Year: 2022

“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.” Matthew 26:14-16

by Travis Michael Fleming, Apollos Watered

Perhaps the most despicable event in the history of the world is the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. He was one of the twelve apostles, the treasurer of the group, and a thief (John 12:6). From the moment Judas first appears in the Gospels, he is identified as the one who betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16; John 6:71). His act of betrayal became the defining moment of his life. Jesus himself said it would have been better if he had not been born (Matthew 26:24; Mark 14:21). After his death, the apostles said Judas went to “where he belongs” (Acts 1:25), a veiled reference to hell.

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is unimaginable to us. How could this man who had walked with Jesus for three years, heard his words, and seen his miracles, betray him? The thought boggles the mind! Judas had seen the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, the demon-possessed freed, and the dead come to life! He had tasted of the bread and fish Jesus had multiplied, seen him walk on water, and watched him calm the storm. Experiencing it all makes Judas’ betrayal even more heinous and baffling. Acting in ignorance is one thing, but to deceitfully betray Jesus after witnessing everything he had seen Christ do? Deplorable!

Just prior to Passion Week, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, when a woman came to him with an alabaster flask of very costly oil (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-11). She broke the flask and poured it on his head as he sat at the table, but some people there were indignant and considered her act a terrible waste, chief among them was Judas. Why not sell it (it was worth a great deal of money), and use the money for the poor? Jesus rebuked them, declaring that she was anointing him for burial, and her act would be remembered wherever the good news of Jesus would be preached.

We don’t know exactly when Judas’ desire to betray Jesus started, but Matthew and Mark bring up this event at the same time as his betrayal, (even though it chronologically taken place before Holy Week), indicating at least that it influenced him. Perhaps Jesus’ commendation of the woman’s act was too much for him. Perhaps his greedy heart couldn’t take Jesus’ admiration for an act he considered to be a waste (even though he didn’t actually care about the poor, but only wanted an opportunity to use the money for himself). Or maybe Judas’ finally realized that Jesus would not be the Messiah he wanted. Whatever the case— bitterness, hate, disillusionment or greed—Judas opened himself up to Satan (Luke 22:3-4). That Wednesday thus became known as “Spy Wednesday” because it was then that Judas committed to betraying Jesus.

Judas’ life is a giant warning beacon to all of us. We do not walk with Jesus physically as Judas did, but we can surely experience blessings including the fellowship of God’s people, hear wonderful sermons, and even sense the presence of God—and still be an unbeliever. Judas’ life is a call for us to do a spiritual heart check. Where are we at with the Savior? Do we love him for who he is as the woman with the alabaster flask? Or are we like Judas, appearing to love him but really only feigning loyalty as a means to get what we want?

Let us throw off any unbelief and lay our hearts bare before him! Throw yourself at the feet of Jesus and praise him for his unbelievable love and mercy! And if you know in your heart that you have not truly trusted in him, take a moment now to repent of your sin and place your faith in him! And if you are a believer whose heart has grown cold, ask God by his Holy Spirit to rekindle a fire in your heart that burns brightly and passionately for him!

Travis Michael Fleming is Founder and Executive Director of Apollos Watered, a ministry dedicated to helping believer of Jesus Christ to love and live like him in our global village. As the voice of Apollos Watered, Travis hosts a weekly podcast with listeners across the United States and in 50 countries. The podcast features conversations with Christian leaders as well as teaching that helps Christians around world to engage their cultures and learn from one another how to live out their faith Travis grew up in the farmlands of east central Illinois and has been a pastor for over 20 years from the urban center of Chicago to the north shore of Massachusetts and back to the suburbs of Chicagoland. Under his leadership each church grew in spiritual depth and diversity. Now living in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and four children, Travis is a gifted speaker, frequently addressing churches, Christian camps, and conferences around the world. He boldly combines the deep truths of Scripture with a winsome, energetic and often entertaining style.

