Nehemiah

 

Nehemiah

It is supposed that Ezra wrote the book of Nehemiah, using Nehemiah’s memoirs.

Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the King of Persia. When he heard the city of Jerusalem was in ruin, it became a burden on his heart. When he relayed his burden to the King. By the hand of God, the King granted Nehemiah a leave of absence to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls, along with authority and resources to complete the task.

Nehemiah was one of the few truly great leaders. He led a third group of exiles home and motivated a disorganized, disillusioned people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in only 52 days! Nehemiah demonstrated moral courage in the face of tremendous opposition.

He not only rebuilt the wall, he and Ezra together renewed the obedience of the people and God’s covenant requirements.

Nehemiah shows us how God’s work gets done. When God moves our hearts about a situation, we should give ourselves over to prayer. Then, directed and empowered by the Lord, we can look for ways to step in and do what we can. We may be surprised at how much we can accomplish when the Lord is backing us.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

Ezra

 

Ezra

When the Jews returned to Jerusalem they came in phases. The first group involved almost 50,000 Jews led by Zerubbel. The second occurred sixty years later with about 2,000 Jews coming with Ezra, the Priest and Scribe. Their goal was to restore the spiritual condition of the people.

When Ezra arrived he discovered that many Jewish men had taken pagan wives. Ezra’s confession and repentance on behalf of the people and how he led the people to confess and repent of their sins led to dissolving their mixed marriages.

The emphasis in Ezra is on trusting God for a new beginning and doing His work, no matter what obstacles and opposition are encountered. Although the days may be dark, God is there to guide us, protect us and help us.

In spite of difficulty and delay, the temple was completed.

Restoring worship in a shattered community is the best place to start after a major setback. Whether your setback is in life, a marriage, or a career where great damage has been done. Seeking the Lord in prayer, submitting to the truths of His Word, and acknowledging His wisdom, power and presence, His salvation, and His love is like pushing a reset button in life.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

2nd. Chronicles

 

2^nd. Chronicles

This Chronicle opens with the reign of Solomon and describes the kings of Judah from the division of the kingdom to the captivity.

These two books were very important to the Jews who returned to Jerusalem. The genealogy was significant to the priests. The people needed David’s example of godliness and the much needed temple.

Nothing symbolized God’s presence among His people more than the temple.

When Hezekiah ruled he repaired and purified the temple and reinstated worship in Jerusalem. When Josiah became King he destroyed the idols, repaired the temple again and led the people to a renewed devotion to the covenant and to God.

God sent the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem when they chose to worship idols. The temple was burned down during the reign of the last King of Judah, Zedekiah.

God later moved the Persian King Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…..therefore glorify God in your body and in your Spirit.” I Corinthians 6:19,20.

God purchased you with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

 

1st. chronicles

 

Ist Chronicles

The focus here is on the line of David, the line which the Messiah would come. By highlighting David’s triumphs, the Author, thought to be Ezra, gave the exiles a blueprint of sorts for how to rebuild the nation. The Israelites needed a renewal of hope at this time in their history.

The record offers a history of Israel from the time of Saul’s death to the return of the Jews from captivity to Jerusalem under the rule of Cyrus. It gives an account of David’s forty-year reign.

Only the very youngest of those taken captive to Babylon might have still been living Seventy years later. They headed for a home in Jerusalem that they really hadn’t known. The Chronicles were written to explain to the exiles that they were still God’s people. Jerusalem was still the city of God where the temple of God will be rebuilt.

Every morning when we wake up, it is a fresh opportunity to begin life a new. We must consciously chose to give the Lord and our relationship with Him first priority. With our course set, we will experience greater confidence, a strong sense of purpose and a lot more joy.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

2nd. Kings

 

2nd Kings

When the account of 1^st Kings began, the nation was one. After Solomon’s death, it divided, then both kingdoms went into captivity. The Northern tribes were taken by Assyria, and the Southern tribes were taken by Babylon (2 Kings 18-25). Because of their idolatry, there was nothing left for God to do but discipline His people as He had warned. (Deut. 28).

This is a sad, often violent story made bearable only by the promise of God to King David that his descendants will always be on the throne. (Acts 2:29,30). The final seed of David will sit upon that throne, Jesus Christ.

Most of the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament were active during the time of 2^nd. Kings. They condemned immorality, social injustice, and ungodly alliances. They called those people and rulers to return to God.

