Biblical Shakers

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Intro to Matthew Matthew Intro Delores Little THOUGHT The gospel of Matthew was written by a Jew, Levi, or as we know him better Matthew the tax collector. Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of all Messianic prophecy. In the opening sentence, Matt.1:1 we read: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham.”  Matthew identifies Jesus as the Son of Abraham saying, “In you shall all families of the earth be blessed.”  All families of the earth include both Jews and Gentile. Since the focus of the Old Testament scripture is on the coming of the Messiah and His Kingdom, Matthew used the phrase, ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ more than 30 times, ‘Son of David’ 10 times, and ‘that it might be fulfilled which was spoken’ at least 9 times.  Matthew recorded more than 20 of Jesus’s miracles.  Matthew has more than a 100 references to Christ Jesus and records ten of His parables. The Sanhed...

  Click on Title for a Video Introduction Monday, Hosea Chapter 11 Hosea 11 Verse 3 Tanya Ruden September 29, 2006 Verse 3:  It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms, but they did not realize it was I who healed them. THOUGHT Well, at first I wanted to talk about discipline, but I know I have talked about that before so I am going to instead focus on the footnote in my Bible relating to verse 3 where the people were not realizing who healed them. “God had consistently provided for his people, but they refused to see what he had done, they showed no interest in thanking him. Ungratefulness is a common human fault. For example, when was the last time you thanked...” I have to admit ungratefulness is one characteristic I have that I am not proud of. I am one of those people you will hardly ever receive a thank-you note from.  This is one thing I am always hoping to improve on.  But this verse and footnote did make me realize we are not only called to...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Hosea Chapter 8 Hosea 8 Verse 4 Tanya Ruden September 28, 2006 Verse 4:  They set up kings without my consent; they chose princes without approval. THOUGHT I don’t know how many of you are in an election year in your state, but in Kansas we have our Governor election this year. Ads have been popping up more and more, and when I read this verse, it made me think of an ad I saw last night.  I was thinking, how could someone vote for him?  He appears so cocky. Is this how I should think about voting?   This thought brought me back to the verse.  We should begin praying for the person, whether Republican or Democrat.  We should pray for the outcome that happens. I know praying for our leader and officials is what the Lord would want of us.  I have really fallen short.   This is something for all of us to consider, especially if you have some elections in your area this year. PRAYER Dear Je...

  Click on the Title for Video Intro Monday, Chapter 4 Hosea 4 Verse 6 Heather Williams September 19, 2006 Verse 6:  “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God. I also will ignore your children.” THOUGHT Wow! Israel is really messed up. This chapter covers quite a bit of the mess they have made of their lives. It describes the waywardness of God’s people of Israel.  The one thing that stuck out to me was the topic of the priests. My study Bible explained that the priests had become leaders of wrongdoing and were not being spiritual leaders. As a result, He says they were keeping the people from knowing Him.  Being a Christian leader is a HUGE responsibility. People are going to look up to you and follow you. It’s like being a parent. I know that Sierra and Crystal watch Tanya and Alan like a hawk. If Mom and Dad can do it, then they certainly think...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Hosea Intro Hosea Intro February 25, 2017 Jeanie Boldt THOUGHT This book was written to illustrate God’s love for His sinful people.  The book is a love story-real, tragic and true.  Transcending the tale of a young man and wife, it tells of God’s love for His people and the response of His “bride”.  A covenant had been made, and God had been faithful.  His love was steadfast and His commitment unbroken.  But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God’s love and turning instead to false gods.  Then after warning of judgment, God reaffirmed His love and offered reconciliation.  His love and mercy were overflowing, but justice would be served.    Like Gomer, we chase after other loves-love of power, pleasure, money, or recognition.  The temptations in this world can be very seductive.  Are we loyal to God, remaining completely faithful, or have other loves taken...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Daniel Chapter 8 Daniel 8 Verse 18 Mindy Strayer February 7, 2005 Verse 18:  While he was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my feet. THOUGHT Daniel probably found the vision emotionally and spiritually draining because it was bizarre and terrible. The angel would not let Daniel sleep with his face to the ground. He made Daniel rise to his feet, kind of like getting him in the ready position. The angel had an important explanation from God that Daniel needed to hear and understand. What good would Daniel be to God with his head down acting all tired and worn out? Sometimes God wants to speak to us and give us understanding when we just don’t feel like it. There are a million and one reasons that could keep us from standing to our feet and being attentive to God’s voice. Jobs, kids, friendships, recreation, illness, meetings, class. The list could go on and on. Ho...

  Click on the Title for Video Intro Monday, Daniel Chapter 4 Daniel 4 Verse 25 Kristen Strayer February 2, 2005 Verse 24:  “You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”  THOUGHT These are words that Daniel spoke to King Nebuchadnezzar when Daniel was interpreting one of the king’s dreams. Of course, this was not good news for King Neb! Living like an animal for seven years would be a horrible experience, yet that is what God gave King Neb.  I think there are two ways to view this, either as a punishment or as putting some resistance in his life to teach him a valuable lesson.  Often when we encounter tough times, the first question we ask is why?  Then we wonder if we did something wrong.  This is the result of ...