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^“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.’” Mark 12:41-44

by Travis Michael Fleming, Apollos Watered

It was on Tuesday that Jesus took on the Pharisees and Sadducees—two of the most influential religious groups of the day—over such subjects as faith, marriage in heaven, paying taxes, and the source of his authority (Matthew 21:23-23:39; Mark 11:27-12:44; Luke 20:1-21:4). He warned the Pharisees of coming judgment (Matthew 23:13-36), taught on the end of time (Matthew 24-25; Mark 13: Luke 21:5-36), and spoke to some God-fearing Greeks (John 12:20-36). But it was a small moment of quiet that struck most deeply at them and us today.

Our world is obsessed with status, celebrity, strength, beauty, talent, and power. But God cares more about our hearts. There is perhaps a no greater example of this during Holy Week than Jesus’ observation of the widow’s gift.

Jesus had sat down across from the Temple treasury to people watch. He observed many very wealthy people put in large amounts of money, but when a widow dropped in two small coins that Jesus’ pointed her out as an object lesson for his disciples.

We all want status, but in Jesus’ day status was far more important than today. Theirs was a culture characterized by honor and shame, which was a way of keeping one’s social credit score. The way to move the needle of honor in first century Jewish society was to be the best Jew you could be. To be a bad Jew resulted in a position of shame. Shame was not about what one felt, but what one became. A person in a position of shame was socially canceled. Any association with the shamed person could result in you being canceled. And being canceled in that culture was more significant than today because social standing was extremely important in a society built on the ability to navigate the web of social relationships for survival.

Being a good Jew meant keeping the Law, but much of the Law is not as obvious or overt and is done away from the public eye. The only way to really get honor was by performing the acts of piety that could be seen by the public eye—which included monetary offerings at the Temple.

Many came and gave, which seemed good enough. After all, they did give. But their gifts didn’t elicit a response from Jesus because he knew that they gave out of their surplus, and it didn’t take much faith for them to give when they had so much, besides, it was beneficial for them socially. Instead, it was a widow—the most vulnerable in Jewish society, without means—who caught Jesus’ attention, because she gave all she had to live on. Hers was a gift of sacrifice and trust, theirs was a gift of surplus and status. Hers was of faith secure in God, theirs was on security in society.

The lesson is no less potent and applicable in our day. Faith is measured by what it does on the inside as well as the outside, and hers was a great faith. What do we give? How much do we give at a cost to ourselves? How much of our giving is based upon the approval of those around us? How much of it is based on our love for God alone?

Holy Week offers us the opportunity to hear Jesus’ words commending the widow’s offering all over again along with a fresh challenge for us to reconsider our faith and how much of ourselves we are giving to him. What are you willing to give him that requires faithful sacrifice?

Travis Michael Fleming is Founder and Executive Director of Apollos Watered, a ministry dedicated to helping believer of Jesus Christ to love and live like him in our global village. As the voice of Apollos Watered, Travis hosts a weekly podcast with listeners across the United States and in 50 countries. The podcast features conversations with Christian leaders as well as teaching that helps Christians around world to engage their cultures and learn from one another how to live out their faith Travis grew up in the farmlands of east central Illinois and has been a pastor for over 20 years from the urban center of Chicago to the north shore of Massachusetts and back to the suburbs of Chicagoland. Under his leadership each church grew in spiritual depth and diversity. Now living in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and four children, Travis is a gifted speaker, frequently addressing churches, Christian camps, and conferences around the world. He boldly combines the deep truths of Scripture with a winsome, energetic and often entertaining style.

Subscribe to the Apollos Watered Podcast

“Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” Luke 19:45-46

by Travis Michael Fleming, Apollos Watered

How important is prayer to God? How much do you think God wants us to talk to him about our struggles, pains, and problems? More than we think. On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus cleansed the Temple. In our modern world, temples seem more like memorials of bygone eras than places to encounter God. To the Israelites, God had set forth the Temple to be the place where he would exclusively dwell and where people could seek him. It was the centerpiece of Judaism and the heart of Jewish identity. King David dreamt of the Temple, but the task of building it fell to his son Solomon. This Temple was to be great, for the God of Israel was greater than all other gods (2 Chronicles 2:5). It was a house where the people could meet with God through sacrifices, offerings, and prayers. Worship is crucial because, as C.S. Lewis once said, “It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates his presence to men.” 