Sometimes we feel surrounded and overwhelmed by our circumstances. Maybe a health crisis, financial woes, a wandering child, a faltering marriage. No matter what our circumstances are, fixing our eyes on the Lord will bring fresh insight, hope and courage.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

 

1st.Kings

 

1^st Kings

This book, possibly written by the Prophet Jeremiah, describes Solomon’s wise and able leadership over Israel. A beautiful temple is built in Jerusalem to the glory of God. Solomon had wealth, splendor and fame.

Solomon’s demise was in marrying multiple wives and his heart was stolen away by foreign wives and pagan gods. (Deut. 8:17-19).

Beware of unhealthy affections, sin is deceptive and addictive. What you do for God is not as important as what you do with God.

Ultimately his kingdom was divided. The Ten Northern tribes became Israel and are ruled by a succession of wicked kings. The Two Southern tribes takes the name of Judah. Judah was blessed with a few God-honoring rulers but most of their leaders were evil as well.

In First Kings 17, the Prophet Elijah becomes a well known counselor, God’s voice to the king and nation. Because of his travels between heaven and earth, it made him a most unique personality within God’s Word. He was the first to raise someone from the dead, and he left this world without dying.

The challenge for us in times of peace and plenty, in all times of our lives, is to continually cast ourselves on the Lord for His mercy, wisdom, counsel and grace.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

 

2 Samuel

 

2 Samuel

David, the King is the main character in this book that records his national victories and his personal defeats. The turning point is his sin of adultery. The consequences affected both his family and the nation. David confessed his sins, submitted to God’s discipline, and spent his closing years of his reign preparing for the building of the temple.

After Saul and his sons were killed in battle (1 Samuel 27-31), David was free to take the throne. Immediately David set about to establish God as the central focus of the nation. He conquered Jerusalem and removed the Philistines, then brought the ark of God to Jerusalem to establish a permanent home for the presence of God on earth. This told the nation: “God is King, and He will reign over us from this site.”

David came from Judah, to whom God made the most detailed and long-lasting promise; David’s seed would sit upon the throne of Israel forever.

The lesson of 2 Samuel has nothing to do with living a sinless life, none of us can do that. God loved and blessed David because he humbled himself. He confessed his sins and turned from them. God restored David to a place of favor in His divine plan. He will do the same for us when we confess and do not defend our sins.

We cannot know what temptations, decisions, and opportunities we will face on every day of our lives. As we follow close behind God, we have the promise that He will guide our every step along the way.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

 

First Samuel

 

Samuel

Samuel was the last of the judges, and Saul was the first of the Kings. Saul was never meant to be King. He was given to the people as a discipline because they rejected the Lord so they could have a king like other nations. (Hosea 13:11). Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin but God chose David from the tribe of Judah.

The Books of Samuel shows the hand of God at work in the affairs of men and nations. Men are free to make decisions, but God still guides and sees to it that His purposes are fulfilled.

Outstanding and significant is the ministry of Samuel as prophet, priest and judge. Samuel made an impact upon the religious and political life of Israel that continued beyond his times.

During the dark period of the judges, many of the people turned to their neighbors’ gods, moral standards, and practices. Now they insisted upon having a government like their neighbors.

As God directed, Samuel agreed to their demand. The people got what they wanted, but he was not what they needed. David was a mere teenager. He turned out to be a man after God’s own heart. The foundational requirement for a king of Israel. He was what the people needed. The Lord does not see as man sees. The Lord looks at the heart.

Every choice of the soul has consequences. Our lives can be a mess, or they can make a difference. The choice is ours.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

Ruth

 

Ruth

Never permit the bad news of man’s sin to rob you of the good news of God’s love and grace.

The four chapters of Ruth are four acts in a drama: tears, toil, trust and triumph. Naomi moves from bitterness to blessedness, and Ruth moves from loneliness to love. What a picture of the grace of God!

The events occur in the days of the judges. Ruth, a Moabitess marries into two Israelite families. After her first husband dies she goes with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem where she becomes the wife of Boaz. (possibly Elimelech’s brother). Her great grandson, David, ruled in Israel through whose lineage Jesus Christ was born.

Ruth’s story draws our attention to God’s magnificent purpose of redeeming all those who will put their trust in Him.

When we start to walk in God’s way, He will direct us. God steers our course when we take both hands off the wheel.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

Judges

 

Judges

Over and over, the various tribes of Israel failed to drive the inhabitants out of their respective parts of Canaan as God had commanded them. In time, the Israelites began to worship the gods of Canaan, subjecting them to the curses warned about in Leviticus 26:14-45. “They provoked the Lord to anger.”

God was their king, but the nation refused to obey Him. Their disobedience led them to defeat, discipline and decay. “Every man did that which is right in his own eyes.” Judges 7:16.

