Thursday, December 31, 2020

Speaking Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah

 

Nahum, Habakkuk, & Zephaniah

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah.


Nahum Summaries
7-24-2020

The oracle of Nineveh, 150 years after Jonah. It was the most populated and largest city of Assyria. After capturing Israel before Judah's exile. The vision of Nahum.
  • The power, resources, and influence of the wicked nations who plot against the Lord will be brought to nothing.
  • The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, but will not leave the guilty unpunished.
  • He is good.
  • He is a stronghold in the day of trouble.
  • He knows those who take refuge in Him, yet He will make an end of whatever is devised against Him.

Habakkuk Summaries
7-25-2020

The oracle of Habakkuk the prophet. He asks how can the Lord use the wicked to judge the righteous when justice is perverted when the wicked are in authority. He waits to hear how the Lord will answer him. The Lord says to write it plainly so it can be easily read, for it is for an appointed time in the future. Wait for it. The Lord speaks of sin and the woes which come because of it. The idols have no power, but the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him. Habakkuk asks the Lord to remember mercy in His wrath, and speaks of His glory and splendor. Even though distress is coming, he trusts in the Lord and rejoices in the God of his salvation.
  • Justice is perverted when the wicked rule the righteous.
  • Will the Lord use the wicked to judge the righteous? If so, the wicked will be judged as well.
  • All the earth trembles at the presence of the Lord. The nations will too.
  • During any distress, rejoice in the God of your salvation.
  • He is your strength, and makes you to walk on the high places of the earth.
Zephaniah Summaries
7-26-2020

The word of the Lord to Zephaniah, a descendant of Hezekiah in the days of Josiah, king of Judah. A day of wrath, trouble, distress, destructions, desolation, darkness, gloom, clouds, and thick darkness is near. Silver and gold will not be able to deliver them. Seek the Lord, perhaps you will be hidden in the day of His anger. All the earth will be devoured by the fire of His zeal. Then He will give the people purified lips to call on the name of the Lord and to serve Him shoulder to shoulder. The proud will be removed and He will leave a humble and lowly people who take refuge in the name of the Lord. Shout in triumph and rejoice. 
  • In judgement the Lord does no injustice.
  • Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, you who have carried out His ordinances.
  • Seek righteousness and humility.
  • A humble and lowly people take refuge in the name of the Lord.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Speaking Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah

 

Obadiah, Jonah & Micah

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah.


Obadiah Summaries
7-20-2020

The vision of Obadiah concerning Esau (Edom). Their arrogance has deceived them. He will make them small among the nations because of violence to his brother Jacob. They will be ransacked. He will destroy the wise men and men of understanding. He will be cut off forever. When they stood by on the day Jerusalem and the sons of Judah were destroyed, he was as one of those who did it. Don't gloat or boast or rejoice over your brother's distress. Don't loot their wealth, cut down their fugitives, or imprison their survivors. The Day of the Lord is near and as you have done, it will be done to you. On Mt. Zion there will be those who escape. The house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame, but the house of Esau a stubble.
  • Guard against arrogance for it brings deception.
  • Those who rejoice and gloat over their brother's distress are as guilty as those who bring the distress.
  • Do no violence to your brother or your wise men will be destroyed.
  • As you do to others, it will be done to you.

Jonah Summaries
7-21-2020

The Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh and cry out against it for their wickedness was great. Jonah knew the Lord is compassionate and would change His mind about destroying them so he fled towards Tarshish instead, away from the Lord's presence. But his ship got caught in a storm and they all were in danger of perishing. They cast lots to see whose fault it was that the storm hit them. It fell on Jonah so he told them what happened and said to throw him overboard. They tried not to, but couldn't fight the storm. They threw him over asking the Lord not to hold it against them. The Lord prepared a fish to swallow Jonah for three days and nights. Jonah repented and the fish vomited him out on dry ground. 

The Lord told Jonah again to go to Nineveh so he did. He told them it would be overthrown in 40 days, as the Lord had told him. However, the king called a fast for people and beasts. No food or water. God saw and relented. Jonah was not happy. He sat outside the city waiting and God grew a plant to give him shade. The next day the plant withered, Jonah complained, and God asked, Shouldn't He have compassion on the 120,000 people of the city.
  • Don't flee from the Lord's presence or from His commands or assignments for you.
  • Others may be in jeopardy from your disobedience.
  • It's not for you to judge how God responds to people and who He has compassion on and who He doesn't.
  • Receive His solution and comfort for yourself, but don't interfere when He offers it to others as well.

