Biblical Shakers

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, I Samuel Intro I Samuel Intro Delores Little THOUGHT The first book of Samuel covers 125 years from the birth of Samuel, the last judge, through most of the reign of Saul.  Samuel grew up in the home of Eli who was both judge of Israel and high priest in charge of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, the center of Israel’s worship.  All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established (confirmed) to be a prophet of the Lord.  When Samuel assumed both civil and spiritual leadership, the Israelites were entrenched in apostasy and were politically fragmented. Through his loyalty to God and His Word, Samuel restored the nation’s moral and spiritual condition to the level since the days of Joshua. Samuel founded the first school of the prophets and taught God’s Word. Because Samuel was a man of prayer and obedience to the Word of God, he was able to unite the tribes of Israel into one nation.  But, as he grew old...

Click on the Title for Video Introduction Monday, Mark Chapter 14B (Verses 26-31)  Mark 14B Verses 30-31 Matt Strayer Verses 30-31:  “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice, you, yourself will disown me three times.”  But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”  And all the others said the same. THOUGHT Throughout the Bible I just love the stories of Peter. He is such an inspiration to me because he demonstrates such courage; yet, his humanness is real. I think of Peter when I read the verse, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Peter tries so hard, yet many times falls short.  With reference to the verses above (Mark 14:30-31), Peter is the only one of the twelve that the Bible mentions following Jesus down into the city.  Where were the other ten, excluding Judas of course?  It’s almost as if his courage and boldness got him into situ...

Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Mark Chapter 12A    (Verses 1-27) Mark 12A Verse 17 Bart Strayer Verse 17:  Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” THOUGHT I must admit, paying taxes used to put me in a pretty bad mood. It is still no picnic, but over the years this verse has helped me understand a couple of things.   God knows that I have to pay taxes. He knows how much I need to pay and when. (Which can be valuable information all by itself) He is not surprised by tax liabilities.  And more importantly, according to Mark 12:17 he wants me to pay my taxes. These two points have helped me as I continue my mission project. They helped me understand that it is not God and I against the government. And more importantly, the government is not trying to steal what is God’s.  Obedience to our governmental authorities is a Godly act. I would submit to you that the most important part of this verse has...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Mark Chapter 8 Mark 8 Verse 11 Jane Jones Verses 11:  The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said. “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it.” Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. THOUGHT Have you ever tried to convince someone of something? I can remember growing up as a child and trying to convince my sister that it was her turn to wash dishes and MY turn to dry them. I can’t at this particular moment remember whose turn it really was, but facts, verification from Mom, and double verification from Gare still did not shake Jeanie’s mind. Or maybe it was the other way around.  This scripture shows us that the Pharisees tried to work hard at explaining justification for the miracles Jesus performed. They wanted a sign from Heaven…from God Himself. An...