In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Jude 17–25 from The Message and its call to build faith through prayer, remain rooted in God’s love, and respond to others with mercy. Using a story about encountering a dead skunk on a hike, he considers Jude’s warning about harm that “stinks,” then shares how facing cancer taught him that a clenched-fist effort to control everything can keep a person from receiving mercy and joy. The episode invites listeners to meet people who are uncertain about faith with open arms, compassion, honest attention to harm, and a willingness to listen.

Key takeaways

• Keep an open posture: Faith grows through receiving mercy, not trying to control everything.
• Doubt is not the enemy: Make room for people who are hesitant or unsure in their faith.
• Respond with different kinds of mercy: Go easy on those who hesitate, pursue those going astray, and be tender toward people while staying honest about harm.
• Focus on the impact of sin: Dr. Miller describes sin as harmful to people, rather than as a way for God to keep score.
• Listen without trying to fix: Invite someone who is struggling or uncertain to coffee or a meal; ask an honest question and listen without offering quick solutions.
• Personal experience can change perspective: Dr. Miller says that trying to manage his cancer diagnosis through sheer control left him grumpy, while opening up helped make room for joy and mercy.
• Let compassion and accountability coexist: Be tender with people while remaining clear-eyed about the harm their actions cause.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)