Micah Summaries
7-23-2020

The word of the Lord came to Micah during the times of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah--kings of Judah--concerning Samaria (capital of Israel) and Jerusalem (capital of Judah). The Lord is coming to bring calamity and judge Israel for their harlotry. He speaks to the leaders and heads and says they should know justice but they practice evil. The prophets, leaders, and priests take bribes, build with bloodshed and violent injustice. They think the Lord is with them and calamity won't come. The prophets will not be able to see and will be ashamed, but Micah was filled with the Spirit of the Lord, power, justice, and courage to warn the people of their sin.

In the last days, the mountain of the Lord will be established as the chief mountain. People will come from all nations to learn the ways of the Lord. He will judge and make decisions concerning all nations. There will be peace, but now, travail in birth. Go to Babylon and be rescued and He will redeem them from there.

From Bethlehem will be born the One who will arise and shepherd His flock. He's from the days of eternity. He will be great to the ends of the earth. He will tear down sin and execute vengeance on disobedient nations. What does the Lord delight in? Sacrifices? He requires you to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. Can He justify wickedness? 

There's no godly in the land. Don't trust your neighbors, friends, and family. Guard your lips. Wait and watch for the Lord. He will bear the indignation for his sin until the Lord pleads his case and executes justice for him. He will bring him to light and he'll see righteousness. Shepherd Your people as in the days of old when You brought them out of Egypt. As in those days, He will do miracles. Nations will tremble. He will have compassion again and tread our iniquities under foot and cast sin into the depths of the sea.
  • Speak out so reproaches can be turned back.
  • Don't speak for bribes, money, or for injustice.
  • Speak by the Spirit of the Lord with justice and courage to make known the sin and rebellion which keeps the land from rest.
  • The Lord will come and rule the nations. 
  • Come, learn from His mountain. 
  • Walk in His way and rest from war will come.
  • Travail in birth now and He will redeem you from the place of captivity.
  • The place of rescue may appear as a place of captivity, but walk in the name of the Lord and learn His ways, and He will redeem you.
  • The child from Bethlehem arises to shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord and majesty of His name.
  • He will show miracles and execute vengeance on the disobedient nations. 
  • He will plead your case.
  • Wait and watch for Him.
  • Do Justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with your God.




Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Speaking Hosea, Joel, and Amos

 

Hosea, Joel, & Amos

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Hosea, Joel and Amos.

Hosea Summaries
7-16-2020

The Lord compares Israel to a harlot who has committed adultery against the Lord. A spirit of harlotry kept them from returning to Him. He delights in loyalty and knowledge of God over sacrifices. They don't consider that the Lord remembers their wickedness. They make kings and princes, but not by Him. They mix themselves with the nations who, by doing so, are able to devour their strength. His law is regarded as a strange thing. He does not delight in their sacrifices--idols of their silver and gold. Their prophets and inspired men are foolish and demented because of their iniquity. 

The forefathers were like the earliest fruit, but then went to Baal-peor. The more Israel prospered, the more they turned from the Lord. The high places will be destroyed. Samaria will go to Assyria. Sow with a view to righteousness. Reap in accordance to kindness. Break up your fallow ground, its time to seek the Lord. Yet He can't give them up again. They will return from all over and walk with Him. He'll settle them in their houses.

Jacob took his brother's heel in the womb and as a man he contended with God. Ephraim said because he's become rich, there's no iniquity in his labors. The Lord gave them pasture, they became satisfied, and their satisfaction made them proud. They forgot the Lord. Take words and return to the Lord. He will heal their apostasy and love them freely. Whoever is wise and discerning, understand that the way of the Lord is right. The righteous will walk in it, but the wicked will stumble in it.

  • Remember the Lord, the husband of your youth. The one who gave you all you have.
  • Remember Him and do not play the harlot.
  • Return to the One. The Most High God.
  • The lion stands for righteousness and justice. He slays the wicked. Don't be wicked.
  • Return to the Lord.
  • Don't set kings and princes in place who are not of God.
  • Don't give your strength to strangers or put your children under authority not placed by God.
  • God takes pleasure in loyalty, and knowledge of Him over sacrificial offerings.
  • Take your breath--the breath of your generation--and breathe out words. Words to return to the Lord with.
  • Ask for iniquity to be taken away, for the Lord to receive you graciously.
  • Don't let your times of satisfaction and prosperity lead you away from the Lord--the One who gave you satisfaction and prosperity.
  • Be wise and discerning and understand that the way of the Lord is right.
  • Walk in His way.

