Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring
Do you sometimes find it hard to pick up your Bible? To know where to begin, what you are even reading, how to study + dig deeper?? I get it, friend. I have most definitely been there too! It can be so overwhelming and intimidating for sure. I have discovered over the years that it becomes easier if you have someone to read alongside you, so please join me as we open our Bibles to read together – one chapter at a time.
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Numbers 22–24 :: A Talking Donkey and God’s Unstoppable Blessing
06/18/2025
Numbers 22–24 :: A Talking Donkey and God’s Unstoppable Blessing
In this episode, we step into one of the most surprising stories in the Bible — talking donkeys, hired curses, and blessings that can’t be stopped. We meet Balaam, a mysterious pagan prophet-for-hire. He’s not part of Israel, but he hears from God — and when the king of Moab tries to pay him to curse God’s people, things don’t go according to plan. Today, we dive into: · Who Balaam really was (and why he’s so hard to pin down) · The ancient practice of paying prophets to curse enemies · That unforgettable moment with a talking donkey · And how all of this unexpectedly points to Jesus Even in confusion, compromise, or enemy schemes, God’s blessing holds firm. PLUS, please be sure you don’t miss the announcement at the end of today’s episode with all the details about OOBT’s upcoming summer break – my plans, the official return date, and so much more! I do hope you find moments to connect more fully with those you love AND with your Bibles in study this summer! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Numbers 19-21 :: Snakes, Sorrow, and Second Chances
06/04/2025
Numbers 19-21 :: Snakes, Sorrow, and Second Chances
In this episode of OOBT, we walk with Israel through some of the hardest moments in their wilderness journey — and we see how every scene whispers of Jesus. Here’s what you’ll hear: A strange ritual with a red heifer — What’s up with ashes and cleansing? And how does it connect to Jesus purifying us from death? Moses’ heartbreaking mistake — He strikes the rock in frustration instead of speaking to it — and the consequence? He can’t enter the Promised Land. A family rejection from Edom — Israel asks to pass through peacefully. Edom, their “brother nation,” says no. What do we do when even family lets us down? Poisonous serpents and the bronze snake — The people complain. Serpents strike. But God provides healing through something strange: a bronze snake lifted high. Spoiler: Jesus says this moment was always about Him (see John 3:14). And the surprise ending? — Moses does enter the Promised Land—on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9). He stands beside Jesus in glory. Grace has the final word. So even when we fail, even when the road is long, God doesn’t give up on His people. The Rock was struck for us. The Son was lifted up. And when we look to Him — we live. That’s so good, friends. So very good. Be sure to listen in for all this and so much more! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Numbers 16-18 :: Rebellion, Rescue, and Redemption
05/21/2025
Numbers 16-18 :: Rebellion, Rescue, and Redemption
Numbers 16–18 brings us one of the most dramatic turns in Israel’s wilderness journey — with rebellion in the camp, a high-stakes showdown, and God’s unmistakable response. But this isn’t just a story about judgment. It’s a story about mercy, leadership, and second chances. We talk about Korah’s rebellion and what it reveals about the human heart, but also how God defends His holiness with grace — raising up Aaron, once the maker of the golden calf, to intercede for the people. And even from the fallout of Korah’s sin, we see redemption stories in the surprising legacy of his sons, who go from a broken family line to writing worshipful psalms that still speak to us today. It’s a story of rebellion after rebellion, yes — but even more, it’s a story of rescue and redemption— and how God continues to write stories of grace, even in the wilderness. For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Numbers 13-15 & Psalm 90 :: They Wandered—But God Never Walked Away
05/07/2025
Numbers 13-15 & Psalm 90 :: They Wandered—But God Never Walked Away
In this episode of OOBT, we’re diving into Numbers 13–15 and Psalm 90—and wow, this is such a powerful stretch of Scripture. The Israelites are standing right at the edge of the Promised Land, but instead of stepping into what God already promised, they let fear win. What was supposed to be a 40-day scouting trip turns into 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. It’s heartbreaking—but also incredibly relatable. We’ve all faced moments where fear feels louder than faith. And yet, even in their rebellion, God’s promises still stand. His mercy still shows up. We’ll unpack why fear can so easily drown out the evidence of God’s faithfulness, what it looks like to live in holiness even after we’ve blown it, and how God’s justice and mercy are never at odds with each other. We’ll also talk about the significance of tassels (yes, tassels!) as reminders to stay close to God, and how Psalm 90—Moses’ raw and honest prayer—grounds us in the truth of God’s everlasting love. Be sure to listen in as together we unpack fear versus faith, justice alongside mercy, and practical ways to cling to the One who never walks away—even when we wander. For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Numbers 10-12 :: Marching Orders & Messy Attitudes
