140th Week Obadiah & Micah Intro - Chapter 1 (Click on Title for Video Intro)

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Click on Title for Video Introduction


Monday, Obadiah Intro
Obadiah Intro
Jeanie Boldt

THOUGHT
This book was written by Obadiah. Very little is known of this man. His name means servant or worshiper of the Lord. The book of Obadiah shows the outcome of the ancient feud between Edom and Israel. Edom was proud of its high position, but God would bring her down. Those who are high and powerful today should not be overconfident in themselves, whether they are a nation, a corporation, a church, or a family. Just as Edom was destroyed for its pride, so will anyone who lives in defiance of God.

God will judge and fiercely punish all who harm His people. We can be confident in God’s final victory. He is our champion, and we can trust Him to bring about true justice. All those who defy God will meet their doom as Edom did. Any nation who trusts in its power, wealth, technology, or wisdom more than in God will be brought low. All who are proud will one day be shocked to discover that no one is exempt from God’s justice.

PRAYER
Father God, as you read Obadiah, may we catch a glimpse of what it means to be God’s child under his love and protection.  Help us remember the armor of the Lord as we begin each day.  May we learn and grow by reading from another minor prophet. In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN


Tuesday, Obadiah Chapter 1
Obadiah 1
Verse 15
Bart Strayer

Verse 15:  The day of the Lord is near for all nations.  As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.  

THOUGHT
First and foremost, it is worthy to note that the book of Obadiah is the shortest book of the Old Testament. By now you are saying, “Bart, these  books you chose are depressing.” Obadiah ties in nicely with Joel. Again, big picture, the date is not known when the exact setting of Obadiah took
place, but it is believed to have had its relevance during the latter ages of the kings. The nation of Edom had harmed the people of God and now have God’s judgment. 

I like the book of Obadiah because it again states that there are consequences to sin.  Why will God’s judgment fall on all the nations?  Edom was not the only nation to rejoice at Judah’s fall.  All nations and individuals will be judged for the way they have treated God’s people.  Some nations today treat God’s people favorably, while others are hostile toward them.  God will judge all people according to the way they treat others, especially believers.  

As we just read in Joel, repentance is a critical part of our beliefs. God is just so sin must be punished.  However, the people of God have forgiveness. Thank You, Jesus, for our salvation through You!!

PRAYER
Dear God, we thank You for another week of getting to know our Bibles. We thank You for speaking to us through Your Word. Continue to guide and shape us in the weeks to come as we continue to learn about our God. In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN 


Wednesday, Prayer for Jerusalem
The Psalmist tells us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem".  So, we pray for peace for Your Chosen People, Israel, and their beloved city today.  You have planned for Israel for thousands of years.  But as in days of old, there are those today who seek to harm, even destroy Your people.  So, we ask You to keep Israel in Your loving care.  Put a Spiritual hedge of protection around Your People and their land.  Watch over the Nation as a good shepherd watches over His flock and may Your Chosen People find their ultimate safety and security in You.  While You watch Your People, may Your Spirit awaken in them a hunger to embrace their Messiah - the One who died for them - until they see Him face to face.  We pray this in His Name AMEN.  


Thursday, Micah Intro
Micah Intro
Heather Williams

THOUGHT
I didn’t know much about the book of Micah until I read the intro.  Of course I’m familiar with Micah 6:8 due to the worship song. However, I didn’t know much more than that. Here’s a quote from my Bible that sums it up pretty well:

“Micah emphasized the need for justice and peace. Micah makes it clear that God hates unkindness, idolatry, injustice, and empty ritual — and He still hates these today. But God is very willing to pardon the sins of any who repent. As you read Micah, catch a glimpse of God’s anger in action as He judges and punishes sin. See God’s love in action as He offers eternal life to all who repent and believe. And then determine to join the faithful remnant of God’s people who live according to His will.”

PRAYER
Father God, thank You for the prophets You sent. Thank You for the book of Micah. We acknowledge that we are sinful. Forgive us for the daily sins we commit.  Thank You for Your forgiveness. You are a just and merciful God. AMEN


Friday, Micah Chapter 1
Micah 1
Verses 3-7
Heather Williams

Verses 3-7:  For, behold, the Lord cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of earth.  And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters poured down a steep place.  For the transgression of Jacob?  Is it not Samaria?  And what are the high places of Judah?  Are they not Jerusalem?  Therefore I will make Samaria as a heap of the field, and as plantings of vineyard; and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.  And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate; for she gathered it of the hire of a harlot, and they shall return to the hire of a harlot.

THOUGHT
Micah 1:3-7 is Micah’s prophecy of the fall of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.  Jerusalem was the capital city of Judah (the southern kingdom), and Samaria was the capital city of Israel (the northern kingdom). The destruction of Samaria was literally fulfilled during Micah’s lifetime, just as he had prophesised. 

Verses 8—16 go into further detail of God’s judgment on city after city because of the people’s sins. This was God’s discipline upon the people, actually showing how much he cared for them. Discipline often keeps us on the right path. We may not appreciate it at the time, but later we can see the benefits of this discipline. It reminds me of the relationship between parents and their children.

PRAYER
Father God, thank You for being our loving Father. Lord, we acknowledge that we don’t always do the right thing. Even though we may not understand or appreciate Your discipline at the time, we thank You for loving and caring for us so much that You often have to exercise Your discipline on us. Your fatherly care and love amazes me each day.  AMEN






























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