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 ...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, Jeremiah Chapter 35 Jeremiah 35 Verse 6b Jeanie Boldt Verse 6b:  “Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine.” THOUGHT This verse speaks of a covenant with the Lord. The people were told not to drink wine, and they followed that order. I guess I am very close to this because Rory has this special covenant with his Lord and Savior. He MUST NEVER drink again. It is a vow and a commitment.  It seems like commitment and covenants are not being made and followed like they should in this world. With only the Lord’s help can we remain faithful to the promises we make. PRAYER God, our Father, thank You for Rory’s Sobriety. I praise You for the covenant and commitment he has made with Your help and his daily surrender. May we look to You for the strength to follow the rules and commandments You have given us in Your Word to live by. Help us to remember that You will honor those who follow Your Will and Way in the end....

Click on Title for Video Introduction   Monday, Luke 1: 1-20, ZECHARIAH, ELIZABETH and JOHN THE BAPTIST Narrative on Zechariah Taken from Life Application Bible Jeanie Boldt Zechariah was a priest and a righteous man before God.  He was told before anyone else that God was setting in motion his own visit to earth. Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were known for their personal holiness.  They backed up their outward appearance with their inward obedience to our God.  Their obedience was from the heart, and that is why they are called "upright in the sight of God".  The couple shared the pain of not having children, and in Jewish culture this was considered not having God's blessing.  They were both old, and they had stopped even asking for children.  However, physical limitations do not limit God.  God accomplishes His will, sometimes in unexpected ways.   The trip for Zechariah to the temple in Jerusalem for his duty turned into an une...

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, Jeremiah Chapter 30 Jeremiah 30 Verse 19 Heather Williams Verse 19:  “From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.” THOUGHT I actually had it pretty easy this week with our devotions as God is finally speaking of hope and restoration through Jeremiah.  Jeremiah is prophesying that restoration will occur, not just with buildings and rulers, but with the people.  Finally, some encouragement! However, we know that the FINAL restoration will occur when we are all reunited in heaven with Christ, our Lord. What a glorious day to look forward to!! PRAYER Father God, thank You for Your promise of hope and restoration. Thank You for loving us so much, that You sent Your Son to live on this earth, suffer, die and rise up for each of us. Because of who You are and what You did, we now have the opp...