BibleStudyBlog 12 - Barbara Lynn Seibel

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?

May 28, 2023May 27, 2023

Do You Enjoy God? (Part Three)

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?

May 21, 2023June 22, 2024

Do You Enjoy God? (Part Two)

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.

May 14, 2023June 22, 2024

Are You Seeking God’s City?

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?

May 7, 2023June 22, 2024

God’s Faithfulness and Our Response

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.

April 23, 2023June 22, 2024

Do You Enjoy God? (Part One)

We define the word enjoy as:

To have a good time
To have for one’s use or benefit
To take pleasure or satisfaction in

Based on the above definitions, I enjoy many things in daily life.

A tasty meal or snack.
A walk in nature.
The afterglow of a beautiful sunset.
Reading a good book.
Time with friends around a firepit.
Completing an important project.
And so on.

But how do these definitions apply to God?

What does it look like to have a good time with God?
How is God useful and beneficial to us?
Is there a uniqueness to the pleasure or satisfaction found with God?

We will answer these questions by studying Psalm 1.

April 16, 2023April 15, 2023

Do You Have an Intentional Father?

Some of us know our biological fathers or grandfathers. Others do not.

Regardless of which camp you are in, would you describe your biological or other father figures as intentional?

An intention can simply be a determination to act in a certain way.

Intentions can be good or harmful.

Which end of the spectrum would you place your father or father figure on regarding their intentionality? Mostly good? Mostly harmful? Other?

Did your father figure receive their intentional traits from their own father figure?

April 9, 2023April 8, 2023

Too Good to Be True?

When was the last time you received news so good you struggled to explain or believe it?

Consider the following example:

When a cancerous tumor disappears before treatment starts or other medical recoveries, that has no logical explanation.

This type of experience often elicits expressions of “I can’t believe it” from our mouths, minds, and hearts, even though we are full of joy.

Jesus’ disciples experienced this in Luke 24.

April 2, 2023April 1, 2023

If Anyone Asks You

What leaps to mind when you hear someone begin a sentence with, “If anyone asks you”?

Obviously, when someone starts a sentence with that series of words, more instructions are about to follow.

Back in 2009, I had just started my first day of a two-week temporary assignment as a receptionist at a church.

Within the first hour of my temporary assignment, the senior pastor called the staff into a meeting. Meanwhile, being a temp, I remained at my post. As the staff came out of this unexpected meeting, I realized they had received upsetting news. Many were crying as they walked past the reception area to return to their offices.

My manager came and shared with me the news that the person whose role I was covering had stage four cancer and would most likely not return to work. She then proceeded with a version of “if anyone asks you” instruction on how to respond to questions that might come from church members as word of this spread.

This was a tremendous help to me in that unexpected situation. She coached me to be truthful while still protecting the privacy of the person.

Jesus once coached two of his disciples to respond to an “if anyone asks you” question for a specific situation.