Since the beginning of this year we’ve read and studied the historical books of the Old Testament, Genesis through Esther, and two Gospels, Matthew and Mark. We are well on…
The first book in the poetical section of the Bible is the book of Job. In reading the book I was reminded of what happened to the atomic submarine “Thresher”…
As I began reading Job I found verses 4 and 5 of the first chapter of Job fascinating. Let’s study this section together using the four “S” or step study…
In our last visit we looked at Job 1:4-5 and chapter 8:4. We spread out what we found in those passages about Job and his children. Now let’s sort and…
When I introduced the book of Job last week I mentioned a number of tests Job encountered. Enduring these tests by faith was what enabled him to break through to…
Job was the greatest man among all the people of the East, but he was human. He experienced reversals such as few of us experience in life. We can learn…
We’ve been studying how Job responded to both a material and a tragedy test. For most of us those tests alone would have been overwhelming. Job, however, maintained his trust…
What causes stress in marriage? Money problems rank high in causing marital breakdowns. Tragedy; the trauma of losing a loved one in the family, can put great stress on a…
Have you been tracking with us as we’ve studied the tests Job endured by faith? He experienced a material test when he lost everything he possessed. He experienced what we…
When people endure extensive tests to their faith things sometimes get worse before they get better. In fact, it often seems there is no hope for them to ever get…
As we’ve seen in Job 38-41 there was a spiritual storm raging in and around Job. He stammers and stumbles in expressing an apology to God for trying to give…
We’ve been studying together how Job endured all the tests he encountered and how he finally broke through to a new level of commitment, faith and intimacy in his relationship…
I trust you’ve benefited from our study of Job. All believers experience the trial of their faith. You might not experience all the tests Job did, but the apostle Peter…
If you’re involved in our project of reading through the Bible in two years you should be starting the Psalms now, two chapters a day. I’ve entitled the book of…
Psalm 1 is a Psalm I’ve memorized and encouraged my children to memorize. I would challenge you to memorize it. It’s a Psalm that describes a life truly blessed by…
Psalm 11 is a wonderful word picture of how to live victoriously in a hostile world. This focus is amplified under three points: my ally, my enemy and my victory. …
Psalm 18 is another account of how God delivered the Psalmist from his enemies and enabled him to live victoriously in a hostile world. The word picture of Psalm 11…
One of the best known portions of the Bible is Psalm 23: The Shepherd Psalm. Are you familiar with it? The psalm begins, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” If you…
None of us like valley experiences. This is especially true when we or others close to us experience going through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s not what…
If you want the voice of God, as described in Psalms 29:3-9, to manifest itself through you, what is required? If you look at Psalm 29 as a whole you’ll…
We’ve looked at various psalms recently. Let’s continue by doing a chapter study of Psalm 32. Try reading it in a number of translations. Then, identify a title to capture…
In our last visit we started a chapter study of Psalm 32. We identified a title, key verses, a significant truth, some cross references and question. Then we established an…
We’ve been doing a chapter study the last couple of days of Psalm 32. We identified the title as: Experiencing spiritual deliverance. Then we developed 3 points. There’s a wrong…
If you’ve done something wrong and God convicts you, don’t stonewall it. It doesn’t pay. Follow the Psalmist’s example, described in Psalm 51:1. Cry out for God’s mercy and compassion. …
Most people would agree with the psalmist when he says in Psalm 53:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” But would they agree with the last…
There’s probably nothing more painful than the rejection of one whom you thought was a close friend. And if you’re a Christian, it’s even worse, if that close friend is…
Fear is a common experience for most of us. We feel threatened in certain circumstances and sometimes it’s difficult to know how to cope. I think the psalmist experienced this…
Sometimes our circumstances provide an incentive for seeking God. When surrounded by enemy forces, David cried out to God to be a refuge, a strong tower, a shield for him. …
Are you interested in missions? Have you asked yourself how to determine and accomplish a mission in your world? The psalmist had an idea. In Psalm 67, he made a…
Have you ever had the experience where you’re walking along and you’re preoccupied, looking at other things, not realizing you’re stepping on something slippery like a banana peal? Psalm 73:2…
Do you feel depressed and rejected by God sometimes? If you do, you’ll probably identify with what the psalmist says in Psalm 77:7-9. “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he…
In our last visit I shared how my mother lived out what Psalm 78 encourages. She taught her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren principles and truths from God’s Word and…
Being a pastor, I normally take note of references in the Bible that refer to shepherds. Why? Pastor means shepherd. It’s not surprising, therefore, that when I came to verse…
Have you ever had an encounter with the Living God? Do you have such encounters on a regular basis? Do you desire such an experience? If not, why not? As…
In studying Psalm 84 we found the psalmist had a heart cry for an encounter with the living God. Listen to his heart cry: “How lovely is your dwelling place,…
