you?  Do you think he is willing to answer your prayer?  A man with a disease approached Jesus and stated simply:  If you are willing, you can make me clean.  Would you approach God and say something similar?
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 8:1-4.  Jesus has finished the Sermon on the Mount and comes down off the mountain and the first person he meets is a man with leprosy who approaches Jesus for healing.  Jesus is approachable.  He seems trustworthy and this sick person has faith in Jesus' power.  How about you?  Are you willing to ask God for the healing you need and to believe he cares enough to answer?                     

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Does you God really care about you?  Do you think he is willing to answer your prayer?  A man with a disease approached Jesus and stated simply:  If you are willing, you can make me clean.  Would you approach God and say something similar?
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 8:1-4.  Jesus has finished the Sermon on the Mount and comes down off the mountain and the first person he meets is a man with leprosy who approaches Jesus for healing.  Jesus is approachable.  He seems trustworthy and this sick person has faith in Jesus' power.  How about you?  Are you willing to ask God for the healing you need and to believe he cares enough to answer?                     

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2744509 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 500 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 11 full false Ask and Seek (Matthew 7) Ask and Seek (Matthew 7) What do you want most?  Have you asked God for it?  In the end, the Sermon on the Mount is a glimpse into the deeper truths of the gospel.  It also shows us God's heart.  What does God want for you?  Good things! 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 7:6-12.  This is the last message we will hear from the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus urges us to seek God boldly.  God is holy, but he is also wholly good.  What he wants for you is better than what the best parent you can imagine would give you.  So ask boldly.  And don't give up.                    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What do you want most?  Have you asked God for it?  In the end, the Sermon on the Mount is a glimpse into the deeper truths of the gospel.  It also shows us God's heart.  What does God want for you?  Good things! 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 7:6-12.  This is the last message we will hear from the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus urges us to seek God boldly.  God is holy, but he is also wholly good.  What he wants for you is better than what the best parent you can imagine would give you.  So ask boldly.  And don't give up.                    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2739787 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 550 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 10 full false Treasure (Matthew 6) Treasure (Matthew 6) What do you truly value?  If you treasure money, it will show.  If you treasure people, you can't hide it.  If Christ is your highest treasure, you will inspire many.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 6:19-24.  Jesus continues his teaching on the mountain and he helps us examine what we truly value and treasure and how that affects where we give time, what we value, who we worship.                    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What do you truly value?  If you treasure money, it will show.  If you treasure people, you can't hide it.  If Christ is your highest treasure, you will inspire many.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 6:19-24.  Jesus continues his teaching on the mountain and he helps us examine what we truly value and treasure and how that affects where we give time, what we value, who we worship.                    

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2731558 Thu, 13 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 506 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 9 full false Praying (Matthew 6) Praying (Matthew 6) One reason for listening to First Fifteen is to grow in prayer and in today's episode Jesus teaches us some important lessons about praying to our Father.  We are continuing the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus is taking us closer in to the heart of God.  Use this episode to grow a little closer in relationship with God.     

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 6:5-8.  Jesus continues his teaching on the mountain and he wants us to grow deeper in prayer.  Prayer is not a matter of showing off our spirituality or trying to earn God's favor or merit.  It's about our relationship with him.       
Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> One reason for listening to First Fifteen is to grow in prayer and in today's episode Jesus teaches us some important lessons about praying to our Father.  We are continuing the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus is taking us closer in to the heart of God.  Use this episode to grow a little closer in relationship with God.     

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 6:5-8.  Jesus continues his teaching on the mountain and he wants us to grow deeper in prayer.  Prayer is not a matter of showing off our spirituality or trying to earn God's favor or merit.  It's about our relationship with him.       
Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2721151 Wed, 12 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 480 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Gospel of Matthew 2 8 full false Salt and Light (Matthew 5) Salt and Light (Matthew 5) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives his first extended teaching to his followers.  What kind of people are they to be?  The surprising answer is salt and light - basic essentials that have a transformative effect on everything around.     

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 5:13-16.  Jesus begins his teaching ministry, and he uses common elements like salt and light to teach his followers what kind of disciples they are to be.  He expects his followers will re-shape society.                 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives his first extended teaching to his followers.  What kind of people are they to be?  The surprising answer is salt and light - basic essentials that have a transformative effect on everything around.     