04/23/2025
Numbers 10-12 :: Marching Orders & Messy Attitudes
In Numbers 10-12, Israel finally breaks camp after almost a year at Mount Sinai. The cloud lifts, the trumpets sound, and they’re off—God’s presence leading every step. But even with the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, doubts creep in, and complaints get loud. Sound familiar? Here’s what we’re unpacking in this episode: God’s Divine GPS: The cloud and fire weren’t just symbols—they were daily reminders that God was with them. But did Israel trust His timing? Complaints in the Wilderness: Despite seeing God’s presence, the people still grumbled about food, comfort, and the journey. We’ll talk about why we often do the same. Moses’ Breaking Point: Even leaders struggle. Moses reaches his limit, but God doesn’t leave him to handle it alone. Sibling Drama & God's Defense: Miriam and Aaron question Moses’ role, but God reminds them that He chooses whom He calls. Through it all, we’re reminded that God’s presence is constant—even when the path is hard, even when we’re tired, even when we don’t understand. The real question is: Will we follow Him, even when it’s uncomfortable? For the full episode show notes, please go to
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BONUS :: What If You Saw Holy Week Up Close? A Conversation with Tammy Munson
04/18/2025
BONUS :: What If You Saw Holy Week Up Close? A Conversation with Tammy Munson
Get ready to step back in time! In this special Holy Week episode of Open Our Bible Together, I sat down with , for a powerful conversation about witnessing the events of Holy Week and Easter as if we were there. We dive into: The celebration and tension of Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11) The emotional weight and confusion of the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20) The heartbreak of Good Friday (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22) The world-changing joy of Resurrection Sunday (Luke 24:1-12) PLUS—we explore how visual portrayals, like Season 4, bring these moments to life in a whole new way! Join us as we reflect on Old Testament prophecies, biblical insights, and what it would be like to stand in the crowd during the most significant week in history. AND… of course, Tammy and I are having a little fun in this one too! We can’t help ourselves! Be sure to listen in as we’re answering some lighthearted Easter questions to end our time together—so get ready to laugh, reflect, and celebrate the real reason we have hope this Easter season. Thank You, Jesus! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Numbers 7-9 :: From Offerings to Obedience: Walking With God in the Wilderness
04/09/2025
Numbers 7-9 :: From Offerings to Obedience: Walking With God in the Wilderness
Hey there OOBTers! Today, we’re diving into Numbers 7-9, and these chapters are jam-packed! We’ll start with a long (and I mean long) list of offerings in chapter 7 — each tribe brings their gifts for the dedication of the tabernacle. It might feel repetitive, but there’s something beautiful about the equal participation of all God's people. Then, in chapter 8, we see the Levites set apart for their work, a reminder that God calls His people to specific roles in His grand story. But chapter 9? That’s where things get really interesting. We revisit the Passover — a crucial moment of remembrance for Israel — and then we get this incredible image of God’s presence leading His people through the wilderness. The cloud by day, the fire by night — where God moves, they move. Also, don’t miss the connection we’ll unpack to Jesus in the wilderness and Lent. Just like Israel followed God’s presence through the unknown, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and relying on God. And as we study these chapters today, we find ourselves in the season Lent — journeying toward Easter. This season is a time of reflection as we wait on and draw closer to God, much like Jesus did in the wilderness. Just as Israel depended on God’s presence to guide them, we’re invited to trust His leading in our own lives. Amazing. Simply amazing... So, honestly, though, what does this mean for us today? How do we lean into God’s presence and trust His timing? Let’s explore all of that together, shall we?! I can’t wait! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Numbers 4-6 :: Instructions for God's Moving Company
03/26/2025
Numbers 4-6 :: Instructions for God's Moving Company
Ever wonder why the Bible includes so many detailed instructions? In today’s episode, God gives the Israelites specific jobs for carrying the Tabernacle, rules for staying pure, and a beautiful blessing over His people. At first glance, it might seem like a lot of rules—but when we dig in, we see something deeper. These chapters show us God’s holiness, His order, and His care for His people. And the best part? It all points to Jesus. In this episode, we’re talking about: How the Levites carried God’s presence with reverence Why purity and holiness mattered (and still do!) The Nazarite vow and how it connects to Jesus The famous Priestly Blessing ("The Lord bless you and keep you…") — and what it means for us today! Plus, I’ll share how reading the Bible chronologically with The Bible Recap and watching The Bible Project videos in order has been a total game-changer and how I believe it will be for each of you as we continue our studies together on OOBT! For the full episode show notes, please go to .
