Luke

 

Luke

Luke was a Physician, probably a Greek, a companion of Paul on some of his journeys. Luke was the only Gentile writer of the gospels. He wrote this book with the Greeks in mind. He presented Christ as the perfect Son of Man, the Compassionate Savior.

You will come to love the compassionate Son of Man who cares for those in need and wants His message of salvation to be taken to the whole world.

Luke records the Lord’s birth and early life. His baptism and temptations. His ministry in Galilee, His ministry on the way to Jerusalem, and His final week of ministry in Jerusalem.

Paul called Luke the beloved physician. He was a compassionate doctor, a thoughtful man of science, and a careful observer of people and events.

Luke writes of three parables from Jesus that illustrate how lost “things” are found to show that Jesus is serious about saving the lost, especially those who think themselves to be “unredeemable.”

Being a Gentile doctor, Paul described him as “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenant promise, having no hope without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:12.

Luke, being grafted into the lineage of the Jews through Faith in Christ, he wrote a book that offered opportunity to all.

Jesus places a high value on finding lost souls and bringing them home to God. When He does, the angels throw a party in heaven. Imagine that!

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.

Mark

 

Mark

John Mark wrote this book with the Romans in mind. It is said he was converted through the ministry or Peter.

Mark was not one of the original twelve apostles, but he knew Peter and went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

Mark portrays Jesus always on the move, going from town to town, meeting new people, healing the sick, confronting the skeptics, inviting the outcasts and loving all. Jesus came to the world to serve, not to be served.

Mark tells of Christ’s ministry in Galilee, His journey and ministry in Jerusalem climaxing with His crucifixion, and His resurrection and ascension.

Without a doubt, Mark wanted to use the life and example of Jesus Christ to instill fresh courage and hope in his readers. He wrote this book at a time when his world and that of his church was coming apart at the seams. So, it is today. The more confused, fragmented, and chaotic our world becomes, the more the good news of Jesus Christ brings focus and clarity to our lives.

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.

Matthew ("Gift of God")

 

Matthew (“Gift of God”)

Matthew’s given name was Levi, he was a Jewish tax collector, who became one of the original apostles.

His book was written especially for the Jews and stands first in the New Testament as the perfect bridge between the Old Covenant and the New, Israel and the church, prophecy and fulfillment.

You will be impressed with the authority of Jesus Christ over disease, demons, circumstances and even death.

At the beginning of Matthew’s gospel, Palestine is with unrest, Romans rule, the Jewish leaders are corrupt. Everyone is waiting for the promised deliverer.

Jesus Christ is presented as the long awaited Messiah. The people expected a kingly Messiah to defeat Rome and restore the glory and power of the reigns of David and Solomon. When Jesus didn’t meet their expectations, these Jews became disillusioned, hateful and murderous.

Jesus was exactly who He said He was, and He did what God sent Him to do. God always keeps His promises, even if it’s not in ways we had imagined.

As the promised One. Jesus is worthy of our hope. As the Messiah, He is worthy of our trust. As the eternal King, He is worthy of our devotion, our submission, our all. There has never been another One like Him.

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.

Malachi

 

Malachi

The name Malachi means “my messenger”. He ministered about four centuries before Christ. The people were backslidden, the priests were worldly, and the nation was far from God.

Because the promised kingdom did not come immediately, the Jews questioned God’s love and justice and complained about the way He was treating His people. It was not long before the priests grew careless in their ministry and the people followed their bad example.

As a result, the people were guilty of hypocrisy, idolatry, infidelity, divorce, materialism, and gross indifference to the things of God.

Malachi reminds us that Spiritual heart disease is slow but deadly. People who stop seeking God become discouraged and apathetic. They become self-absorbed and oblivious to God’s voice.

Malachi was Israel’s last hope and the last prophet to speak to God’s people until 400 years later when John the Baptist cried out, “make straight the way of the Lord.” John 1:23.

In our lives, small acts of disobedience and unconfessed sin grieve the Holy Spirit and lead to a loss of fellowship with Christ. God leaves the door wide and open for our change of heart. “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.” Malach 3:7.

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.

