Overview of Day 31: Frogs, Gnats, and Flies (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz continues the Bible in a Year series (Day 31) with readings from Exodus 8, Leviticus 6, and Psalm 48 (RSV-CE, Great Adventure Bible). He reads the passages, briefly explains their context, and reflects on spiritual lessons—especially the tendency to postpone repentance or change—and invites listeners to rely on the Holy Spirit and community for growth.
Episode metadata
- Host: Father Mike Schmitz
- Series: Bible in a Year (Ascension) — Day 31
- Readings: Exodus 8; Leviticus 6; Psalm 48 (Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition / Great Adventure Bible)
- Practical links mentioned: ascensionpress.com and ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year (reading plan and Great Adventure Bible)
Readings covered
Exodus 8 — Frogs, Gnats, and Flies
- God sends the plague of frogs after Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go; Aaron brings frogs over the land.
- Pharaoh asks Moses to remove the frogs; Moses asks when, and Pharaoh requests "tomorrow." God removes frogs, but Pharaoh hardens his heart.
- God brings gnats (dust becoming gnats); Egyptian magicians cannot replicate them and declare "the finger of God," yet Pharaoh remains obstinate.
- God brings swarms of flies but spares the land of Goshen where the Israelites live. Pharaoh offers limited concessions; Moses insists on a three-day journey to worship in the wilderness. God relents and removes the flies, but Pharaoh re-hardens his heart.
Leviticus 6 — Laws for Restitution and Offerings
- Instructions for someone guilty of theft, deception, or false oath: restore the item in full plus one-fifth, and bring a guilt offering (ram).
- Regulations for priests (Aaron and sons) concerning the burnt offering: continuous altar fire, handling of ashes, garments, and carrying ashes outside the camp.
- Rules for the cereal (grain) offering: portions to burn as memorial, remaining portions to be eaten by the priests in a holy place, eaten unleavened.
- Rules for sin offerings: where to kill, who may eat, handling of vessels and blood, and when offerings must be burned.
Psalm 48 — The Glory and Strength of Zion
- A hymn praising God’s greatness and protection of Zion (Mount Zion, city of the great King).
- Celebrates God’s victory, the astonishment and flight of gathered kings, and calls the community to inspect Zion and proclaim God to future generations.
Main themes & reflections
- Scripture as three spiritual functions: flashlight (reveals), mirror (reflects), sandpaper (convicts/consumes rough edges).
- The Pharaoh "tomorrow" response is a mirror for human procrastination: delaying repentance, change, or starting good habits.
- Consistency matters: Father Mike celebrates listeners who have kept up for 31 days and urges making use of today rather than deferring.
- Transformation requires the Holy Spirit—prayer for the Spirit to enable true change and consistent spiritual life.
- Community supports formation: reading and praying together helps accountability and growth.
Notable quotes
- On the Bible’s roles: scripture can be "a flashlight," "a mirror," and "a sandpaper."
- On procrastination: "When do you want me to get rid of it? ... 'Tomorrow.' Isn't that just like us?"
- On reliance: "Without his Holy Spirit, we cannot pray as we ought. Without his Holy Spirit, we cannot be the people that we ought to be."
Practical takeaways / Action items
- Continue the daily Bible in a Year practice—subscribe in your podcast app to stay consistent.
- Don’t postpone spiritual decisions; take steps today toward repentance, mercy, or new disciplines.
- Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help daily—pray that the Spirit will convict, sustain, and guide you.
- Live in community: pray for one another and use group accountability to remain faithful to the reading plan.
- If interested in the resources used: get the Great Adventure Bible and the free reading plan at ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year.
Quick pastoral note
Father Mike closes with a prayer of gratitude and a pastoral encouragement to keep showing up daily, rely on grace, and pray for one another. He invites listeners to join again tomorrow.