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Numbers 1-3 :: Don't Judge a Book by Its Title
03/12/2025
Numbers 1-3 :: Don't Judge a Book by Its Title
At first glance, Numbers might not sound like the most exciting book—but don’t let the title fool you. These opening chapters are about way more than a census. They tell the story of a people in transition, our God who calls each person by name, and a journey through the wilderness with Him at the center. In this episode, we’ll unpack how God was preparing His people—not just for travel, but for trust. Each tribe was counted, every role assigned, and the camp was arranged with God’s presence right in the middle. It’s a powerful reminder that He isn’t distant at all. He leads, provides, and walks with His people—even in seasons of uncertainty. And just like Israel, we all go through wilderness seasons. Times when the path ahead isn’t clear, when we feel lost or stuck. But the same God who guided them guides us too. He knows our names, calls us with purpose, and invites us to trust Him as we journey forward. Join me as we remind ourselves that Numbers is more than just a list of numbers and names—it’s a story of faith, presence, and God’s unwavering care in the middle of it all. Let’s walk this wilderness journey together, knowing He is with us every step of the way. For the full episode show notes, please go to .
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Leviticus 24-27 :: God’s Holiness, Rescue Plan & His Walking Among Us
02/26/2025
Leviticus 24-27 :: God’s Holiness, Rescue Plan & His Walking Among Us
We did it OOBTers! We’ve made it to the last chapters of Leviticus! Let’s be honest: Leviticus is the book where most Bible reading plans go to die… but not us! We stuck it out, and these final chapters (24-27) are packed with powerful reminders of God’s holiness, His rescue plan, and His desire to walk among us. So good. In this episode, we’re breaking it all down: Why honoring God’s name matters and what happens when people don’t. The concept of Sabbath and Jubilee years—where debts are canceled, slaves are freed, and the land itself gets to rest! (hello, freedom and restoration!) A big if/then moment—God lays out the blessings of obedience and the tough consequences of turning away. But even in the warnings, His mercy shines through! AND THEN, in the final chapter, we see a call to full dedication because everything ultimately belongs to God. Through all of this, we see that these laws aren’t just ancient rules—they point straight to Jesus and God’s ultimate plan to redeem and restore us. So beautiful. For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Leviticus 20 – 23 :: Set Apart - Discovering God's Heart in Living Holy + Holiness
02/12/2025
Leviticus 20 – 23 :: Set Apart - Discovering God's Heart in Living Holy + Holiness
Hey friends! In this episode of Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring, we’re diving into Leviticus chapters 20 through 23, and trust me, this isn’t just a list of rules—it’s an invitation to understand God’s heart and what it means to live a life set apart. Leviticus 20 may seem intense with its focus on consequences, but it’s really about the seriousness of living in alignment with God’s holiness. God calls His people to be different, to stand out in the best way possible. Why? Because He wants them—and us—to reflect His character to the world. So good. As we move into chapters 21 and 22, the focus is on the priests and their responsibilities. These chapters remind us that those who lead in worship have a unique calling to model holiness. But here’s the twist: this isn’t just for priests! In the New Testament, we’re called a royal priesthood, which means these lessons apply to all of us. Holiness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional, set apart for God’s purposes. And chapter 23? Oh, it’s a feast—literally! God lays out a calendar of holy days that teach His people to pause, remember, and celebrate His faithfulness. From the Sabbath to the Feast of Tabernacles, these moments of rest and worship are woven into the rhythm of life. They’re a beautiful reminder that holiness isn’t just about rules—it’s about relationship. So, what does this mean for us today? Being set apart doesn’t mean we’re better than anyone else and it isn’t about perfection or just following rules—it’s about reflecting who He is in how we live. Oh, my OOBTers, let’s open our Bibles together to explore even further what being “set apart” looks like for the Israelites and us! AND SPOILER ALERT: up next, we’re wrapping up our studies in the book of Leviticus! Sounds like it is about time to cue that confetti again! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Leviticus 16-19 :: The Day of Atonement + God Commands Holiness
01/29/2025
Leviticus 16-19 :: The Day of Atonement + God Commands Holiness
Hey, OOBTers! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the thick of Leviticus, and my oh my, is it ever packed with so much goodness for us to discover? We’ll start with the Day of Atonement, a day so central to Israel’s worship. Spoiler alert: It points us straight to Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for us on the cross. Seriously, the connections to Hebrews 9 are mind-blowing! Wow. Just WOW. From there, we’ll explore the significance of blood in atonement—cue the hymn Nothing But the Blood (maybe you remember singing this one? Or still do even?). It’s crazy to think how these words found in Leviticus tie into the songs we still sing today. Then we see things get real as God lays out some super-specific instructions for how His people are to live holy lives. And while some of it might feel uncomfortable or heavy to read, we’re reminded that “clarity is kindness.” God wasn’t just handing out rules—He was showing His people how to be set apart, to be holy as He is holy. How to draw near to Him. That’s so good. Be sure you don’t miss our talk about how these instructions mirror the Ten Commandments, how they challenge us to live differently in our world today, and, most importantly, how they show us God’s heart for His people. Honestly, there’s so much to uncover about God’s holiness and His amazing plan for us. Oh, friends, I can’t wait to open our Bibles together! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Leviticus 12-15 :: Understanding Clean + Unclean + Holiness
