We’re almost through the easy part of reading through the Bible in two years. Much of what we’ve read has been historical in nature. It’s a story being told. People…
As mentioned yesterday, we’re now into the Old Testament book of Isaiah. I trust as you read your heart will be challenged, stimulated and motivated to bring honor and glory…
If you listened yesterday, you know we’re reading and studying the book of Isaiah. Isaiah looks into the future and prophesies about things that are going to happen. But, by…
As we read the opening verses of Isaiah, did you notice verse 18 of chapter one? God gives this appeal: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord, “though…
In our last visit we introduced Isaiah, chapter 6, and some of the experiences he had as he saw the Lord, responded to Him in humility and brokenness of heart,…
In our last 2 visits we’ve looked at Isaiah, chapter 6, seeing how Isaiah, exposed to God’s glory and holiness, sensed his need and unworthiness. When He confessed his sin…
When you read Isaiah 26 you’ll find a number of references to prayer: words like trust, wait, desire, yearn, and long. A favorite verse of my wife’s is verse 3,…
In our last visit we looked at some positive aspects of prayer found in Isaiah 26. Let’s continue our study by looking at Isaiah 26:16-18. Verse 16 describes what I’d…
When reading the Bible, do you ever get the sense God is saying something to you personally that’s relevant to what you do? This happened to me while reading Isaiah…
We’ve been studying Isaiah 28:23-29, noticing first, what is said and then determining what it means. Now let’s consider some applications to our lives. God always has a purpose for…
While reading Isaiah 29 & 30 I was impressed with the prophet’s observations about worship. God’s criticism of their worship is unsettling because I recognize similar characteristics in the worship…
I trust that as you’ve been reading the book of Isaiah you haven’t gotten bogged down. If you’ve been reading consistently, you should be at about chapter 35. For the…
In our last visit we looked at Isaiah 37, verses 14-20. This is the prayer of Hezekiah when the Assyrian king Sennacharib threatened to overthrow the city of Jerusalem. Hezekiah…
In our last visit we looked at Isaiah, chapter 40. In this particular chapter we learned how to find comfort and how to comfort others. We also learned what a…
In our last visit we began a focus and amplify study of Isaiah 50:4-5. The focus we established was, “Basic Preparation for Christ-like Living.” As we amplified this focus we…
As we read the book of Isaiah we now come across the “suffering servant” as described in chapter 53. In this portion of Scripture look at who He is and…
One of the difficulties in teaching from the book of Isaiah is to try and capture what he says so eloquently. His messages are filled with vivid word pictures. It’s…
Cross-references often enhance our understanding of what we’re reading in the Bible. For example, in Isaiah 56 it mentions foreigners (verse 6) and in verse 8, “I will gather still…
I was fascinated by Isaiah’s penetrating view on fasting. Most Christians know very little about fasting. Self-denial is not common in our affluent, contemporary life style. If we get more…
Isaiah 59 describes where many of us live. To study this chapter let’s ask some basic questions. What is said about God? God isn’t the problem if prayers are…
Did you know Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 as the basis for His public ministry? Compare the first two verses with what He said in the synagogue in Nazareth, recorded in…
I am always gripped by the opening words of Isaiah 64, “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!” When I see evil sweeping across our land I’m…
Now that we’ve completed reading much of the Old Testament and the four Gospels of the New Testament we’re ready to begin reading and studying the Book of Jeremiah in…
We introduced the Book of Jeremiah yesterday. Now, I’d like for us to consider the first of three contexts: the historical context. Later we’ll consider the immediate context and the…
You can make a difference! That’s an impact thought based on Jeremiah 5:1. Considering the tidal wave of evil engulfing our nation and world, you might ask, “What can one…
The poet Whittier wrote, “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, it might have been.” Jeremiah agrees. Listen to a brief, poignant impact statement in…
When I read Jeremiah 9:23-24 I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 1. The church in Corinth was abundantly gifted. They however became proud about this and this led to jealousy…
I was struck by the simple, wholehearted obedience illustrated by Jeremiah in chapter 13 of his book. God said to him, “Go and buy a linen belt…put it around your…
We’ve looked into the book of Jeremiah a number of days now. It’s important to learn what this great man of God said, not only to his generation, but to…
Yesterday we looked at Jeremiah 17, verses 5-10, and did a focus and amplify study that we didn’t quite complete. Let’s finish it off today. The focus is: Don’t presume…
I’d like to introduce you to an impact thought. Here it is: God’s in the business of remaking broken lives. If you feel your life has been shattered, with pieces…