At the dedication of the Temple in 1 Kings 8, Solomon prayed that it would be the place where God’s name would dwell, where God’s people could pray and receive judgments, where individuals or the nation could pray for forgiveness of sins, express remorse and repentance, seek restoration, rain, or relief due to consequences of their disobedience. Surprisingly, it was not just for the people of Israel—God had even given the Temple to be a place for foreigners who were truly seeking the one true God could find him.

The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.. A second Temple was constructed at the same location by Ezra some 70 years later (Ezra 6:1-22). While it lacked the grandeur of Solomon’s Temple (Ezra 3:12), it served the same purpose—to be a place where the people could meet with God.

By the time Jesus enters the scene, the second Temple had been plundered several times and Herod had begun a reconstruction project that lasted for 46 years. But as beautiful as the new Temple was, its purpose had been perverted. Rather than seeing it as a place for all peoples to meet with God, the Temple leaders transformed it into a lucrative business for themselves thus disenfranchising the people in the process.

God required the Israelites to provide specific sacrifices at the Temple. While Israelite pilgrims living nearby the Temple could easily bring their sacrifices, those from far away found it difficult to bring an animal such a large distance. The easiest solution was to come without a sacrificial animal and simply purchase one at the Temple. However, the Temple required the use of its own currency and those coming from far away had to exchange their foreign currency. Forsaking their roles as stewards of God’s house, the Temple authorities charged pilgrims exorbitant amounts as a currency exchange, profiting from Israelite religious devotion.

Horrified at such a mockery of God, Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychangers and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the Temple. Jesus’ act infuriated the religious authorities because they loved money (Luke 16:14) more than they cared about God or people. Jesus cleansed the Temple to restore it as a house of prayer, a holy place where people could commune with God.

Jesus also foretold the destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:1-2)—and the Romans did just that in 70 A.D. The destruction was devastating, but in Matthew 12:6 Jesus taught that something greater than the Temple was already there—Him! The Temple was the place where God dwelled, but Christ was the divine Son of God dwelling among us (John 1:14).

Jesus is far greater than the Temple, and he has made the temple obsolete: by dying for us, he removed the wall of hostility in his flesh (Ephesians 2:14) that had been keeping us from communing with God freely and intimately. And it is by his resurrection and ascension into heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of God, pouring out his Spirit to us, so that we can have access to God the Father through our faith in him (Hebrews 1:13; Acts 2:33; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 2:18; 3:12).

We don’t need to go to the earthly Temple, because God, through Christ, has poured out his Spirit to us, making each of us a temple of his Holy Spirit where we can commune with him at any time (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). God values prayer—your prayer. By Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, we see God desires our prayers. He wants you to come to him with all of your brokenness, all of your struggles and sins. He didn’t want there to be an obstacle seeking him then and doesn’t want there to be one now.

Let today be the day for you to reconnect with God in prayer. Go to him with your pains and problems, struggles and sins. He wants to connect with you and made himself available. He wants you to pray—Jesus demonstrated how much God desires it. You don’t have to have high words, great language or perfect motives; you don’t have to get everything right. Just come with a right heart and real desire to know him and he will give you himself.

Let the temple of your body be a holy house of prayer.