Joel Summaries
7-17-2020

The word of the Lord to Joel. Has anything like this happened before? Tell your sons and their sons. The Lord has sent His army--the locusts. The swarming, stripping, creeping, and gnawing locusts. A nation has invaded His land--mighty without number. The field is ruined. The land mourns. Grain and drink offerings are cut off. The priests mourn. Consecrate a fast, a solemn assembly. The Day of the Lord is near. It will come as destruction from the Almighty. A day of darkness and gloom. A great and mighty people that leave the garden of Eden before them as desolation behind them. Nothing escapes His army. His camp is great. Strong is He who carries out His word. Who can endure? 

Yet even now, return to the Lord, He may relent. Blow a trumpet. Consecrate a fast. He will be zealous and satisfy His people and remove the northern army. He's given you the early and latter rain as before. He will make up for the years of the locusts. After this, He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Old men will dream dreams. Young men will see visions. He will display wonders in the Earth--blood, fire, columns of smoke. The sun will turn dark, the moon blood before the great and awesome Day of the Lord. Whoever calls on His name will be delivered. At that time, when He restores the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, He will gather all nations to the valley of Jehoshaphat--the valley of decision. Multitudes in the valley of decision. He will enter into judgment with them on behalf of Israel whom they've scatted and divided their land. The harvest is ripe. Put in the sickle. The sun and moon grow dark, the stars dim, the Lord roars. Heaven and earth tremble, but the Lord is a refuge for His people and a stronghold for Israel. Jerusalem will be holy.

  • Whoever, wherever, and whenever you are--the answer is to turn to the Lord. To call on His name.
  • No one can endure His judgment or stand against His army.
  • Make the decision to call on Him.
  • He will pour out His Spirit.
  • He will make up for the years of the locust.
  • He will send the rains.
  • He is a refuge for His people. A stronghold for Israel.
  • The Lord dwells in Zion.
Amos Summaries
7-19-2020

Amos was a herdsman and grower of sycamore figs when the Lord called him to prophesy to Israel during the time of Jeroboam II. He had visions for all the tribes and other nations as well--Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab. God reminded the Israelites of what He did for them when He brought them out of Egypt, but they followed the sins of their fathers instead. He raised up prophets and Nazarites, but they told the prophets not to prophesy and made the Nazarites drink wine.

There is a reason, of course, for all things that happen. If there is a calamity, hasn't the Lord done it? But surely He does nothing without revealing to His servants the prophets. The Lord has spoken, who can but prophesy? All these calamities have happened, yet they have not returned to the Lord. There's no one to raise Israel up. She'll be brought down 90%. 

Seek the Lord. Seek good, not evil, so you may live. What will the Day of the Lord be for you? Darkness or light? He rejected their festivals, solemn assemblies, offerings, the noise of their songs and harps. In the 40 year wilderness they carried their images and didn't sacrifice to Him. They will go into exile. Woe to those who live at ease in Zion and Samaria. They've not grieved over the ruin of Joseph. 

The Lord showed Amos locusts and fire destroying the land. Amos prayed and God relented, but showed him a plumb line and said Israel would not be spared anymore. The sword is against the house of Jeroboam. Amos was accused of conspiracy and told to go prophesy in Judah. He had a vision of summer fruit and was told Israel would be spared no more. Their greed, cheating, and dishonesty was spoken of. He'll bring a famine for the word of the Lord, but no one will find it. He will destroy the sinful kingdom, yet not all of it. He speaks of the restoration of the Booth of David and Israel to their land, never to be rooted out again.
  • There is a reason for the things that happen.
  • When calamity comes, hasn't the Lord done it?
  • Yet He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.
  • When He speaks, who can not prophesy?
  • Look at what is happening. See the cause. Listen to the prophets.
  • The Lord treads on the high places of the Earth. The Lord God of hosts is His name.
  • What will the Day of the Lord be like for you? Darkness or light?
  • Do you grieve over the sin of your nation? 
  • Do you pray for God's mercy?
  • Do you see accurately and judge as God does?
  • Do you seek the Lord? 
  • Do you seek good, not evil?
  • Are you impatient for the Sabbath to be over so you may resume your dishonest business?
  • Are your offerings, assemblies, and songs of worship sincere?
  • Do you long for the word of the Lord?
  • Do you know the Lord who is over all the heavens and the earth?



Monday, December 28, 2020

Speaking Daniel

 

Daniel

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Daniel.