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 5:13-16.  Jesus begins his teaching ministry, and he uses common elements like salt and light to teach his followers what kind of disciples they are to be.  He expects his followers will re-shape society.                 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2710048 Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 574 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Matthew 5 2 7 full false Come Follow Me (Matthew 4) Come Follow Me (Matthew 4) Along the shores of Galilee, Jesus looks for his first followers.  What kind of people is he looking for?  What does he promise to those who will follow?  Listen to his call and make your own decision today.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 4:18-22.  Jesus has launched his ministry, preaching repentance and the coming of God's Kingdom.  Now he calls his first followers to join him in his journey and mission.  He seeks doers, not scholars.  Will you follow him too?               

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Along the shores of Galilee, Jesus looks for his first followers.  What kind of people is he looking for?  What does he promise to those who will follow?  Listen to his call and make your own decision today.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 4:18-22.  Jesus has launched his ministry, preaching repentance and the coming of God's Kingdom.  Now he calls his first followers to join him in his journey and mission.  He seeks doers, not scholars.  Will you follow him too?               

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2699125 Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 354 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Matthew 4 2 6 full false Light in Galilee (Matthew 4) Light in Galilee (Matthew 4) After acing his test in the desert, Jesus returns home briefly before launching his public ministry in the region of Galilee.  The light has come.  Have you caught any of its rays yourself?   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 4:12-17.  Emerging from his test in the wilderness and conquering the temptations offered there, Jesus travels north to Galilee to embark on his public ministry preaching repentance.  Hear his message and let his light shine on your heart.             

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website 

Support the show

]]> After acing his test in the desert, Jesus returns home briefly before launching his public ministry in the region of Galilee.  The light has come.  Have you caught any of its rays yourself?   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 4:12-17.  Emerging from his test in the wilderness and conquering the temptations offered there, Jesus travels north to Galilee to embark on his public ministry preaching repentance.  Hear his message and let his light shine on your heart.             

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website 

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2657647 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 389 2 5 full false Temptation (Matthew 4) Temptation (Matthew 4) God warns us in the Bible that the devil wants to derail us and he will attack us at our point of vulnerability in our moment of weakness.  Are you armed and ready for the fight? 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 4.  Right after Jesus is baptized, he goes into the wilderness where he fasts for 40 days and Satan tempts him. We can learn a lot from him about how to handle temptation.               

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon  (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website

Support the show

]]> God warns us in the Bible that the devil wants to derail us and he will attack us at our point of vulnerability in our moment of weakness.  Are you armed and ready for the fight? 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 4.  Right after Jesus is baptized, he goes into the wilderness where he fasts for 40 days and Satan tempts him. We can learn a lot from him about how to handle temptation.               

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon  (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2657131 Thu, 06 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 623 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Christian Meditation, Matthew 4 2 4 full false Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2) Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2) King or killer?  Herod was so paranoid he couldn't stand the thought of rivals.  He orders the wholesale slaughter of innocent infants, but God's plans cannot be derailed or so easily frustrated.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 2:13-18.  An angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee Israel and escape to Egypt because of Herod.             

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook).

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> King or killer?  Herod was so paranoid he couldn't stand the thought of rivals.  He orders the wholesale slaughter of innocent infants, but God's plans cannot be derailed or so easily frustrated.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 2:13-18.  An angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee Israel and escape to Egypt because of Herod.             

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook).

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2655970 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 419 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Matthew 2 2 3 full false Worship the True King (Matthew 2) Worship the True King (Matthew 2) Magi or monarch - who will offer authentic worship to the baby born to be king?  We find out today and get a chance to examine our own willingness to worship the true king. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 2:1-6.  Matthew narrates Jesus' birth, the visit of the Magi and the machinations of a very paranoid King Herod.           

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle).

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Magi or monarch - who will offer authentic worship to the baby born to be king?  We find out today and get a chance to examine our own willingness to worship the true king. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 2:1-6.  Matthew narrates Jesus' birth, the visit of the Magi and the machinations of a very paranoid King Herod.           