Jeremiah the prophet was called by God to proclaim His Word to His people. Most of what he said they rejected and vented their anger on Jeremiah, wanting to silence…
I would like to read you Jeremiah 29:10-14. As I read, listen closely to what God says and mentally start spreading out the information you hear: “‘When seventy years are…
Do you feel discouraged? Or, as though God has forgotten you? Or even worse, He has forsaken you? Well, we began a study of Jeremiah 29 by spreading out information…
I don’t think Jeremiah had very many quiet, restful nights of sleep during his days as a prophet. But in Jeremiah 31:26 he writes, “At this I awoke and looked…
Jeremiah the prophet demonstrated a character trait every true servant of God needs: tenacity. As you read Jeremiah, chapters 36-39 you’ll find him dictating a message for the king that…
Imagine this: People say to the pastor, “Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” The pastor responds, “I have…
I recently talked to someone of another faith who said, “One thing about Christianity that impressed me is the forgiveness I have observed; forgiveness between people and when God forgives…
One of the greatest claims for the trustworthiness of the Bible is fulfilled prophesy. The demise of the Babylonian Empire at the hands of the Medes was predicted in…
Today is the concluding program in our reading and study of the book of Jeremiah. After reflecting on all we’ve found in Jeremiah I concluded that the key verse of…
Among my favorite verses in the Word of God are Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new…
If you’ve been reading the Word of God with us in our project of reading it through in two years, you should be starting the book of Ezekiel about now. …
As I’ve said often, especially in studying the prophetical books, you’ll understand the message better if you get an understanding of the context in which the prophet lived and worked. …
There’s a fascinating description in Ezekiel 2 & 3 of how God prepared Ezekiel to carry out God’s appointed assignment. Let’s do a “4S” study of these chapters: spread, sort,…
When you read Ezekiel chapter 3, beginning at verse 16, you’ll find these challenging words, “At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me, ‘Son…
One of the most tragic and terrifying scenes in the Bible is found in Ezekiel. The temple where God promised to manifest Himself to His people was abandoned by God. …
The story about the city of Tyre is fascinating. It was a mighty sea power, a center of trade. But it also took advantage of others by dealing unjustly. In…
As we saw in our consideration of the city of Tyre’s tragic end resulting from her pride, I pointed out that the same principles apply to individuals. Ezekiel 28 illustrates…
I’d like to read what God said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 33:31-32: “My people come…and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into…
Being called to shepherd or pastor God’s flock is an awesome responsibility. Listen to what God expects of those who shepherd his flock, as found in God’s prophecy against the…
I have visited a number of times the area described in the prophecy against Edom found in Ezekiel 35. We saw the remains of the famous city of Petra. Throughout…
Does your faith waiver at some of the questions God asks you? Ezekiel was shown a valley full of very dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14. Then God asks him, “Can…
When you come to the close of the prophetical book of Ezekiel in your reading you’ll face a tremendous turnaround. God had departed from the temple and Jerusalem as described…
Before we leave the book of Ezekiel let’s look at chapter 47. I am intrigued by the description of a river flowing eastward from the temple in Jerusalem. It says…
In our project of “read it through in two,” that is, read through the Bible in two years, let’s go back now to the minor prophets of the Old Testament,…
As you read the book of Daniel you’ll find in chapter 2 that Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He called in the wise men in his court to interpret the dream,…
Some Bible events are easily remembered because of the vivid picture they imprint in one’s mind. Daniel in the Lion’s den is one of them. In Daniel 6, the king…
In Daniel 9 you find him praying in the light of God’s Word. Listen to his experience: “In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures…
As we continue reading through the Bible by the end of this year I trust you are finding this project helpful and enriching. The Bible declares over and over again,…
An impact statement you’d be wise to remember is found in Hosea 13:6, “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot…
Evangelist Billy Sunday was accused of rubbing the fur the wrong way because of the way he preached. His answer: “I do not. Let the cat turn around.” That’s a…
Does it pay to earnestly repent and seek God’s face? Joel the prophet answers, “Unequivocally Yes!” His task was to describe the coming destruction. Listen to Joel 1:4, “What the…
Amos was not a professional prophet, nor did he grow up in a prophet’s home. His profession was agriculture, a shepherd who also cared for an orchard of sycamore-fig trees. …
