My Bible Life

The Giver and the Gift | A Christmas Reflection

Christmas is not ultimately about what’s under the tree—it’s about the Giver and His Gift.
In this special Christmas episode of My Bible Life, we reflect on the greatest gift ever given: God giving His Son, Jesus, to the world.
Together, we explore three powerful truths from Scripture:
✨ God the Giver of LifeFrom the very beginning, God is revealed as the giver of life and purpose (Genesis 1:26).
✨ God the Giver of HopeLong before the birth of Jesus, God promised hope through His covenant and His Word (Genesis 18:18; Isaiah 9:6–7).
✨ Jesus the GiftWe reflect on the miraculous birth of Jesus and God’s redemptive plan fulfilled (Matthew 1:18).
As we close, we focus on the love of the Giver, the invitation to personally accept the Gift of Jesus, and the call to share Him with others—not just at Christmas, but every day.
This episode ends with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to receive Christ and walk in the hope, life, and love He offers.
🎄 May this message encourage you to pause, reflect, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
 
 
Christmas, Jesus Christ, Bible Study, Christian Podcast, Faith, Hope, Gospel, Scripture, My Bible Life

A Young Man Flees | A Picture of Fear, Failure and Redemption

A Young Man Flees | The Mystery of the Linen Cloth — Mark 14:51–52
In one of the most mysterious moments in the Gospel of Mark, a young man wrapped in linen is seized — and flees naked into the night. Why is this detail included? Who was he? Why linen? And what spiritual meaning is hidden in these two powerful verses?
In today’s episode, Vanessa Upkins unpacks the history, symbolism, and prophetic layers of Mark 14:51–52, and shows how this forgotten moment speaks to our own fears, vulnerability, and redemption.
 
💬 Join the conversation in the comments and share how this word encouraged your heart!
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The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus | Love in the Face of Betrayal

While Jesus was still speaking to His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas arrived, leading an armed crowd. With a kiss of betrayal, the Son of God was handed over to be arrested. In this powerful episode, we’ll explore what really happened in that moment — and what it teaches us about loyalty, fear, courage, and divine control — in Mark 14:43-50.
 
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I love sharing God's Word — and I also love coffee. If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast and feel led to support, here are a couple of ways to do that. Your prayers, shares, and encouragement are appreciated.
Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/vanessaupkins
Cash App – $vanessaupkins
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Thank you for being a part of My Bible Life! — Vanessa
 
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Jesus Prays in Gethsemane | The Power of Surrender | Mark 14:32–42

In today’s episode, we walk with Jesus into the Garden of Gethsemane — a place of deep anguish, honest prayer, and complete surrender. Just as olives are pressed to release their oil, Jesus was pressed under the weight of the world’s sins so He could fulfill His purpose as the perfect sacrifice.
We explore:• Jesus’ emotional anguish and what it teaches us about honesty with God.• The meaning behind the “cup” and why Jesus prayed for it to pass.• What true surrender looks like — “Not my will, but Yours be done.”• Why the disciples fell asleep and how it mirrors our own spiritual unawareness.• How Jesus won the battle in prayer before He ever faced the cross.
You will walk away encouraged, strengthened, and challenged to surrender your will to God — and to keep praying until peace replaces pressure.
Heart Check Questions:• What is God pressing out of you?• Where do you need to “stay awake” spiritually?• Are you willing to pray until peace comes?
Thank you for being part of the My Bible Life family. I’m grateful God brought you here today.
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Website: https://www.vanessaupkins.com/
 
💗 Support:
I love sharing God's Word — and I also love coffee.☕ If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast and feel led to support, here are a couple of ways to do that. Your prayers, shares, and encouragement are appreciated.
☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/vanessaupkins
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Thank you for being a part of My Bible Life! — Vanessa

Bold Words, Weak Flesh | Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial – Mark 14:26–31

