The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel Express
A daily Bible podcast that takes less than 15 minutes each day to cover the whole Bible in 365 days. Each episode includes selected passages of scripture and a full commentary from Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, drawing out a theme for the day from the designated Bible readings. The commentary covers Proverbs, Psalms, and New and Old Testament excerpts, offering insight, wisdom, and application.
Episodes
Day 296: Twenty-Five Ways to Be Useful to God
Proverbs 25:21–28, 2 Timothy 2:1–24, Jeremiah 50:4
Being ‘useful to the Master’ and ‘instruments for noble purposes’ starts with dedicating your life to him and re-dedicating it regularly to his service.
Day 295: Your Most Important Task
Psalm 119:81, 2 Timothy 1:2–18, Jeremiah 48:10–29; 49:1
The older I get, the more I appreciate the wisdom of the generations before me and the more I realise the responsibility we *all* have to pass the baton on to the next generation.
Day 294: Living Content
Psalm 119:73–74, 1 Timothy 6:3–19, Jeremiah 46:28
Ultimately, contentment only comes from putting your hope in God: ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’.
Day 293: Hard Times
Psalm 119:66–72, 1 Timothy 5:1–20; 6:1–2, Jeremiah 43:1–2; 44:1–5
The Bible is very realistic. We live in a fallen world. Everyone goes through hard times and some people find themselves in circumstances that make life hard all of the time.
Day 292: Words, the Word of God and 'words'
Proverbs 25:11–18, 1 Timothy 4:1–16, Jeremiah 42:4
The most powerful words ever written are in the Bible. Words are an important theme in it, and the word ‘word’ is used in different senses in today’s passages.
Day 291: The Life of a Leader
Psalm 119:57–64, 1 Timothy 3:1–16, Jeremiah 38:14–20
Leadership is not only functional, but also involves a responsibility to live *as an example* to others.
Day 290: How to Pray
Psalm 119:49–55, 1 Timothy 2:1–6, Jeremiah 35:12–15; 37:1–3
There is no limit to the times, places and different ways in which you can pray.
Day 289: The Biggest Decision of My Life
Psalm 119:41–48, 1 Timothy 1:3–19, Jeremiah 32:37–41; 33:2–11
Faith *leads to* true freedom and love. Love, faith and freedom are inextricably entwined.
Day 288: Never Tire of Doing What Is Right
Proverbs 25:4–8, 2 Thessalonians 3:1–16, Jeremiah 31:31–34
Jesus did not go for the easy or popular solution, but he always did the right thing. This is an important principle that runs throughout the entire Bible.
Day 287: How to Avoid Backsliding
Psalm 119:33–37, 2 Thessalonians 2:1–17, Jeremiah 30:14–22; 31:12–13
It is not a matter of us standing firm on our own. We are part of a community. In today’s New Testament passage, Paul invokes the image of the *phalanx* Shoulder to shoulder, the church can stand firm.
Day 286: God's Good Plans for Your Future
Psalm 119:25–32, 2 Thessalonians 1:3–12, Jeremiah 29:1–14
Only God truly knows the future. Much of it is hidden from us. However, there are certain things about your future that God tells you.
Day 285: Dare to Be Different
Psalm 119:18–24, 1 Thessalonians 5:5–24, Jeremiah 26:13–15
Don’t follow what the world tells you is desirable, but follow God by becoming more Christ-like.
Day 284: More
Proverbs 24:23–34, 1 Thessalonians 4:1–18, Jeremiah 23:18–29, 25:3–4
In the passages for today, we see what really *will* satisfy your spiritual hunger and thirst, and the things that you should seek *more and more*.
Day 283: Surprised by Joy
Psalm 119:9–16, 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20; 3:2–12, Jeremiah 23:5–6
Joy is not found in things, but in a Person.
Day 282: Life-changing Words
Psalm 119:1–2, 1 Thessalonians 1:2–8; 2:1–13, Jeremiah 18:1–6; 20:8–11
Your life can be radically changed by the words of God in the Bible.
Day 281: Glorified in Defeat
Psalm 118:22–29, Colossians 4:2–18, Jeremiah 17:7–8
In each of today’s passages we see how the Lord can be glorified in defeat.
Day 280: New Clothes
Proverbs 24:17–18, Colossians 3:1–17, Jeremiah 15:19–20
When you come into a relationship with God through Jesus, the old clothes have to go and you need a new set of clothes for your heart and mind.
Day 279: Can a Leopard Change its Spots?
Psalm 118:5–14, Colossians 2:6–15, Jeremiah 13:15–23
Is it possible for you to change?
Day 278: What Is the Meaning of Life?
