Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring

In this episode, we dive into Deuteronomy 20–22, standing with the Israelites on the edge of the Promised Land, listening to Moses' reminders and instructions, and seeing God as their Commander-in-Chief who goes before them and never leaves their side. We explore the battles they will face, the nations they will encounter, and the instructions God gave to protect life, uphold justice, and prepare His people to live faithfully in the land He promised to Abraham all the way back in Genesis. We also walk through the everyday instructions — caring for neighbors, protecting property, honoring creation, and respecting marriage — and uncover the bigger principle: living faithfully, reflecting God's order, and trusting Him in every part of life. Along the way, we reflect on worship songs that capture these truths — "See a Victory", "Surrounded", and "Battle Belongs" — reminders that God fights for us in every battle — big, small, and everything in between. May these songs be the anthems of our hearts, reminding us of our God With Us who goes before us and never leaves our side. Gosh, that's so good. ❤ For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-20-22/

From Moses to the Messiah and Beyond — from the warnings and guidance of Moses to the courageous witness of Stephen, today's episode shows us God's faithfulness across generations. ❤️ Together, we explore Deuteronomy 17–19, taking a closer look at God's guidance for leadership, justice, and faithful living. We see how Moses prepared his people not just for the Promised Land, but for the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King — Jesus Christ. His words were full of care, warning, and hope, pointing forward to God's plan for redemption. Then we follow a thread from the Old Testament to the New as we turn to Stephen in Acts 7, whose courageous speech boldly proclaims Jesus as the Prophet Moses promised. Stephen recounts God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history — even when the people stumbled — reminding us that God's promises are never delayed or forgotten… all before he is martyred for his faith in Jesus. Along the way, we reflect on God's heart for justice and mercy, including the cities of refuge and the principle that punishment should fit the crime. These instructions weren't just ancient rules — they reveal God's care for life, fairness, and the well-being of His people, showing how justice and compassion go hand in hand. This episode invites us to see God's promises fulfilled and to recognize that the same faithfulness that guided the Israelites is still active in our lives today. ❤️ For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-17-19/

🎉 Happy New Year, friends! Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring is officially back from a holiday break with another episode release! 🎉 It's been a little while — since the end of November, actually — that we've been walking through Deuteronomy together, so we start today with a quick refresher on where we've been before diving into chapters 14–16. In this episode, we explore how God calls His people to live as His treasured possession. We unpack the dietary laws, tithing, and also the three pilgrim festivals to see how each one was designed to remind Israel of God's faithfulness and His presence among them. Just as we saw in our recent Advent God With Us series, God's presence is at the center of the story — in the wilderness, in the Promised Land, and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, Emmanuel. These chapters show that God's presence shapes identity, community, and daily life — and that truth is still true for us today. Join us as we kick off the new year with this new episode, reflecting on God's tender care in His instructions, celebrating His faithfulness, and remembering that He is always with us. ✨ Gosh, I can't wait for you to listen in to this one! ❤ For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-14-16/

Merry Merry Merriest of Christmases to each of you, my OOBTers! 🎄✨ Today's episode is the final episode in the God With Us Advent re-air series: The Awe + Wonder of Our Savior's Birth. What a perfect way to pause on Christmas Eve and prepare our hearts and minds for celebrating tomorrow—Christmas Day! We'll lean in to the real lives of those who were part of the very first Christmas—Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds in the fields, and even the Wise Men. Even if you've heard the story hundreds of times, my prayer is that God will give us fresh eyes and renewed awe at the gift of that baby boy in the manger: Emmanuel, God With Us. As we reflect on this story and the joy of Christ's arrival, may our hearts be filled with wonder, excitement, and deep gratitude that He came to us, for us, and is always with us. After all the waiting, Advent brings us to this amazing truth: Christ our Savior is born! Amazing. Just AMAZING. ❤ For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/god-with-us-advent-2025-the-awe-wonder-of-christ-our-saviors-birth/