If the prophet Amos lived today, I believe he’d proclaim as far and wide as possible the warning he wrote over 2500 years ago: “‘The day is coming,’ declares the…
As you read the book of Obadiah in the Old Testament, just one chapter long, you’ll see the “Law of the Seed” presented vividly. Listen to Obadiah 15, “The Day…
Let’s continue our project of reading through the Bible in two years. Today we begin reading the book of Jonah. As you read it, notice how Jonah is portrayed as…
When teaching the book of Jonah I’ve often been asked, “Whatever happened to Jonah?” The book ends abruptly, leaving you hanging in regard to Jonah’s life. As I’ve thought about…
The cause of some illnesses can only be removed by the knife of the doctor. When he operates he doesn’t cut to hurt, but to heal. Similarly, when God saw…
One of the greatest Messianic prophecies is found in the book of Micah, 5:2. Its fulfillment is recorded in Matthew 2:6. After Jesus was born, Magi from the east, having…
If you’ve never read Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God,” then read Nahum. The same point is made in both, even though the historical settings…
Asked how she could sleep amid troubled times, an old Christian said, “God is always watching, so there’s no point in two of us staying awake!” Habakkuk didn’t understand God’s…
We’ve been reading the minor prophets in the Old Testament as we progress in reading through the Bible by the end of this year. Today we look at Zephaniah, who…
As we continue reading through the Bible, today we’ll look at Zechariah where the prophet gives a propelling promise. Like Haggai, he was used of God to encourage the Israelites…
There are two powerful statements found in Zechariah 4:6 and 10. I call them, Impact Statements! “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” …
Fulfilled prophecy has always intrigued me and encouraged my faith in God and His word. Zechariah makes some statements that uniquely point to Jesus Christ and some experiences He had…
In today’s study we’ll look at the last of the minor prophets. Malachi gives a future focus for life. It’s been said, “Only one life ‘twill soon be past; only…
We’ve concluded the Old Testament now in our project to read through the Bible in two years. What was anticipated in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New…
We’re coming down the stretch now in our project of reading through the Bible by the end of this year. We’ve completed the Old Testament, the Gospels and Acts of…
For some time now I’ve been reading and meditating on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. I was prompted to do this while praying about the direction our country…
In our last visit we began to meditate on the impact statement in Habakkuk 1:5: “Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going…
As we continue our study of the book of Habakkuk let me introduce you to another impact statement: “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be…
We have looked at two impact statements in the book of Habakkuk so far as we have begun our study of this prophetical book. Let’s look at one more, the…
We’ve begun our study of the book of Habakkuk by looking at three impact statements. As we’ve considered the context in which they were made we have become familiar with…
What do you focus on when you pray? Read again the prophet’s prayer in Habakkuk1:2-4). Notice his focus is on himself and then his people. “I call,” “I cry out,”…
One final reflection before we pull details of the book of Habakkuk together into an outline. Let’s consider the timing of all that Habakkuk discusses in his prophecy. Most scholars…
In our last visit I shared an outline based on the information we found in the prophetic book of Habakkuk. The title I gave the outline was: Authentic in Life…
In our last visit we began amplifying the first point in the outline of the book of Habakkuk. The prophet had an authentic personal relationship with God as illustrated in…
Let’s continue to amplify the first point in our outline of the book of Habakkuk. The authentic personal relationship the prophet had with God was being tested. To answer his…
In the authentic personal relationship Habakkuk had with God he discovered what is found in Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’…
We have been amplifying the first point in our outline with what we found in the book of Habakkuk. He had an authentic personal relationship with God. This is…
In past visits we have amplified the first point in our outline of the book of Habakkuk. Now let’s look at point two: Authentic prayers to God. The book of…
Let’s look again at the second point in our outline of the book of Habakkuk: Authentic prayers to God. Growing out of his authentic personal relationship with God the prophet…
After the prophet presented his complaints to God in the form of prayers in chapter one of Habakkuk, he didn’t quite know what else to do. He wasn’t satisfied with…
Authentic prayers growing out of an authentic personal relationship with God get answers. They might not be what was asked for, but to the person with an authentic personal relationship…
We have been studying the prayer of the prophet in Habakkuk 3. Though he trembled in his boots as he anticipated the devastating attack of the Babylonian army sent…