Zechariah - God Remembers

 

Zechariah – God Remembers

The Prophet Zechariah ministered with Haggai as they encouraged the Jewish remnant to rebuild the temple.

The focus is on Jerusalem. The city seemed to be forsaken, but God would remember His people, the best was yet to come!

Zechariah was one of the three priests in the Old Testament. The other two was Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The name Zechariah means God remembers.

Through Zechariah, the Lord spoke encouragement to this godly leader, Zerubbabel, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Zechariah reminds us that no difficulty or set of circumstances in our lives can ever block the Lord from accomplishing His best for us. If the obstacles in our lives seem huge, we need to refocus our eyes on our loving, gracious, powerful God, who is bigger than the obstacles.

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.

Haggai

 

Haggai

After the Persians conquered Babylon, King Cyrus abruptly decreed that the Jews could return to their homeland.

About fifty thousand Jews left Babylon and returned to their homeland to rebuild the temple and restore the nation. They laid the foundation of the temple, but the work was stopped by their enemies and was not resumed until 16 years later by the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah. (Ezra 1-6).

Haggai’s purpose was to get workers back on the job and to keep them working until the temple was completed. He told the people to be honest and put God’s house before their own houses. He told them to be strong, be clean and be encouraged. He told them that their neglect of the temple was really a neglect of the Lord.

Haggai reminds us that good intentions are not good if our day-to day priorities are wrong. Haggai prophesied the future glory of the temple, the future blessings for God’s people, and the future victory over God’s enemies.

God challenges us to give careful thought to our ways, and our priorities. This is a good thing to do when we find ourselves in a time of disappointment. Discouragement can be a signal that tells us to pause and consider our priorities. The things of God never change, they never disappoint. In God’s will alone can we find fulfillment, satisfaction, and lasting joy our hearts long for.

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.

Zehaniah

 

Zephaniah

King Josiah was leading the nation in a religious reformation, but his kinsman, Zephaniah saw that the reform was not a true revival, for it never got to the hearts of the people. They were only going along with what the king proposed.

Zephaniah emphasized on the “day of the Lord”. Prophetically it speaks of a future day of wrath in the end times.

The Book of Zephaniah paints a dark picture of God’s judgment, and a bright portrait of Israel’s future glory.

During Josiah’s reign, the people turned to God, destroyed their idols and restored worship according to the Law. After Josiah’s death, the spiritual life of the nation plummeted. Judgment eventualy came in the form of the Babylonian captivity.

Jerusalem became complacent and convinced themselves that the Lord wouldn’t intervene no matter how they acted.

If we have placed our security in any source other than our relationship with Christ, then we are living a lie, and we are not secure at all.

Ask God’s indwelling Holy Spirit to show you where your security lies and move you into a relationship with 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.

Habakkuk

 

Habakkuk

The name Habakkuk means “to embrace.”

Habakkuk witnessed the Babylonian invasion, and he was perplexed. By his faith he laid hold of God when everything in his life seemed to be falling apart.

Habakkuk came to the realization that Almighty God is able to use pagan nations to accomplish His sovereign purposes.

Habakkuk also realized, as all God’s people must, that only full confidence in God can sustain us in troubling and uncertain times. The trusting soul sees God as greater than any problem.

Will you trust in the wisdom and goodness of God no matter what happens around you?

Faith grows stronger when we deliberately release our anxieties, remembering that the Lord God is our strength, and that His plans are best. Our past, present and future are in His hands.

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.

Nahum

 

Nahum

The name Nahum means “comfort” and his message to Ninevah was a comfort to the Jews who feared and hated the cruel Assyrians threats to their security. One hundred years earlier Ninevah repented to the preaching of Jonah, but it was short-lived.

Nahum was called to announce to Ninevah that their judgment was imminent. The city fell to the Medes, Scythians, and Babylonians in 612 B.C. and they turned into permanent ruin.

Nahum reminds us that God’s justice means He will not overlook evil, nor will He turn a deaf ear to the cries of its victims. Ultimately every wrong will be made right!

Nahum writes, “The Lord has His way in the whirlwind, and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.”