Welcome to Week 3 of the God With Us Advent re-air series on OOBT! Today's episode, God With Us While We Wait, invites us to pause in the midst of the busy holiday season and reflect on the deeper meaning of Advent: He has come… and He is coming. In this episode, we explore how Jesus, our Emmanuel, is present with us in every part of life—the hard and the good, the joy and the pain, in the weariness and in the waiting. We dive into what it means to trust God in the "in-between" moments, to let Advent slow our hearts and minds, and to recognize that the waited time is not wasted time with Him. You'll hear encouragement to take this season as an opportunity to lean into God's presence, to find hope, and to discover ways your weary soul can truly rejoice… even while we wait. As I've mentioned repeatedly in this God With Us Advent series, I'm listening right alongside you, my OOBTers, letting the truths of this Advent message stir my heart just as they did when I first spoke them into the mic all those seasons ago. So good. Don't forget to check the show notes—they're packed with bonus content, links, and reflection prompts to help you engage with Advent in fresh, meaningful ways. Next week, we'll close out the series with The Awe + Wonder of Our Savior's Birth, releasing on Christmas Eve—a perfect way to prepare your heart and mind for our Savior's birth. For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/god-with-us-advent-2025-god-with-us-while-we-wait

Merriest almost Christmas, OOBTers! This is Week 2 of the God With Us Advent series. In today's episode, we trace the threads of God's rescue plan through some often-overlooked parts of the Christmas story—beginning with the dedication of the firstborn, Simeon and Anna's encounter with Jesus in the Temple, the Wise Men's visit, the flight to Egypt, and God's call to return to Nazareth. Through it all, we see God as our faithful Promise Keeper—working in both the light and the darkness, weaving joy and sorrow into His beautiful plan of redemption. And just like you, I'm re-listening to these Advent messages right along with you. My heart is being stirred again by the very words I first spoke into the mic so many Advent seasons ago. God With Us then, God With Us now, God With Us forever. Be sure to listen in for all this and more, my OOBTers—and don't forget, this Advent we're releasing a new re-air each week leading up to Christmas Eve. For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/god-with-us-advent-2025-out-of-egypt-i-called-my-son

Advent is here! Today kicks off a brand-new series on OOBT: God With Us. For the next four weeks, leading right up to Christmas Eve, I'll be re-airing past Advent episodes—and I'll be listening right alongside you, my OOBTers!  In this episode, we trace Old Testament promises and prophecies of the Rescuer who came down to the Israelites in Egypt, just as our Rescuer came down to us in the form of a baby in a manger. The gift of that baby in the manger is incredible, but even more amazing is the mystery of our Savior's presence forever with us through the Holy Spirit. God With Us isn't just a moment in history—it's the reality of Emmanuel now and forevermore. As I listened back to this one myself, my heart was reminded just how much I needed the very words I spoke into the mic so many Advent seasons ago. I pray it does the same for you as we begin this journey together. Please be sure to check out the show notes—they're filled with special Advent bonus content and helpful links! So wherever this season takes you, I so hope you'll listen in and be reminded: our Emmanuel came down, and He is still God With Us. Always. ❤ For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/god-with-us-advent-2025-rescue-came-down-his-name-is-emmanuel/

In this special episode, we're celebrating Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring's fourth anniversary and reflecting on what God has been teaching us through this journey. We also dive into Deuteronomy 10–13, where Moses reminds the Israelites—and us—of God's faithfulness, His call to wholehearted obedience, and the importance of hearts fully devoted to Him. We explore the rebuilding of the stone tablets after the golden calf incident, the ark of the covenant where God's presence dwelt, and what it means to circumcise our hearts. We also hear Moses' warnings about staying faithful and avoiding anything that would divide our hearts or pull us away from God. With Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, I pause to reflect on gratitude and thankfulness, especially for each of you listening and studying God's Word alongside me. And I even share some exciting Advent news: Don't miss the God With Us series this December—four weeks leading to Christmas—and yes, I'll be listening along with you! Through today's study, we're reminded that our God holds heaven, earth, and everything in it—that He goes before us, never gives up on us, and calls even broken people to participate in His work. This episode is an encouragement to remember His faithfulness, trust His guidance, and reflect on His presence as we head into Thanksgiving and even the Advent season to come. For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-10-13/

