Category Archives: Bible Studies

Bible Studies, Devotionals

Real and Methodical Threat

A GIANT“Fee-fi-fo-fum!”

[Benjamin Tabart/Jack and thePAM CROPPED 2013 Beanstalk/1807]

The merciless giant from the children’s fairytale taunted Jack.

David faced no make believe menace. Goliath was real and methodical. Day after day, he taunted Israel’s army. (1 Samuel 17:8-10, 16, 23-24)

David, a simple shepherd boy served the sovereign God.

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel’s armies—you have defied Him. Today, the LORD will hand you over to me (1 Samuel 17:45-46a HCS).”

Bold words for one outmatched, yet David had anchored his confidence in mighty God, not in himself being adequate.

“David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone. Even though David had no sword, he struck down the Philistine and killed him (1 Samuel 17:50 HCS).”

 

 

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships

Apple for the Teacher

A BLOG SCHOOLMost of us have fond memories of favorite PAM CROPPED 2013schoolteachers. They had the knack of telling stories or sharing pertinent information in an interesting way.

We were learning because they had valuable knowledge and knew how best to share it with others. They were good teachers because they made learning enjoyable.

I consider some pastors as having been among my best teachers. I sat under their preaching as they taught their flocks about the Shepherd, Jesus. Using, the Bible as text book they used illustrations and personal experiences. The messages were not entertaining. Instead, they were convicting, inspiring and comforting. Their lives reflected an intimate relationship with Christ.

Mary had her relationship and service priorities in order.

“While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said (Luke 10:38-39 HCS).”  

Mary’s place, position and apt attention to Jesus teaching pleased Him.

“Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:42b HCS).”

Each that makes the right choice will sit at Jesus’ feet in heaven. In love, we will worship and listen to His teaching for eternity.

 

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

Undisciplined and Hasty

PAM CROPPED 2013

SONY DSC

If a parent or guardian calls their child by their full given name, they are in hot water. If the parent repeats the first name with a “disappointed” tone of voice, a reprimand is not far behind. I visualize an accompanied shaking of the head no and pointing of the index finger in the child’s face. In many ways, Simon Peter was like a child, undisciplined and hasty.

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.’ And he said unto him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death (Luke 22:31-33 KJV).”  Oh really,  Simon?

 “And he said, ‘I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me (Luke 22:34 KJV).”  

Standard
Bible Studies, Devotionals

What Twas That Night Before Christmas?

PAM CROPPED 2013   “Twas the night before Christmas.”….

CHRISTMAS BLOG

So begins the lovely story told to children of all ages, the young and young-at-heart. I cannot help but wonder what experiences participants shared on that first night before Christmas. The night began like most for the common man, living out uneventful days from the cradle to the grave.

They were seekers of God, yet had no clear purpose in life and little hope for tomorrow. Yes, the devout Jews had heard predictions of a coming Messiah. Did they truly believe they would see the fulfillment? They were afraid to dream. Yahweh had given the promises so long ago. Why had He not fulfilled them?

As deliverer, surely He knew they were in desperate need of His intervention. Did He not care about the Roman government’s inhumane oppression upon them? Had He closed His eyes to their poverty? Surely, He perceived the feelings of emptiness that they had buried deep within their souls.

It was the night before Christmas…. It would be a special night, a supernatural still and “Silent Night.” The King sent out a taxing decree, demanding that the populace appear at their birthplace for counting in a census by Rome, in occupation of Israel.

In accordance to the decree, Mary and Joseph traveled far and long. They viewed the city of Bethlehem, birthplace of King and ancestor David on the horizon.  Their donkey, burdened by the weight of this expectant mother, moved slowly. Both Mary and Joseph were weary and worn.

Both keenly aware of the impending arrival of the holy child entrusted to their care, they readied themselves and sought out an inn. Unable to secure a room their apprehension grew. God in his provision worked through an innkeeper who made a stable available.

It would provide a place of privacy not frequently found in a public inn. Unlike most others on this journey, they had found shelter and a place away from prying eyes.  Mary, during childbirth, would experience dignity deserved by one highly favored by God. Mary and Joseph waited reverently for the arrival of the Anointed One, Jesus.

On that night, before Christmas….

Fathers eagerly await the birth of their first child. It is a moment of great pride and yet also one of tremendous responsibility. On the night before the first Christmas, God the heavenly Father took great pride in His Son, Whom had emptied Himself, to take on the form of man.

The fullness of time was approaching. Mary would birth Jesus, Son of God into the very world created by the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He made His entrance as an innocent babe. His Father would later use words of endearment, “my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” ( Matthew 3:17b KJV ) A star shone in the sky.

It is coming, December twenty fourth, another Christmas Eve…The night before Christmas. Wherever you and I spend that night, we should “Stop, look, and listen.”

Stop rushing long enough to take in the true meaning of Christmas. Immanuel, God with us! Jesus in the form of the Holy Spirit is with us.

Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, what better opportunity could you have than this Christmas? You can celebrate two births each coming Christmas, His birthday and your second birth.

You must be born again.(John 3:7 )

Listen to the children around you; They will tell you the story of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals, and angels. They love to share and act out the story. Take the time to listen. Hear the message of God’s everlasting love. Listen, do you hear the sound of the heavenly chorus? 

“Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:10b-12 KJV).”

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

Traveling Companion

 

CROPPED NOVEMBER 2012 PROFILE PICTURE

There is safety in numbers; sometimes a person planning to take a trip will hire someone to serve in capacity of traveling companion. That may be advantageous; it would also be far more enjoyable to have someone along on sightseeing jaunts. Consider the surprise of traveling companions when Jesus tags along.