One of the constant problems in the Book of Judges was idolatry. Each time Israel plunged into sin, they were conquered by a neighboring nation. In each moment of crisis, God raised up a military leader who would judge the nation, call them to renewed faith in God, and deliver them from oppression.

Thirteen different judges are named. God enabled select servants, by the power of His Spirit, to accomplish great things for His glory. There would be no peace until there is a king in Israel.

Sometimes we face bold and hostile advances into our churches, neighborhoods, school, or even into our families, and then we allow ourselves to be intimidated into passivity or surrender.

When God’s people rely on God’s power in obedience to His commands, they find they have determination. Pressing on is the battle cry. Victory is theirs.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

Joshua

 

Joshua

Joshua, born and raised in Egypt, was perhaps in his twenties when God delivered the Hebrew people from slavery. Joshua, appointed by Moses as General of the Hebrew army won the battle of the Amalekites while Moses lifted up his hands to God in prayer. Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms until the battle was won.

Joshua leads Israel from victory to victory as they follow the Lord and claim their inheritance. This book written by Joshua records the dedication of the nation, the defeat of the enemy, and the division of the land.

He learned that the children of Israel could not save themselves; only God could save them. He was commissioned by God to enter the land, conquer the land, and divide the land between the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, they began life as a nation under God.

Joshua immersed himself in the assurances of God and lived in day-to-day obedience.

Following the Lord is not complicated when we trust and obey. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.

We can have victory, even over what seems impossible, if we put our faith in God.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

 

Numbers

 

Numbers

Numbers gets it name from counting the men of war in Israel. The old generation was numbered at Mount Sinai and the new generation was numbered in the Plains of Moab.

Israel in Egypt pictures our lost condition of bondage to the world. Israel in Canaan pictures our claiming our inheritance by faith and enjoying the fullness of God’s provisions.

Unless by faith you enter into your spiritual inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) you will “wander” in unbelief and rob yourself of the blessings God has planned for you.

Because the old generation feared the giants and didn’t trust in God’s provisions, judgment came in the verdict that the entire generation with the exception of Joshua and Caleb were denied entrance into the promised land.

Numbers is more than Moses’ journey, it is a promise that must be grasped and acted on before they can be realized.

Many people are at a crossroads in their life. Our attitude, our outlook, our faith, our words, and our courage could actually lift their lives, sending them in a positive direction.

Our negative, discouraging, cynical talk, might easily send the confused or disheartened down a longer road into doubt or despair.

Use your words carefully. Matthew 12:36. “I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account for in the day of judgment.”

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

Deuteronomy

 

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy means “second law”

Moss climbed Mount Nebo and the Lord was showing him the land promised to the Israelites. “This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob..I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there. (Deut.34:4).

Moses repeats the law to a new generation as they are about to enter as a nation the promised land. He applied this law to their new life and stressed the importance of loving God and obeying Him from the heart.

The nation owned the land by God’s grace and possessed it by God’s power, but they could not enjoy the land unless they obeyed God’s Word.

The new generation (those who survived the 40 years of wandering) had great challenges before them, but the opportunities were even greater.

Moses transferred his leadership to Joshua, who would take them the rest of the way into the land of Canaan.

Most of us can confess to wasted years, years of wandering and confusion when we did not obey the call and commands of God. God will lead us out of the wilderness, if and when we say yes to His call. God wants to be involved in our daily lives, the more we include Him, the more we will find those lives truly worth living.

 

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

Leviticus

 

Leviticus

 Leviticus means "Pertaining to the Levites"

 The descendants of Abraham and Sarah were to be the means whereby God would draw other people to Holy worship. The Hebrews had to be holy, set apart for the Lord as a light to the Gentiles. 

 It fell to the tribe of Levi to serve as Israel's priest under Aaron, the high priest. They were the intermediaries who convinced the people that God's laws were good for them.

 Leviticus has great value to the Christian. It illustrates Christ's sacrificial work and gives the importance of a life of separation and obedience. It tells of five sacrifices that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ in His perfect life atonement on the cross (Heb. 10:1-4).

 Since God anticipated the nations entrance into the promised land, He gave them rules for success. Obedience by faith always brings blessing.

 Leviticus contains instruction for the offerings, the institution of the priesthood, laws of holy living and the feasts and seasons observed by God's holy nation. 

 We can become holy by allowing God to form His perfect life in us. 

 Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

Exodus

 Exodus

Exodus means “going out. It is the birth of Israel. This book describes God’s victory over the gods of Egypt and the deliverance of His people from slavery of 400 years.

