In this enlightening episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller delves into the profound and encompassing vision of Christ as depicted in Colossians 1:15-20. Get ready to explore the cosmic nature of Christ and find practical ways to integrate this understanding into your daily life.

Episode Highlights:

1. Christ as the Cosmic Connector: Rev. Dr. Brad Miller reads from Colossians 1:15-20, presenting a powerful vision of Christ as the cosmic force that holds all creation together. He highlights the idea that Christ is not limited to religious boundaries but is the fundamental connecting force of the universe, visible in every atom, creature, and person. This radical perspective challenges listeners to broaden their view of Christ's presence beyond traditional confines and to recognize the divine in all aspects of the world around them.

2. Restoration and Reconciliation: In this episode, the theme of healing and wholeness takes center stage. Dr. Miller emphasizes the imagery from Colossians of broken and dislocated pieces of the universe being fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies through Christ’s death and resurrection. This vision reframes salvation not as an individual escape but as a collective restoration and reconciliation process. It's a call to see salvation as a movement towards unity and oneness that encompasses all creation.

3. Practical Action – Finding the Divine in the Everyday: Dr. Miller provides a practical action step for listeners: to practice seeing Christ in unexpected places. He encourages taking a walk and observing the divine presence in everything encountered, from people and trees to the sky and everyday surroundings. This exercise aims to transform our relationship with our environment and others, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the divine nature of the world.

Resource Recommendation: For further reflection during the Advent season, Dr. Miller recommends "The Christmas Letters," a resource celebrating the incarnation of God becoming human in Jesus through a series of reflective letters.

Closing Prayer: The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, asking for courage to expand our vision, recognize our deep connection with creation, and become agents of harmony rather than division.

Join us again tomorrow for another Daily Bible Refresh with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. Remember, God's love never runs out and is renewed every morning.

Subscribe and Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit from these daily reflections and action steps.

For more episodes and resources, visit our website at , follow us on social media, and stay encouraged!

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every...

Welcome to "Daily Bible Refresh" with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. In this episode titled "Mary's Song and the Call to Justice," Rev. Dr. Brad Miller provides a profound and relatable reflection on the New Testament reading for the 4th Sunday of Advent from the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C.

Today's selected scripture is from Luke 1:46-55, also known as Mary's song or the Magnificat. Reading from The Message version of the Bible, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller delves into the significant themes encapsulated in Mary's emotional and powerful declaration.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller begins with the inspirational words of Mary, a young, unmarried woman in a patriarchal society, who speaks about how God's love and mercy have transformed her life. This scripture is a luminary passage that shifts our understanding of divine dignity, economic justice, and the marginalized.

Here are key takeaways from this episode:

1. Divine Dignity for All People:

• Rev. Dr. Brad Miller points out that Mary’s song celebrates the divine dignity bestowed upon her and, by extension, upon all people. Despite her low social status, Mary's experience of being seen and valued by God underscores a powerful message: God’s recognition and love extend especially to those whom society often overlooks or devalues. This serves as a reminder of God’s real concern for marginalized people and communities facing discrimination.

1. Call for Economic and Social Justice:

• The Magnificat isn’t just poetic; it is revolutionary. Mary’s proclamation about filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty is a clear cry for economic and social justice. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller emphasizes that Mary's words challenge us to confront the existing disparities between the wealthy and those in need, urging a fair and equal distribution of resources, epitomizing the transformative power of the gospel.

1. Active Participation in God’s Justice Work:

• The call to action is clear. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller encourages listeners to be active participants in God’s justice-making work. This week's action step involves identifying tangible ways to lift up the marginalized, whether by advocating for fair wages, supporting service organizations, or examining one’s own privilege to bring about change. Mary's song inspires us to move from comfortable faith towards actionable steps in justice and liberation.

Before closing with a heartfelt prayer, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller introduces a valuable resource for the Advent season: "On the Way to Bethlehem" by Rob Fuquay. This book provides insight into the historical and geographical significance of the Nativity narrative and is highly recommended for deeper contemplation during Advent.

In the concluding prayer, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller petitions for courage and vision to stand with those on the margins, emulating Mary's bold vision of justice and compassion.

Join Rev. Dr. Brad Miller tomorrow for another enlightening episode of Daily Bible Refresh. Until then, remember, God's loyal love is renewed every morning.

Resource Mentioned:

• "On the Way to Bethlehem" by Rob Fuquay

Thank you for tuning in to "Daily Bible Refresh" with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The...

Welcome to "Daily Bible Refresh," hosted by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. Each day, Dr. Miller delves into the daily readings from the Common Lectionary, bringing us meaningful reflections that are both relatable and profound. Today, he kicks off with a passage from Luke 13:31-35, read from the Message version of the Bible.