Thus far in our study of Authenticity in Life and Service based on the book of Habakkuk we’ve amplified the first two points in our outline: An authentic personal…
In our last visit we saw how Habakkuk experienced getting the message for writing his prophecy. Now let’s consider what the message actually was. God is slow to get angry. He…
We have been amplifying the third point in our outline of the book of Habakkuk: how he authentically proclaimed God’s message to his people. He shared his experience of how he received…
In the book of Habakkuk the prophet shared not only the message he received from God but also how he responded to the message himself. Thus his proclamation was two-fold. It was…
What an example the prophet Habakkuk was of the powerful truth God shared with him: “the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Though almost overwhelmed by all God shared…
In our last visit we discovered that Habakkuk lived during the time King Josiah led Judah into a nationwide revival. As a part of that it is recorded Josiah led his…
We have tried to understand the process Habakkuk experienced during his time of service as a prophet to Judah. He saw a revival break out under the leadership of King Josiah.…
I remember a conversation I had with an older student when I was at Moody Bible Institute many years ago. He said, “Never preach to others what you have not first preached…
After studying the book of Habakkuk for a number of weeks it’s time to ask, what are some take-away lessons we can apply to our own lives? The Bible speaks truth…
As we continue to wrap up our study of the book of Habakkuk let’s underline one of the most basic lessons to learn from our study. We will never gain sufficient…
Building on the first two lessons we mentioned growing out of our study of the book of Habakkuk, here is a third lesson: There is no guarantee life will be easy…
We have been considering some take-away lessons we can apply to our own lives based on our study of the book of Habakkuk. One final lesson can be put this way:…
A couple of months ago I did a study of Isaiah 53. I noted that the message God assigned to Isaiah to proclaim was right on target and reflected what is…
I was intrigued by Isaiah’s words in chapter 33:14-17: “‘Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?’ He who walks righteously and speaks…
Today I would like to do something I don’t usually do on this program. Instead of dissecting a portion of scripture, as I began to do in our last visit, I…
In our last visit I quoted F.B. Meyer’s commentary on Isaiah 33:14-24. In it he said, “Be sure to make God your Judge, Lawgiver, and King. Then notwithstanding that you limp in…
I would like for us to study together the experiences of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, described in Isaiah 36-39. Hezekiah was one of the few kings who is described…
In our last visit we began to study the experiences of King Hezekiah as described in Isaiah 36-39. I suggested we could organize our thoughts under the three prayers mentioned in…
In our last visit we considered the first prayer mentioned in the four chapters, Isaiah 36-39. If you read the opening verses of chapter 37 carefully you will notice that the…
As I mentioned in a recent visit, after the decision was made by the Assyrians to retreat from Jerusalem temporarily, the commander of the army sent a threatening letter to…
In recent visits we started to dissect Hezekiah’s prayer in Isaiah 37:15-20. He began by praising God. Then he pressed his case that the Assyrian king had insulted the living God with…
In our last visit we studied Hezekiah’s prayer in Isaiah 37. After praising God for who He is he presented a strong argument in prayer for God to deliver him and…
In studying Hezekiah’s prayer life we’ve seen that at first he asked Isaiah the prophet to pray for a concern he had. Then he prayed himself about a threat against his…
In our last visit we saw how Hezekiah’s life was extended 15 years in answer to his prayer. On the surface this sound’s like a great victory. But you might change your…
In our last visit we considered the folly of Hezekiah’s decision described in Isaiah 39 to let visitors from Babylon see all the treasures of his kingdom. Now let’s consider the…
In our last two visits we considered some of the failures in Hezekiah’s life during those extra 15 years he had as recorded in Isaiah 39. One further point I would…
We are living increasingly in days of trouble. Whether there is more trouble in our world or whether there is more reporting of trouble or more rapid reporting of trouble, it…
We’re told by Jesus there is coming a time when nations will rise up against nations and there will be wars and rumors of wars. This is happening in our world…
Many portions in the book of Isaiah are clearly addressed to Israel. But I believe there can be a secondary application made to my life. For example, in Isaiah 41, beginning…
One of the greatest chapters in the Old Testament is Isaiah 53. Isaiah presents such a vivid picture of the passion of Jesus Christ that it appears to be an historical…
In our last visit we began studying Isaiah 53, focusing on what Isaiah says about God the Father. When I reflected further on what we discovered it sounded so ruthless. It was…