Travis Michael Fleming is Founder and Executive Director of Apollos Watered, a ministry dedicated to helping believer of Jesus Christ to love and live like him in our global village. As the voice of Apollos Watered, Travis hosts a weekly podcast with listeners across the United States and in 50 countries. The podcast features conversations with Christian leaders as well as teaching that helps Christians around world to engage their cultures and learn from one another how to live out their faith Travis grew up in the farmlands of east central Illinois and has been a pastor for over 20 years from the urban center of Chicago to the north shore of Massachusetts and back to the suburbs of Chicagoland. Under his leadership each church grew in spiritual depth and diversity. Now living in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and four children, Travis is a gifted speaker, frequently addressing churches, Christian camps, and conferences around the world. He boldly combines the deep truths of Scripture with a winsome, energetic and often entertaining style.

Subscribe to the Apollos Watered Podcast

“After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples.” Luke 19:28 NLT

by Travis Michael Fleming, Apollos Watered

It has been said that leaders are those who see the future and have the courage to lead others into it. Jesus, the ultimate leader, was leading the disciples to a future they could not have anticipated despite Jesus’ numerous declarations about what awaited in Jerusalem.

And this was the day of his arrival in Jerusalem. Everything about Jesus’ ministry would culminate this week—all of the lessons, miracles, praises, and pains would be met by cheering crowds who would, in a short time, turn to cries of condemnation. He had already told his disciples of his suffering. He knew all along that Jerusalem was where he was going to die (Luke 13:33). He had set his face resolutely toward Jerusalem and now had arrived. Though the journey was nearing the end, there was still much yet to do in the coming days.

As he waited outside Bethany, his disciples brought a young colt for him to ride on into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:2-7), where the expectant crowd gathered to see him. Spreading their cloaks on the road, they waved palm branches (a symbol of Jewish nationalism, a bit like waving an American flag at a 4^th of July parade) to welcome him, shouting along the way,

“Praise God for the Son of David!

    Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

    Praise God in highest heaven!”—Matthew 21:9.

Both Matthew (Matthew 21:5) and John (John 12:15) interpret Jesus’ entry in light of Zechariah 9:9 as the expectant king who would come to liberate them from the dreaded Romans. Like everyone else, they misunderstood the nature of his Kingdom and rule. The truth of that rule would not become clear until after his resurrection. He came to save, not as a triumphant military king, but as the suffering servant who would save us from our sin by dying. The liberation would come spiritually through his death and resurrection, and later physically at his Second Coming.

This week we are reminded that Jesus is our king who does his will in ways that do not always seem clear to us. While the people wanted Jesus to save them right away from their circumstances, he was doing something much deeper, something much more amazing than they could imagine. The salvation Jesus secured at the end of Passion Week has depths beyond our ability to fathom. Thankfully, our job is not to comprehend the incomprehensible but to love, marvel, and obey.

As we begin this Passion week, take time for self-reflection.

Are you following Jesus, the leader who resolutely set out for and entered Jerusalem so that he could die for us?

What areas in your life are you tempted to look for God to provide a quick fix?

How has your view of God been shaped by his working in ways that you did not expect?

How is he calling you to trust in his work and his time?

Travis Michael Fleming is Founder and Executive Director of Apollos Watered, a ministry dedicated to helping believer of Jesus Christ to love and live like him in our global village. As the voice of Apollos Watered, Travis hosts a weekly podcast with listeners across the United States and in 50 countries. The podcast features conversations with Christian leaders as well as teaching that helps Christians around world to engage their cultures and learn from one another how to live out their faith Travis grew up in the farmlands of east central Illinois and has been a pastor for over 20 years from the urban center of Chicago to the north shore of Massachusetts and back to the suburbs of Chicagoland. Under his leadership each church grew in spiritual depth and diversity. Now living in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and four children, Travis is a gifted speaker, frequently addressing churches, Christian camps, and conferences around the world. He boldly combines the deep truths of Scripture with a winsome, energetic and often entertaining style.

