Pardon the Interruption: The Story of Tamar

We’ve all heard the adage “Desperate times call for desperate measures” and nowhere do we see that more clearly than the Bible.

In the very beginning of Matthew’s gospel we see the name “Tamar” and it points us right back to Genesis. In Genesis 38, Joseph’s harrowing story is interrupted by the account of Judah and his daughter-in-law. It’s the story of a woman misused by her fellow man, but seen by God. A desperate woman blessed to be in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

So why is she in Matthew’s genealogy? What about her scandalous story prepares us for the story of Christ? And how can we learn from this story as we walk out into a desperate world in need of forgiveness?

We talk about all that and more today! We are so glad you are with us.

ALSO:

—Genealogy as a Christmas reading

—Who Matthew does and doesn’t include

—Hope for everyone

—Tribalism in the church

—Shining the light and shaming the devil

—What God can do with our desperation and struggle

References:

—Matthew 1:1-3

—Genesis 38

—Genesis 49:8-12

—Mothers of the Messiah: The Women in Jesus’ Genealogy (on RightNow Media) by BethDeFazio

—Through the Bible with Pastor Paul podcast: October 17, 2025

—Blurry Creatures Podcast: Episode 466

—The Bible Project App

Discussing the Good News About Our Bodies

We hear messages everywhere about our bodies. One person says our bodies are perfect just the way they are while the next person asserts that our bodies are broken. Some say our bodies should be disregarded or disciplined while others say we should indulge our every craving. The body is evil or the body is divine. And as soon as you hear one opinion, the next moment there is someone presenting a competing opinion.

So what should we think? To whom should we listen?

Tyler Staton and Bridgetown Church tackled that question, and what they found was good news. In fact, it was news so good that not only did we listen to the sermons about it, we are actually breaking it down today. We are cutting through the noise to hear the opinion, the truth, from the One whose opinion matters most: God. And what God has to say is Good News for all of us.

So we pray you are blessed by our discussion today and that you feel the love and care that God put into creating you, your body, mind, and soul. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that good news leads us to the best news of all: You are His.

And if you would like a copy of the Bible studies we mention, reach out to us at lightinyourcorner at gmail.com and we will send them your way!

ALSO:

—Approaching messages with a critical ear

—When icons become idols

—Acquiring and losing tastes for things

—You can change!

—Blessing those who curse you and praying for your enemies

—What fruit is falling from your tree?

—All of life is spiritual

—A humble testimony is more believable

—Journaling in group Bible study

—The Gift of Presence

References:

—The Good News About Our Bodies: Tyler Staton Bridgetown Audio Podcast Episodes 2/22/26-3/30/26

—Blurry Creatures Episode 462: Werewolves, a White Pony, and a 100 Year Promise with Marcus Young

—Living Unoffended Podcast by Brant Hansen

The Lamp for Our Feet: How to Pray God’s Word as You Walk in Faith

Welcome back, everyone! August was a month filled with blessings, some of which kept us from being able to record any podcast episodes. But we are back today and grateful that we get to spend this time with you discussing what God is up to in our lives and in His word.

It’s our last episode in Proverbs, and while we won’t camp out in the book of Proverbs for very long, we will use it to direct our discussion on the practice of praying specific scriptures and how that can strengthen you when you hear teachings that don’t sound quite right.

It is good to test every spirit and question things that sound off, even by a little bit. But what do we test them against and how can we ask questions without being antagonistic, especially in a culture that thrives on conflict? We start with prayer and the Word, hand-in-hand, and we trust that God will give us the wisdom we need when the time comes. Because He is good and He loves us more than we even know.

ALSO:

—The favor of God is Jesus Christ

—Skip the “freak out” step

—Meditation or Prayer or Both?

—Teaching our kids to appreciate the simple things.

—Don’t cancel your appointment

—Giving until it hurts

References:

—Proverbs 27-31

—1 Corinthians 12-14

—“Guerillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle” by Ted Loder

—Directed Life Podcast with Kap Chatfield: How to Break Evil Altars and Walk in Freedom with Madison Yount

—Brant and Sherri Bible Study: https://www.youtube.com/live/TNNcq1RfvQo?is=udOql5JbaL2cjxNT