Barbara Lynn Seibel - Barbara Lynn Seibel

August 27, 2023August 27, 2023

Mark 1:35-39 | Why We Need Devotion

Each month, I meet with a small group of friends to discuss a chapter or more of a Christian-authored book.

We have read and discussed a variety of non-fiction and fiction Christian-authored books since meeting as a group.

Currently, we are working our way through Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ book, A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God Through a Daily Devotional Life.

A scripture passage that is referenced more than once in DeMoss’ book is Mark 1:35.

But before we consider Mark 1:35 in its context, we need to define devotion.

August 20, 2023August 19, 2023

Ezekiel 3:1-3 | Are You Eating God’s Word?

Every year, as a part of my daily time alone with the Lord, I use a chronological arrangement of scripture to read through the Bible.

I use this reading format to reinforce my grasp of the historical timeline.

This year I am copying into a journal the verses that intrigue me as I read through each day’s portion.

My reading this week prompted me to copy down the following instructions from the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel:

And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” ²So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. ³And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. ^{^[1]}

Why is the Lord asking Ezekiel to eat a scroll?

August 13, 2023August 12, 2023

Jeremiah 7:23-26 |Are You Listening to God?

As I type this, I hear a variety of sounds.

The gurgle of my pet’s water bowl fountain in the next room.
A fan drying out a recently cleaned carpet spot. (Yes, a pet was the culprit!)
A neighbor’s car door slamming shut.
The clicking of my computer keyboard.
The occasional sound of kids playing outside.
And my breathing.

These are easy sounds to identify.

But what does it mean to listen to God and how do we do it?

August 6, 2023August 5, 2023

Luke 7:18-28 | Christ’s Response to Doubts

What is doubt?

Merriam-webster.com defines doubt as calling into question, lacking confidence in, or considering unlikely the truth of something or someone.

Doubt is also a synonym for fear or suspicion.

What prompts doubt in us?

Today we are looking at a passage in Luke where John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus Christ, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

How is it possible that John, who was filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth (Luke 1:15), experienced doubts about Christ as described in Luke 7:18-28?

July 30, 2023July 29, 2023

Psalm 23:1-6 | You Are With Me

I recently spent a month away from my home. Then, two weeks after being back, I traveled to a conference related to my day job for a week.

The first trip involved traveling solo, but upon arrival, I was constantly with family except for the occasional errand or taking a stroll in the evening.

I traveled with two coworkers to the conference that had over 600 attendees but had a room to myself at the end of each day.

Although both travel experiences varied, I had the same sense of longing during both.

I wished my husband and my pets were with me.

What does this have to do with Psalm 23:1-6?

July 23, 2023July 22, 2023

Responding to the God Who Calls–Genesis 31:17-18

Jacob lied to his father and stole from his brother.
Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah.
Jacob cheated Laban, his father-in-law.

Yet, when God called (Genesis 31:3), Jacob responded.

Our passage for study today: Genesis 31:17-18

¹⁷So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels. ¹⁸He drove away all his livestock, all his property that he had gained, the livestock in his possession that he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to the land of Canaan to his father Isaac. ^{^[1]}

July 15, 2023July 15, 2023

Where Do You Seek Refuge? (Part Three Psalm 2)

It’s hard to believe it has been a full month since I last posted.

Thank you, readers, for your patience as I took this past month to care for both my parents. One parent, who had fallen the month prior, came home from rehab a day after the other one came home from knee replacement surgery. Thus, having someone in their apartment around the clock was wise.

It was an honor to serve my parents in their time of need.

Now, as I settle back into my home and personal routines, it is time to finish our study of Psalm 2 with a focus on verses 1-6 and some final thoughts.

June 18, 2023June 17, 2023

A Brief Hiatus Needed

Today’s post must be brief.

Why?

This past week I traveled to stay with my parents for the next three weeks.

One of my parents had knee replacement surgery this past Tuesday. The one came home from their own rehab stay on Thursday.

This is my opportunity to put into practice the commandment from Exodus 20:12.

June 11, 2023June 3, 2023

Where Do You Seek Refuge? – Part Two Psalm 2

Some motion caught my attention as I was watering my balcony plants a couple of weeks ago.

As I looked more intently toward the motion, I discovered four black kittens and their mama had taken up residence in our neighbor’s backyard.

I had wondered what place of refuge the pregnant stray mama cat would ultimately choose to have her litter.

Our neighbor’s backyard, although fenced, also has some gaps that will allow for ease of departure when desired by both the momma cat and her offspring. The yard also has some items covered with tarps and other gear the kittens can explore or hide in to get away from either predators or the elements. Plus, they have an excellent water source.

What does a family of stray kittens have to do with our study of Psalm 2?

June 4, 2023May 30, 2023

Where Do You Seek Refuge? (Part One – Psalm 2)

There was a season in my life when I agreed to work a part-time contract job that was unexpectedly stressful.

When I was physically present at the job, my direct report praised and encouraged me.

But when I was not in the building, I learned this same person was doing everything they could to undermine me.

As I began studying Psalm 2 for today’s post, the Lord reminded me of this experience.

During that period of working that stressful job, I was wandering through a garden store one weekend when my eyes landed on a cement turtle figure.

The expression on the turtle figure looked like it was retreating into its protective shell. I, too, wanted to duck into a shell to escape the stress I was experiencing at my job.

I purchased this turtle figure to place on my desk at my stressful job. It was a reminder that the Lord would be my protective shell as I completed my contract with integrity.

And yes, I still have the turtle figure today as a memento of that period of my life.

What does this have to do with Psalm 2?