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook on Kindle).

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2655430 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 07:00:00 -0600 521 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Matthew 2 2 2 full false Journey with Jesus (Matthew 1) Journey with Jesus (Matthew 1) We kick off season two with a focus on praying one type of scripture, a gospel.  In this season we will journey with Jesus and get to know him in a whole new way.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matthew 1:18-25.  Matthew introduces us to Joseph, Mary and the prophecy about Jesus' birth and reassures us that not only does God save, but he is Immanuel, God with us.            

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel (link).

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel (link) on Amazon (or ebook)

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> We kick off season two with a focus on praying one type of scripture, a gospel.  In this season we will journey with Jesus and get to know him in a whole new way.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matthew 1:18-25.  Matthew introduces us to Joseph, Mary and the prophecy about Jesus' birth and reassures us that not only does God save, but he is Immanuel, God with us.            

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel (link).

The four step process demonstrated in this episode is available here.

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel (link) on Amazon (or ebook)

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2635396 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0600 826 Hearing God's Word, Praying the Gospel, Christian Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Matthew 1 2 1 full false Morning Prayer (Psalm 5) Morning Prayer (Psalm 5) In the morning we pray to God first, even if we can't string a decent sentence together, even if the deeds of the wicked drive us to distraction.  We center ourselves in God and cry out to him, certain he will listen.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's the perfect way to get started!

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

This episode brings the first season to a close.  We've demonstrated over a wide range of Scripture how to hear it, meditate and turn it back to God in prayer.

Until the next season begins, you can go back and listen to earlier episodes you might have missed.

Read the full chapter where we only covered a portion (Genesis 5, Luke 21, James 4, Proverbs 26, Habakkuk 2, Mark 1, Colossians 2, John 11, Numbers 6, Deuteronomy 1)

Start praying through the Psalms (one a day) or through a Gospel

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> In the morning we pray to God first, even if we can't string a decent sentence together, even if the deeds of the wicked drive us to distraction.  We center ourselves in God and cry out to him, certain he will listen.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  It's the perfect way to get started!

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

This episode brings the first season to a close.  We've demonstrated over a wide range of Scripture how to hear it, meditate and turn it back to God in prayer.

Until the next season begins, you can go back and listen to earlier episodes you might have missed.

Read the full chapter where we only covered a portion (Genesis 5, Luke 21, James 4, Proverbs 26, Habakkuk 2, Mark 1, Colossians 2, John 11, Numbers 6, Deuteronomy 1)

Start praying through the Psalms (one a day) or through a Gospel

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2564734 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 530 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Psalm 5 1 15 full false A Second Look at God's Law (Deuteronomy 1) A Second Look at God's Law (Deuteronomy 1) The wilderness is a rough place to be, both literally and figuratively.  We're looking at Deuteronomy 1 where Moses talks to a younger generation in the desert as they prepare to enter the promised land. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Deuteronomy 1 is a "second telling of the law"  and it is filled with stories and reminders about living faithfully and learning to trust God. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> The wilderness is a rough place to be, both literally and figuratively.  We're looking at Deuteronomy 1 where Moses talks to a younger generation in the desert as they prepare to enter the promised land. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Deuteronomy 1 is a "second telling of the law"  and it is filled with stories and reminders about living faithfully and learning to trust God. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2557897 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 707 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Deuteronomy 1 1 14 full false A View of Heaven (Revelation 4) A View of Heaven (Revelation 4) What is heaven like? The Revelation of John gives us a glimpse in Revelation 4.  It blows the mind and speaks to our heart, and we are going there today.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Revelation 4 is filled with symbols, images and messages to encourage God's people amid intense persecution and suffering.  We're going to focus on how to pray a portion of John's vision. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What is heaven like? The Revelation of John gives us a glimpse in Revelation 4.  It blows the mind and speaks to our heart, and we are going there today.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Revelation 4 is filled with symbols, images and messages to encourage God's people amid intense persecution and suffering.  We're going to focus on how to pray a portion of John's vision. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2550415 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 721 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Revelation 4 1 13 full false The Lord's Blessing (Numbers 6) The Lord's Blessing (Numbers 6) God's Law is filled with surprises, including a beautiful prayer of blessing that he wants to speak over you.  We'll hear today from Numbers 6. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Numbers 6 is tucked between two longer sections of the law, but it's placement here is not an accident.  We will hear God's gracious blessing on us today.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> God's Law is filled with surprises, including a beautiful prayer of blessing that he wants to speak over you.  We'll hear today from Numbers 6. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Numbers 6 is tucked between two longer sections of the law, but it's placement here is not an accident.  We will hear God's gracious blessing on us today.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2540515 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 540 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Numbers 6 1 12 full false Life and Loss (John 11) Life and Loss (John 11) John 11 contains a profound sign that reveals Jesus' true nature but it also shows that he is not distant from us, especially in our times of pain and loss.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