Psalm 117:1–2, Colossians 1:24–29, Jeremiah 10:2–5
The purpose of life is found in Jesus Christ.
Day 277: Attitude of Gratitude
Psalm 116:12–19, Colossians 1:3–23, Jeremiah 9:3
How do you cultivate an attitude of gratitude?
Day 276: The Key to Contentment
Proverbs 24:5–14, Philippians 4:6–19, Jeremiah 6:16
The Bible never promises that we will not face hard times or difficult situations. But it does promise us God’s strength and grace in these times.
Day 275: Godly Ambition
Psalm 116:1–9, Philippians 3:4–21, Jeremiah 5:14
There are ultimately only two controlling ambitions to which all others may be reduced: one is our own glory and the other is God’s glory.
Day 274: How to Be a Blessing Machine
Psalm 115:12–18, Philippians 2:12–30, Jeremiah 4:1–2
Do you ever wonder whether you can make a difference to the lives of those around you? You can be a blessing machine.
Day 273: Bounce it Back Up
Psalm 115:1–11, Philippians 1:27–28; 2:5–11, Jeremiah 1:4–19
The theme of ‘*glory*’ runs through each of today’s readings. We see why, how and when to *bounce the glory back up to God*.
Day 272: A Life Worth Living
Proverbs 23:31–35; 24:3–4, Philippians 1:3–26, Zephaniah 3:17
An increased lifespan is of little value unless it is for a life worth living.
Day 271: Seven Life-Changing Habits
Psalm 114:1–8, Ephesians 6:10–20, Nahum 1:7–15
Today’s passages show us that the battle is won through the victorious power of the Lord.
Day 270: Seven Ways You Please the Lord
Psalm 113:1–9, Ephesians 5:8–33, Isaiah 65:17–19; 66:2
Human beings – seemingly so insignificant when we look at the size and scale of the universe that God has created – have the ability to please the Lord.
Day 269: Six Keys to Good Relationships
Psalm 112:1–9, Ephesians 4:22–32; 5:1-2, Isaiah 63:7–16
How can we imitate God and live a life of love?
Day 268: Spirit-Powered Living
Proverbs 23:19, Ephesians 4:1–16, Isaiah 61:1–8
The book of Proverbs anticipates what Spirit-powered living should look like. Then, in the New Testament, we see the fulfilment of Spirit-powered living.
Day 267: Mystery
Psalm 111:2–10, Ephesians 3:4–19, Isaiah 57:19, 58:6–10
The secret God reveals in Jesus is reconciliation not only with God but also with one another.
Day 266: What Difference Does Jesus Make?
Psalm 110:1–5, Ephesians 2:4–22, Isaiah 55:1–6
The difference Jesus makes is massive, eternal, and impossible to fully comprehend.
Day 265: Understand Your Identity
Psalm 109:21–31, Ephesians 1:3–23, Isaiah 52:7–15; 53:1–6
All of the blessings, including those that the Old Testament speaks about, are yours in Christ.
Day 264: Never Give Up
Proverbs 23:17–18, Galatians 6:1–10, Isaiah 49:8–25
In today’s generation, our lives have become so instantaneous that anything requiring patient perseverance can appear unattractive. We require instant returns and instant results. But sometimes the biggest pay-offs are a long time coming.
Day 263: How to Deal with Conflict
Psalm 109:1–4, Galatians 5:7–25, Isaiah 48:17–18; 49:5–7
Conflict is inescapable. Even for those of us who shy away from confrontation, it is impossible to avoid. As we go through life, we will inevitably encounter people with whom we will have conflict. Additionally, for a Christian, an internal conflict exists between the desires of our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit.
Day 262: Refuse to Be Trapped by Your Past
Psalm 108:6–13 Galatians 4:21–31; 5:1–6, Isaiah 45:1–24
‘Freedom’ is the word that best sums up the Christian life. You, too, are free. Therefore, refuse to be trapped by your past.
Day 261: God is Nice and He Likes You
Psalm 108:1–5, Galatians 3:26–29; 4:1–7, Isaiah 43:1–19
In the passages for today, we see how much more than just ‘nice’ God is – his goodness, amazing love and faithfulness.
Day 260: The Best Way to Lead
Proverbs 22:29; 23:4–5, Galatians 3:10–25, Isaiah 42:1–8
It is God’s plan that the church, through the victory of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, can and will succeed.
Day 259: God Loves Imperfect People
Psalm 107:35–43, Galatians 2:14–21; 3:2-9, Isaiah 40:25–31
If we love imperfect people perhaps it shouldn’t surprise us that God loves imperfect people even more.
