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
21 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 28min
Day 92: Jephthah's Vow (2026)
Ancient power struggles and a violent bid for kingship collide with a tragic, impulsive vow that leads to heartbreaking consequences. A story of redemption and lineage concludes with a surprising marriage that shapes future history. A haunting lament captures the sorrow of exile and the depth of longing for home.
31 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 28min
Day 91: Gideon's Story (2026)
A dramatic retelling of Gideon's call, his unconventional army of 300, and the surprise night attack with jars, torches, and trumpets. A cautionary arc about an ephod turned idol and a people's return to Baal after his death. A tender scene at the threshing floor exploring the kinsman-redeemer motif. Psalm 135 frames the readings with praise and a critique of empty idols.
34 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 20min
Day 90: Ruth and Boaz (2026)
A dramatic retelling of Judges' warfare, including Deborah's leadership, Barak's call to battle, and Jael's shocking act. A gentle shift to Ruth's return to Bethlehem and her first glimmer of hope as Boaz protects her. A short Psalm invites blessing and praise. Themes of loyalty, long-suffering, and foreshadowed redemption appear throughout.
30 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 26min
Day 89: Israel's Cycle of Disobedience (2026)
A guide through Judges' harsh cycles of disobedience, partial conquest, and generational forgetting. A look at Israel being tested and the rise of the first judges like Othniel and Ehud. A tender reading of Ruth 1 focusing on loyalty amid loss. A short reflection on Psalm 133 and the blessedness of unity.
29 snips
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.
31 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.