John 11 has the shortest verse in scripture, but it also has one of the deepest resonances with our own spirit.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> John 11 contains a profound sign that reveals Jesus' true nature but it also shows that he is not distant from us, especially in our times of pain and loss.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, First Fifteen is the right place for you.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

John 11 has the shortest verse in scripture, but it also has one of the deepest resonances with our own spirit.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2531962 Mon, 20 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 682 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, John 11 1 11 full false Real Treasure (Colossians 2) Real Treasure (Colossians 2) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Colossians 2:1-10.  Paul in his letter to the Colossian believers urges them to grow in their faith and find all their answers in Christ and not worldly beliefs or philosophies.           

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Colossians 2:1-10

1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, which is Christ 3 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 4 Now I say this so that no one may deceive you with persuasive speech. 5 For though I am not present physically, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 

6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him, and being strengthened in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 

8 Be careful that you don’t let anyone take you captive through his philosophy and empty deceit, following human traditions, holding to the fundamental principles of the world, and not lining up with  Christ. 9 For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily, 10 and in him you are made complete; for he is the head over all rule and authority” .

Back to the Cross book or ebook

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Colossians 2:1-10.  Paul in his letter to the Colossian believers urges them to grow in their faith and find all their answers in Christ and not worldly beliefs or philosophies.           

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Colossians 2:1-10

1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, which is Christ 3 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 4 Now I say this so that no one may deceive you with persuasive speech. 5 For though I am not present physically, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 

6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him, and being strengthened in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 

8 Be careful that you don’t let anyone take you captive through his philosophy and empty deceit, following human traditions, holding to the fundamental principles of the world, and not lining up with  Christ. 9 For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily, 10 and in him you are made complete; for he is the head over all rule and authority” .

Back to the Cross book or ebook

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2503057 Fri, 17 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 772 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Colossians 2 1 10 full false Embracing God's Truth (Psalm 19) Embracing God's Truth (Psalm 19) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  For details on the process listen to episode 1.* 

Featured scripture in this episode is Psalm 19.  The truth about the world and about humans is revealed in this ancient song that celebrates two different ways of knowing God's truth.         

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

* To get a two page helpsheet pdf that details the First Fifteen process, go here.

To get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms (click) or the ebook
Both of these contain a chapter on Psalm 19.

+ + + + + + + + + + +
Psalm 19 (translation by Ron Oltmanns)

1)  The heavens declare the glory of God, the expanse of sky proclaims what His hands have made.

2)  Day after day pours forth new words and night after night brings forth knowledge;

3)  yet there is no speaking and no words and no sound from all this silent testimony.

4)  Their message goes out over the whole earth and to the extremes of the world.
God made a place in the sky for the sun 5) which is like a joyful bridegroom coming out of his wedding chamber or like a confident strong man ready to run his race.

6)  Rising at one end of the sky and running its course to the other end, there is nothing that can be hidden from its glow.

7)  The teaching* (torah) of Yahweh is perfect, it gives new life and strength.  
The testimonies* of Yahweh can be trusted and give wisdom to the untrained and inexperienced.  

8)  The instructions* of Yahweh are right and straight, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands* of Yahweh are clean and pure, they make the eyes light up.

9)  The fear of Yahweh** is good and pure, it will last forever.
The judgments* of Yahweh are true, and they are always fair and “just right.”

10)  I desire Your law and word much more than great amounts of the purest refined gold.
They are sweeter than honey, the purest honey straight from the comb.