01/15/2025
Leviticus 12-15 :: Understanding Clean + Unclean + Holiness
Hello and welcome back to the book of Leviticus, my OOBTers! Today OOBT is coming off the Advent season as well as a VERY long surgery recovery break. First off, before we go any further, I just want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU for your patience with me in the process. I’m sooo glad to be back here with all of you as we pick up where we left off before that day I walked through the doors of the hospital a few months ago. And, in being true to His nature, God doesn’t miss a beat in linking our studies in Leviticus with multiple themes I came across in my Advent studies this last month. I so love that about Him! God is helping us to not only see but also pull the threads no matter what season or book we find ourselves in. So good! We also take on some pretty tough but important topics about purity, being clean/unclean, holiness, and very specific ways God cared for His people’s well-being. These chapters cover things like childbirth, skin diseases, and other bodily discharges—which might feel a little uncomfortable to read at first! Yikes! We got this right?! LOL! I promise that together we will break down what these laws meant for the Israelites, why they mattered, and how they helped the community stay healthy and connected to our God who longs to draw near to them… and to us today. Most importantly, we’ll explore how these passages point us to Jesus, the One who brings true healing and restoration to all of our lives. Honestly friends there is so much more in today’s episode… I so hope you listen in to hear more! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Leviticus 8 – 11 :: Priestly Duties & God's Presence in the Fire
09/04/2024
Leviticus 8 – 11 :: Priestly Duties & God's Presence in the Fire
Welcome back to the book of Leviticus, my OOBTers! Today, we're diving into the ordination of the priests and how Jesus is Our Great High Priest. How He is right beside us. Never far off. Never distant as the priests of the Old Testament were from the Israelites. I just love that, don’t you? So beautiful. Together we'll see how Moses follows God's instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, preparing them for service. In Leviticus 9 we recognize all the offerings we’ve studied already, but this time offered for the priests themselves. I can’t help but notice the order of all this: sin had to be dealt with first and THEN it happened – God’s glory appears in a miraculous fire that consumes the offering on the altar as a sign of God’s acceptance and presence dwelling with them in the Tabernacle. And then we’ll witness the Israelites fall facedown in worship (more on that in today’s episode too.) They bowed down in honor of our God who wants to be with us. So good. Honestly, friends there is so much more in today’s episode…the importance of keeping God’s fire burning, the tragic story of Nadab and Abihu, and many laws about clean and unclean animals. Through all of this, we'll uncover the deep significance of holiness and obedience in our relationship with God. And there’s that word again… holiness. My how that one has become such a valuable part of our studies in the book of Leviticus! Annndddd please be sure to listen in to the very end of this one as I have an important last-minute announcement about the podcast to share with all of you… about what one of those unexpected things life throws our way means for OOBT in the days and weeks to come. I so you hope you listen in! For the full episode show notes and more, please go to
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Leviticus 5-7 :: The Holiness & Presence of Our God + Those Offerings
08/21/2024
Leviticus 5-7 :: The Holiness & Presence of Our God + Those Offerings
Welcome back to the Open Our Bibles Together podcast! As promised at the end of our last episode, back to school equals back to the podcast after a much-needed summer break. It is honestly mind-blowing to consider all of the changes happening in our home and lives this Fall which makes me SUPER GRATEFUL I had the opportunity to slow down and soak in all of the times our F7 family spent together in Summer 2024. It truly was quite a blessing, BUT NOW, I’m back and VERY ready to dive into our studies in the book of Leviticus together. Sooooo, as a bit of a refresher, please recall that Leviticus picks up right where Exodus left off. At the end of Exodus, we saw that God filled the tent with His glory after the Tabernacle was completed, but His presence was too holy, so not even Moses could enter. The question Exodus left us with is this… How can we live in the presence of our holy God? Well, friends, we find that answer in the book of Leviticus!! How’s that for an enticing teaser to an often overlooked and frequently abandoned book of the Bible?! LOL! As we pick up today (and before we explore Leviticus chapters 5 through 7), we first take a step back to consider a couple 30,000 feet/big picture story type views I found on repeat over and over and over again in my studies... this time by focusing in on the themes of God’s holiness and His Presence among His people. God With Us. So good. In this episode, we’ll also unpack the various offerings described in these chapters, including the Sin Offering, Guilt Offering, Burnt Offering, Grain Offering, and Peace Offering. We discuss the significance of these sacrifices, their role in atonement and purification, and how they point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Honestly, there’s all this and so much more in this first episode release after our OOBT summer break! Be sure you don’t miss out on this one! I can’t wait to study with you! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Leviticus Intro + 1-4 :: Drawing Near to Our Holy God