Subscribe to the Apollos Watered Podcast

We are entering what is often called Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ life. Each day Travis Michael Fleming, pastor and host of the Apollos Watered Podcast, will be taking us through a significant moment that helps us focus and reflect on the awesome events leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection.

by Travis Michael Fleming

This week is commonly known as “Holy Week” or “Passion Week,” the last week of Jesus’ life leading up to his crucifixion and punctuated by his resurrection three days later. The Gospels carefully chronicle the events of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection—each from slightly different perspectives targeting a specific audience. While they record Jesus’ birth, the bulk of each Gospel chronicles the events surrounding the last three years of Jesus’ life. Thirty percent of the Gospels focus on the last week of Jesus’ life (John amazingly devotes a whopping 43% of his book to it)! Since this week was important to the Gospel writers, it should be important to us too.

This week we are going to take a moment to catch our breath and reconnect with the Savior who so passionately pursued us. And pursue Jesus did. Luke notes a transition from Galilee to Jerusalem in his Gospel when Jesus recognized that it was time to die on the cross for our sins: “As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem”—Luke 9:51. To say that Jesus was committed to getting to Jerusalem is an understatement. We admire heroes because of their commitment to their cause, which is magnified by the obstacles they overcome and the enemies they defeat. Jesus faced the greatest obstacles ever known to humanity—sin and death.

Jesus was not ignorant concerning what awaited him—three times in Luke’s gospel, he told his disciples of his coming death in great detail (Luke 9:22; 44; 18:31-33). He knew both when it would be and how, and that it would not be outside of his control. The gospel writers show quite clearly Jesus would not die before the proper moment. In the face of hostile crowds who were ready to kill him, Jesus simply walked away (Luke 4:28-30; John 8:59). On two different occasions John he says that Jesus’ time was not yet (John 2:4; 7:6, 8). His death would not be premature, nor would it happen without his personal engagement. He would give his life at the proper time and of his own accord.

No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
John 10:18

Many men and women have a vague sense of when they are going to die, but rarely do they know exactly when it will be. Jesus did. He didn’t dread his death, run, or try to change it. While the cross is the culmination of Jesus’ life, it is the resurrection that gives his death meaning. Many men and women have died for noble causes but never has anyone risen from the dead.

Jesus was resolute because he saw the joy of the salvation that would come to humanity because of his death and resurrection (Hebrews 12:2).

Each day this week we will highlight one moment from the corresponding day of Passion Week, watching the drama of redemption unfold right before our eyes. As we do, we ask God to reveal himself to us in a greater, more intimate way. Join with me this week as we pause, silencing the noise so we can hear from our creator and see what he has to show us about who he is, who we are, and what he has done on our behalf so that we may increase our joy and delight in him.

Travis Michael Fleming is Founder and Executive Director of Apollos Watered, a ministry dedicated to helping believer of Jesus Christ to love and live like him in our global village. As the voice of Apollos Watered, Travis hosts a weekly podcast with listeners across the United States and in 50 countries. The podcast features conversations with Christian leaders as well as teaching that helps Christians around world to engage their cultures and learn from one another how to live out their faith

Travis grew up in the farmlands of east central Illinois and has been a pastor for over 20 years from the urban center of Chicago to the north shore of Massachusetts and back to the suburbs of Chicagoland. Under his leadership each church grew in spiritual depth and diversity. Now living in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and four children, Travis is a gifted speaker, frequently addressing churches, Christian camps, and conferences around the world. He boldly combines the deep truths of Scripture with a winsome, energetic and often entertaining style.

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Throughout Scripture we find people being transformed and finding purpose by connecting with God through his Word. Let’s take a look at King Josiah to see what happened when he started reading God’s law. We will also use notes and features from the Life Application Study Bible to find out what can happen if, like Josiah, we read and apply God’s Word to our lives.

2 Chronicles 34:14-21, 31-33

While they were bringing out the money collected at the Lord’s Temple, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that was written by Moses. Hilkiah said to Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the Lord‘s Temple Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan.

Shaphan took the scroll to the king and reported, “Your officials are doing everything they were assigned to do. The money that was collected at the Temple of the Lord has been turned over to the supervisors and workmen.” Shaphan also told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.” So Shaphan read it to the king.