In today's episode of Open Our Bibles Together, we continue our journey through Deuteronomy with a powerful reminder of who God is, what He has done, and how we are called to remember. We'll step into the words of Moses as he prepares Israel to enter the Promised Land, and we'll uncover why God called them to destroy idols, how He provided for them in the wilderness, and why their inheritance was never about their own goodness but always about His faithfulness. Along the way, we'll wrestle with tough questions about God's judgment, learn why gratitude is the cure to forgetfulness, and see how even Jesus drew strength from these passages when He faced temptation. And as Moses retells the story of the golden calf, we'll be reminded of God's mercy that holds fast even when His people fail. As we move into November and begin preparing our hearts for Thanksgiving, it's hard not to think about gratitude. But here's the thing—it's not just a once-a-year tradition as we gather around the table. Gratitude is really about remembering. It's choosing to look back at what God has done and letting that shape how we see Him, how we see ourselves, and even how we look at the world around us. That's so good. So very good. Also, be sure to check out the show notes at mfahring.com for reflection questions that go deeper into today's study and include links to two previous gratitude-centered episodes: Thankful for God With Us + My Dad and Once Again Thankful for God With Us + My Dad. For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-7-9/

So today on OOBT, we're diving into Deuteronomy 4–6, and wow… it stirred something in me for sure. In these chapters, Moses sounds less like a distant leader and more like a parent on the curb, sending their child off to college or moving them into their first apartment. He knows the Israelites are about to step into a land full of temptations, surrounded by many gods, and his heart is heavy but hopeful. Gosh, you can almost feel the urgency in his voice as he pleads with them to remember all God has done, to obey His commands, and to stay set apart. We walk through his warnings against idolatry—complete with many examples from the cultures around them—and we hear again the Ten Commandments, a reminder that their covenant with God is not secondhand, but deeply personal. Then, in chapter 6, we get the Shema—"Hear, O Israel"—a call not just to listen, but to love God with heart, soul, and strength in a way that shows in every part of their daily lives. This episode unpacks Moses' passion, God's faithfulness, and the invitation for us to live wholeheartedly for Him today, modeling His love for the next generation. For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-4-6/

Can you even believe it, my OOBTers?!? Today we're kicking off a new book of the Bible—our sixth book—Deuteronomy! 🎉 In this episode, we dive into chapters 1–3 and explore how Moses reminds the second generation of Israelites to remember God's faithfulness before stepping into the Promised Land. From the 11-day journey that became 40 years of wandering, to the lessons from the scouts' fear and doubt, and the victories over kings like Sihon and Og, Moses repeatedly calls the people to trust, obey, and move forward courageously. We also connect these stories to Rahab in Joshua, showing how God's power and faithfulness left a lasting impression on the nations around Israel. Don't miss the added insights about the context, the journey, the big picture of God's story, His promises, and how He never forgets His people. By the end, my OOBTers, we should ALL be encouraged to remember the past, trust God's promises, and step forward boldly—because the same God who fought for Israel still fights for us today. For the full episode show notes, please go to  https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-1-3/

🎉 Cue that confetti once again, friends— today we're finishing another book in these thin, crinkly pages! That's right, our FIFTH book of the Bible together—after Genesis, Job, Exodus, and Leviticus— now we've made it through the book of Numbers! 🎉 In today's OOBT episode release, we wrap up the final chapters of Numbers and take a good look at God's faithfulness in action. We talk about how He carefully divides the Promised Land, provides for the Levites, and sets up the cities of refuge—showing mercy, protection, and care for His people. We also revisit the story of Zelophehad's daughters, reminding us that God keeps His promises and cares about each individual. Of course, we can't forget Caleb and Joshua—the faithful ones from the old generation—who finally get to step into the land God promised. And as we reflect on all of it, we see little glimpses of Jesus, our ultimate refuge and fulfillment of God's promises. By the end, we're standing right there on the edge with Israel, celebrating God's faithfulness and feeling the anticipation of what's coming next in Deuteronomy. Oh, that's so good! Be sure to listen in—you definitely don't want to miss this one! For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-34-36/