We too face frightening storms in our lives whether it be illness, injury, financial pressures, marriage problems, or the loss of a loved one. God is not absent in the storm. He is a refuge, a stronghold, a hiding place and He is good and in full control.

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.

 

Micah

 

Micah

The name Micah means “Who is like the Lord?”

Micah prophesied concerning both Judah and Israel. His message was a call to hear. He declared the coming judgment, the future kingdom and God’s invitation to the people to turn to the Lord. His was a message of judgment mingled with mercy and hope.

Micah prophesied over more than half a century under the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.

Israel thought they believed in God, but the evidence was against them. Micah pointed out God’s charges against the people, greed, abuse of power, injustice, persecuting the prophets, and worst of all, forsaking God Himself! Through Micah, God denounced both Judah and Israel for abusing their positions of power and privilege. Shockingly, the Jews believed that God would continue to bless them. Through Micah, God put his people on trial. As the evidence mounted, it became clear that they had no excuses. They were guilty.

Micah announces the downfall of Samaria. He warns of the coming defeat and captivity of Jerusalem. He also announces the birthplace of Israel’s coming deliverer, who we know to be Christ. His question to us is “What does the Lord require of you?” His answer is to be honest and fair in all your dealings, remain kind and faithful to others, walk in daily submission to the One who loves you. Be in complete devotion to Jesus. Only this kind of lifestyle pays honor to the righteous judge of all the earth.

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

Jonah

 

Jonah

God sent Jonah, the prophet, to Ninevah, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, to a people despised by the Jews. Jonah would rather that Ninevah be destroyed than that the city have an opportunity to repent and be spared. The Assyrians were a cruel people who showed no mercy to their enemies, and Jonah wanted them out of the way.

God was offering grace to Ninevah and to Jonah for his rebellious ways. He also promised judgment if they refused His grace.

When God directed Jonah to go East to Ninevah, he went West to Tarshish. The people of Ninevah were sinners who were totally lost without God’s grace. So was Jonah, and so are we.

Through the great fish, God eventually got Jonah to Ninevah and to Jonah’s regret the people repented.

Our Creator is a global God. He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.: (2 Peter 3:9).

Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of God’s mercy for all nations, and individuals, who will humble themselves and pray.

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

 

Obadiah

 

Obadiah

When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, the Edomites, (descendants of Esau) rejoiced and helped the enemies instead of helping their brethren. It was a repetition of the ancient conflict between Jacob and Esau, which symbolizes the battle between flesh and the spirit.

Esau was Jacob’s twin brother which became Israel’s bitter enemy. They felt secure living in the mountains, imagining they could escape God’s judgment. Through the prophet Obadiah, God declared “Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, there I will bring you down.”

The Edomites were guilty of pride, looting, violence and indifference. God warned them that one day they would be slaughtered. What they had done to others would be done to them, and there was no escape.

Ironically, the same Babylonians whom Edom helped eventually overran them too, and the nation of Edom disappeared from history by the end of the Old Testament period.

In our lives, we at times feel that no one notices how we are treated by people who seek to harm us, the cruelty, the slights, the gossip, the cutting remarks, the exploitation while we are weak or vulnerable. But God sees everything and we must rest our case with Him. The One who loves us and missis nothing. God will deal justly with those who seek to harm His people.

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

 

Amos

                                                                 Amos

The prophet Amos came from Judah, but his ministry was to the northern kingdom of Israel. He was a farmer/herdsman. He was called of God and effectively preached the word. God knew His man! Amos was blunt, plainspoken and unintimidated by “important” people with impressive titles.

He spoke fearlessly against materialism, injustices and idolatry. Yet Amos did not ignore God’s promise to Israel. He assured the Israelites that God’s promise will stand through the judgments of the coming day of the Lord.

The name Amos means “to be burdened” and he was certainly burdened because of the sins of the people.

The northern kingdom was enjoying a time of peace and prosperity but had little effect on the everyday life of the people. The rich got richer and the poor had no one to defend them. Immorality and idolatry ran rampant. Amos warned the people that God was sending judgment to Israel and the nations around her. Assyria brought that judgment.