When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in the scroll that has been found. For the Lord‘s great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the Lord. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do.”

The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord‘s presence. He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. The people of Jerusalem did so, renewing their covenant with God, the God of their ancestors.

So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land of Israel and required everyone to worship the Lord their God. And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the, Lord the God of their ancestors.

Notes from the Life Application Study Bible

“The Book of the Law of the Lord” found by Hilkiah was probably the book of Deuteronomy, which had been lost during the reigns of the evil kings. Now that it was found, Josiah realized that drastic changes had to be made in order to bring the nation back in line with God’s commands. This account is also recorded in 2 Kings 22:8-13.

It is human nature to treat sin lightly—to make excuses, blame somebody else, or minimize the harm done. Not so with Josiah. He was so appalled at the people’s neglect of the law that he tore his clothing to express his grief. True understanding of our sins should lead to “the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience” that “leads us away from sin” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Do you tend to excuse your sin, blame others for what you’ve done, or pretend your sin wasn’t so bad? God knows how sin harms us, and he does not take it lightly. He wants us to respond with true remorse as Josiah did.

When Josiah read the book that Hilkiah discovered (34:14), he responded with repentance and humility and promised to follow God’s commands as written in it. The Bible, God’s Word to us, is “alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12), but we cannot know what God wants us to do if we do not read it. And even reading God’s Word is not enough; we must be willing to do what it says. There is not much difference between the book hidden in the Temple and the Bible hidden on the bookshelf. An unread Bible is as useless as a lost one.

Learn more about the Life Application Study Bible

Read Naomi’s story of how reading the Bible has impacted her life.

by Molly Jo Nynam

Naomi was so excited about the Tyndale Bible she bought her husband, Andrew, that she wasn’t sure she could wait until Christmas to give it to him. At age 37, this would be his first study Bible and the first time he would have God’s Word in the New Living Translation—Naomi’s favorite.

“Reading the NLT makes reading the Bible real, regular, and more vivid. I don’t have to wonder about word meanings and definitions. It comes alive so you can connect with it,” Naomi said.

“And study Bibles are great because you have resources right there in your Bible. If you’re not sure about something, it’s explained right there. If you’re wondering how something applies to your life, you can find that too. And when you see how prophecies have been fulfilled, you have further proof that this is the Word of God.”

Her love of God’s Word is not just apparent, it’s attractive—like the warm, magnetic glow of a long-burning, consistently stoked fire.

Having grown up in a Christian home with a single mother and one brother, Naomi is thankful for a heritage that immersed her in the church and God’s Word.

“I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a Bible,” Naomi recalls. “I grew up dirt poor, but my mom always made sure we had Bibles. Beginner Bibles, Life Application youth Bibles—even if they cost a whole day’s wages. We would line the covers with contact paper to help preserve them and read them until the bindings fell apart.”

Naomi has had the joy of seeing Andrew grow exponentially in his faith since he’s been reading his new Bible. And though he also enjoys reading God’s Word digitally, she said, “There’s something about holding it in your hands. He definitely cherishes his new Bible.”

And what would Naomi say to people who don’t read the Bible or have given up on finding help in God’s Word?

“There are people who think the Bible isn’t applicable. I would encourage them to have a Bible that’s easy to read and to ask God to help show them what they are meant to see that day. And if you don’t have a hunger for reading the Bible, ask God to give you a hunger. You’ll be amazed at what happens if you pray!”

“Recently, I read an article about Christians and Jews in Ukraine praying and reading Psalms 31 and 27. They’re under attack by the Russian army and they’re reading Scripture while bunkered down in the subway. Why? Because they know whatever problem you face, whether it’s an attack on the battlefield, an illness, the loss of a family member, or maybe just struggling to find purpose, the Bible has an answer for that!

“If people are turning to the Bible while listening to air-raid sirens and hiding from actual missiles, surely it has something for you in your situation as well!