In Numbers 31–33, we walk with Israel through some pivotal moments at the very edge of the Promised Land. First, the Lord commands Moses to send the Israelites into battle against the Midianites, the very people who had enticed Israel into sin back in Numbers 25. This becomes Moses' last conquest, a battle where not one of the 12,000 Israelite soldiers is lost, and where we see offerings given in gratitude and purification laws reminding the people of God's holiness. Then, in chapter 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad ask to settle east of the Jordan River instead of entering the Promised Land. Moses is furious at first, connecting their request to the failure of the ten spies decades earlier that led to forty years of wandering. He fears history will repeat itself. In the end, the tribes agree to help their brothers fight, but their decision becomes a sobering example of settling for less than God's best and making plans outside of His promises. We'll see the long-term effects of this choice ripple throughout Scripture in Joshua, Kings, and the prophets. Finally, chapter 33 gives us a travel log of Israel's wilderness journey — every stop, every camp, every step guided by God's presence. It's a reminder that nothing was wasted, and every mile mattered because He was with them. Together, these chapters highlight God's protection in battle, the danger of half-hearted obedience, and the steady faithfulness of His presence through every season of the journey. Oh, that's so good! For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-31-33/

  Today on OOBT, we're diving into Numbers 28–30 — and while it may look like laws and lists at first glance, there's something much deeper happening here.   Chapters 28 and 29 lay out a rhythm of daily, weekly, monthly, and festival offerings—a calendar of worship designed to keep God's people anchored in remembrance. For 40 years, Israel camped with the Tabernacle at the center. Worship wasn't just an activity; it was the structure of their lives.   But now, they're about to enter the Promised Land. Life is about to shift. No more camp setup around God's visible presence—families will be spread across towns and fields. Worship will no longer be automatic; it will have to become intentional.   Then in chapter 30, we zoom in to something personal: vows—the promises people make to God. Whether out of desperation, devotion, or gratitude, vows are sacred, and God takes them seriously.   Think of marriage vows, or the Nazirite vow—voluntary devotion like we saw with Samson. Or Hannah, who promised her son to God in 1 Samuel and followed through.   These chapters remind us to live with integrity in what we say, and remembrance in how we live.   And ultimately? All these rituals and rhythms point forward to Jesus, the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10). No more daily offerings. He fulfilled it all with His perfect love.   So let's talk about what it looks like to live with remembrance, intention, and integrity—right where we are.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-28-30/  

OOBT is back from a summer break, and what better way to return than with the 80th episode! Cue the confetti! 🎉   Annddd this episode has it all—idolatry, courage, a new beginning, and a God who listens, corrects, and restores.   We'll start in Numbers 25 with a shocking fall into sin. Israel, fresh off a major victory, stumbles hard—lured into worshiping Baal by Moabite and Midianite women. Spoiler alert: Balaam was behind the scenes the whole time. But in the middle of judgment, God raises up Phinehas to defend His holiness and stop the plague.   In chapter 26, it's a clean slate. A brand-new census counts the next generation, those who will finally enter the Promised Land. God is still faithful—still fulfilling His promises, even after failure.   Then in Numbers 27, we meet the bold daughters of Zelophehad, who step up and ask for their inheritance. And God listens. He doesn't just grant their request—He changes the law for future generations. We also see Joshua commissioned as Israel's next leader, filled with the Spirit and ready to walk in Moses' footsteps.   From heartbreak to hope, this section of Scripture reminds us that even after failure, God still leads His people forward. He is just, merciful, and deeply personal—a God who listens.   For the full episode show notes, please go to mfahring.com/numbers-25-27

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 Mfahringmfahring.com/numbers-22-24

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 https://mfahring.com/numbers-19-21/

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 https://mfahring.com/numbers-16-18/

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 https://mfahring.com/numbers-13-15-psalm-90/

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 https://mfahring.com/numbers-10-12/