God does not desire traditions, our giving, even our prayer and Bible reading unless these things come from an obedient and loving heart. If our external actions toward God do not flow from an authentic desire to love others and please Him, we are only putting on a show, and He wants none of it.

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

 

Joel

 

Joel

The Prophet Joel ministered in Judah during the time of the plague and locus that devastated the economy. Joel used the phrase “the day of the Lord” to describe their present calamity and the future judgment upon the whole world. A future army would invade the land in the last days. Joel called the nation to repent and promised that the Lord would forgive and bless them.

It was Joel’s mission to tell the people that they were experiencing the judgment of God. He also warned them of the future; “let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, it is at hand.” God will someday settle accounts not only with Israel, but with all who have resisted His will.

Only a sovereign-eternal God, One who is above and beyond time, can speak of “restoring” lost days, months, and years. We can’t go back in time and reclaim what was lost but, God can take the time we do have, the life we do have, the opportunities we do have, the relationships we do have and multiply their impact beyond what we could ever conceive.

When we put our lives, and all our broken dreams into the hands of God. He not only restores. He “makes all things new.”

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

 

Hosea

 

Hosea

The main topic of this book is marriage. Hosea married a woman who bore him three children and then deserted him and became a prostitute. He finally had to buy her back out of the slave market. Hosea’s painful experience was a sermon to the nation. Israel was married to Jehovah but committed to “spiritual adultery” and turned to idols. That in turn led to moral decay in the nation. The nation would suffer for her sins, but the Lord would one day redeem her and restore her.

Adultery breaks hearts, it breaks homes, and it destroys marriages and families. The sorrow caused by a spouse seeking intimacy with someone else is unspeakable. This is the story experienced by Hosea, a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel.

Despite Gomer’s gross unfaithfulness, Hosea went to great lengths to find Gomer and bring her home. Israel’s spiritual infidelity had wounded the very heart of God, yet, amazingly, He loved them and wanted them back.

One cannot read this tragic, yet triumphal, story of tough love and not be moved by the overwhelming love of God for sinners. He loves us despite our mistakes, failures, and self-centered obsessions. Only this kind of unconditional love can transform our souls.

When we do not “hold fast” to Him, we lose our grip on the very purpose of our lives.

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

Daniel

 

Daniel

When Nebuchadnezzar began his conquest in Judah, Daniel and his friends were deported to Babylon. It is supposed that they were teenagers at this time.

Daniel was a man of God who was faithful to the Lord and glorified him in the enemy's land.

In a series of dreams and visions God showed Daniel the course of gentile history until the promised kingdom of earth.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego were immersed in Babylonian culture and pressed into royal service. Most of the gentiles gave into the new lifestyle, but not Daniel and his Hebrew friends. They steadfastly followed God. They experienced God’s blessings and rose to influential positions in the Babylonian government.

God is in control of history and will work out His perfect plan. God wants control in your life, as He did in Daniel’s life; and He will if you determine in your heart to serve Him faithfully. Daniel was a man of personal integrity who had nothing to fear because he feared the Lord and served Him.

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

Ezekiel

 

Ezekiel

While Jeremiah was ministering in Judah, Ezekiel was ministering to the exiles in Babylon. He was taken to Babylon in the second deportation. Like Jeremiah, he was a priest called to be a prophet and he preached action sermons.

Ezekiel’s prophecy emphasizes the glory of God and the honor of God’s name.

There, thirty-year-old Ezekiel found himself in a refugee settlement among the captives. There, God called him to be a prophet. “The heavens were opened, and Ezekiel saw visions of God.” Even though his wife died in Babylon, he put his reputation on the line by opposing false prophets among the exiles. He fearlessly served God in Babylon for the rest of his life and spent more than two decades revealing prophetic words from the Lord.

Ezekiel’s messages concentrate on Holiness, visions, judgment and consolation.

The people had sinned and been punished. In their demoralized state, Ezekiel brought them God’s message of hope. God can do the same for us, He is with us always, even when we feel deflated. If we look, we will find the light in the darkness.

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

 

Lamentations

 

Lamentations

This is a book of “funeral dirges,” written by Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem. His heart was broken, but God had to chasten His people, and it grieved Him to do so.