In our last study we looked at the first part of Psalm 84 where the Psalmist describes his heart cry for an encounter with the living God. Today let’s look…
We’ve been studying Psalm 84 and discovered what’s involved to have an encounter with the living God, or better yet, an ongoing encounter with the living God. We saw the…
In our last visit we began a chapter study of Psalm 96. We identified a title and key verse, stated the significant truth, listed some cross references and shared a…
As we continue reading through the Psalms let’s reflect on Psalm 103. To help in studying this Psalm let’s use some questions. What does it say about God? What does…
In our last visit we began a study of Psalm 103 using a study approach where you answer a few questions after reading the portion of Scripture. The first question…
In recent visits we looked at Psalm 103 and answered some questions as a means of studying it. The first question was, what does it say about God? The second…
When reading the Bible you’ll at times find a word or phrase repeated a number of times. I call these insight words or insight phrases. In Psalm 107 you have…
In our last visit we saw that a phrase repeated 4 times in Psalm 107 helps us understand what the Psalmist is trying to communicate. In each case he describes…
You might not know who the Psalmist is referring to in Psalm 110 upon first reading it. But if you check out some cross references it becomes clear he is…
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It’s located about in the middle of our Bibles. The Bible is referred to in virtually every one of the 176…
Have you ever read Psalm 119 slowly and prayerfully? When I did this I found what is said in verses 33-40 resonated with my experience. Let’s together study this section…
In our last visit we reflected on the Psalmist’s honest description in Psalm 119:33-40 of his struggling, stretching, growth journey. Step by step he explains how when he’s honest with…
In our last visit we looked at Psalm 126 together. I pointed out that while reading this Psalm I came up with an Impact Thought: “You are saved to serve.” …
Psalm 127 begins with an Impact Statement – “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” The second part of the verse regarding the city is also…
Have you developed the discipline of waiting on the Lord? I admit it’s an ongoing battle for me. Psalm 130 tells us what’s involved in developing the discipline of waiting…
Have you ever prayed what is found in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any…
We’ve been studying Psalm 139 using the focus and amplify approach. We noticed the prayer at the close of the Psalm expresses the focus: Searched by God. Amplifying this focus…
As we begin the New Year I’m sure we’ll remember both fond and negative experiences we had last year and realize we’ll face similar opportunities and challenges this year. To…
As we continue our project of reading and studying our way through the Bible in two years, we are presently in the book of Proverbs. You’ll notice throughout your reading…
As we saw in our last visit, the book of Proverbs emphasizes two major themes that are inter-related: the fear of the Lord and wisdom. In Proverbs 1:7 it says,…
Proverbs 3:5-6 are favorite verses for many. I’ve had these verses beautifully scripted, framed and hung on my office wall. But what do they mean? As I reflected on them…
I would like to do what I call a “4S” study of Proverbs 11:24-30. First, spread out and reflect on the details presented in these verses. Sort what you find…
We’re working our way through the book of Proverbs in our quest to read through the Bible in two years. I trust you’re finding it beneficial as you read and…
When planning the way you intend to live your life it would be wise to consider some of the proverbs dealing with planning found in Proverbs 16 in the Bible. …
Christians should always be concerned that they share the right words, in the right way at the right time. I came to this conclusion after reading the book of Proverbs…
Listen to some proverbs regarding our speech which it would always be wise to keep in mind: We’ve looked at Proverbs 15:23, “A man finds joy in giving an apt…
On a number of occasions I’ve been asked to counsel women regarding inconvenient or unwanted pregnancies. In each case I encouraged them to carry the child and give birth to…
Proverbs 31:10-31 describes what many call the Super-Woman! Or Super-Mom! Or Super-Wife! Any woman who comes close to this description deserves the reward and praise referred to in verses 28-31. …
In our project of “reading through the Bible in two years,” we’ll start today to look at the Book of Ecclesiastes; a book that looks on life from the human…
In our reading in the Book of Ecclesiastes we’ll come across a series of statements in chapter 3 that emphasize there is a time for everything and a season for…
Even though Solomon was a great man with immense gifts, he learned in life there is significant benefit that comes through partnering. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 he shares insights on this…
I was intrigued by what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:1-2. Listen to it: “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than…
Even though Solomon was very wealthy he kept himself occupied with many projects. 1 Kings 4:32-34 describes this: “He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and…
Solomon concludes the Book of Ecclesiastes by pointing out: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you…
Well, we’re almost finished with the section of books in the Bible known as poetry. I described them as God’s love at work. We’ve seen a breakthrough in the experience…
I introduced the book of the Song of Solomon in our last visit. Solomon describes his love for his Shulammite wife as intense, intimate and invincible. She also describes her…