Egypt had once been a fruitful place under the protection of Joseph. When a new ruler appeared, he feared the Hebrews, so he enslaved them.  When the child Moses was rescued from being killed by the Egyptians, he was ironically raised in the royalty of Egypt. When Moses came of age, he refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Instead, he chose to suffer with the people of God. (Heb. 11:24,25). After killing an Egyptian, he took refuge in the land of Midian for 40 years. That was where Moses encountered God. God told him to return to Egypt and free His people. Moses and his brother Aaron demanded release of the Hebrews, but the Pharaoh refused and said he didn’t know their God. What followed was a series of plagues which would teach the Pharaoh who the Lord is, showing all His power over nature, over Pharaoh, and all the gods of Egypt. The Passover Lamb of Egypt became the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. (John 2:29).

God and Israel entered into a covenant relationship at Mt. Sinai. He gave them His law so that they would be separated from other nations and devoted totatlly to Him.

God walked with His people in Genesis, but now He wanted to dwell with them. The Tabernacle foreshadowed the work of Jesus Christ. Today God’s people are His temple. Moses had to trust God in both good times and bad.

God intervenes with Grace and deliverance reminding us that no one is hopelessly beyond the reach of His loving touch. He alone can set people free.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

Genesis

 

Genesis

God’s Spirit hovered over the hand of Moses as he pondered over the words to write in the “Book of Beginnings”.

Moses wasn’t even born when the events happened that he wrote about in Genesis. It was 300 years after Joseph died that he wrote the words.

The divinity of God directed Moses to write to the people of Israel a book of beginnings that contained parts of the glory that would accomplish God’s purpose. 2 Tim. 316, 2 Peter 1:21.

Genesis began with the creation of men who was entrusted with things created. Then came sin into the human race through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Through them knowledge between good and evil was attained.

Genesis reveals the lives of people that are just like us, people with real problems like fear, loneliness, jealousy, despair and anger. His compassion and grace shows through Adam, Noah, Jacob, Abraham, Isaac and Joseph. This is the ancestry of Jesus.

He works patiently with imperfect people, and their faith grows strong above their imperfections. God loves them, comforts them, and guides them. No matter how bad things get, He does the same for us.

God’s mercy was apparent in the preservation of Noah through the flood. When Noah’s descendants ignored the revelation of God. God made a promise to Abraham and his descendants. Genesis 12:25. Through Abraham the experiences of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph become aware of the hope of the Messiah and God’s Salvation.

God has unswerving loyalty to a planet full of people who have turned their backs on Him. Yet God is in control and is sovereign over all, including Satan who attempts to destroy that which God called “good.”

No matter what life brings, God has a plan and His ultimate plan cannot be frustrated. We can trust God’s goodness and His ability to make sense of our lives in an upside down world.

Please read the Book listed so that you can understand the word of God to its fullness. This study comes from The Jeremiah Study Bible, The Bible for Hope, The King James Bible and the Nelson’s Quick Reference Bible Commentary.

Things God Did That No Man Can Do:

 Things God Did that No Man can Do:

Gave Sarah a baby at the age of ninety-nine.

Created the World.

Created the flood of Noah.

Parted the Red Sea.

Carried Elijah to heaven.

Raised the dead.

Put Jonah in the belly of a whale.

Provided manna and quail for the Israelites.

Gave Moses the ten Commandments.

Spoke from a burning bush.

Turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt. 

God spoke to Abraham concerning the demise of Sodom and Gomorrah.

God spoke to Moses.

God spoke to Saul on the way to Damascus. 

God spoke to Adam and Eve.

God spoke to the people when Jesus was baptized.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Examples of Faith:  Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego. Daniel in the Lion's Den, Abraham and Isaac.

for more posts like this go to: http://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

Peace I Leave with You

 Peace, I Leave with You.

John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither Let it be afraid."

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Proverbs 12:25 "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Romans 8:31-32 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"

Romans 8:38-339 "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord."

Pdalm 56:3-4 "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

For more posts like this go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com

God Bless You always, Sherry

---

God's Plans for You Does No Include Anxiety

 God's Plans for you does not include anxiety by Dr. David Jeremiah

Here are 18 Verses for building courage: When the enemies of worry and anxiety attack, we can hold fast to these promises and encouragements from God's Word to win the battle.

Deuteronomy 33:25 "As your days, so shall your strength be."

Psalm 43:5 "Why are you cast down O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

Psalm 55:22 "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

Matthew 6:30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ."

Philippians 4:19 "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I Peter 5:7 "therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Psalm 50:15 "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Matthew 11:26-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

to be continued.   for more posts like this go to: htpps://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com