Daniel Summaries
7-13-2020

Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, seized Jerusalem during the reign of Jehoiakim, King of Judah. Daniel was among youths taken to be educated and placed in the king's service. Nebuchadnezzar had dreams which none of his wise men could interpret, except Daniel. Daniel was promoted, yet remained faithful to God. His three friends were cast into the furnace for not worshiping Nebuchadnezzar's statue, yet they were protected by the Lord and a decree was issued for no one to speak against their God. Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream which warned him of arrogance but he didn't listen, which resulted in him living with the beasts for a time. He honored God afterwards. 

Nebuchadnezzar's son, Belshazzar, ruled after him and did not honor God. In fact, he drank wine from the gold and silver vessels from Jerusalem at a feast. A hand appeared and wrote on a wall which Daniel interpreted to say that his kingdom was taken from him and given to the Medes and Persians. Darius (of the Medes) became king and Daniel was promoted under Darius. Some conspired against Daniel, getting Darius to sign a law which would cause him to violate it when he prayed to God. There was no avoiding it so he was thrown into the lion's den, but God protected him. His conspirators were thrown in after that, along with their families. 

Daniel had visions which revealed the direction of kings and kingdoms. The Medo-Persian empire, Greece, Alexander the Great, of which would arise something in the end of days--kingdoms--and an everlasting kingdom being given to the saints in the end. Various periods of time were spoken of for things to be fulfilled-- 3 1/2 years, 2300 days, 70 weeks, 1290 days and 1330 days. In the end, those written in the book are rescued, those with insight will shine bright, yet fall in order to be purged and refined. Some will awaken to everlasting life, some to everlasting contempt.
  • Don't follow the crowd, not even an elite one.
  • Maintain your integrity and faithfulness to God no matter where it looks like it may lead. True deliverance, promotion, and prosperity is on this path. 
  • Whatever your position, seek to make known God and bring His glory into it.
  • The Most High God of heaven rules over the realm of mankind. He gives it to those He wishes.
  • All His works are true. His ways just.
  • God is able to humble those who walk in pride.
  • The Ancient of Days will come to pass judgment on the one who boasts and wages war against God and His saints.
  • His dominion will be given to the saints. They will be given an eternal kingdom.
  • Rescue will come to those whose name is written in the book.
  • Those who know their God will display strength and take action.
  • Those who have insight will give understanding to many and shine brightly.
  • Those who lead the many to righteousness will shine like starts forever. Yet a time of falling will refine, purge, and make pure.



Sunday, December 27, 2020

Speaking Ezekiel

 

Ezekiel

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Ezekiel.

Ezekiel Summaries
7-9-2020

Ezekiel is a priest in captivity in Babylon. He has a vision of the Cherubim and the wheels. He receives his call to speak to the people of Israel who are stubborn. He would be mute and speak only when the Lord opened his mouth to speak until Jerusalem was captured. The Lord gave him intercessory and prophetic acts to do as examples/parables to the people. He built bricks and a siege ramp, he laid on his left and right sides for long periods of time, he was given a specific bread recipe, shaved his hair and beard etc.

Ezekiel saw visions and prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, the sins of the people, and the glory of God leaving the temple. Those who grieved over the abominations would be marked on their foreheads, but everyone else would be killed. Some would leave the city, go into captivity and their life would be spared. Ezekiel prophesied that the Lord would one day gather and return His people to Jerusalem. They will have one heart, a new spirit. 

He prophesies against the prophets who don't speak God's words, but their own. Some come to inquire of the Lord, but the Lord will not speak for their hearts have idols. The Lord compares Jerusalem to an unwanted child whom He cared for. She grew strong, beautiful, mighty, and wealthy, but she forgot her youth and trusted in her beauty. She played the harlot with the nations. Nebuchadnezzar would come and destroy. They would try and trust Egypt but to no avail. Yet the Lord would save a sprig to put on the mountain of Israel to one day grow again. 

Each person will bear the consequence of their own sin or righteousness--not that of their father's sins. The prophet, the intercessor and watchman, needs to warn the wicked. He continues to speak of their sin--His people shedding blood--child sacrifices, idols, mistreatment, profaning the holy. Ezekiel's wife died as a sign. He was not to mourn. He prophesied against nations who rejoiced at Israel's fall. Who took advantage of her. He prophesied against the king of Tyre as Lucifer himself, in Eden, falling with pride. His wisdom and beauty corrupted him as he was internally filled with violence by the abundance of his trade.

He spoke against Egypt. Israel will never trust in them again. The watchman must sound the trumpet when he sees the sword or the blood of the wicked is on his hands. He said the people listen to Ezekiel like they would a pretty song, they hear but they don't do. He prophesied against the shepherds who don't care for the sheep but only themselves. The Lord will be their Shepherd. Israel will again rise and be a mighty army.