06/19/2024
Leviticus Intro + 1-4 :: Drawing Near to Our Holy God
Hello and welcome back to another episode release of our podcast my friends!!! I’m so glad you are here as we begin our studies in the book of Leviticus together. And yes… I did say LEVITICUS. LOL! You may have heard me say in previous episodes of OOBT that the book of Leviticus is often referred to as the place where many one-year Bible reading plans go to die…. Oh goodness. But not for us am I right my OOBTers?! We got this… one chapter, one page at a time. ANNNDDD as I mentioned to you all when we recently finished the book of Exodus… I discovered SO MANY new threads to pull in studying Leviticus, that I am super excited to be able to begin sharing some of them with you… not only in today’s episode… but also in the episodes to come. In the meantime, though, since we’re once again getting ready to take a summer break for OOBT as we have done in previous summers, I wanted to spend this last episode before we do give us a good solid introduction to the book along with a peek of all that is to come by diving right on into Leviticus 1-4. These chapters will help to get us positioned and ready to return to our studies in mid-August. PLUS, there’s much more about that return date found at the end of this episode as well! Gosh, I’m so glad you are joining me, my friends! With that said, how about we just head right on into today’s episode shall we?! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Throwback Episode :: How I Study the Bible
06/05/2024
Throwback Episode :: How I Study the Bible
Welcome to Summer 2024 my friends! Today we are going to go all the way back to the beginning of OOBT – dusting off EPISODE TWO and once again taking a listen to some of my fav tips and tricks about How I Study the Bible… as a refresher for many of us and maybe even a first-time listen for all of our new friends who have joined us along the way! What a trip down memory lane to listen to this one from the very early days of the Open Our Bibles Together podcast. Oh my. LOL! Honestly, though, I thought now was the PERFECT time to hear a refresher of all those tips on how to lean in while studying as found in this one… especially since we are getting ready to begin studying the book of Leviticus in the coming weeks…. Our next episode to be exact. Leviticus is often labeled as one of the perceived hardest books of the Bible to study and understand… aside from the book of Revelation but we got this my OOBTers!! ANNNDDD... I am also SUPER EXCITED to announce that the release of this throwback episode of the podcast coincides with the release of my newly created How I Study the Bible guide. This pdf is overflowing with my fav Bible study tips perfect for helping you to dig into the pages of God's Word on your own... so much study goodness all in one place! What's not to love about that? This FREE resource is now available when you sign up for it on the website. And while you are there, don’t forget to sign up for My Must Have Study Resources guide featuring 20+ of my absolute favorites. For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Throwback Episode :: BONUS + PREQUEL to Exodus
05/22/2024
Throwback Episode :: BONUS + PREQUEL to Exodus
As I promised at the end of our last episode of OOBT, we’re going to go back and take a re-listen to our bonus and prequel episode to Exodus from last summer (yep... a whole year ago!) because I really do believe that all I included in that one is going to mean so much more to us now that we've finished our studies in the book of Exodus. I know it sure did land differently for me when I went back to listen so I’m hoping it does the same for you, my friends. We truly have learned so much in the last year my OOBTers… in those thin crinkly pages of Exodus. I hope you discover some glimpses of that in today’s re-air of our prequel episode too. So good! The Big Picture. Waiting. Slavery in Egypt. Suffering. God hears. God sees. God remembered. God provides. Promise Keeper. God knew. God knows. Oh goodness. Truly there’s so much to share in this one! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Exodus 37-40 :: God Dwells With the Israelites and With Us
05/22/2024
Exodus 37-40 :: God Dwells With the Israelites and With Us
:::: THAT’S A WRAP MY OOBTers!! :::: WELL…. WITH THE BOOK OF EXODUS ANYWAY! 🎉🎉🎉 Three books down (Genesis, Job, and now Exodus) with only 63 more to go! We got this right?! LOL! So we FINISH the book of Exodus today AND up next we’ll BEGIN Leviticus. (More on that to come… I promise!) In the meantime, though, I think we could easily sum up nearly all that is happening in today’s episode with these words on repeat in our readings…. “Just as the LORD had commanded Moses.” That particular phrase is repeated nearly 10 times in Exodus chapter 39 alone… all that repetition should make us sit up and take notice of what Moses is detailing in the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments. Honestly, even the repetition all over again of the specific instructions for crafting all the pieces and parts of the Tabernacle should remind us of the importance of Israel’s full obedience in doing everything … you guessed it… “Just as the LORD had commanded Moses.” How about instead of continuing to talk in circles about repetition and all the things, you just listen in to this one to hear how all it comes together for yourself? And be sure you don’t miss all the talk about God’s presence. God dwelling. God With Them and Us PLUS some of the many ways that the story of Exodus is our story too. Oh goodness please trust me when I say this is a don’t miss episode of OOBT!