Sin is costly, God must punish sin, but God’s mercy never fails.

The ten Northern tribes of Israel had been destroyed by Assyrian armies. The temple was obliterated, the city walls flattened, Mount Zion was a pile of rubble. Only the wind, wild animals and survivors who were too weak to leave were all that was left.

Those who remained asked “why?” and “what now?” God’s prophets have answered the “why” throughout the years through their warnings to give up their idol worship. As for the “what now” the answer was repent. They had seventy years of captivity to repent before they were to return to their land.

Jeremiah focused on the Lord’s mercy, compassion and faithfulness, Hope begins with a change of focus. God is hope, mighty and wise beyond measure. He is the great Healer and Physician. “With God nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37). Let us focus on Him in our time of need.

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

Jeremiah

 

Jeremiah

Jeremiah was a priest called to be a prophet, a sensitive man called to confront Kings, false prophets, and hypocritical priests. He was a bold man before men but broken before God. He was known as the “weeping prophet.” He was faithful to the Lord and accomplished God’s will.

Jeremiah watched the nation of Judah decline and taken captive by the Babylonians and Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed.

God had much to say through this prophet and knew Jeremiah would face stiff opposition. “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail.” Jeremiah 1:19.

Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned. He was thrown into a cistern and sank into the muddy mire. He was forcibly taken to Egypt where he apparently died.

On days when we feel under pressure or full of anxiety and worry, the Lord invites us to simply call to Him just as He told Jeremiah. When we do, we are united to a God who knows no boundaries, no restrictions and no limitations. He Loves us dearly and wants what’s best for 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

 

Isaiah

 

Isaiah

Isaiah was a prophet and a poet wielding words of overflowing passion about judgment, healing, the majesty of God and His coming kingdom. Isaiah got a glimpse of God and realized his inadequacy and overwhelming need to rely on God to accomplish anything at all.

Isaiah consists of two sections, chapters 1-39, Isaiah condemns the sins of Judah and warns of coming judgment. It highlights law and condemnation much like the Old Testament. The second section, chapters 40-66, he prophecies Judah’s deliverance from Babylonian captivity and emphasizes grace and glorious redemption much like the New Testament.

Isaiah warned Judah against trusting in politics, but to trust the Lord and obey His word. The leaders did not listen, and Judah was eventually taken captive to Babylon. Isaiah guided and comforted the exiles both during and after captivity.

Our service to God must begin with honest, open-hearted prayer and personal one-on-one time with God in His Word. The more we know Him, the more we realize how much we need Him in our 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

 

The Song of Solomon

 

The Song of Solomon

The plot centers on King Solomon’s love for a humble maiden. Courtship leads to marriage and then to the joys and trials of married love. This book is a beautiful presentation of the love of husband and wife, for the Jews accepted sexuality as a precious gift from God, a holy expression of true commitment in marriage, a celebration of two souls united in marriage. It is also an expression of the love relationship between believer and Savior.

The expression “Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” is an exhortation to abstain from sex before marriage. Sex, then is a jewel that must await the right setting.

The Song reminds us that with God, all things are possible (I Cor. 13) even marital love in a culture where marriage has fallen on hard times.

Even after the husband and wife have left the earth, the lasting influence of a strong marriage inspires future generations. For husband and wife to carefully identify and prayerfully address problems as they arise is one secret to a strong marriage. It is also a way to stoke the intimacy fires for a lifetime.

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

 

Ecclesiastes

 

Ecclesiastes

It is probable that Solomon wrote this book. As the wisest, wealthiest, and most powerful man of his day, Solomon certainly had the opportunity and resources to do the things mentioned in Ecclesiastes.

Solomon seeks to find the answers to the question, “Is life worth living?” He concludes that life is worth living if you put God first and obey His Word.

When viewed apart from God, life is indeed “vanity, but when you live for Christ, life is never in “vain.”

Ecclesiastes is the ideal book for pessimism, cynicism, and skepticism of our times. It wrestles with the deepest struggles of the human soul in its attempt to find meaning and purpose in life. Solomon gives an honest view of life in a fallen world.