He prophesied against Gog and Magog. The Lord will bring Gog against Israel where he will be slaughtered along with all his troops and people. Israel will burn their weapons for seven years and bury their corpses for seven months. God will set His glory among the nations. In the 25th year of exile, Ezekiel had the vision of the city and temple sanctuary. A man like bronze with a measuring rod took him around and showed it all, measuring everything. The temple, sanctuary, altars where sacrifices are made, chambers and gates. There would be priests--Levites--but the sons of Zadok would be separate because they were faithful. There is a prince. The garments of the priests are described. The prince provides sacrifice for himself and the sins of the people. Water comes from under the temple and flows into a river where all who are in it live. Many fish of all kinds. Trees on the sides bear fruit every month because of the water from the sanctuary. Leaves are for healing. Division of the land to twelve tribes. All the aliens to be included as a native born and given inheritance with the tribes.

  • A word of warning, judgement, and truth from God is good.
  • Watchmen and intercessors, take all His words into your heart. Listen closely and speak.
  • Warn! Do. Display. Perhaps the rebellious will hear and repent.
  • The Lord's prophets proclaimed what would happen so the remnant of the remnant would know He is God.
  • His glory is not for the pride or pleasure of man.
  • Don't deny. Don't delay. Now is the time to turn to the Lord.
  • Submit and surrender to Him now.
  • Don't mislead the people by building a false wall of hope. It won't stand no matter how pretty you try and make it look.
  • Even if others agree, don't come to inquire of the Lord with idols in your heart and before your face.
  • Don't be pressured into giving a false word of pleasantry.
  • When judgment comes to a country, each one can only save themselves. 
  • It will be obvious that His judgment is not in vain as the survivors return to Him.
  • Remember--O Nation--who caused your growth, beauty, wealth, royalty. 
  • Turn away from your adultery, idols, and pride.
  • Humble yourself before the Lord and be kept from submission to foreign kings.
  • Keep God's covenant.
  • Remember your youth.
  • If judgment comes, submit to the Lord, not foreign alliances.
  • He only is the Lord who delivers.
  • Each one, come to the Lord with a sincere heart.
  • Seek His ways and the history of generations passed.
  • Don't blindly follow your fathers--the traditions and practices that are unrighteous.
  • Seek truth. Seek the Lord's righteousness.
  • What is right? Turn from the wicked ways and practices.
  • When sanctuaries are defiled both the righteous and wicked are cut off.
  • When dross forms on silver, the furnace of His anger melts it away.
  • Prophets are to build the wall and repair the breaches by speaking truth, not white washing lies.
  • Priests are to teach. Princes to be honest. People to be righteous.
  • Don't look to the political and military strength of other nations with desire. 
  • Look to the temple, but even then, not with pride--with humility, a longing desire for the presence of the Lord.
  • Those who laugh at the fall of His people and take advantage of it will suffer His wrath.
  • Wealth and beauty will not save in the day of His wrath.
  • Beauty can cause arrogance, and splendor can corrupt wisdom--even the wisdom which brought wealth.
  • Wealth can cause unrighteousness and violence.
  • Remember the Lord who gives beauty, splendor, wisdom, and wealth.
  • Honor Him in righteousness and humility.
  • Cling to Him, not these other things.
  • Arrogance can cause great leaders and nations to think they can never be brought down.
  • God gave a wailing and a lament to the prophet to bring it down.
  • Fear God and instruct the people to do the same.
  • Blow the trumpet when you see the sword--warn the people.
  • Shepherds, care for the people as you would your own life. They too must live and feed.
  • Don't live off the past. What is in your heart today?
  • Where are your attention and desires now?
  • The Lord will judge between sheep and set His Shepherd over them.
  • The land of Israel will bear fruit for God's people.
  • The land was defiled by their sin, possessed by their enemy, but God will gather and restore His people.
  • He will put His Spirit within them, breathe life into them. They will arise, walk in His ways, and be a mighty army.
  • One nation, with an everlasting covenant with God.
  • Gog will be summoned to invade with an evil plan, but the land will quake at the presence of the Lord and destroy him, so all nations will know that God is the Lord.
  • Those who oppose God and His people will not stand in the end.
  • He will make His name known and set His glory among the nations.
  • He will pour out His Spirit upon His people, having gathered them from their exile.
  • He will not hide from them again.
  • He will be their God and they His people.
  • The glory of the Lord will fill His prepared temple where the altar has been purified and consecrated on the most holy mountain, and where the wall separates the holy from the profane. Where the faithful and righteous priests minister properly clothed in the presence of the Lord. Where His throne is, and the soles of His feet are among His people forever.
  • The Lord has entered His temple. No more abominations.
  • Attend to your own sanctuary.
  • Remain faithful regardless of what others are doing.
  • Tend to the land He has allotted for you.
  • Worship, consecrate, be holy, and teach your children.
  • Jump into the river which flows from the sanctuary of God and live.
  • Eat the fruit.
  • The leaves heal.
  • Find your place, your tribe, your work in the city of God called, The Lord is There.