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Exodus 34-36 :: The Glory & Presence of God
04/24/2024
Exodus 34-36 :: The Glory & Presence of God
“Show me Your glory.” These words not only ended our last episode of OOBT but are also the ones we pick back up with today as well. Not only does Moses have the opportunity to see God’s glory, but he also comes back down from Mt. Sinai with a radiant face from spending time in God’s presence. Wow! Just wow. We also hear the words God used to describe Himself. Gracious. Merciful. Slow to Anger. Faithful. Forgiving. Gosh, OOBTers… How can we not recognize all of these characteristics over and over again in His care for His people? In His continued presence with these rebellious people. In rewriting the stone tablets Moses broke. In reaffirming His covenant by highlighting the specific commands to avoid idolatry and unacceptable worship in the future (especially after that unfortunate golden calf incident). In His command to build the Tabernacle so He can dwell among the Israelites. In spite of all that has happened up to this point. Our God. Our God of second chances. Our God who is full of compassion and mercy. Our God who is slow to anger and is filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Our God who provides. The Same God. Our God With Us. So beautiful. For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Exodus 31-33 :: God Equips the Called + That Golden Calf Incident
04/10/2024
Exodus 31-33 :: God Equips the Called + That Golden Calf Incident
Welcome to OOBT’s 60th episode my friends!! Yep… you read that right… the big 6-0! Wow! Let’s take a moment today to celebrate that we’ve reached another milestone here on OOBT… in our studies together… we just keep moving right along on those thin crinkly pages and the episodes just keep on piling up, don’t they?! Yay! I’m so glad you’re here with me to celebrate! Annndddd I am super humbled and oh so very excited to still be studying alongside each one of you … now 60 episodes later… AMAZING! Ok, enough of all that…how about we let our confetti settle to now return our attention to Moses and those Israelites at Mount Sinai. We start off our studies today with God instructing Moses on how He has not only chosen two craftsmen for the construction of all things related to the Tabernacle but that He has also filled them with wisdom for creating all of the items EXACTLY as He has detailed to Moses. This serves as further proof that whatever God requires of us, He equips us for & He gives us all we need for the assignment. So good. There is also more talk about Sabbath rest and then… dun dun duuun… there is that golden calf incident. Yikes! Truthfully, there’s so much more I could say about Episode 60 but how about instead I just let you listen in for yourselves? LOL! Seriously though, be sure you don’t miss this one! (And yes, I am aware that I probably say that with EVERY episode release, but I actually mean it each time as well… I discovered so much in my studies that I can’t wait to share with each one of you!) I love our times together so much my OOBTers! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Easter + Jesus On The Road To Emmaus
03/27/2024
Easter + Jesus On The Road To Emmaus
And then what? Have you ever taken a moment in your Easter celebrations to consider the answer to this question… to look to see what happens next in Scripture AFTER we read that the tomb was empty? When we do, what we find, is another 40 days of Jesus here on Earth. Annnndddd we also find a whole lot of post-Resurrection moments that could only be described as this…. Mundane. Now that’s definitely not a word any of us would have EVER thought could be associated with Easter, right?! BUT, in today’s episode, we’ll learn how the seemingly mundane post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus were actually not that at all … and yes… you heard that right… Our Savior, who defeated death and the grave, did not choose fireworks or parades but instead used ordinary interactions with people to announce His Resurrection. Honestly, this is especially incredible as we consider the fact that this message Jesus entrusted to nobodies somehow made it to our ears and hearts 2,000 years later. Amazing. Be sure to listen in for LOTS of talk about 40 days… and day 41 even. All of this and so much more… Let’s be sure we don’t rush through this week without taking a moment to fix our eyes not only on the Resurrection but also all those appearances Jesus made to many before ascending to heaven… on day 41. Wishing all of you the happiest of Easters as you celebrate that our Jesus is Risen… He is Risen Indeed OOBT friends! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Exodus 28-30 :: The Priests + Our Great High Priest Jesus
03/13/2024
Exodus 28-30 :: The Priests + Our Great High Priest Jesus
In today’s chapters in Exodus, we take a deep dive into God’s directions to Moses about the priestly garments and the consecration of the priests. However, please know this … all of this is merely meant to point us to Jesus who is described in the New Testament as our Great High Priest. He is the fulfillment of all the things that we see happening here in Exodus. PLUS, we learn quite a bit more about God and His desire to dwell with us as we finish out the remainder of the descriptions of the items to be placed within the tabernacle. With that thought in mind, please be sure to listen ALL THE WAY to the end of this one to hear some conversation about how we are all now little mini tabernacles walking around in the wilderness of this world carrying our God With Us inside of us. Now that’s most definitely so good my OOBTers! For the full episode show notes, please go to
/episode/index/show/openourbiblestogether/id/30327313
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Exodus 25-27 :: God With Us in the Tabernacle
02/28/2024
Exodus 25-27 :: God With Us in the Tabernacle