Peter boldly declared that he would never deny Jesus, but before sunrise, he failed three times. In this episode, we explore what Jesus’ prediction reveals about human weakness, overconfidence, and the grace that restores us when we fall short.
Join Vanessa Upkins on My Bible Life Podcast as we walk verse-by-verse through Mark 14:26–31 and discover what it really means to stay faithful when the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why did they sing hymns, and what were they called?
Why Peter’s confidence turned into denial.
What Jesus’ prediction revealed about His foreknowledge and mercy.
Why Jesus’ love never changes, even when we fail.
How to respond when your spirit is willing, but your flesh is weak.
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Website: https://www.vanessaupkins.com/
 
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This Is My Body | Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper | Mark 14:22–25

This Is My Body | Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper | Mark 14:22–25
In this powerful Bible study, we dive into Mark 14:22–25 where Jesus transforms the Passover meal into a sacred moment of covenant — The Lord’s Supper.Discover what Jesus meant when He said, “This is My Body,” and how the bread and cup reveal His sacrifice, love, and promise of eternal life.
Whether you call it Communion or the Lord’s Supper, this study will deepen your understanding of what it means to remember Christ’s sacrifice and live in covenant with Him.
🎧 Follow for weekly verse-by-verse studies 
 
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My Bible Life Website: https://mybiblelifeus.podbean.com/
Website: https://www.vanessaupkins.com/
 
Support
I love sharing God's Word — and I also love coffee ☕.If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast and feel led to support, here are a couple of ways to do that. No pressure — your prayers, shares, and encouragement already mean the world to me!
Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/vanessaupkins
Cash App: $vanessaupkins
Paypal: https://paypal.me/vrupkins
Thank you for being a part of My Bible Life. I truly appreciate you!— Vanessa

The Last Supper | A Final Meal with a Betrayer at the Table | Mark 14:12-21

In this episode of My Bible Life, we step into the sacred and tense scene of The Last Supper — Jesus' final meal before the cross. As He sits with His disciples to celebrate the Passover, He reveals that one of them will betray Him. This meal is more than tradition — it's a moment of prophecy, heartbreak, and divine purpose.
You’ll discover:
Why the timing of this meal matters
How betrayal can sit close to trust
The spiritual significance of Passover in Jesus’ final week
How to examine your own heart before the Lord
 
In this episode of My Bible Life, we step into the sacred and tense scene of The Last Supper — Jesus' final meal before the cross. As He sits with His disciples to celebrate the Passover, He reveals that one of them will betray Him. This meal is more than tradition — it's a moment of prophecy, heartbreak, and divine purpose.
You’ll discover:
Why the timing of this meal matters
How betrayal can sit close to trust
The spiritual significance of Passover in Jesus’ final week
How to examine your own heart before the Lord
⏱️ Timestamps / Verses00:00 Pre-Intro01:10 Welcome & Overview02:45 Scripture Reading and Prayer05:15 Backstory and Historical Context06:10 Verse 1206:26 What is Passover?08:06 What is the Feast of Unleavened Bread?10:07 Heart Check10:50 Verses 13 – 1513:31 Verse 1613:52 Verses 17 – 1814:47 Heart Check15:44 Verses 19 & 2017:40 Judas’ Heart, Jesus’ Grace & (Verse 21)22:10 5 Key Takeaways23:48 Closing Prayer & Next Week’s Preview
📖 Scriptures Reference:
Matthew 26:17-25; Luke 22:7-13; John 13:18-30; Exodus: 12 & 13; Psalm 41:9; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 5:14; Romans 12:2; Luke 6:37
 
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Website: https://www.vanessaupkins.com/
 
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I love coffee.  If you would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee.
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I appreciate all your support and prayers.  Thank you, Vanessa
 

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus | Love of Money Over Loyality