Saturday, December 26, 2020

Speaking Jeremiah & Lamentations

 

Jeremiah & Lamentations

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Jeremiah and Lamentations.

Jeremiah Summaries
6-20-2020

This is the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah in the days of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah until the exile of Jerusalem. Judah and Jerusalem would not return to the Lord so disaster was proclaimed and destruction brought. They could have been a blessing to the nations. If just one man on the street would have sought justice and truth, He would have pardoned. The great and the prophets had also turned away--prophet and priest. They say peace when the Lord hasn't. There was greed, offering children on the fire, idols. If they would turn to the Lord, He would let them stay in His house. If they did justice--take care of orphans, widows, aliens. They refused and instead they shed innocent blood and worshiped idols. 

Jeremiah laments over the people. He tells them not to boast in their wisdom, might, or riches. They plot to kill him. The Lord says if the neighboring nations who seize Israel's inheritance really trust the Lord, He will build up them up among His people. The Lord told Jeremiah at times not to pray for them. No longer hope. Some were destined for the sword, death, famine or captivity. Because of Manasseh, they've polluted His land with their idols. They will be servants in a land they didn't know. If they would repent, He would relent, but they didn't. They beat Jeremiah and put him in prison.

Zedekiah released Jeremiah, asking him for a word. A king is not about building your kingdom, but righteousness and justice, taking care of the needy and afflicted. He will raise up a Righteous Branch. The prophet and priest are polluted. They could have turned the people to Him, but instead they speak their own dreams and words as God's. 

Jeremiah warned the people for 23 years. He said Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, would defeat them. They would serve him in Babylon for 70 years. Then Babylon would be judged and punished. The Lord told Jeremiah to speak His word. Perhaps they would listen, but they didn't. They wanted to kill him. The Lord had given all the nations to serve Nebuchadnezzar. All the vessels of the Lord's house would be taken. Hananiah prophesied they'd be returned in two years. He was wrong and died that year because of prophesying falsely.

Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles in Babylon telling them to build houses, plant, marry, have children, and seek the welfare of the land. The Lord told Jeremiah to write all the words in a book. The Lord spoke of the day when Israel would return rejoicing. The book Jeremiah wrote was read by the king who burned it, so Jeremiah wrote another. He was imprisoned and taken out by Zedekiah. Then they put him in a cistern to die, but he was rescued.

Jeremiah told Zedekiah Egypt would not save them and how he could spare his own life. But Zedekiah was captured, blinded, and imprisoned until death. Once the city was captured, Jeremiah was free to go as he pleased. He stayed in Jerusalem but the appointed leader was murdered so the people fled to Egypt against what the Lord said. They would be destroyed but a few refugees would return to Judah.

 There were prophecies against the nations--The Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam, and finally Babylon. Jerusalem is captured.