Day 258: Every Crisis is an Opportunity
Psalm 107:28–31, Galatians 2:1–10, Isaiah 36:4–21; 37:1–15
How do you respond to a time of trouble, danger or unexpected difficulties in your personal life?
Day 257: 'Are You Saved?'
Psalm 107:10–21, Galatians 1:3–24; Isaiah 33:2–6, 35:1–10
‘Salvation’ is a huge and comprehensive word. It means ‘freedom’.
Day 256: Jesus Christ Lives in You
Proverbs 22:17–27, 2 Corinthians 13:3–14, Isaiah 30:20–21; 31:1–5; 32:1–17
When Jesus Christ comes to live within you, you have God’s power in your life.
Day 255: How to Stay on God's Paths
Psalm 107:1–9, 2 Corinthians 12:19–21, Isaiah 29:13–16; 30:1–18
How do you make sure that you are on the right path? Once you are on that path, how do you stay on it? The words of Jesus, the New Testament and the Bible as a whole, are designed to keep us on the path that leads to life.
Day 254: His Grace is Enough for You
Psalm 106:43–48, 2 Corinthians 12:1–10, Isaiah 27:2–6; 28:16
His grace is not only amazing; it is ‘sufficient’. It is enough.
Day 253: Peace in the Dark Places
Psalm 106:32–39, 2 Corinthians 11:17–33, Isaiah 25:6–8; 26:3–4
In the midst of life’s difficulties and extraordinary challenges, Christ is the empowering presence who brings us peace.
Day 252: How to Know and Love Jesus
Proverbs 22:9–12, 2 Corinthians 11:2–15, Isaiah 22:11–22
At the heart of the Christian faith is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is the closest, most important and most intimate relationship of all. What is this relationship like?
Day 251: Winning the Spiritual Battle
Psalm 106:16–31, 2 Corinthians 10:3–16, Isaiah 19:20–25
You are given the weapons with which to win the battle. What are these weapons? How do you use them?
Day 250: Ten Reasons to Give Generously
Psalm 106:1–10, 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, Isaiah 14:1–15; 16:4–5,
We see in today’s passage, grace, thanksgiving and generosity are very closely connected.
Day 249: How to Love Your Lord
Psalm 105:39–45, 2 Corinthians 8:16–24, Isaiah 10:20; 11:1–9
The Old Testament enriches our understanding of what the New Testament means when it speaks of ‘The LORD’.
Day 248: Godly Wisdom for Your Finances
Proverbs 21:30–31; 22:1–4, 2 Corinthians 8:1–15, Isaiah 8:12–13; 9:6–7
The passages for today totally redefine this world’s understanding of the word ‘rich’.
Day 247: How Can You Be Useful to God?
Psalm 105:23–27 ,2 Corinthians 7:2–11, Isaiah 5:9–11; 6:1–8
However bleak things may appear, God always seems to raise up people who are instruments ‘for noble purposes… *useful* to the Master and prepared to do any good work’.
Day 246: How Your Life Can Make a Difference
Psalm 105:12–22, 2 Corinthians 6:3–13; 7:1, Isaiah 5:7
How can your life be of ultimate lasting value?
Day 245: Recognise Who You Are
Psalm 105:1–5, 2 Corinthians 5:11–21, Isaiah 1:2–26, 2:2
As royal ambassadors, act with diplomacy and skill because you are representing Christ on earth.
Day 244: Find Your Purpose in Life
Proverbs 21:17–26, 2 Corinthians 5:1–10, Micah 6:8
God created you with a purpose in mind.
Day 243: Fix Your Eyes on the Invisible
Psalm 104:33–34, 2 Corinthians 4:1–18, Micah 2:1–2; 3:1–8; 4:12
The invisible is eternal.
Day 242: How to Have a Spiritual Facelift
Psalm 104:27–30 2 Corinthians 3:7–18, 2 Chronicles 36:5-1–2
The Bible says a lot about faces and eyes.
Day 241: When the Holy Spirit Comes
Psalm 104:1–15, 2 Corinthians 2:14–17; 3:1–6, 2 Chronicles 34:31
Leave time for ‘ministry’ – for the Holy Spirit to *minister* to us.
Day 240: Just Love
Proverbs 21:13–15, 2 Corinthians 2:3–11, 2 Chronicles 32:7–26
God is love and he is also just.
Day 239: Anointed by God
Psalm 103:13–22, 2 Corinthians 1:20–22, 2 Chronicles 29:1–21; 30:18–20
What does the anointing of the Holy Spirit mean in practice?
Day 238: God's Benefit Package
Psalm 103:1–12, 2 Corinthians 1:3–11, 2 Chronicles 26:16
What are the ‘benefits’ that we receive from our loving heavenly Father?
