Biblical Shakers

Click on Title for Video Introduction   Monday, Lamentations Chapter 1 Lamentations 1 Verses 5 & 7 Bart Strayer The book of Jeremiah predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, and Lamentations looks back on it.  As you noticed, the entire book of Lamentations is written in a poem format. At times, this format is a little hard for me to understand.  Nevertheless, it is God’s Word, so we will do our best. Verse 5:  The Lord has brought her grief because of her many sins. Verse 7:  In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old.   THOUGHT What amazes me about this first chapter in Lamentations is Jeremiah’s reaction to the destruction of Jerusalem. Let us recall.  God spoke to Jeremiah about the people’s sinful ways and how their actions would be their demise. Jeremiah told the people about God’s plan, and HE WAS REJECTED AND TREATED POORLY. And now, He mourns the loss of those people...

  Click on Title for Video Intro  Monday, Jeremiah Chapter 49 Jeremiah 49 Verse 16 Jane Jones Verse 16:  “The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the  hill.  Though you build your nest as high as the eagles, from there I will bring you down.” THOUGHT This verse caught my ear when I was reading the entire chapter, possibly because of what I wrote last night about pride.  Then when I read the application study guide, it referred to this verse as well. Our chapter once again resounds more and more about pride destroying nations, tribes and towns.  We are to be aware that pride not only destroys nations, but also individuals. Pride tells us that we can take care of ourselves without the help of God. There are times that even while we are serving God and others, it can lead to pride.  The Bible reminds us to take inventory of our lives and service for God. ...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Jeremiah Chapter 45 Jeremiah 45 Verse 3 Tanya Ruden Verse 3:  You said, “Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest;” THOUGHT No one said being a Christian is easy. Life is hard, and living in our world as a Christian is even harder. Baruch is whining to God and focusing on himself.  If we begin to focus on ourselves at times when we feel life is rough, it will only get worse. God wants us to turn to Him when times get rough and ask Him for help. Don’t focus on ourselves and feel sorry for ourselves. Talk with God, share Your feelings, but keep Your focus on Him.  Only then will the desires of your heart be known. PRAYER Dear Jesus, so often we focus on ourselves. We look at ourselves at how great we are or how rough life is for us.  We are a very selfish people and know we are no one without our Lord.  Help us to look at our lives and all the possibilities through Y...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Jeremiah Chapter 40 Jeremiah 40 Verses 2 & 3 Bart Strayer Verses 2 & 3:  When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, “The Lord our God decreed this disaster for this place. And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him.” THOUGHT These verses spoke volumes to me about the validity of God’s Word, “He has done what he said he would.” This is all about trusting God.  As we read about Jeremiah, it is easy for us readers of the Bible to see why Jeremiah would trust God. After all, it is easier to look at things in retrospect and understand, than to be on the front lines. Remember to stand strong and trust God when He calls you to the front. The last part of these verses talks about obedience. Can you imagine not obeying God? But yet, we do it every day. There may be certain things we have right now ...