In this episode, Dr. Miller paints a vivid picture of Jesus confronting the political powers of His day, encapsulated in His interaction with Herod. He illustrates how Jesus was warned about Herod's intentions to kill Him, yet responded with conviction and a prophetic declaration. This important biblical account provides a springboard for considering our own interactions with power and vulnerability.

Key Takeaways:

1. Speaking Truth to Power: Jesus’ bold response to Herod, referring to him as "that fox," represents a powerful act of speaking truth to power. Dr. Miller emphasizes that unjust systems and authorities should be challenged. This call to discipleship invites listeners to think critically about injustice in their own contexts and to take steps, however small, to confront it.
2. Redefining Power through Vulnerability: Dr. Miller discusses the metaphor of the hen gathering her chicks—a striking contrast to the militaristic power often associated with political entities. This imagery lends itself to a broader discussion on how true strength can manifest through acts of love and care, rather than through domination or force. This view challenges the "might makes right" mentality and invites listeners to consider a more compassionate approach to leadership and influence.
3. Compassionate Resistance: While advocating for justice, Dr. Miller underscores the importance of maintaining a compassionate heart. He encourages the audience to balance their acts of resistance with a Christ-like love. The difficult, yet rewarding task is to express opposition to harmful systems while still harboring love in our hearts.

Action Step: Dr. Miller encourages you to identify a "fox-like" system of power in your community—be it political, economic, or social—that causes harm, and take a definitive action against it. This could involve writing letters, joining advocacy groups, or supporting those who lead such efforts. Importantly, engage in this resistance with compassionate love, akin to the protective care Jesus exemplified.

To further enrich your Advent season, Dr. Miller recommends "Prepare the Way for the Lord" by best-selling author Adam Hamilton. This resource focuses on preparing to receive Christ during Advent, inspired by the teachings of John the Baptist.

Closing the episode with a prayer, Dr. Miller seeks courage, wisdom, and compassion for his listeners as they navigate their daily lives, continuously inspired by Jesus' teachings.

Join us again tomorrow for more daily reflections that aim to foster personal growth and spiritual enrichment. Until then, remember, God’s loyal love is ever-present, renewed each morning.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The Voice of God Daily is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New

Show Notes: Daily Bible Refresh - S3. Ep.021

Episode Title: Exploring Sustainable Activism and Radical Contentment

Host: Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

In this enlightening episode of "To Be Encouraged," Rev. Dr. Brad Miller delves into the themes of radical contentment and sustainable activism by reflecting on Hebrews 10:32-39. Using the Message version of the Bible, Rev. Dr. Miller provides insightful and actionable points to help listeners apply the biblical teachings to their daily lives. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller illuminates the concept of radical contentment as outlined in Hebrews 10. The passage reminds us of a community that maintained joy and peace even when faced with severe hardships, such as public abuse and the seizure of their possessions. They were able to smile and let go of their material goods because they understood that their true treasure was found elsewhere—in their spiritual and relational lives. This challenges our modern consumer culture, prompting us to evaluate what truly holds value in our lives—is it material wealth or the richness of our relationships and spiritual well-being?

The episode also focuses on sustainable activism, a concept Rev. Dr. Miller describes as steadfast persistence in working for justice and change despite facing adversities. He emphasizes the importance of staying aligned with God’s plan and being grounded spiritually and within a supportive community. This sustainable approach ensures that efforts towards change are not only impactful but also enduring, allowing activists to avoid burnout and continue their mission effectively.

Rev. Dr. Miller provides a practical action step for listeners to engage in their communities meaningfully. He encourages listeners to identify a community movement or cause that resonates with their values—be it addressing hunger, homelessness, or substance abuse issues—and take concrete steps to support it. This could be through financial donations, volunteering, educating oneself about the cause, or spreading awareness via social media. By actively participating in these causes, individuals can contribute to sustainable change and embody the biblical teachings of community support and activism.

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Miller also recommends "On the Way to Bethlehem" by Rob Fuquay as a valuable resource to enrich one’s understanding of the advent season. This book delves into the geographical and historical context of the Christmas narrative, offering deeper insights into the people and places that define this season.

Prayer Focus: Rev. Dr. Miller concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, asking for divine guidance in balancing urgent action with sustainable persistence, and for wisdom to discern what truly matters in life.

