Podcast
Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring
Hosted by Michelle Fahring · EN
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.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Numbers 31-33 :: Plunder, Promises & God’s Presence Right There in the Middle
Sep 1700:41:42Tap to summarizeIn 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/
Transcribe →Numbers 28-30 :: Holy Days & Honest Vows
Sep 300:38:42Tap to summarizeToday 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/
Transcribe →Numbers 25-27 :: A Second Census, Inheritance & Our God Who Listens
Aug 2000:38:52Tap to summarizeOOBT 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
Transcribe →Numbers 22–24 :: A Talking Donkey and God’s Unstoppable Blessing
Jun 18, 202500:34:51Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Numbers 19-21 :: Snakes, Sorrow, and Second Chances
Jun 4, 202500:37:56Tap to summarizeIn 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/
Transcribe →Numbers 16-18 :: Rebellion, Rescue, and Redemption
May 21, 202500:31:06Tap to summarizeNumbers 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/
Transcribe →Numbers 13-15 & Psalm 90 :: They Wandered—But God Never Walked Away
May 7, 202500:38:11Tap to summarizeIn 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/
Transcribe →Numbers 10-12 :: Marching Orders & Messy Attitudes
Apr 23, 202500:42:07Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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