A Bible Study Blog
As I type this, I hear a variety of sounds.
These are easy sounds to identify.
But what does it mean to listen to God and how do we do it?
Continue reading “Jeremiah 7:23-26 |Are You Listening to God?”
Yet, when God called (Genesis 31:3), Jacob responded.
Our passage for study today: Genesis 31:17-18
17 So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels. 18 He 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]
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.
Continue reading “Where Do You Seek Refuge? (Part Three Psalm 2)”
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.
Continue reading “A Brief Hiatus Needed”
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?
Continue reading “Where Do You Seek Refuge? – Part Two Psalm 2”
When were you last asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
The last time someone asked me that question, I responded, “I have absolutely no idea.”
My response startled this person.
Prior to that moment, I had planned to get a doctorate in piano performance, become a professor, and form a chamber music trio with other faculty. I had literally mapped out my life plan in five-year increments all the way to age ninety!
I applied for this part-time administrative support position primarily to generate more income. But deeper reasons existed too. My patience in teaching music had worn thin. Plus, I was dealing with intense physical pain in my upper body when performing. I recognized I needed to transition away from that field, at least temporarily.
What does this have to do with enjoying God and the study of Psalm 1:5-6?
Continue reading “Do You Enjoy God? (Part Three)”
Growing up, I recall the backyard of my parent’s home had several large oak trees and a maple tree. Also lining the edge of their property line and the start of the neighbor’s yard behind was a row of cottonwood trees.
I remember climbing both the maple tree and one of the cottonwood trees frequently.
Sometimes I climbed the trees to see how high I could get or as a hiding spot when playing hide and seek with neighboring kids.
I also recall times when I would go to the trees when I was hurting emotionally. Being hidden amongst the leaves and supported by the sturdy tree branches helped me feel safe in those moments.
Why all this talk about trees?
Today, we will study Psalm 1:3-4, which uses fruit tree imagery when describing a blessed or happy follower of God.
Continue reading “Do You Enjoy God? (Part Two)”
There was a period in my life when I was reading through a variety of self-help books.
Something was out of whack in my life, and I was trying to figure out what it was.
Then, two different people within the same week asked me to explain my faith to them.
I struggled to respond to their probing questions, which bothered me greatly.
My solution?
I picked up a one-year bible and immersed myself in scripture. If I was going to claim to be a follower of Christ, I felt this was the right next step.
Making this one decision began a transformation in my faith life. Although not always easy, this decision has proven more powerful and encouraging than any other pursuit in my life.
What does this have to do with Genesis 18, Hebrews 11, and seeking God’s city?
Continue reading “Are You Seeking God’s City?”
You may have learned in previous posts of mine that I read through a chronologically arranged Bible every year.
I have several reasons for doing this, but the primary reason is to know the Lord and learn how to live a life that honors and glorifies my creator.
The characters referred to in Hebrews 11:1-12 lived in a time that did not have the benefit of the written word of God. Yet, they are all held up as heroes of the faith.
Join me as we take a brief look at each of their lives to discern how their examples inform us of not just how we can be encouraged to respond to God in faith, but God’s faithfulness to us.
Continue reading “God’s Faithfulness and Our Response”
We define the word enjoy as:
Based on the above definitions, I enjoy many things in daily life.
But how do these definitions apply to God?
We will answer these questions by studying Psalm 1.
Continue reading “Do You Enjoy God? (Part One)”