11)  I your servant am warned and instructed by Your commands, and in obeying them I am rewarded greatly.

12)  Who can see and understand his own errors?  No one can—free me from my hidden faults!

13)  Keep me safe also from willful sins I know are wrong; don’t let them make me their slave.  Then I will be blameless before You and free from serious sin.

14)  I pray that my words spoken and what I meditate on in my mind and heart are pleasing to You.  Yahweh, You are my rock of protection and the One who rescues and redeems me from sin.

*teaching (torah) vv. 7-9  Torah can mean teaching, instruction or law. 
*testimonies (edoth) v. 7 a witness or testimony
*instructions (piqqud ) v. 8 instruction, procedure, precept
*commands (mitzvah ) v. 8 commandment
*judgments (mishpat) v. 9 a legal requirement or a judgment given
**fear of Yahweh (yirath Yahweh) v. 9 – this could be an expression for God’s law, such as “the proper reverence and honor given to God”, though this would be unusual. 

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  For details on the process listen to episode 1.* 

Featured scripture in this episode is Psalm 19.  The truth about the world and about humans is revealed in this ancient song that celebrates two different ways of knowing God's truth.         

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

* To get a two page helpsheet pdf that details the First Fifteen process, go here.

To get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms (click) or the ebook
Both of these contain a chapter on Psalm 19.

+ + + + + + + + + + +
Psalm 19 (translation by Ron Oltmanns)

1)  The heavens declare the glory of God, the expanse of sky proclaims what His hands have made.

2)  Day after day pours forth new words and night after night brings forth knowledge;

3)  yet there is no speaking and no words and no sound from all this silent testimony.

4)  Their message goes out over the whole earth and to the extremes of the world.
God made a place in the sky for the sun 5) which is like a joyful bridegroom coming out of his wedding chamber or like a confident strong man ready to run his race.

6)  Rising at one end of the sky and running its course to the other end, there is nothing that can be hidden from its glow.

7)  The teaching* (torah) of Yahweh is perfect, it gives new life and strength.  
The testimonies* of Yahweh can be trusted and give wisdom to the untrained and inexperienced.  

8)  The instructions* of Yahweh are right and straight, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands* of Yahweh are clean and pure, they make the eyes light up.

9)  The fear of Yahweh** is good and pure, it will last forever.
The judgments* of Yahweh are true, and they are always fair and “just right.”

10)  I desire Your law and word much more than great amounts of the purest refined gold.
They are sweeter than honey, the purest honey straight from the comb.

11)  I your servant am warned and instructed by Your commands, and in obeying them I am rewarded greatly.

12)  Who can see and understand his own errors?  No one can—free me from my hidden faults!

13)  Keep me safe also from willful sins I know are wrong; don’t let them make me their slave.  Then I will be blameless before You and free from serious sin.

14)  I pray that my words spoken and what I meditate on in my mind and heart are pleasing to You.  Yahweh, You are my rock of protection and the One who rescues and redeems me from sin.

*teaching (torah) vv. 7-9  Torah can mean teaching, instruction or law. 
*testimonies (edoth) v. 7 a witness or testimony
*instructions (piqqud ) v. 8 instruction, procedure, precept
*commands (mitzvah ) v. 8 commandment
*judgments (mishpat) v. 9 a legal requirement or a judgment given
**fear of Yahweh (yirath Yahweh) v. 9 – this could be an expression for God’s law, such as “the proper reverence and honor given to God”, though this would be unusual. 

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

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]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2498755 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 639 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Psalm 19 1 9 full false A Very Good Beginning (Mark 1) A Very Good Beginning (Mark 1) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Mark 1:1-15.  Mark may be the earliest written gospel of Jesus and we have a chance to hear his message of God's favor and new beginnings in a fresh way.         

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Mark 1:1-15.  Mark may be the earliest written gospel of Jesus and we have a chance to hear his message of God's favor and new beginnings in a fresh way.         

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2490700 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 782 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Mark 1 1 8 full false How Long, God? (Habakkuk 2) How Long, God? (Habakkuk 2) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Habakkuk 2.  We look at several verses in the first two chapters of Habakkuk's prophecy where he struggles with widespread evil and God's timescale for dealing with the wicked.         