Day 237: Strong Families
Psalm 102:18–28, 1 Corinthians 16:5–20, 2 Chronicles 25:4b
Not only do we have a natural family but, as Christians, we are part of the church, which the New Testament sees as ‘the family of God’.
Day 236: Winning the Battle
Proverbs 20:27; 21:1–3, 1 Corinthians 15:50–58; 16:1–2, 2 Chronicles 23:21
The key to a right understanding of ‘*victory’* is to see it as *a gift* made possible ‘*through our Lord Jesus Christ*'.
Day 235: Trust God to Do it His Way
Psalm 102:12–17, 1 Corinthians 15:35–49, 2 Chronicles 20:2–17
You can trust God.
Day 234: Wholehearted Living
Psalm 102:1–11, 1 Corinthians 15:1–28, 2 Chronicles 16:7–9
In the passages for today we see why and how we should live wholeheartedly.
Day 233: How to Find and Keep Peace
Psalm 101:1–6, 1 Corinthians 14:22–40, 2 Chronicles 14:2–7; 15:1–4
In order to bring peace to others, we first need to find and hold on to peace within ourselves.
Day 232: How to Listen to the Holy Spirit
Proverbs 20:15–24, 1 Corinthians 14:1–19, 2 Chronicles 10:6–15
Many of us live in a busy and noisy world. In the midst of all the noise, talk and distractions, how do you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit?
Day 231: Sixteen Characteristics of Love
Psalm 100:1–5, 1 Corinthians 12:27–31; 13:1–13, Song of Songs 8:6–7
God is love.
Day 230: Intimate Relationships
Psalm 99:1–9, 1 Corinthians 12:4–26, Song of Songs 2:4–16
There is a hunger deep in our souls for an intimate relationship with God and with other human beings.
Day 229: How to Enjoy God
Psalm 98:1–9, 1 Corinthians 11:11–34, 2 Chronicles 7:14
Worship is the consummation of joy. Our joy is not complete until it is expressed in worship.
Day 228: How to Raise Your Game
Proverbs 20:5–9, 1 Corinthians 10:14–33, 11:1, 2 Chronicles 6:7–21; 7:1–3
There is no greater example in human history than the example of Christ.
Day 227: No Sloppy Living
Psalm 97:1–12, 1 Corinthians 9:19–27; 10:12–13, 2 Chronicles 2:1–5
In the passages for today, we see the importance of worshipping and serving the one true God with all of our hearts and beings – giving everything we have got – no sloppy living.
Day 226: The Night with a Mosquito
Psalm 96:1–10, 1 Corinthians 9:7–18, Ecclesiastes 9:14–18; 10:1–12; 11:1–10
How can you maximise your influence and use that influence for good? Each person matters.
Day 225: Who You Need to Know
Psalm 95:1–8, 1 Corinthians 8:1–13, Ecclesiastes 7:11–16; 8:17; 9:1–12
It is never enough simply to have knowledge – you must also have love.
Day 224: Enjoy Life in the Present
Proverbs 19:23, 1 Corinthians 7:17–35, Ecclesiastes 4:6–12
Learn to enjoy this wonderful gift of life in the present.
Day 223: Anxiety and Peace
Psalm 94:18–22, 1 Corinthians 7:1–15, Ecclesiates 2:10–22
You are called ‘to live in peace’.
Day 222: Good Judgment
Psalm 94:1–11, 1 Corinthians 6:1–20, 2 Chronicles 1:7–12
God is a God of justice. God's judgement is an aspect of his love.
Day 221: Only Holiness Leads to Happiness
Psalm 93:1–5, 1 Corinthians 5:1–13, 1 Chronicles 28:9–20; 29:6–19
Ultimately, only holiness leads to happiness.
Day 220: Money: A Blessing or a Curse?
Proverbs 19:14–22, 1 Corinthians 4:7–14, 1 Chronicles 26:20–27
What should our attitude be to the poor? What about the rich? Is poverty a blessing or a curse? Are riches a blessing or a curse?
Day 219: Three Bad Attitudes That Cause Division
Psalm 92:7–13, 1 Corinthians 3:1–21, 1 Chronicles 24:3–5
Divisions are a fact of life.
Day 218: God is With You
Psalm 91:9–15, 1 Corinthians 2:9–16, 1 Chronicles 22:7–16
To experience God with you by his Spirit is life changing.
Day 217: Perfected in Weakness
Psalm 91:1–5, 1 Corinthians 1:18–31; 2:1–5, 1 Chronicles 21:17–26
In the passages for today we see both the good and the bad sides of weakness, fear and trembling.