Today’s studies on the podcast include LOTS AND LOTS of details about God’s plans to create a tabernacle as a place for Him to dwell among His people here on earth. I don’t know about you but this idea of God dwelling with us reminds me of one of my most favorite things about God… Emmanuel, our God with Us. Annnnddd if you have listened for any amount of time at all, you have probably also heard me say quite OFTEN on OOBT, that our Emmanuel is not just a baby in the manger. Actually, we saw God’s desire to dwell with His people all that way back in the beginning… yes… the literal beginning… of creation that is… as found in Genesis… when God dwelled with Adam and Eve in perfect relationship in the Garden of Eden. As we’ve seen throughout our studies, ever since sin entered the world, God has been in the process of rescue and restoration of His relationship with His people. And this tabernacle is just one more step in that direction. We are also going to see in the tabernacle many pointers to Jesus, God’s character, and reminders from the Garden of Eden even. And don’t forget that all these directions are coming through the conversation between God and Moses during those 40 Days and 40 Nights on Mount Sinai. I can just visualize Moses sitting and taking notes as God speaks, can’t you?! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Exodus 22-24 :: God Lays Down Law & Order
02/14/2024
Exodus 22-24 :: God Lays Down Law & Order
Law & Order. Anyone who knows me knows that ALL the Law & Order shows are my absolute favorites to watch… most specifically Olivia Benson and Law & Order SVU. 25 seasons and still going strong. So… yes… just in case you are wondering… the play on words in the title of this episode was 100% intentional! LOL! Truthfully, though, it also directly relates to where we are headed in our studies today on OOBT. The 10 Words or 10 Commandments. The Book of the Covenant. So many examples of how God is using His laws to bring order. And about those laws found in the Book of the Covenant… please know that while many of the laws we’re reading don’t sit well or don’t make any sense at all to us, we must remember that they are not written for us today. Instead, they are written for the Israelite culture as they were leaving slavery and the oppression of the Egyptians. The Israelites are newly freed from slavery and in a learning process. trying to learn how to live not as slaves any longer but as a new nation how to live at peace with God and at peace with one another how to deal with issues of property rights, personal injury, and issues of justice how God is setting them apart from the nations surrounding them in very significant ways Throughout this learning process, we see God so graciously not only provide the laws for order but actually give them detailed instructions as found in the Book of the Covenant of what these laws mean in everyday life for them at that time. And please don’t miss out on the touching covenant ceremony between God and the Israelites during which they not only saw God, but they feasted with Him in the wilderness too. Can you even imagine my OOBTers? I can’t wait to study this and so much more with all of you! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Exodus 19-21 :: Ten Words for Them & Us
01/31/2024
Exodus 19-21 :: Ten Words for Them & Us
Remember Egypt. These two words seem to adequately sum up the beginning of our studies on today's episode of OOBT as we see God reminding the Israelites to remember their rescue … Oh gosh friends. What rescue or (if we're being honest) RESCUES, would God ask you to remember my OOBTers? We’ve already seen God's rescue, His provision, and His loving relationship with the Israelites being formed WAY before He now prepares to give them rules to live by. Relationship over rules… guessing you have probably heard that saying before and, yep, we talk about that a bit today too. And speaking of those rules, we also dive right on into the 10 Words otherwise known as the 10 Commandments. Well, you may be aware of the term and even one, five, or maybe all of them, but did you know that a survey showed that we are more likely to know the ingredients of a Big Mac than the 10 Commandments?! Ouch. Maybe you know that ad campaign? "Two All Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles, Onions on a Sesame Seed Bun." Honestly though, even if that particular one’s not familiar, there are probably 1 million other ad campaigns to choose from that you could recall quickly if asked… Possibly more quickly than the 10 Commandments themselves. Today we lean into the 10 Words, God making His presence known to the Israelites on Mount Sinai, and that touching moment when we realize that Moses has come full circle with the promise God made to him at the burning bush. All that and so very much more in today’s episode. I hope you take a moment to tune in! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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God’s Cross References + I AM’s Plans
01/17/2024
God’s Cross References + I AM’s Plans
Happiest of New Year's to all of you my OOBTers! I’m so very glad to be back studying with you after a much needed break during the holiday season! However, I can assure you that I am now 100% ready to jump right into our studies as together we take a deeper dive into just who is this I AM referenced 6,519 times in the Old Testament alone. To revisit Moses’ conversation with our Mighty God at the burning bush and be reminded that God often chooses the most ordinary people (like Moses, myself, and possibly even you) to play a significant role in His unfolding story. Annnddd all of this leads us to a whole lot of talk in today’s episode about God’s cross-references as found throughout the Bible. I’m just going to stop right here and say that if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to go to today’s show notes or my post on socials to see the image of overlapping arc on top of overlapping arc. This graphic depicts the 63,779 cross-references in the Bible (places where what is mentioned in one part is mentioned in another). It is so amazing to see this visual when considering the fact Scripture was written by 40 authors over 1500 years on three different continents and all very much a part of the story…the plan… God is still working out to this very day. Honestly, don’t you think our God who has 63,779 cross references in Scripture is more than able to still be cross-referencing our lives with His plans today even? Let’s choose to trust Him more and more as we move into 2024, shall we?! Oh friends, all this and so much more is found in this first episode of OOBT in this new year…many, many threads to pull and connections to the Christmas story, Exodus, Isaiah and so much more. Please don’t miss out on this one! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Out of Egypt I Called My Son
