*This weekly newsletter will share about the Bible Breakdown podcast, things about RLC, and my favorite things from around the web. My prayer is it will help you know God better.
Hello friends. Happy Saturday!
It’s July 26th—a month filled with fireworks, heatwaves, and family road trips. It’s also a great time to pause, reflect, and check the condition of our spiritual fields. The book of Joel closes with a powerful reminder: God sees the full story, and He alone knows when the harvest is ready. While the world races ahead and distractions fill our minds, Joel 3:13 cuts through the noise with a word of divine timing: “Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.”
That message is especially comforting in a season like July when some of us feel stuck between beginnings and breakthroughs. Maybe you’ve been sowing seeds of obedience and waiting on results. Maybe you’re wondering if your faithfulness matters. Joel reminds us—yes, it does. God is the One who calls forth the harvest, and when it’s time, He moves quickly and powerfully.
This edition of the newsletter is full of tools to help you grow: a fresh SOAP, helpful resources, apologetics content, worship encouragement, and even a dad joke. So take a breath, take a break, and let’s dig into the Word together.
🎧 My Favorite BibleBreakdown Episode This Week>>>
📚 Scripture. 💪
(Joel 3:13) “Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread the grapes, for the winepress is full.”
Observation: This verse captures the climactic judgment imagery in Joel’s prophecy. The “harvest” here refers to a moment of divine justice—a reckoning where the fullness of wickedness meets God’s perfect timing. It reminds us that while God is patient, His justice is certain.
Application: We don’t always understand God’s timing, but this verse reminds us that He does not delay without purpose. Whether we’re waiting on deliverance or watching the culture unfold, we can trust God to bring things to harvest when it’s time. Stay faithful in the planting season—God will take care of the reaping.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your patience and justice. Help me to trust Your timing and remain faithful even when I can’t see the full picture. Keep my heart soft and ready for what You want to do through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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🤔 Question of the Week.
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🖤 My Favorite Links This Week.
📣 Sermon/Testimony. Chuck Swindoll, "Trust God!"
Swindoll speaks straight to the heart about God’s goodness during painful seasons. He reminds us that trusting God doesn’t require understanding every detail. This is a powerful word if you're in a season of waiting.
🤔 Apologetics. (John Lennox) – “Seven Days That Divide the World” (excerpt)
Lennox tackles the creation debate with humility and clarity. He explains how science and Scripture can harmonize without compromising either. This article is a great example of thinking faithfully in a scientific age.
🤓 CS Lewis. "Man or Rabbit" by C.S. Lewis.
In this short piece, Lewis addresses whether someone can live a good life without Christianity. His logic is clear, witty, and still very relevant. A must-read for conversations on ethics and eternal truth.
✍️ Going Deeper. “Why Should Christians Study Philosophy?” by Paul Gould
Gould argues that philosophy sharpens our thinking and deepens our faith. He shows how it helps believers engage culture with wisdom. This is a great starting point for anyone curious about faith and reason.
✍️ Biblical Archeology. “Unearthed: The Bible’s Buried Secrets" (PBS/NOVA Documentary)
This documentary explores how archaeology aligns with and challenges biblical narratives. It’s a fascinating dive into evidence from Israel and surrounding regions. Eye-opening for Bible students and skeptics alike.
📚 Book. The Essential Guide to Spiritual Warfare by Neil T. Anderson
Anderson delivers a clear, biblically grounded approach to understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare. He equips believers to recognize spiritual strongholds, stand firm in their identity in Christ, and walk in daily victory. This book is incredibly practical for those feeling spiritually overwhelmed, confused by the enemy’s tactics, or just wanting to be better equipped in today’s spiritual climate.
🕺 Biblical Manhood. “The Measure of a Godly Man” by Bryan Loritts (Desiring God)
Bryan Loritts unpacks what it means to be a man of godly character in a culture of confusion. He challenges men to pursue humility, responsibility, and faithfulness—not just strength or success. This article is short but rich, offering biblical wisdom that speaks to men at every stage of life.
🎧 Song of the Week. “You Hold It All Together” by Maverick City Music
This song is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and love. It speaks peace over chaotic hearts and grounds us in the truth that God is holding our world together. It’s a perfect pairing with Joel’s message of harvest and justice.
✍️ Quote of the Week That Makes You Think
"he greatest threat to Christianity is not heresy, but distraction.” – Kevin DeYoung
🤪 Dad Joke of the week
What did Jonah’s family say when he told them about what happened?
“That’s deep, man.”
This month’s SOAP in Joel 3 reminds us that God’s timing is precise—He never rushes and never delays. In a culture driven by instant results, Joel points us back to a God who harvests at just the right moment. Whether you're sowing seeds or waiting on fruit, He sees it all. This newsletter is here to equip, encourage, and walk with you on that journey.
