History - Barbara Lynn Seibel

November 1, 2026October 31, 2026

Serving God Before You Know Him

Is it possible to serve God before you know him?

Have you ever thought about that possibility?

Last week, we studied the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1.

Hannah was childless and being tormented by her husband’s second wife because she was unable to have children.

As Hannah’s narrative unfolded, we learned she vowed to God that if he would bless her with a son, she would give that son back to him.

Today, we step into the story after Hannah has fulfilled her vow to learn more about this child called Samuel and, of course, God.

Samuel’s story presents us with an interesting contrast. Although he was already ministering to the Lord, the Lord had not yet revealed His word to him. He was serving in God’s house, but he had not yet experienced the personal encounter that would change the course of his life.

As we study this passage, consider what Samuel’s experience teaches us about serving God, recognizing His voice, and responding when He calls.

October 27, 2026

What Vows Have You Made Before God?

Merriam-Webster.com defines the word vow as a solemn promise or assertion.

Specifically: one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition.

Making a vow is not something we take lightly.

There is actual intention behind a vow that requires a response from both the one making the vow and the one receiving the vow.

This plays out clearly in 1 Samuel 1:1-28.

July 26, 2026July 25, 2026

Brazen Rebellion, Consequences and Humility

At one point when I was in high school, I refused to attend worship services with my parents.

I claimed all I saw was hypocrisy and argued that there was nothing at these worship services for me.

After a period, my mother asked if I would at least play through some hymns while they were at church.

I agreed to do this, not because my heart was humbled towards the Lord, but because I knew that playing four-part hymns would improve my sightreading skills as a pianist.

God drew me back to attending worship with my parents through the words of the hymns I played.

During a time of silent prayer, the first time I was back at corporate worship, I distinctly heard His still small voice say, “You belong here.”

A single tear fell down my cheek at that moment.

I will never forget that day.

Today’s study looks at the journey of a king of Judah whose heart also needed humbling.

July 19, 2026July 18, 2026

Pride, Humility, and Consequences

What is pride?

It can be seen as reasonable self-esteem or confidence and satisfaction in oneself. In other words, self-respect.

Another positive trait of pride can be a pleasure that comes from some relationship, association, achievement, or possession that is seen as a source of honor, respect, etc.

But when it turns into exaggerated self-esteem or conceit, pride is definitely negative.

What is humility?

Merriam-Webster.com defines humility as freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble.

The opposite of the negative definition of pride.

What are consequences?

Consequences are something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions.

Today’s study looks at an example of pride, humility, and the consequences of both in the life of Hezekiah.

July 12, 2026July 11, 2026

Human Armies versus a Single Angel

In our natural state, it is easy to be overwhelmed by what looks like an intimidating display of strength and power.

Today, we are looking at a passage that is a review of events also found in 2 Kings 18-19.

Both passages report how a massive human army was overpowered and conquered by a single angel sent by the Lord.

Read on for insights that will encourage your own faith journey as you and others encounter challenges in your own lives.

July 5, 2026July 3, 2026

Are We Doing What is Good and Right?

Today’s study continues the story of King Hezekiah’s leadership in restoring spiritual faithfulness to the Lord.

His concern was not about his own success but doing what is good and right in the eyes of God.

This intention spills over into the hearts of all who took part in the restoring of the temple, the celebration of the Passover, and the organization of providing for the ongoing worship practices thereafter.

Studying King Hezekiah’s heart for the Lord and how the people responded to his actions prompts me to ask, “Are we doing what is good and right?”

June 28, 2026June 28, 2026

Celebrating Our Return to the Lord

Today’s study continues our study of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles that we did on May 24, 2026.

We pick up the story after King Hezekiah has completed restoring the temple grounds so that the Israelites could resume regular worship of the Lord.

King Hezekiah understood the power of celebrating their return to the Lord.

Enjoy.

May 24, 2026May 17, 2026

How Do We Rededicate Ourselves to Worshiping God?

How Do We Rededicate Ourselves to Worship God?

The definition of the word rededicate, according to merriamwebster.com, is: to commit (oneself, one’s life, etc.) anew to a cause, enterprise, or activity.

This act reveals that we have drifted away from whatever we are now committed anew.

An example of this is rededicating ourselves to living a healthy lifestyle with how we eat and the amount of activity we get.

But today’s study is not about physical fitness.

It is about spiritual fitness.

Join me in studying a passage from 2 Chronicles 29 as well as some verses from the book of Hebrews to get a fully rounded concept of how we can rededicate ourselves to worshiping God.

May 10, 2026May 9, 2026

How Do We Know God Is At Work?

On the one hand, the question for this post seems silly to ask.

Especially for those of us who believe the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.

But sometimes the world gets so bleak that even the most stoic believer might find this question in their thoughts, even if ever so briefly.

When this happens to us, it is important that we turn to the Bible to find encouragement from our Creator.

2 Chronicles 29:1-19 provides just such encouragement.

May 3, 2026May 2, 2026

The Strength Needed to Bear Our Burdens

Have you ever had to build a wall from a pile of rubble?

I certainly haven’t.

Do you feel you have the strength to do that type of work?

I would need to secure help from others to do this type of work.

How would you go about the process if you oversaw that the work was done?

Do you find hope in the picture above or discouragement?

I see both.

The piles of stones reveal to me that someone labored to stack them, but that something has turned the structure into rubble.

I also see that to rebuild will take hard and exhausting labor, which can lead to discouragement.

But the eagle overseeing the site and the rays of sunshine signal evidence of strength and encouragement, i.e. hope for me.

What does this have to do with the study of Nehemiah 4:6-15?