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Hababkkuk was a prophet at a time when Israel was facing a crisis.  He brings two complaints to God.  The first one is pretty simple:  “How long, Yahweh?  How long must I cry and you will not hear?  I cry to you “Violence!” and you don’t save.  Why do you make me look at these evil deeds and see all this misery?  Destruction and violence are around me, everywhere there is strife and contention rising. The law is paralyzed and there’s no justice.  The wicked stalk the righteous and justice is perverted.”

That’s his first complaint from Habakkuk 1:2-4.  How long, Yahweh, is evil going to have the upper hand?  Amazingly, Habakkuk gets an answer from God immediately!  But it was an answer that was most unexpected.  “Look among the nations and just watch.  Be stunned, be astonished!  I am doing a work in your day which you are not going to believe even if someone told you about it.  Just look! I’m raising up Babylon, a cruel and impetuous people…who are fearsome and terrifying, a law unto themselves…” (Hab 1:5-7).  God goes on to describe in detail just how big and bad, how heartless and violent they are in the next four verses.  

Habakkuk is dumbfounded.  He can’t believe what he’s hearing.  He raises his second complaint to God:  “Yahweh, you’re too pure to look on evil and stand by quietly while the wicked punish the righteous.  Are you really going to let Babylon continue their reign of terror and get away with it?” (1:12-17) The gist of it is what philosophers have asked for years since: God, you’re good, too good to let evil prevail. So why don’t you do something?

“Yahweh is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!”  (Hab 2:20)

Pray:  O Lord, what can we say but Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.  The whole earth is full of your glory!  Your glory covers the heavens and your praise fills the earth.  Your ways are eternal and you will not let the wicked win.  Evil will not have the final word because only you can speak it and you are good.  I will wait, and I will rejoice in you.  God, you are my strength and you will bring me up to the heights to be with you.  In faith I pray, Amen.

God Help Me Grow:  Learning to Pray through the Psalms  get it on Kindle

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Habakkuk 2.  We look at several verses in the first two chapters of Habakkuk's prophecy where he struggles with widespread evil and God's timescale for dealing with the wicked.         

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Hababkkuk was a prophet at a time when Israel was facing a crisis.  He brings two complaints to God.  The first one is pretty simple:  “How long, Yahweh?  How long must I cry and you will not hear?  I cry to you “Violence!” and you don’t save.  Why do you make me look at these evil deeds and see all this misery?  Destruction and violence are around me, everywhere there is strife and contention rising. The law is paralyzed and there’s no justice.  The wicked stalk the righteous and justice is perverted.”

That’s his first complaint from Habakkuk 1:2-4.  How long, Yahweh, is evil going to have the upper hand?  Amazingly, Habakkuk gets an answer from God immediately!  But it was an answer that was most unexpected.  “Look among the nations and just watch.  Be stunned, be astonished!  I am doing a work in your day which you are not going to believe even if someone told you about it.  Just look! I’m raising up Babylon, a cruel and impetuous people…who are fearsome and terrifying, a law unto themselves…” (Hab 1:5-7).  God goes on to describe in detail just how big and bad, how heartless and violent they are in the next four verses.  

Habakkuk is dumbfounded.  He can’t believe what he’s hearing.  He raises his second complaint to God:  “Yahweh, you’re too pure to look on evil and stand by quietly while the wicked punish the righteous.  Are you really going to let Babylon continue their reign of terror and get away with it?” (1:12-17) The gist of it is what philosophers have asked for years since: God, you’re good, too good to let evil prevail. So why don’t you do something?

“Yahweh is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!”  (Hab 2:20)

Pray:  O Lord, what can we say but Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.  The whole earth is full of your glory!  Your glory covers the heavens and your praise fills the earth.  Your ways are eternal and you will not let the wicked win.  Evil will not have the final word because only you can speak it and you are good.  I will wait, and I will rejoice in you.  God, you are my strength and you will bring me up to the heights to be with you.  In faith I pray, Amen.

