Biblical Shakers

  Click of Title for Video Intro Monday, Song of Songs Chapter 5 Song of Solomon 5  Jane Jones THOUGHT The Book of Song of Solomon is really a truly amazing, love story. Solomon was very much in love; and just the fact that it is in the Bible, I think is truly amazing. It is a for sure fact that God definitely wants love to be first and foremost in our lives, first of Him, secondly for our spouse, and thirdly for our children. Chapter 5 tells us about a bad dream that Solomon’s lover had. Part of it referred to reaching out to her lover in the night, and he was gone. It was like a nightmare to her.  I’m sure we have all experienced nightmares at one time or other about our marriages, partners, or children. No matter what the nightmare, we do wake up in the morning to find that things are okay. That God has not left or forsaken us. We all have been praying so often, so hard, and so much for the Ruden Family. Our hope was that their house would sell soon, that Alan would fi...

Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Song of Songs Chapter Intro Song of Solomon Intro Jeanie Boldt THOUGHT Jewish tradition sees this book picturing God’s love for Israel, and Christians see it illustrating Christ’s love for the church as well as the individual believer. The “plot” centers on King Solomon’s love for a humble maiden. Courtship leads to marriage and then to the joys and trials of married love. The book is indeed a beautiful presentation of the love of husband and wife.  The Jews accepted sexuality as a precious gift from God, a holy expression of true commitment in marriage.  This book is a wedding song honoring marriage. In reality, it is both - a historical story with two layers of meaning. On one level we learn about love, marriage, and sex; and on the other level we see God’s overwhelming love for his people. As you read the Song of Solomon, be sure to distinguish the various people speaking. This book is rich in Oriental imagery and must be “felt” as wel...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Colossians Chapter 3 Colossians 3 Verse 15 Matt Strayer Verse 15: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. THOUGHT My study Bible states that the word "rule" comes from the language of athletics. “Paul tells us to let Christ's peace be the umpire or referee in our hearts. Our hearts are the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires that clash our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. With this constant battle going on, Paul tells us to let peace in our hearts rule.”  To "let" peace rule, I firmly believe that we must "choose" to let it rule. Our feelings rise out of our sinful nature, yet we have the ability to override these feelings with our self-control and choose peace. In essence it is taking ourselves to a higher level spiritually, to the extent that we will start to see the fruits of the spirit. I...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Colossians Intro Colossians Intro  Bart Strayer INTRODUCTION I like Colossians. Like Philippians, the book emphasizes many fundamentals of the Christian faith. Reading these books is important in keeping our focus on Christ. Paul does such a great job on keeping Christ as the foundation of all principles.  It is too easy in this day to become complacent in our knowledge of the Bible.  As our Bible reading fades, so does our understanding of our God and applicable Christian standards.  Let the reading of Colossians brush us all up on many Christian fundamentals. PRAYER Lord, as we read Paul’s letter to the Colossians, help us to understand Your Word. Give us the eyes to see and ears to hear the message You have for us.  Help us to combine Your Word with Christian action to be salt and light to those around us. AMEN   Tuesday, Colossians Chapter 1A (Verses 1-23) Colossians 1A Verse 17 Bart Strayer Verse 17: H...