

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

12 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 18min
Day 83: The Gibeonite Trickery (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the complexities of covenant relationships, highlighting the Gibeonites' clever trickery to secure a treaty out of fear. The discussion reveals deeper themes of faith and ethical dilemmas faced by leaders like Joshua. The exploration of Israel's strategic conquest of Ai underscores the tension between divine commands and human decision-making. It's an insightful reflection on the nature of commitments and the longing for spiritual belonging.

20 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 23min
Day 82: The Valley of Achor (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the significance of circumcision in Israel's covenant with God, marking a pivotal moment in their journey. He discusses Achan's sin, highlighting the deep shame it brought, symbolized by the Valley of Achor. Despite this, there’s a message of hope and renewal, emphasizing that even through sin and despair, God offers a path to restoration. The conversation weaves together themes of faithfulness, divine guidance, and the transformative power of aligning with God’s perspective.

18 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 22min
Day 81: Israel Crosses the Jordan (2025)
Dive into the miraculous moment as the Israelites cross the Jordan River on dry land, a powerful display of God's intervention. Explore themes of faith and courage through a woman's bold allegiance that secures her family's safety. Discover the significance of remembrance and documenting spiritual insights as a source of strength in trials. Join in on the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, setting the stage for the conquest of the Promised Land.

48 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 30min
Introduction to Conquest & Judges (with Jeff Cavins) (2025)
In this engaging discussion, Jeff Cavins, a Catholic Bible scholar known for his Great Adventure Bible Timeline, dives into the Conquest and Judges period. They explore the Israelites' challenges in entering the Promised Land and the themes of unfaithfulness, destruction, and repentance in the books of Joshua and Judges. The conversation highlights Samson's complexities and the cyclical nature of faithfulness. Additionally, Cavins teases deeper discussions on darker themes of biblical warfare and the transition from judges to kings, urging personal reflection and divine guidance.

10 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 20min
Day 80: Cities of Refuge (2025)
Explore the profound concept of cities of refuge, offering safety for those who commit unintentional harm. Delve into the importance of community and inheritance laws, especially the rights of daughters to own property. Reflect on Moses’ legacy and the hope presented in Psalm 121. Discover the nuances of biblical justice, particularly the distinction between murder and manslaughter. The discussion highlights the significance of unity among the tribes as they navigate complex legal landscapes.

11 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 19min
Day 79: Psalms of Ascent (2025)
Discover the significance of the Promised Land in Canaan, a tangible symbol of hope for the Israelites. Journey through the blessings Moses bestows on the tribes as they prepare to settle in their new territory. Experience the emotional depth of Psalm 120, a prayer for peace and deliverance as pilgrims ascend to worship at the Temple. Explore how these themes intertwine faith and history, making the Psalms of Ascent a crucial part of the believer's journey.

10 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 22min
Day 78: The Song of Moses (2025)
Today's discussion delves into the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, highlighting their encampments and the importance of divine guidance. Fr. Mike reflects on the poignant Song of Moses, emphasizing themes of fidelity, justice, and the bittersweet consequences of turning away from God. Listeners are reminded of the need for obedience amidst trials and the significance of gratitude in recognizing God's mercy. The segment encourages a deep understanding of faith and the legacy of leadership in the face of divine commandments.

22 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 21min
Day 77: God Is Faithful (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the intriguing requests of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who seek land for their cattle, sparking a discussion on commitment and leadership. He emphasizes God’s unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of human faithlessness. The conversation also centers around Moses' transition of leadership to Joshua, underscoring the necessity of courage and the passing down of laws to future generations. Faith, commitment, and the importance of strong leadership take center stage in this captivating reflection.

7 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 21min
Day 76: War Against Midian (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the battle against Midian, addressing the complexities of divine command and the harsh realities of warfare. He reflects on Israel's need to rid themselves of distractions leading away from God, linking ancient struggles to modern faith challenges. The discussion highlights the promise of restoration for those who choose to obey God and the importance of authentic worship in overcoming spiritual obstacles. It's a thought-provoking exploration of faith, choice, and the relentless pursuit of a deeper relationship with the divine.

10 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 22min
Day 75: The Keeping of Vows (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the significance of vows as solemn promises to God, emphasizing their impact on our spiritual lives. He highlights the historical context of Israel's covenant with God, urging loyalty against the lure of false idols. The discussion on sacrificial offerings enhances understanding of biblical rituals and feasts. Reflections on the importance of giving back to God are paired with insights into the nuances of making vows. This journey through Numbers and Deuteronomy encourages renewed commitment in a flawed world.