Join Hunter and Heather for May 12th, '26: 2 Samuel 21–23, 1 Thessalonians 1; Daily Bible. Discover how encountering Jesus revolutionizes our perspective, expanding God's love beyond our usual circles. This devotional explores deliverance, faithfulness, and embracing all people as God’s chosen.
Key Takeaways
- Encountering Jesus transforms how we view the world and others, widening our understanding of God's love.
- God's love and choice are not exclusive; they extend to all people, regardless of background or affiliation.
- The early believers in Thessalonica became an example by joyfully spreading the message of God's embrace, even amidst suffering.
- A theology devoid of a living encounter with Christ can become narrow and exclusive.
- We are called to pray for an ever-expanding heart, reflecting God's embrace for the entire world.
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- TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 21–23, 1 Thessalonians 1
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One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus’ kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved.
TODAY'S EPISODE:
Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible. On this 12th day of May, Hunter invites us to join in day 133 of our journey through the scriptures. Today’s episode features readings from 2 Samuel 21–23 and 1 Thessalonians 1, exploring stories of trial, deliverance, and the faithfulness of God. Hunter reflects on how encountering Jesus transforms the way we see others, expanding our view of God's love and chosen people. The episode also includes guided prayer, encouragement for the day ahead, and personal updates from Hunter, including his ongoing journey into pastoral counseling. Gather with us as we open our hearts to the Word and to the transforming presence of God in our lives.
TODAY'S DEVOTION:
He changes our hearts and expands our vision.
Paul was convinced of something profound—that God loved and chose this small community in Thessalonica as his own. And that was no small admission for Paul to make. In his upbringing, Gentiles—those who didn’t keep kosher or follow Jewish laws and customs—would never have been seen as loved, let alone chosen. For Paul to declare otherwise, to see and say, "We know…that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people," was a revolution in his heart and mind. It was evidence that he had truly encountered Jesus.
That’s what happens when we meet Jesus: he transforms the way we see the world, the way we see others—especially those outside our usual circle. We discover that the boundaries of God’s love are far wider than we thought. Love isn’t limited to our own race, our political party, our theological persuasion, or those who are "like us." No, as we encounter the living Christ, our vision expands. We begin to see people—even those we once considered outsiders—as loved and chosen by God.
The message rings out: this love, this choosing, it’s not exclusive. It’s for the world. The believers in Thessalonica received this good news with joy—even in the midst of suffering. Their encounter with Jesus made them an example, so that the "word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere." Their lives proclaimed, in word and deed, the broad embrace of God, echoing across borders and backgrounds.
Any theology that’s empty of a living encounter with Jesus dries up and closes in. It forgets that the gospel isn’t just for an "in-group." Jesus opens our eyes, again and again, to see as he sees, to welcome as he welcomes.
That’s a prayer I have for my own soul today: that the parameters of God’s love would keep opening up in my own heart. That I would meet Jesus afresh and let him rearrange my perspective—so that his embrace for the world would be my embrace.
That’s a prayer for myself, for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son, and it’s a prayer I have for you. May we encounter the One who changes everything. May it be so.
TODAY'S PRAYERS:
Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.
Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen
And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray...
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What scripture is read on May 12th, 26 for the Daily Radio Bible?
The scripture readings for May 12th, 26 are 2 Samuel 21–23 and 1 Thessalonians 1.
How does encountering Jesus change our perspective according to the Daily Radio Bible?
Encountering Jesus revolutionizes our perspective, making us see others, especially those outside our usual circles, as loved and chosen by God.
What is the main theme of 1 Thessalonians 1 discussed in this episode?
The main theme is how Paul realized God's revolutionary love and choice extended to Gentiles, demonstrating the expansive nature of God's grace.
What does the Daily Bible in a Year podcast offer?
The podcast offers daily 20-minute scripture readings, Christ-centered devotionals, and guided prayers to help listeners live as citizens of Jesus’ kingdom.
You are loved!
