The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
In The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way.
Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episode that will help you understand the context of each reading.
With this podcast, you won’t just read the Bible in a year … you’ll finally understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!
Listen and…
Read the ENTIRE Bible
Feel more confident about your understanding of Scripture
Experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life
Start seeing the world through the lens of Scripture
Each 20-25 minute episode includes:
Two to three scripture readings
A reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz
A guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word
The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episode that will help you understand the context of each reading.
With this podcast, you won’t just read the Bible in a year … you’ll finally understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!
Listen and…
Read the ENTIRE Bible
Feel more confident about your understanding of Scripture
Experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life
Start seeing the world through the lens of Scripture
Each 20-25 minute episode includes:
Two to three scripture readings
A reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz
A guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word
The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 29, 2026 • 22min
Day 88: Joshua's Last Words to Israel (2026)
A close look at Joshua's final charge to Israel and the call to choose the Lord above all other loyalties. Tension and reconciliation over an altar at the Jordan that almost leads to conflict. A public covenant renewal at Shechem and the community's pledge to serve God. A prayerful reading of Psalm 132 about God's dwelling in Zion.
24 snips
Mar 28, 2026 • 19min
Day 87: God Keeps His Promises (2026)
A walk through land allotments, inheritance customs, and the practical role of cities of refuge in ancient Israel. Discussion of Levites’ cities and how territorial division played out. A calm reflection on trusting God’s timing paired with a short psalm about humble, childlike trust.
27 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 21min
Day 86: The Real Presence of God (2026)
A reflection on feeling God's presence in everyday life and staying encouraged during a spiritual journey. Readings trace the allotment of tribal territories, unsettled Canaanite populations, and the daughters who claim inheritance. A psalm of patient hope and redemption closes the session.
26 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 19min
Day 85: Fighting for Each Other (2026)
A look at Joshua's battles and the difficult commands in the conquest narratives. Discussion of biblical hyperbole and how to understand violent language. Reflection on God’s broader aim of reconciliation and unity among nations. A call to fight for one another through prayer and mutual support.
26 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 22min
Day 84: The Sun Stands Still (2026)
A dramatic retelling of Joshua's battlefield miracle and the follow-up conquests. Reflections on captured kings, city sieges, and the land's rest. A gentle Psalm about family blessings and a prayer for interior peace. A thoughtful discussion on literal versus poetic readings of scripture and how faith engages with science and violence.
40 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 18min
Day 83: The Gibeonite Trickery (2026)
A vivid retelling of Joshua's ambush and the altar on Mount Ebal. The narrative turns to the Gibeonites' deceptive plan to secure a covenant. Reflections explore making promises without seeking God's guidance. The Psalms bring a note of joy and restoration. A final prayer urges examining motives for joining a relationship with God.
44 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 23min
Day 82: The Valley of Achor (2026)
Listen to a deep look at ritual circumcision and its place in Israel's covenant life. Hear the transition from manna to new provision and the meaning of Passover. Explore Joshua's vision of the divine commander and the dramatic fall of Jericho. Follow the shock of hidden sin at Ai, the naming of the Valley of Achor, and reflections on trust and God’s protection in Psalm 125.
39 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 30min
Introduction to Conquest & Judges (with Jeff Cavins) (2026)
Jeff Cavins, Catholic Bible scholar who created the Great Adventure Timeline, outlines the Conquest and Judges period. He walks through Joshua’s campaigns, the Jordan crossing, and tribal land allotments. Then he explains the chaos after Joshua’s death, the Judges cycle of sin and deliverance, and memorable figures like Deborah and Samson.
33 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 22min
Day 81: Israel Crosses the Jordan (2026)
A walk through Joshua’s dramatic crossing of the Jordan and the miraculous stopping of the river. A look at God commissioning new leadership and the call to be strong and courageous. The story of spies, Rahab’s protection, and the twelve stones set up as a lasting memorial. A brief Psalm framed as a plea for mercy amid scorn.
35 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 20min
Day 80: Cities of Refuge (2026)
A look at the Levites' allotted cities and the logic behind pasture lands. An explanation of the six cities that sheltered those who caused death unintentionally and how the law aimed to curb vengeance. A legal breakdown of how intent and witness rules separated murder from manslaughter. A closing reflection on Moses viewing the Promised Land and Psalm 121's theme of God’s protection.