“And while they were conversing and discussing together, Jesus Himself caught up with them and was already accompanying them. But their eyes were held, so that they did not recognize Him (Luke 24:15-16 Amplified Bible).” The men were saddened and confused by the crucifixion of Christ. After He unveiled their sight to recognize Him, He vanished.

“And they said to one another, Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and as He opened and explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures (Luke 24:32 Amplified Bible)?” Jesus, as traveling companion served as masterful guide to show them the narrow path to His kingdom. They couldn’t keep the experience a secret.

“Then they [themselves] related [in full] what had happened on the road, and how He was known and recognized by them in the breaking of bread. Now while they were talking about this, Jesus Himself took His stand among them and said to them, Peace (freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin) be to you (Luke 24:35-36 Amplified Bible)!”

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

Self-Diagnosis

 

CROPPED NOVEMBER 2012 PROFILE PICTURE

Disorders are diagnosed, classified, and magnified. I know that self-diagnosis can lead to disaster; yet, it also leads to heaven. I am not claiming to be a sufferer of the latest disorder. I have determined that the Lord has blessed me with ED Order. Read over the symptoms and see if it might be your self-diagnosis and analysis as well.

·         Predestined

·         Conformed

·         Called

·         Justified

·         Glorified

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified (Romans 8:28-30 HCS).

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

Tests

 

CROPPED NOVEMBER 2012 PROFILE PICTURE

Not many of us enjoy taking tests; the older we get the more anxiety we feel. I have lived in several different states and each motor vehicles department has different driver’s license regulations. In a few, I had to take written tests. In Florida, I also had to take a road test before transferring my driver’s license from a previous state. I studied the driver’s manuals after each move, in preparation for written examinations.

Life is a continuous test. How well am I prepared to take each test? Do I skim or study the manual? “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJ).” My study of driver’s manuals paid off; I usually made a 100% score. I don’t attribute the score to a high IQ; I understood the connection between diligent study and passing. I needed a driver’s license.

Do I perceive my need for consistent study of God’s word? In a box of my parent’s important papers, I discovered a yellowed document. A Sunday school department director had awarded a perfect attendance to my father. At the age of seventeen, he had made group study of the Bible a priority. I treasure this tangible reminder that Dad hid God’s word in his heart. He was committed and consistent.

“Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11 NKJ).”

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, The Church

Ready-Set-Go!

 

CROPPED NOVEMBER 2012 PROFILE PICTURE

Dressed in running clothes and gym shoes, the hopeful squat at the starting line, prepared to run. Hearts racing, listening acutely, they wait for the command.

 “Get ready, get set…  Go!”

 Before Jesus ascended back to His Father, He gave commands, not pep talks, to His disciples.

“The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:16-20 HCS).”

Jesus had been readying them each step along the way. Through His teaching, preaching and healing miracles they learned the ways of ministry and outreach. Sent out by Him on two-by-two mission assignments, they discovered the necessity of going empowered by Him.  Were they all set to proceed?

“While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. ‘This [He said, is what] you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now (Acts 1:4-5 HCS).”

Set, they waited and watched… “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 HCS).”  Ready and set they waited on the Lord…

Preparation, presence, provision and power fell upon them. “When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech (Acts 2:1-4 HCS).” Peter and the others were at the starting line.

“Go!”    

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth

Suffering Saints

CROPPED NOVEMBER 2012 PROFILE PICTURE

I have very little trouble comprehending cause and effect situations. Parents tell their children not to throw balls inside the house but they ignore the commands. In rebellion, they play a game of toss; the ball hits a vase and it shatters on the floor. The story does not end with the breakage; the children broke the rules and they will face the consequences. Mother and dad had made their will clear and will implement swift disciplinary measures. As a Pharisee, Saul was the cause of suffering by many saints.

 “But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison (Acts 8:3 NAS).” He persecuted believers, worshipers of the risen Christ. He was going around causing havoc; “what goes around, comes around.” God instructed a disciple named Ananias to go to Saul. “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My names sake (Acts 9:15-16 NAS).” .

Paul endured under great suffering. (2 Corinthians 23-33) I detect a fine line between discipline, punishment, testing and suffering. Through the lives of the apostles, I perceive their joy in suffering for Christ. In the words of Paul, “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me (Philippians 1:29-30 NAS).”  Apostle Peter also encouraged those undergoing persecution.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (1 Peter 4:12-14 NAS).”  Through the suffering of saints, I sense the advancement of the cause of Christ. In effect, He saves the lost.

Standard
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

Up in a Puff of Smoke

 

CROPPED NOVEMBER 2012 PROFILE PICTURE

Up, in a puff of smoke! It alludes to rapid ruin for a structure. Yet, scripturally, smoke is symbolic of God’s glory, presence and power. His glory filled the Jerusalem temple. “And one cried to another and said, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! And the foundations of the threshold shook at the voice of him who cried, and the house was filled with smoke (Isaiah 6:3-4 Amplified Bible).”

Smoke wafted through the screen door of the camper and ascended through the opened vent in the ceiling. Watching, I pondered on the idiom-where there’s smoke, there’s fire. In this case, I knew my husband was burning leaves. There is validity in the statement. Sometimes we can only see smoke; the fire, though not dominant, is there. Where there is smoke, there is sacrificial fire. Elijah made an offering unto holy God.

“Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You, the Lord, are God, and have turned their hearts back [to You]. Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice and the wood and the stones and the dust, and also licked up the water that was in the trench (1 Kings 18:37-38 Amplified Bible).” The Lord can still today turn our hearts back to Him. We need only to repent and return.

Standard