In our last visit we began studying what Isaiah 52:13 through chapter 53 says about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We discovered what was true about His person. Now consider what…
In our last visit we considered what the prophet Isaiah said would be done to the suffering servant, Jesus Christ, according to Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12. Now let’s consider what Jesus…
In recent visits we’ve been studying what Isaiah prophesied would be done by Jesus at the hands of His Father and His accusers. The things we’ve considered so far in our…
As we conclude our study of what we find about Jesus Christ in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 let’s focus on what His reward will be. Isaiah 52:13 says that “he will be…
We have been doing a devotional study of Isaiah 52:13-53:12. In this study we’ve looked for what this portion of scripture says about God the Father and God the Son. The next…
Let’s continue our devotional study of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 by considering what these verses reveal about man, you and me. After reading over these verses it is clear that man’s heart…
The next question to consider in our devotional study of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 is this: Are there any promises to claim in this portion of scripture? I find at least two. The…
Let’s consider another question in our devotional study of Isaiah 52:13-53:12: Are there any warnings to heed? The one that immediately jumps out at me as I reflect on…
In the devotional study method you answer a series of questions as you reflect on a Bible portion. We’ve been doing this to study Isaiah 52:13-53:12. We started by answering the questions,…
Over the past few weeks we have looked at Isaiah’s prophetic description of the passion of Jesus Christ and His glorious resurrection. Building on what Isaiah said prophetically I would like…
In our last visit we began to look at the convincing human interactive experiences Jesus Christ provided first century Christians proving that He arose victorious from the grave and was…
We have been considering the Biblical witness regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We’ve listed the convincing human interactive experiences Jesus Christ provided first century Christians that He arose victorious from…
We left off our study of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 a week ago. Understanding that portion is the basis of what Isaiah says in chapter 55. This chapter reveals the evangelistic passion of the…
In our last visit we started amplifying the focus of Isaiah 55. If you want to experience God’s mercy and pardon you must first come to God and receive the provisions…
In our last visit I encouraged you to prayerfully reflect on Isaiah 55:2-3 in preparation for our study. Did you do what I suggested? Were you listening? Did you give ear and go…
In our last visit we discovered in Isaiah 55:8-9 that the natural man will have a hard time trying to understand God’s thoughts and ways. The way we can come to…
I want to return to what I mentioned in our last visit. We reflected on Isaiah 55:10-11, which says that God’s Word that goes out from His mouth will not return…
I appreciate so much the way Isaiah presents God’s truth in such vivid pictures. Listen to Isaiah 57:15, “For this is what the high and lofty One says – he who…
In our last visit we began looking at what Isaiah and Jesus had to say about fasting. God is concerned first with our heart attitude. God knows what prompts our decision to…
We have been looking at Isaiah 58 to find out what God is really looking for when we fast. It’s clear God is looking for humility before Him and a dependence…
In our last visits we considered what Isaiah said about fasting in Isaiah 58. He made it clear that going through the ritual of fasting doesn’t in itself impress God. He is…
When Jesus Christ began His public ministry He took the scroll of Isaiah and stood up in the synagogue and read from Isaiah 61:1-2. Luke 4:20 then says, “He rolled up the scroll,…
In our last visit we reflected on the ministry Isaiah predicted Jesus would have when He came to this earth. It’s always good to remember that even in the day of…
Let’s reflect further today on Isaiah 61:3, “Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” I trust this impact statement has already imprinted itself on…
In our last visit we began to amplify what Isaiah said in 61:3, “Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” We’ve amplified the first…
We’ve been studying Isaiah 61:3, which says, God wants to make us “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” As Jesus Christ displayed the…
Let’s start doing an inductive study of Isaiah 64. To do an inductive study you read the chapter a few times to determine what it says. Then you reflect on it to…
In our last visit we reviewed what Isaiah said in chapter 64 of his prophecy, and then what he meant. Now we need to ask ourselves, what difference should what we…
We’ve been studying Isaiah 64. We’ve seen what is said in this chapter and then determined what it means. Then we took what we’ve found and applied it to our own lives. …
We’ve been studying Isaiah 64. We saw how Isaiah passionately prayed for God to rend the heavens, come down and do a new work of forgiving grace. He acknowledged Israel was unworthy. They…