Join Rev. Dr. Brad Miller in this enriching episode of "To Be Encouraged" as he explores these timeless spiritual lessons and their practical applications. Tune in daily for more insightful reflections and actionable teachings based on the Revised Common Lectionary.The Voice of God Daily is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2022-2025).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words

Episode Title: Daily Bible Refresh S3 Ep.020

Host: Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

Show Notes:

In this thought-provoking episode of "Daily Bible Refresh," Rev. Dr. Brad Miller delves into the powerful message of Hebrews 10:10-18 from the Revised Common Lectionary. Using "The Message" Bible translation, Dr. Miller articulates how this passage speaks to the essence of spiritual transformation and the radical nature of divine love. Here are three takeaways from today's scripture reflection:

1. Beyond Ritual to Relationship: The episode underscores the importance of moving past mere religious rituals to foster a genuine relationship with God. Dr. Miller explains that external practices alone cannot resolve human brokenness. Authentic spirituality arises from being transformed by love within. This passage challenges modern Christians to evaluate their spiritual lives, shifting from "checking off boxes" in religious duties to cultivating a deep, heart-centered connection with God. It’s a call to allow divine love to radically transform our inner lives, leading to a more meaningful and impactful faith journey.
2. Revolutionary Forgiveness: A central theme in the discussion is the concept of radical forgiveness introduced in Hebrews 10. Dr. Miller illuminates how God's forgiveness is not retributive but restorative. This transformative forgiveness cleanses us entirely, removing the need for continual sacrifices. It serves as a model for human interactions, challenging us to establish communities that focus on restoration rather than retribution. This divine approach to forgiveness invites us to address personal and communal harm with a mindset of healing and restoration, rather than seeking revenge or punishment.
3. Application to Daily Life: Dr. Miller offers an actionable step for listeners to incorporate this lesson into their daily lives. He suggests identifying an area in one's life where there may be a tendency toward "performance religion"—simply going through the motions of faith practices. Instead, he encourages choosing one concrete, tangible way to focus on heart-centered transformation, such as replacing a routine with an act of justice or compassion in the community. This practical advice helps listeners translate biblical principles into everyday actions, fostering a lived faith that aligns with the teachings of Christ.

Additional Resource: To further deepen your study during the Advent and Christmas season, Dr. Miller recommends the "Christmas Letters" series. This resource explores the miracle of the Incarnation through timeless letters, offering fresh insights into the mystery of God becoming human at Christmas. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to this enriching study.

Closing Prayer: Dr. Miller concludes the episode with a poignant prayer, asking for Divine guidance to move beyond empty rituals and cultivate authentic relationships with God and others. The prayer seeks courage to embrace and extend radical forgiveness, thereby transforming both individuals and communities from within.

Join us again tomorrow for another "Daily Bible Refresh" as we continue our journey through the Advent season. Remember, God's loyal love is renewed every morning!The Voice of God Daily is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2022-2025).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes...

The Challenge of Ideological Inflexibility: Luke 7:31-35

Show Notes:

Welcome to another enriching episode of "Daily Bible Refresh," where Rev. Dr. Brad Miller takes us through a thought-provoking scripture reading from Luke 7:31-35. This episode, part of our Daily Bible Refresh series, delves into the essence of spiritual authenticity and growth, framed by the teachings of Jesus. Our host, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, offers insightful reflections and actionable steps to help you apply these transformative lessons to your life.

1. Challenge of Ideological Inflexibility

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Miller illuminates the critical takeaway that authentic spiritual growth necessitates flexibility and openness. Jesus, in the scripture reading, exposes the dangers of rigid, ideological thinking prevalent among the religious leaders of His time. They criticized both John the Baptist's austere lifestyle and Jesus' celebratory approach, revealing their intolerance for any spiritual message that did not fit their preconceived notions. Rev. Dr. Miller emphasizes that true transformation is rarely neat and tidy, urging us to remain receptive to wisdom in unexpected forms.

2. Wisdom Beyond Popular Opinion

Another crucial insight from the episode is Jesus' radical statement: "Opinion polls don't count for much; the proof of the pudding is in the eating." This calls into question the reliability of societal approval as a measure of spiritual truth. Rev. Dr. Miller explains that genuine wisdom isn't validated by external forces but by its transformative power. Listeners are encouraged to trust their intuition, value substance over style, and recognize that genuine, authentic spirituality often challenges our comfort zones. This reflection invites us to look beyond societal norms to find deeper spiritual significance.

3. Practicing Spiritual Open-Mindedness

Rev. Dr. Miller provides a practical action step: practice spiritual open-mindedness. Engage with diverse perspectives by reading books from authors you might not agree with, having genuine, non-defensive conversations with individuals holding different beliefs, or attending unfamiliar worship services. The goal is to approach these experiences without judgment, fostering curiosity and deep listening. This practice helps break down rigid beliefs and encourage a broader understanding of spirituality.

Resource of the Week:

Rev. Dr. Miller highlights "All the Good," a series of Advent and Christmas teachings that emphasize the Wesleyan way of grace-oriented teaching. This resource is recommended for those seeking deeper meaning during the Advent season.

Prayer:

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, asking God to soften our rigid expectations, invite us into mystery, and help us recognize wisdom in unexpected places. This prayer encapsulates the episode's theme of embracing spiritual flexibility and open-mindedness.