  • Ask the Lord what He had in mind for you before He formed you in the womb.
  • Stay faithful to His commands.
  • Maintain holiness in the land He's called you to.
  • Seek justice and truth.
  • Walk in His ways and instruct those who don't know the way.
  • Prophets, arise and speak the Word of the Lord, not wind.
  • Put away idols.
  • Serve the Lord and the land remains yours.
  • Know the times, seasons, and migrations.
  • It's time to return to the Lord. It is the only path to peace.
  • Why would you worship what you've made and not the One who made you? Is that thing worthy of your allegiance?
  • Lies and deceit do not bring stability and peace.
  • Follow eternal truths.
  • Can your wisdom, might, or riches save you?
  • The Lord made all things by His power, wisdom, understanding, and voice.
  • He executes justice, lovingkindness, and righteousness in the Earth.
  • Let times of trial strengthen you, not weaken.
  • Seek truth, not words of ease.
  • Evil pollutes the land. Idols pollute the heart, bringing destruction on the land and the people.
  • Return to the Lord and the land will return to you.
  • Yield to the Lord while they clay of your heart is still pliable.
  • The king is not to build his own kingdom, but do righteousness and justice.
  • The Lord our righteousness will reign.
  • He will gather the scattered sheep.
  • Prophet and priest--stand in the council of the Lord and announce to the people so they may turn from evil ways.
  • The Lord gives the nations to whom He pleases.
  • Seek the true word of the Lord--written and prophetic.
  • Submit to the Lord's plans for you--placement and positioning.
  • Times of distress will become times of building, planting, and growing.
  • The new, everlasting covenant of God is that He will place His laws within His people, written on their hearts. 
  • He will be their God. They will know Him and He will forgive their sin.
  • Proclaim the word of the Lord. Read from the book. Write His words.
  • Those who seek their own welfare try to silence the prophetic voice.
  • Stay faithful.
  • 30 men to rescue the prophetic voice.
  • A remnant will remain to sow in the land.
  • False gods only give false security.
  • The Lord's way is the only way. The only good way, true way, and way to peace.
  • Don't trust in your own achievements or treasures.
  • Pride, self-exaltation, sacrificing to other gods brings a pit, a snare, and terror.
  • Trust in the Lord. Your nation is in His hands, not yours.
  • Who is like God? Who can summon Him to court?
  • He will appoint whom He chooses.
  • His plans will prevail.
  • He upholds all things--the boundaries of the nations and the appointed times of man.
  • There is a consequence to sin and the Lord will bring correction, but woe to the one who is used to bring correction but does not show mercy.
  • There is a time to leave your captors who will be judged.
  • Run to the land, back to the land He promised you.
  • Remember Him.
  • Remember the Lord.
  • Find your place and honor Him in that place so others will not dishonor Him there.
Lamentations Summaries
6-22-2020

Zion is separated from her people is like widow. The roads are in mourning because no one is coming to the feasts. Foreigners are in the sanctuary. Strongholds are thrown down. The meeting place is destroyed. God has rejected His altar and abandoned His sanctuary. Judah is in exile--has become a forced laborer. The priests are groaning, the virgins afflicted. She is afflicted and homeless and remembers the precious things of Jerusalem. Jerusalem greatly sinned and her young ones are in captivity. Her priests and elders have perished. The Lord has poured out His wrath. The little ones faint with hunger. The prophets see false and foolish visions. Cry aloud and lift up your hands to the Lord for your little ones.

Jeremiah recounts what his prophetic call has cost him, but then remembers his own sin and wanderings. He has hope in the Lord's lovingkindness. It is good to wait for Him. The Lord doesn't take pleasure in afflicting people. Who is able to speak and have it come to pass unless the Lord commanded it? From His mouth both good and ill come forth. Let us examine and probe our ways and return to Him. When he called from his lowest pit, He heard, drew near and said, Don't fear. The famine in Jerusalem was horrible. Infants thirst, children hungry, and no one feeding them. Women boiling their children to eat. Better to die of sword than famine. The Lord's anger consumed Zion's foundations. The punishment completed. He will exile no longer. A prayer--look what's happened to us--woe to us for we've sinned. Our fathers sinned and we bore their iniquities. You O Lord rule forever. Restore us. Renew us. Unless you've utterly rejected us.

  • Cry aloud for the meeting place where heaven and earth meet, where God and His people gather and feast, to be restored.
  • Seek Him and turn from the false and foolish prophets.
  • Examine your own heart and repent of your sin.
  • Cry aloud for your children.
  • What part do you play in the condition of your city? Your nation?
  • Look at yourself through the eyes of truth and repentance.
  • He is the Lord. He rules on high. 
  • He speaks and it comes to pass.


Thursday, August 20, 2020

Speaking Isaiah

 

Isaiah

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Isaiah.

Isaiah Summaries
6-1-2020

Isaiah's vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the times from Uzziah to Helzekiah. Israel had rebelled, didn't even know Him. Their land was desolate. He said to remove their evil deeds and learn to do good. He said He would turn His hand against the faithful city also who had become a harlot. But then He would restore it and they'd be called the city of righteousness. His mountain will be called the chief mountain and people will come to be taught the ways of the Lord. He will judge the nations. A remnant in the land will be purged and called holy, to remain as the seed of the stump. 

He spoke of the Branch, the Promised One, who will break the yoke of burden. The root of Jesse with the Spirit of the Lord. The seven spirits of God will strike with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked. 

He spoke of the star of the morning who's fallen from heaven. He wanted to ascend above the Most High, he will be brought to Sheol. His sons must not arise and take possession of the earth. 

He prophesied concerning Babylon, Assyria, Damascus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tyre. They will cry out from the west concerning the majesty of the Lord, so glorify Him in the east.