Solomon points out the irony that people want, even crave, understanding of realities, and yet they can never figure out life using their minds alone. The farther we drift from day-by-day, faith-walk with Christ, the more frustration and confusion we will experience. The only thing that will satisfy us to our very core is to reconnect with God who loves us and the Savior, who died for us. The good news is He is right at the door, knocking. (Revelations 3:20).

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

 

Proverbs

 

Proverbs

A Proverb has been described as a “short statement based on a long experience.” Many of the proverbs are contrasts or comparisons They deal with ethical and moral aspects of life. They are practical and point the way to godly character and a fulfilled life. It is good to start at the 1^st day of the month and read one chapter a day. There are 31 chapters in the Book of Proverbs.

The theme of Proverbs is wisdom. The wise person fears the Lord, trusts Him, and seeks to obey His will.

The wise sayings are made practical for daily living. It is a guidebook for the godly meant to influence people’s thinking, emotions and behavior. Obedience brings God’s blessings. Disobedience leads to foolish choices and disastrous consequences. The opposite of wisdom is foolishness – ignorance, a lack of discernment, and limited insight in favor of one’s personal preferences or opinions. The wise person is humble before the holiness and counsel of God.

The Lord taught Solomon wisdom and he took it to heart. God will teach us wisdom. The Holy Spirit, our helper and counselor will instruct our hearts day by day as we meditate on the Word of God an apply it to the sometimes tangled circumstances and relationships where we need wisdom the most.

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

Psalm

 

Psalm

This is the songbook of the Bible. It’s a poem sung to musical accompaniment. The Psalm’s express man’s praise to God for who He is and what He does. It is a Psalm of a full range of emotions, from ecstatic joy to despair, fear, anger, wonder, hatred, anxiety, doubt and love. All emotions that we all experienced at one time or another.

It has been throughout all the ages, when God’s people gather, whether in times of grief or celebration, they sing. Singing was an integral part of worship in Israel.

To read the words in Psalms is to read lyrics that once echoed off the walls of the temple in Jerusalem.

Psalms is the longest book in the Bible. They were used in the temple during the time of Christ and then in synagogues following the dispersion of the Jews.

Sometimes when we cannot find the words to express our fears, joys and longings or sorrows into prayers, we can grasp the expression written in this book.

Let these songs help you love God with all your heart and soul by teaching you to open yourself to Him.

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

 

Job

Job

Most of this book is poetry of a real person in a real place who suffered real trials. It is an example of endurance, of faithfulness under trial.

Job first deals with Satan who is the mastermind behind all of Job’s grief. Satan causes Job to suffer unjustly in an attempt to get Job to attack God. Sometimes though, there can be godly purposes in suffering unrelated to sin. Job gained a deeper and more accurate knowledge of God through his suffering.

Job then deals with his friends who accused him of having sinned, therefore, he suffers. Job refused to compromise his integrity. He tells the truth but his friends did not.

Righteous people like Job do sometimes suffer. Righteousness does not mean sinless, but upright in God’s sight. We must be faithful and honestly try to do right in God’s sight, acknowledging our errors and seek to correct them. Job suffered but not because of sin.

Job suffered so that you and I might learn some valuable lessons about what it really means to trust the Lord.

Those who turn fully to God in their great sorrow will find a pathway nearer to the tender mercies of heaven than they have ever walked before.

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

Esther

 

Esther

Esther was a Jewess who married a Gentile. Her story is a classic struggle between good and evil. It’s a book about God’s sovereignty and His deliverance. God is not mentioned in this book, but His presence is unmistakable.

God remembers His promises to Israel and orchestrates events to protect His people. Haman is a good example of one who curses Israel will be cursed.

Only God could raise Esther, this female Jewish exile to a position of authority in a culture that valued neither women nor Jews.

Mordecai and Esther exercised courage, took risks, employed wisdom, and were thoroughly engaged in events of their day. Refusing to remain paralyzed by fear or lulled to sleep by indifference, they seized the opportunities God provided them. It is what enabled them to be in the right place at the right time, so that God’s will could be accomplished for them and for the Jewish people.

God is in control, and there are still victories to be won. He intends to use our steps of faith to accomplish those plans.

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