Join us for this and future episodes as we continue to explore living an authentically spiritual life. Remember, God's love doesn't run out and is renewed every morning.The Voice of God Daily is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2022-2025).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The Voice of God Daily is available seven days a week by...

Title: Radical Inclusivity & Hospitality in Faith Communities

Host: Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

Description: Welcome to "Daily Bible Refresh" In this episode, our host, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, delves into a profound passage from Acts 28:23-31, exploring the themes of radical inclusivity, the power of open dialogue, and the call to practice radical hospitality. As we journey through the Advent season, Dr. Miller brings the scriptures to life, making complex religious concepts both understandable and applicable to our everyday lives. Whether you're a long-time believer or just someone in search of a little inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights that encourage a more inclusive and open-hearted approach to faith.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Radical Inclusivity in Faith: Dr. Brad Miller emphasizes the Apostle Paul's message, which challenges traditional religious boundaries. Paul's teachings in Acts 28 highlight that the message of God's love is meant for everyone, transcending cultural, religious, and social barriers. This passage serves as a call for modern faith communities to examine whom they may be unintentionally excluding and to work towards including everyone, regardless of background or belief.
2. The Power of Open Doors and Dialogue: The episode underlines the significance of open dialogue and accessibility in faith. Paul's approach of keeping an open door policy in his rented house symbolizes the importance of welcoming everyone and engaging in meaningful conversations about faith and life. This openness allows for genuine encounters with God and fosters an environment where difficult yet important discussions can take place, breaking down barriers and building community.
3. Practicing Radical Hospitality: Dr. Miller highlights the concept of radical hospitality as demonstrated by Paul. By welcoming all visitors into his home, Paul showcased an exceptional example of creating a space for everyone. Dr. Miller encourages listeners to practice this form of hospitality in their own lives—whether it’s inviting someone different for a meal or creating a welcoming environment in the workplace or church. Such actions can significantly impact those who feel marginalized or excluded, making them feel valued and loved.

Resource Mentioned:

• Making Room
• by Ed Robb
• This Advent and Christmas resource explores the interactions with the Holy Family and challenges readers to make room in their hearts for God and their neighbors.

Prayer: The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer asking for guidance to practice radical hospitality and open-heartedness, reminding us that God's love knows no bounds.

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Join us tomorrow for another episode of Daily Bible Refresh with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, and remember that God's merciful love is renewed every morning.The Voice of God Daily is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2022-2025).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The Voice of God Daily is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and include…

A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the...

Welcome to another enriching episode of Daily Bible Refresh with your host, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. In today’s episode, we dive deep into Hebrews 13:7-17 using The Message version. This lectionary study provides insightful approaches to understanding, relating, and applying Bible passages in our daily lives. Here are three key takeaways from today’s discussion:

One of the central themes Rev. Dr. Brad Miller explores is the symbolic significance of Jesus being crucified outside the city gates. This act represents a rejection of the religious establishment of His time. Dr. Miller urges listeners to introspect on the insider-outsider dynamics within their own faith communities. Are we confining our faith within traditional religious boundaries, or are we willing to embrace true faith in unexpected places? This reflection challenges us to look beyond our comfort zones and see how God may be working outside the traditional norms.

Another poignant point Dr. Miller highlights is the shift from traditional sacrifices to sacrificial praise. Hebrews 13 speaks to moving away from the ritualistic sacrifices of old to a more profound form of worship—serving others and working for justice. Authentic worship, according to this passage, is less about following rituals and more about how we treat others in our daily lives. By focusing on acts of love and justice, we embody a form of worship that is radical and inclusive, mirroring the actions of Jesus.

The episode challenges listeners to take proactive steps towards inclusivity. Dr. Miller’s action step for the week encourages identifying an "insider space" in your life where others may feel excluded. This could be in religious, social, or professional settings. Once identified, intentionally engage with someone outside of that circle. This could mean sharing a meal, having a heartfelt conversation, or finding other ways to connect. By stepping outside our circles, we expand our understanding of God and ourselves and bring about transformative experiences.

As we journey through Advent, Dr. Miller recommends Experiencing Christmas by Matt Rawl. This resource helps explore the transformative impact of Jesus' birth. A link to this resource is provided in the show notes.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, seeking courage to step outside our comfort zones, transforming worship from mere rituals into acts of love and justice, and becoming agents of inclusion in our communities.

Join Rev. Dr. Brad Miller tomorrow as he continues to refresh and inspire with daily readings and reflections. Remember, God’s loyal love never runs out—it is new every morning.The Voice of God Daily is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2022-2025).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The Voice of God Daily is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and include…

A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using a modern English translation (The Message).

A recommended resource to help you go...