Biblical Shakers

Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Habakkuk Introduction Habakkuk Intro  Delores Little THOUGHT We find out Habakkuk was in Jeremiah’s time.  The book of Habakkuk is somewhat unique in that it includes no oracle addressed to Israel.  It is a dialogue between the prophet and God. In the first two chapters he argues with God over His ways that appear to him unfathomable, if not unjust.  Having received replies, he responds with a beautiful confession of faith. We will read about the following:   1. Habakkuk’s first complaint:  “Why does the evil in Judah go unpunished?” 2. God’s Answer:  “The Babylonians will punish Judah.”  3. Habakkuk’s second complaint:  “How can a just God use wicked Babylon to punish a people more righteous than themselves?” 4. God’s Answer:  “Babylon will be punished, and faith will be rewarded.” 5. Habakkuk’s Prayer:  After asking for manifestations of God’s wrath and mercy (as he has seen in the past)...

Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, II Kings Chapter 25  II Kings 25 Mindy Strayer THOUGHT I actually really loved the life application writing from my Bible. They do a good job of summarizing the big picture of 2 Kings and the chapter we read.  I would like to share that with you.   The book of II Kings opens with Elijah being carried to heaven-the destination awaiting those who follow God. But the book ends with the people of Judah being carried off to foreign lands as humiliated slaves-the result of failing to follow God. Second Kings is an illustration of what happens when we make ruinous alliances, when our consciences become desensitized to right and wrong, and when we are no longer able to discern God’s purpose for our lives. We may fail, like the people of Judah and Israel, but God’s promises do not. He is always there to help us straighten out our lives and start over.  And that is just what happened in the book of Ezra. When the people acknowledged ...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, II Kings Chapter 20 II Kings 20 Verse 5 Matt Strayer Verse 5:  Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, this is what the lord, the God of your father David says, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord.” THOUGHT Part of this chapter I found perplexing, and part I found truly amazing. First, the perplexing part: I don’t understand theology as well as most, but if the prophet Isaiah told me I was about to die and would not recover, I would probably just accept it. Those were the words of the Lord, and yet Hezekiah got down and prayed which changed the final outcome. The odd thing is that it seems to me God changed His mind. It is not many times in scripture we see God do this.  The amazing part is Hezekiah’s true faith and trust in the Lord. Even after Isaiah had told him that he was going to die, he got down on his knees and prayed ...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, II Kings Chapter 15 II Kings 15 Bart Strayer THOUGHT This chapter covered seven kings of both Israel and Judah. Were they well behaved? Let’s see. Azariah: Did right. Zechariah: Did evil. Shallum: Didn’t say (reigned only 1 month) Menahem: Did evil. Pekahiah: Did evil. Pekah: Did evil. Jotham: Did right. What gages ‘did right’ and ‘did evil’? If you’re basically a good person, you do right. Right? Not necessarily. God is looking on the horizon for people who are standing in the gap of light that love Him with all of their hearts, minds, and strength. Full submission to God’s Will with love and obedience to Christ, His Son, is doing right. Anything less is questionable. As I read this, I thought if my name were listed, ‘what would be behind it?’ Did ‘right’, or did ‘evil’? PRAYER Dear God, again we thank You for Your Word. As we continue along our journey of life together, give us favor in the activities of Your Will. Put up roadblocks in are...