In this episode of My Bible Life, we examine Mark 14:10–11, where Judas, one of the twelve, agrees to betray Jesus. His decision wasn't sudden — it was a heart posture that grew over time.
Was it just about the money, or was it something deeper? We’ll look at the danger of misplaced loyalty, the power of greed, and how to guard our hearts from subtle spiritual compromise.
It’s not just a story of betrayal — it’s a warning and a wake-up call to examine our hearts.
What you’ll learn in this study:
What does the Bible tell us about Judas Iscariot?
What happens to loyalty when Judas's greed and hidden motives are confronted with temptation?
What happens when sin grows if left unchecked, and what can we do about it?
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible studies! Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement. Maybe they have been betrayed by someone close to them.
Stay connected with My Bible Life for weekly studies that strengthen your faith and help you walk in God’s Word.
Timestamps
Time
Topic: Judas Betrays Jesus |Love of Money Over Loyalty
0:00
Intro, Welcome
2:19
The Reading: Mark 14:10-11
2:47
Prayer
3:21
Backstory Summary
4:33
Verse 10 Explained
4:53
Who was Judas Iscariot?
6:51
Verse 11 Explained
7:29
What happens to loyalty when tempted?
10:47
Fulfillment of Prophecy
12:47
How Hidden Sin grows when left unchecked & Story
16:25
How can we apply this to our lives? Weekly Challenge
17:43
Prayer & Closing
Keywords for YouTube: #JudasIscariot #BetrayalOfJesus #Mark14 #LoveOfMoney #BibleStudyPodcast #VerseByVerse #MyBibleLife #GospelofMark #Discipleship
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A Beautiful Offering | The Anointing at Bethany

The Beautiful Offering | The Anointing at Bethany | Mark 14:3–9
In this episode of My Bible Life, we dive into one of the most powerful acts of love and devotion in Scripture: the anointing of Jesus at Bethany. A woman breaks open an alabaster jar of costly perfume and pours it over Jesus, preparing Him for His burial. While others saw waste, Jesus saw worship — and declared her offering would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
What you’ll learn in this study:
The cultural and prophetic meaning of anointing in Bible times
Why Mary’s act was both extravagant and prophetic
How does this story connect with the widow’s offering in Mark 12
What true sacrificial giving looks like for us today
How can we offer our own “beautiful offering” to God in everyday life
Join us as we reflect on what it means to live a life poured out in worship.
 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible studies! Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.
Stay connected with My Bible Life for weekly studies that strengthen your faith and help you walk in God’s Word.
#MyBibleLife #BibleStudy #GospelOfMark #AnointingAtBethany #BeautifulOffering #Jesus #Faith #BiblePodcast #VerseByVerse
Timestamps:
Time
Topic
0:00
Pre-Intro, Welcome
2:22
The Reading: Mark 14:3-9
3:00
Backstory Summary
4:16
Verse 3 Explained: Where is Bethany? What happened?
7:04
Who is the Woman?
8:35
Verse 4 & 5 Explained
9:44
How much is 300 Denari?
11:08
Verse 6,7,8 Explained
12:36
History & Culture about Anointing
19:40
Takeaway: Two women & two different sacrifices
20:44
Prayer, Closing, Weekly Challenge
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Cash App: $vanessaupkins
 
 

The Plot to Kill Jesus | Darkness Behind the Scenes

The Plot to Kill Jesus | Darkness Behind the Scenes | Mark 14:1–2
In this short but powerful Bible study, we examine how the religious leaders were secretly plotting to kill Jesus — not during the feast, but behind closed doors.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why spiritual darkness can hide behind religious systems
How fear and pride drove leaders to silence Jesus
Why God's plan cannot be stopped by human schemes
If this message spoke to you, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more verse-by-verse teaching from the Gospel of Mark.
#MyBibleLife #Mark14 #BibleStudyPodcast #DarknessBehindTheScene #JesusBetrayal #SpiritualWarfare #GospelOfMark #VerseByVerseStudy, #VanessaUpkins
 
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Website: https://www.vanessaupkins.com/
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Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/vanessaupkins