Biblical Shakers

Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Obadiah Intro Obadiah Intro Jeanie Boldt THOUGHT This book was written by Obadiah. Very little is known of this man. His name means servant or worshiper of the Lord. The book of Obadiah shows the outcome of the ancient feud between Edom and Israel. Edom was proud of its high position, but God would bring her down. Those who are high and powerful today should not be overconfident in themselves, whether they are a nation, a corporation, a church, or a family. Just as Edom was destroyed for its pride, so will anyone who lives in defiance of God. God will judge and fiercely punish all who harm His people. We can be confident in God’s final victory. He is our champion, and we can trust Him to bring about true justice. All those who defy God will meet their doom as Edom did. Any nation who trusts in its power, wealth, technology, or wisdom more than in God will be brought low. All who are proud will one day be shocked to discover that no one is e...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Psalm Chapter 47 Theme:  God is still King of the world.  All nations of the earth will eventually recognize His Lordship.   Author:  The sons of Korah (temple assistants) Psalm 47 Verse 1-2 Tanya Ruden Verse 1:  Clap your hands, all you nations;       shout to God with cries of joy. Verse 2:  How awesome is the LORD Most High,       the great King over all the earth! THOUGHT WOW!! This verse is so perfect for my week this week. First of all, I have clapped my hands in praise to God more this week as song leader at VBS than any other time in my life. It is so wonderful to hear the kids “cry” to God with joy and excitement! I truly think the ‘buzz’ is excitement for Jesus and what they have done that night. Second, each night we have a key statement about God that the kids learn.  Tonight the saying is ‘God is AWESOME’.  I am going to have Psalm 47 to use for to...

Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Psalm Chapter 42 Theme:  A thirst for God.  When you feel lonely or depressed, meditate on God's Kindness and love.  Author:  The sons of Korah, who were temple musicians and assistants Psalm 42 Verse 5 Delores Little Verse 5:  Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.  Verse 11 reads the same. THOUGHT I prayed what to do on this chapter this morning and these verses stood out to me.  I know there isn’t a person who hasn’t sometime in their life felt this way. I sure have. Right now my daughter-in-law, and my son are walking the same road Jane, Jeanie and Gary walked with their Mother. Debbie has to make most of the decisions of what to do after talking things over with her two sisters. The care center where her Mom called last week and said her Mom could not be alone by herself anymore, and they have to decide what to do....

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Psalm Chapter 39 Theme:  Apart from God, life is fleeting and empty.  This is an appeal for God's mercy because life is so brief.   Author:  David Psalm 39 Verse 1 Tanya Ruden Verse 1:  I’m determined to watch steps and tongue so they won’t land me in trouble. THOUGHT AMEN!!  I think I say this every morning, and usually I have sinned several times before the girls and I are out the door.  I know each of us have experienced a time when our mouth got us in trouble. I also know there are times we have bit our tongue and not said what we felt at the moment.  Then later we talked about it in different company.  Is this really better?  I encourage each of us to watch what we say.  May it always be kind and sweet, never mean spirited.  Isn’t it amazing how ‘ugly’ a person looks when they begin saying bad things?  Right now ‘stupid head’ is a big bad word at our house, and...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Psalm Chapter 34 Theme:  God pays attention to those who call on Him.  Whether God offers escape from trouble or help in times of trouble, we can be certain that He always hears and acts on behalf of those who love Him.   Author:  David, after pretending to be insane in order to escape from King Achish (I Samuel 21:10-15) Psalm 34 Verse 18 Jeanie Boldt Verse 18: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. THOUGHT Oh my gosh, this was the verse I lived by when my heart was crushed by betrayal and divorce.  I didn’t know how I arrived at such a place nor did I know how to handle it. It was at that moment that I asked the Lord to carry me. Jesus Christ my Savior saved me again. We often wish we could escape troubles — the pain of grief, loss, sorrow and failure - or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down. God promises to be “close to ...

  Click on Title for video Intro Monday, Hebrews Chapter 10 Hebrews 10 Verses 24-25 Tanya Ruden Verses 24-25:  And let us consider how to spur one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as in the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching. THOUGHT What a great verse!! I like it because it makes me think of our group. So often I read this email at the end of the day or at the beginning of the day.  It is such a great way for us to encourage one another. Through holding us accountable to our faith and our daily reading of the Bible, we are helping each other.  We are truly not neglecting to meet together. Although we aren’t face to face meeting, we are meeting the best way we know how with distance and living schedules.  I think it is amazing how we are all able to keep in touch and stay close in our hearts through this study. PRAYER Dear Jesus, so many times we provoke people in our lives,...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Hebrews Chapter 5 Hebrews 5 Verse 8 Mindy Strayer Verse 8:  But even though he was God’s Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. THOUGHT God is always in control. He knows the past, present, and future of the whole universe. Everything has been perfectly planned out by God. His Will reaches far beyond our capacity to understand completely. It is important to remember that God does not start affliction. No, the devil is behind affliction as he is behind sin. But God will at times allow affliction to occur in our lives. So, when affliction and suffering enter into our lives, we are not going to completely understand why.  One basic reason, however, is to teach us obedience. Jesus is the perfect example of One who is obedient to God. Jesus did not want to suffer and die. He said to His disciples, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me.” (Mark 14:34) And twice while praying to God in the Garden of ...