Have you ever prayed what is found in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any…
We’ve been studying Psalm 139 using the focus and amplify approach. We noticed the prayer at the close of the Psalm expresses the focus: Searched by God. Amplifying this focus…
Today I’d like to start a chapter study of Psalm 119. To do this, after reading the psalm a few times, give it a title and identify a key verse. State what…
In our last visit we began a study of Psalm 119. I suggested that the first 8 verses were introductory. You’ll notice the Psalm is divided into sections with each…
We’ve been considering some preliminary thoughts based on the Psalmist’s strong but very honest statements in Psalm 119 on the significance of God’s Word. After making it clear that he holds…
As we’ve studied Psalm 119 in recent programs we determined a title for the Psalm: The Significance of God’s Word. We saw the nature of God’s Word was such that it…
In our last visit we found that God’s unfailing love will come to those who seek and call out to Him, trusting in His promise. Once you’ve taken this step you…
If you weren’t convinced of the importance of God’s Word in our previous programs on Psalm 119, today’s study should convince you. Let’s consider the benefits of God’s Word to our…
As I’ve read and studied Psalm 119 with you over recent weeks I’ve become convinced I should devote myself more to the mastery and meditation of God’s Word. I must make…
We are encouraged in God’s Word, Psalm 46:10, to “Be still and know that I am God.” Consider with me this impact statement. What’s involved in being still? What does it mean…
In our last visit we began reflecting on the impact statement in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” We saw that in the midst of the turmoil…
We have been looking at the impact statement in Psalm 46:10 in recent visits, “Be still and know that I am God.” There are a number of things you will discover…
An interesting statement in 1 John 1:5 is that “God is light.” In this context John is speaking about the fact that we are sinners in contrast to God who is…
Physicist and rabbinical scholar Gerald Schroeder makes the following observation: “At the speed of light (the highest speed attainable in our universe), time ceases to flow altogether. The time of all…
As you take time to think about and get to know God in a deeper, experiential way there are an infinite number of things you could discover. I’ve shared just a…
In our last visit I described the difference between having intellectual knowledge of truth about God and having experiential knowledge. Sometimes the experiential knowledge comes through a circumstance we encounter. At other…
Let’s continue our study of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” We’ve been focusing on experientially knowing God the Father. Now let’s look at God the Holy Spirit. …
In our last visit we began considering some truths about the Holy Spirit. It behooves us to make time to be still and know that He is God. I say “He” because…
In recent visits we’ve considered truth about the Holy Spirit based on an impact statement in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” As God, the Holy Spirit…
During the past few weeks we’ve been focusing our study on Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” We have considered getting to know experientially God the Father…
As we spend time this week reflecting on truths about Jesus Christ keep in mind the impact statement in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” …
Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is more than the way…
In our last visit we explained why Jesus Christ died for our sins. He did this not only for our sins, but the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 says,…
In our last visit we looked at the gracious sacrifice Jesus Christ made in our behalf. In considering this we looked at Philippians 2:6-11. After describing the tremendous act of Christ emptying…
We’ve been doing a study of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” This study by no means has been exhaustive. Every now and then, let me encourage you…
While studying in preparation for this series on Psalm 46:10 a verse that came to mind a number of times is found in Isaiah 40:31. In the KJV it reads, “They…
As one who has been in ministry many years let me conclude the study we’ve been doing on Psalm 46:10 by encouraging those involved in ministry to take this discipline…
Psalm 23 is a favorite Bible portion for many people. I love it. I’ve often preached from Psalm 23, especially during times of grief and loss. It presents hope and purpose in the…
Let’s continue to amplify the focus of Psalm 23: Knowing the Good Shepherd Personally. There are two reasons the Psalmist gives for declaring, “I will not be in want.” The…
In our last visit we began amplifying the first reason given in Psalm 23 for affirming how the shepherd cares and provides for those with whom He has a personal…
We have been looking at the fourfold affirmation in Psalm 23 about how the Shepherd cares and provides for those with whom He has a personal relationship. He makes me lie…
After considering the fourfold affirmation about how the Shepherd in Psalm 23 cares and provides for those with whom He has a personal relationship (verses 2-3), let’s look at verses…
Psalm 23:4 assures you that when you feel your world is falling apart you are not alone. Your Shepherd is with you and will comfort you in the midst of your…
In our focus and amplify study of Psalm 23 we established the focus as being, “Knowing the Good Shepherd Personally.” As we amplified this focus we indicated that verse 1 is…
Let’s take a little more time to reflect on the phrase in Psalm 23:6, “all the days of my life.” The Psalm begins with the affirmation that when the Lord is…