12/20/2023
Out of Egypt I Called My Son
Merriest ALMOST Christmas to all of you my OOBTers! It’s hard to believe this episode release happens less than one week before Christmas so let’s be sure we spend some time slowing our hearts and minds to lean into that story; to be fully prepared to celebrate that baby in the manger on Christmas Day. With that thought in mind, how about we start our time in this episode in the Christmas story with the Passover and dedication of the firstborn…. Makes perfect sense right?! Well, I certainly hope it does by the end of our time together anyway. LOL! This connection leads us to an often overlooked part of Jesus’ birth story, his first visit to the Temple where Simeon and Anna met him. Oh, that one is such a beautiful example of God as our Promise Keeper. We’ll then move right into a part of the story that took place roughly two years after Jesus’ birth = the visit of the Wise Men, God warning Joseph in a dream to escape to Egypt for safety, King Herod’s massacre of the innocents, and then God later calling them back out of Egypt and to Nazareth where Jesus spent the rest of his growing up years. We are also reminded once again that all of this… the light and the darkness, the hard and the good of the Christmas story, are all part of God’s rescue plan… the plan in existence and in process since that first sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Through it all, we see the threads of redemption and rescue weaved throughout the storyline of Christmas…actually the storyline of the entire Bible. Beautiful. Just beautiful. For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Rescue Came Down - His Name is Emmanuel
12/06/2023
Rescue Came Down - His Name is Emmanuel
Advent. A time to turn our attention toward preparing our hearts and homes to celebrate Jesus’ birth… prepare Him room so to speak. Today’s episode highlights some Old Testament threads, promises, and prophecies of the Rescuer who came down to the Israelites in Egypt just as our Rescuer came down in the form of the baby in a manger. How amazing it truly is. God Himself would come. God came down to rescue. Yes, the gift of that baby in the manger on Christmas morning is absolutely amazing but even more amazing is the mystery of our Savior’s presence forever with us, wherever we go, through the Holy Spirit. God With Us wasn’t one event on Christmas Day or one lifetime lived in the 33 years that Jesus walked the earth. God With Us is most definitely now AND forevermore too. He was and still is our Emmanuel, our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace. This season unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Jesus is Emmanuel… God With Us; God come down to us; God come down to you; God with you (and me). Amazing… just amazing to take it all in, am I right? Beautiful. Be sure to listen in for all this and so much more my OOBTers! For the full episode show notes, please go to
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Once Again Thankful for God With Us + My Dad ::
11/15/2023
Once Again Thankful for God With Us + My Dad ::
I am guessing this will come as no surprise to any of us, but gratitude is not often our default setting. Complaining and grumbling is. Ouch. With that said (and since we are just coming off the grumbling and complaining of the Israelites in the wilderness after their Exodus from Egypt in our studies), I felt this is an ideal time to lean in here a bit more to have us all consider to true antidote to complaining and grumbling…. Yep… you guessed it. Thankfulness and gratitude. While we can all know this at a head level, it is much more difficult to live, am I right my friends?! Be sure you listen in to this EXTENDED BONUS episode covering so many other things too… wilderness seasons of life. joy and pain. hard and good. friendship with God. God’s presence in it all. Emmanuel. God With Us. Annnddd be sure you don’t miss the end where I talk candidly about the one-year anniversary of my Dad’s unexpected death and how I am STILL trying to find a way to fight for thankfulness this Thanksgiving season. One WHOLE YEAR later. To be aggressively grateful for what God has done, is doing, and promised to do in my life… right where I’m at. Right here. Right now. As I grieve the loss of my Dad, and yet, in the same breath, am so truly thankful for the example of a life well lived, one in which he chose to love me and others in a meaningful way. Every day. Clear up to his last day. ❤ Truthfully, I am reminded just how much thankfulness and gratitude for my Dad over the course of this last year has been so valuable in the healing process. Once again holding that tension of both blessing and loss together. Oh my still grieving but also still healing heart. Heartbreak and Thankfulness. Joy and Pain. Hard and Good. Both/And. Only God can do this in our lives am I right my friends?! Oh goodness. You’re really just going to have to listen in as I speak words into the mic to find out more… a message I know I so desperately needed to hear… and maybe you do too right about now my friends?! ❤ M For the full episode show notes, please go to
/episode/index/show/openourbiblestogether/id/28602603