“I hear people say things like ‘I wish God would just speak to me’ or ‘I wish God would give me a word,’ but if you aren’t opening your Bible, you’re missing out on hearing His voice. The Bible isn’t just ‘a word’ it’s The Word. So if you want to hear from God, first pray, then open your Bible and start reading and listening to what He has to say.

“God is faithful. He never walks away from us. And if you are far away from God, it’s never too late to walk back.”

Looking for a Bible for yourself or to give as a gift? We can help! Check out our Bible Finder

What a joy to hear stories of people gaining a better understanding of God’s Word and growing in their relationship with Christ while using their Filament Bibles. We are excited to see the collection continue to grow and make God’s Word even more accessible. This spring, three new Filament lines are releasing, and this summer we are adding some amazing new covers to our full size and large print Thinline Reference Filament Bible lines. These are all in the New Living Translation and include free access to the Filament Bible app, which has study notes, devotionals, interactive graphics, videos, and more.

Filament Wide Margin Bibles

You wanted a journaling study Bible, and we made it happen! Filament Wide Margin Bibles feature single-column text and include 2.25” lightly ruled margins, making this Bible great for note-taking, journaling, and more. When used with the Filament Bible app, this Bible gives you access to incredible study notes, devotionals, and other amazing content without taking up valuable journaling space. It is available in brown, black, and ocean blue covers.

Filament Compact Giant Print

Filament Compact Giant Print Bibles bring you the best of portability and readability with a larger font in a smaller sized Bible. Like other compact editions of the New Living Translation, this Bible fits easily into a purse, backpack, briefcase, or suitcase. This Bible features the life-changing New Living Translation text in 10-point font with the words of Jesus in red. There are four different covers: rose gold, navy blue, brown cross, and peony teal.

Filament Super Giant Print

This Bible is amazing! Filament Super Giant Print Bibles have the largest font size in the line yet are still easy to carry with you. It’s an easy-to-read 16-point font Bible that isn’t as big as a door stop! This Bible truly is a marvel. It features the words of Jesus in red and is perfect for someone who needs that little extra help reading the text but still wants a portable Bible. It is available in brown, black, and peony teal.

Quick look at what’s coming this summer

More zipper covers!!!

This summer we are releasing three new covers in the Filament Large Print Thinline Reference line. One is a gorgeous green mountain LeatherLike. There will also be two new zipper covers—messenger brown and camel, and navy and pink floral.

Three new covers in the full size Filament Thinline Reference line also are releasing this summer. One is a messenger brown LeatherLike. There will also be two new zipper covers—sunset branches and atlas brown.

See all the Bibles in the Filament Bible Collection

Devotional from the DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible

“It’s an indescribable gift to be known and loved by you, exactly as I am. My heart is forever yours, Lord Jesus.”

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17, NLT.

No one on this earth knows you like you do. No one knows every memory you hold, every thought you think, every dream you tuck away. No one feels that painful lump in your throat when you’re fighting back tears, and no one knows exactly what it does to you when you hear a certain song or see a breathtaking sunset. No one on this earth knows.

But the One who made this earth knows you from the inside out . . .delights in your particular, quirky laugh . . . feels all the joy that moves through you . . . sits with you in silence when you have no words . . . and hears exactly what you’re saying with your heart.

Find peace in that today, dear one. Especially if you’re feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or underappreciated. You are known. Every little bit of you. And you are loved just exactly as you are.

by Shanna Noel and Paige Deruyscher,100 Days of Less Hustle, More Jesus

Learn more about the DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible

“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:103, NLT

Easter baskets are often filled with sweet treats, but at our house, we wanted to find something sweeter than candy to give to our kids. According to the psalmist, Scripture is even sweeter than honey. And we know it is the sustaining bread of life to help our kids—and us—develop an appetite for a deeper relationship with God. What joy to open a new Bible on Easter morning and together read the Resurrection story! Now that is sweet!

Looking for something sweeter than candy for someone you love? From kids to teens and beyond, Tyndale Bibles offers engaging Bibles that help your loved ones savor God’s Word.