God Help Me Grow:  Learning to Pray through the Psalms  get it on Kindle

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2486531 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 662 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Habakkuk 2 1 7 full false Pray a Proverb?! (Proverbs 26) Pray a Proverb?! (Proverbs 26) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Proverbs 26.  We look at several verses in this chapter to gain some familiarity with biblical proverbs and how to pray them in a lively way.  

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Proverbs 26.  We look at several verses in this chapter to gain some familiarity with biblical proverbs and how to pray them in a lively way.  

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2469137 Mon, 13 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 761 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Proverbs 26 1 6 full false Practical Tips to Stay on Plan (James 4) Practical Tips to Stay on Plan (James 4) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is James 4.  Practical scriptures ironically have their own challenges when it comes to application.  We learn the importance of engagement and meditation when we might jump to a hasty conclusion.       

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is James 4.  Practical scriptures ironically have their own challenges when it comes to application.  We learn the importance of engagement and meditation when we might jump to a hasty conclusion.       

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2449202 Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 823 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, James 4 1 5 full false When Life is Hard-Pray! (Psalm 143) When Life is Hard-Pray! (Psalm 143) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Psalm 143.  With gut level honesty we learn to pray and meditate on what is really true and worth paying attention to.       

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Psalm 143.  With gut level honesty we learn to pray and meditate on what is really true and worth paying attention to.       

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2440817 Thu, 09 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 761 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Psalm 143 1 4 full false Going to the Gospels - Not One Stone (Luke 21) Going to the Gospels - Not One Stone (Luke 21) Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Luke 21.    Jesus speaks and teaches his followers, but are you really listening?  Jesus cuts through the distractions and shows us what's really important.        

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Luke 21.    Jesus speaks and teaches his followers, but are you really listening?  Jesus cuts through the distractions and shows us what's really important.        

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2431472 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 868 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Luke 21 1 3 full false How to Pray through a Family Tree (Genealogy - Genesis 5) How to Pray through a Family Tree (Genealogy - Genesis 5) What's in a name?  Quite a lot actually, as we get to hear on today's episode.  We also explore what it really means to be an "image-bearer" and some of the implications of that.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture we use in this episode is Genesis 5.  You'll see that even passages that seem dry or simply factual can still speak God's word to your heart.    

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> What's in a name?  Quite a lot actually, as we get to hear on today's episode.  We also explore what it really means to be an "image-bearer" and some of the implications of that.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture we use in this episode is Genesis 5.  You'll see that even passages that seem dry or simply factual can still speak God's word to your heart.    

Go ahead and get started listening and subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.

Additional resources at https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2425619 Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 843 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Genesis 5 1 2 full false Your First Fifteen Minutes of the Day (Psalm 1) Your First Fifteen Minutes of the Day (Psalm 1) How you start the day sets the course and tone for the rest of the day.  Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. 

The featured scripture in this episode is Psalm 1.  In future episodes we use other scriptures from the Bible for our daily listening and response.

* To get a two page pdf that details the First Fifteen process, go here.

The Four Steps to Build Your Relationship with God

1.  Listen – read Scripture and listen to God speaking to you.  Expect him to speak to you.

2.  Engage – meditate and reflect on what God is saying to you personally.  Scripture portrays meditation as repeating a thought, a word or truth to ourselves.

3.  Pray – respond to God personally, using your own words or using the words of Scripture and praying them back to God as your own response to him.

4.  Apply – live out a prayerful response to God in your daily actions.  Do something concrete and intentional.

Psalm 1 - a demonstration of the four steps 

1 – Read/Listen

1) Blessed is one who does not walk by the advice of the wicked, nor stand around in the way of sinners, or sit with the mockers.
2) Instead, in the law of Yahweh is his delight, and on His law he meditates day and night.
3) He is like a tree planted beside canals filled with water which produces fruit in the right season, His leaves are lush, not withered, and everything he does prospers.

4) The wicked are not like this at all!  They are like the stubble and dry shells left after the good grain has been removed.  That stuff is thrown up in the air so the wind will carry it off, separating it from the good grain.
5) The wicked will not be rise up in the judgment nor will sinners join in the assembly of the righteous, 
6) for Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will be wiped out.

