August 24th, 25: Trusting God in Uncertain Times: Illuminating 1 John 5 and Jeremiah’s Promises

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! On this August 24th episode, Heather joins us for our ongoing journey through the Scriptures. Today, we’ll dive into readings from Jeremiah 33 and 34, Psalm 74, and conclude with 1 John 5. Heather reminds us that we come to the Scriptures not just for knowledge, but to encounter Jesus, the true source of our life. As we listen, we’re invited to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, seeking to see Jesus afresh and to encourage one another in God’s love.

Together, we’ll reflect on God’s promises of restoration and mercy from Jeremiah—even in the midst of judgment and uncertainty—and join in the psalmist’s cry for God’s presence and help. In our New Testament reading, Heather unpacks the Apostle John’s message about what it truly means to “know” as children of God—and challenges us to let go of the need for absolute certainty, embracing faith and trusting in God’s love.

Stay tuned as Heather leads us in meaningful prayers, a time of reflection, and a reminder to carry God’s peace and love into the world. Whether you’ve been with us every day or you’re tuning in for the first time, you’re invited to draw near, be strengthened, and remember: you are loved.

TODAY’S DEVOTION:

What do you know? John wants to make sure you and I know a few things. Because before he signs off on his letter, his parting words to us have this refrain over and over. We know. Now John is not saying, know and believe all the right things. Because when you know all the right things in the Bible, then your world and your life will all make sense. Many people pursue their religion this way. I will try really hard to know all the right beliefs and know all the right things to do, and then my life will make sense and everything will go well with me. But that's just not how life works. There are just too many things that happen in life that will not make sense. We all face things in life that do not make sense, no matter how much we think we know about God, no matter how buttoned down we think our beliefs are.

John wants you to know some things. But the things that he wants us to know are those things that can help us to trust when life doesn't make sense. If you want, you can go over chapter five again and listen to all the things that John wants us to know. But underneath it all is John's heart for people. He calls us his children. He wants us to know these things because they help us to trust God, even when what we know is not enough.

So trust that God is love. Trust that you have fellowship with him. Trust that he is with you now, even in your unknowing. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts. John is telling us, stay away from idols, child. And then you'll be sure to know all that you need to know.

Know what you need to know. And one thing we need to know is that all things cannot be known. So be wary of trying to nail down all the things. Try not to approach your faith, your theology, and this Bible as something you can master. When John says that he wants us to know, he is not telling us to nail it all down. He is rather inviting us into this journey of faith, one where we will have to accept some uncertainty, mystery and paradox.

Know what you need to know. Live as a child of God, because that is what you are.