Hands-On Bible

What if you could not just read but also taste, feel, and smell Bible truths? What if the Bible was filled with games, crafts, and even snacks to make Bible stories come to life? Wouldn’t that make it the coolest Bible around? Enter the Hands-On Bible! This Bible takes you beyond just reading to truly experiencing the Bible through activities that you can do together with your child, making Scripture relevant, fun, and memorable. See the options 

Boys Life Application Study Bible

Packed full of notes and features, the Boys Life Application Study Bible is easy to use and helps answer questions that preteen boys may have about God and life. The notes help them learn to think biblically about real issues they face, such as self-esteem, friendship, and peer pressure. Discovering God’s will for their lives has never been this much fun! Learn more

Girls Life Application Study Bible

A one-of-a-kind discipleship resource, the Girls Life Application Study Bible helps girls draw closer to God and establish healthy relationships with those around them. It includes over 800 Life Application notes, plus full-color features that are designed to help girls learn more about the Bible, understand the big story, meet Jesus, know what it means to follow him, learn how to share their faith with others, and gain practical faith and relationship skills that will help them live out what they believe. See this Bible

Inspire Bible for Girls and More!

Inspire Bible for Girls is designed to draw girls deeper into God’s Word and to inspire creativity and connection with God. Over 500 beautiful full- and partial-page Scripture line-art illustrations to color are attractively displayed throughout the Bible. In addition, there are over 300 devotionals, journaling prompts, and interesting Bible facts to enhance girls’ coloring and creative journaling journey through the Bible. Girls can leave traces of their faith throughout their Bible for a unique treasure that will truly inspire! Explore Inspire Bible for Girls

But don’t forget our other titles in the Inspire Bible line. These bestselling coloring and journaling Bibles are perfect for girls and women of all ages.

EPIC Bible

Created by some of DC and Marvel’s best comic book artists, The Epic Bible transports readers through a visual journey of Scripture. From Eden to eternity, this stunning hardcover edition engages even the most reluctant readers with brilliant and dramatic full-color graphic art. Packed with action and powerfully illustrated The Epic Bible brings a fresh lifelike view of Creation, the story of the Israelites, Jesus’ life on earth, and the early church. Order the EPIC Bible

Teen Life Application Study Bible

The Teen Life Application Study Bible is filled with features designed to meet the challenges and needs of today’s high school students. Combining traditional study Bible features like book introductions, textual notes, person profiles, and maps with application-oriented features focusing on choices, real-life issues, and real-life stories of actual teens, the Teen Life Application Study Bible helps answer the tough questions and grounds teens in their faith.

Streetlights New Testament

Linking to remarkably creative audio and video resources, the NLT Streetlights New Testament explains Christian truth to young people and serves as a basic discipleship tool for ministries. Its unique tone and approach to the gospel have strong appeal for those in an urban culture.

A Few Other Ideas . . .

Maybe you are looking for an Easter gift for a young adult or someone else in your life. Here are some ideas:

Filament Bible Collection

These beautifully crafted Bibles offer a simple and engaging reading experience. By simply scanning a page with your phone or tablet, the Filament Bible app gives you access to thousands of study and worship resources, including videos and content curated to the specific page you are reading. See all the Filament Bibles

Immerse: The Reading Bible

Ever had a book you just couldn’t put down? Immerse: The Reading Bible takes away all the distractions and gets you right into the story. With no chapter and verse numbers and a cover that feels more like a novel than a Bible, it’s like reading the Bible for the first time. Start falling in love with the Bible all over again.

Art of Life Bible

This Bible weaves the beautiful NLT text into a rich tapestry of artwork illustrating many living things mentioned in Scripture. Captions highlighting their significance and the wide-margin design offer readers a unique way to meditate on Scripture by focusing on God’s creation. Featuring 450 original hand-drawn illustrations in a unique style, this Bible encourages contemplation and visual interaction with the Word.