2 – Engage

The practice of meditation is directly mentioned in verse 2.  It is something the righteous person does regularly (“day and night”).  The Hebrew word for meditate comes from a moaning or growling sound that is voiced, but it points to musing or reflecting on something.  It doesn’t necessarily involve a certain posture but it does require giving conscious attention or repeating what we are meditating on.  In this psalm (and in Joshua 1:8) we meditate on God’s law, what he has revealed to us.  We delight in God’s ways and his law.  It’s a conscious choice we make in contrast to listening to or joining in the ways of the wicked who oppose God and his law.  

3 - Pray

We can read back the scripture and make it our own prayer.  We can also put it into our own words.  “God, I choose your way.  I set my heart on You, tune my ears to Your voice, fix my eyes on Your laws.  I will not listen to the crowd, or linger in the company of the wayward, or join in the jeers of the mockers.  I will hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.  Please give me fruit for my efforts, more fulfillment than I can imagine.  I am choosing to be Yours today.”

4 – Apply/Live Out

Take a concrete action that comes from what you have read or heard and prayed.

Examples:  Write out Psalm 1:2 in a journal or on a notecard

Set alarms/reminders on your phone to pause during the day and think about what you read

Share a verse with a friend or family member or on social media

Ask God to bring people into your life today and to give you chances to see his truth at work!

Support the show

]]> How you start the day sets the course and tone for the rest of the day.  Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. 

The featured scripture in this episode is Psalm 1.  In future episodes we use other scriptures from the Bible for our daily listening and response.

* To get a two page pdf that details the First Fifteen process, go here.

The Four Steps to Build Your Relationship with God

1.  Listen – read Scripture and listen to God speaking to you.  Expect him to speak to you.

2.  Engage – meditate and reflect on what God is saying to you personally.  Scripture portrays meditation as repeating a thought, a word or truth to ourselves.

3.  Pray – respond to God personally, using your own words or using the words of Scripture and praying them back to God as your own response to him.

4.  Apply – live out a prayerful response to God in your daily actions.  Do something concrete and intentional.

Psalm 1 - a demonstration of the four steps 

1 – Read/Listen

1) Blessed is one who does not walk by the advice of the wicked, nor stand around in the way of sinners, or sit with the mockers.
2) Instead, in the law of Yahweh is his delight, and on His law he meditates day and night.
3) He is like a tree planted beside canals filled with water which produces fruit in the right season, His leaves are lush, not withered, and everything he does prospers.

4) The wicked are not like this at all!  They are like the stubble and dry shells left after the good grain has been removed.  That stuff is thrown up in the air so the wind will carry it off, separating it from the good grain.
5) The wicked will not be rise up in the judgment nor will sinners join in the assembly of the righteous, 
6) for Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will be wiped out.

2 – Engage

The practice of meditation is directly mentioned in verse 2.  It is something the righteous person does regularly (“day and night”).  The Hebrew word for meditate comes from a moaning or growling sound that is voiced, but it points to musing or reflecting on something.  It doesn’t necessarily involve a certain posture but it does require giving conscious attention or repeating what we are meditating on.  In this psalm (and in Joshua 1:8) we meditate on God’s law, what he has revealed to us.  We delight in God’s ways and his law.  It’s a conscious choice we make in contrast to listening to or joining in the ways of the wicked who oppose God and his law.  

3 - Pray

We can read back the scripture and make it our own prayer.  We can also put it into our own words.  “God, I choose your way.  I set my heart on You, tune my ears to Your voice, fix my eyes on Your laws.  I will not listen to the crowd, or linger in the company of the wayward, or join in the jeers of the mockers.  I will hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.  Please give me fruit for my efforts, more fulfillment than I can imagine.  I am choosing to be Yours today.”

4 – Apply/Live Out

Take a concrete action that comes from what you have read or heard and prayed.

Examples:  Write out Psalm 1:2 in a journal or on a notecard

Set alarms/reminders on your phone to pause during the day and think about what you read

Share a verse with a friend or family member or on social media

Ask God to bring people into your life today and to give you chances to see his truth at work!

Support the show

]]> Ron Oltmanns Buzzsprout-2422889 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0600 702 God's Word, Prayer, Devotional, Bible Reading, Meditation, Psalm 1 1 1 full false