The Lord said He has worked wonderful plans from long ago. Israel will blossom and fill the world with fruit. But they wouldn't listen. Even the priest and prophet reeled with strong drink. All those who are intent on doing evil will be cut off. He offered to save them through repentance and rest, but they were not willing. Blessed are those who long for Him. 

He told them their Teacher will no longer hide Himself. He will bless them and heal the wound He's inflicted. There will be refuge, streams, and shade when the Spirit is poured out from on high. Take courage and don't fear. 

Sennacherib came and spoke words to produce fear, but Hezekiah prayed and the Lord defeated him. When Hezekiah was ill, he prayed and the Lord gave him 15 more years, but he showed the men of Babylon all his treasures and the Lord told him they would all be carried off to Babylon. Yet, Babylon will be ashamed. He gave Israel into their hands but they did not show mercy. 

He told them they fast to solve disputes, not to make their voice be heard on high, not to undo the yoke or free the captives, or give bread to the poor, the homeless, the naked, or even their own flesh. Instead, remove the yoke, the pointing finger, the speaking of wickedness, and take care of the needy. Keep from your own pleasure on the Sabbath and delight in His holy day. 

He said that His covenant is His Spirit upon you. His words in His mouth will not depart from you or your children or grandchildren. His holy city will no longer be called Desolate or Forsaken, but "My Delight is in Her" and "Married." He is our Father, our potter. We are the clay, the work of His hands. He will dwell with the humble and contrite, those who tremble at His word.

  • The Lord is tired of outward expressions of worship and righteousness which are not sincere.
  • The word of the Lord removes dross.
  • Judges and counselors can be restored.
  • The mountain of the Lord will rise, come and learn His ways.
  • The Lord gave the vineyard to the people to produce fruit, but those who get drunk instead and pay no attention to Him will be cast out.
  • Man will be humbled, but the Lord will be exalted in judgement, and revealed as holy.
  • The remnant who remain will be called holy, purged by the spirit of judgment and burning.
  • Recognize the hand of the Lord when it strikes because of sin, but the tool He uses to bring correction should not become arrogant either. The Lord's attention will turn to him.
  • The Promised One will be a great light and break the yoke, rule with justice, and there will be no end to His government.
  • Give thanks to the Lord when His anger is turned from you. He is your strength and song and has become your salvation.
  • The proud will die out.
  • False strength will fade.
  • When civil war, demoralization, cruel, and foolish leaders, famine, and economic troubles occur, turn to the Lord and cry out to Him. 
  • Pledge allegiance to Him. He will hear and send a Champion, a Savior, to heal and deliver.
  • Don't trust in nations or the weapons of a king, or false gods and idols.
  • The Lord clothes with authority for His righteous purposes, but the earth totters under heavy transgression and will be destroyed.
  • The Lord will reign in Zion and Jerusalem.
  • The judgments of the Lord bring righteousness to those who learn. Give ear and listen.
  • He has wonderful plans-a lavish banquet. He will wipe away all tears and remove the reproach of His people.
  • Open the gates so the righteous nation may enter.
  • Distress comes to those who reject the Lord, refuse His instruction, and make their own plans and alliances. Who honor Him in word only, not in heart. 
  • The Lord is judge, lawgiver, and king.
  • He is the stability of your times.
  • When the Spirit is poured out from on High, justice and righteousness will dwell in the land.
  • Never mind their threats, walk on the highway of holiness where they can't reach you.
  • Spread their threatening letters before the Lord. He will deliver, and all will know He is God.
  • What you do in this generation affects the next. 
  • He does not become weary. He gives strength to the weary.
  • The Spirit of God placed upon His Servant is a light to the nations, a covenant of the people.
  • Sing a new song from the ends of the earth. Praise Him in the coastlands, He's doing a new thing.
  • There is no God besides Him. He has spoken and He'll bring it to pass.
  • Return to Him, Israel, He's wiped out your transgressions and sins. 
  • Your way is not hidden from the Lord. Only the Lord is God. The idols of the nations are nothing. He is the first and last. There is no God besides Him. He has announced and declared and planned, and His purpose will be established.
  • He has aroused Cyrus in righteousness.
  • The word has gone from His mouth in righteousness and will not turn back.
  • Every knee will bow to Him and every tongue swear allegiance.
  • He speaks and declares ahead of time what is to come so people will know He is God.
  • He tests in the furnace of affliction, but delays and restrains His wrath so His people are not cut off.
  • The Promised One has learned the way of a disciple so He knows how to sustain the weary with a word. He has formed Him in the womb to be a servant. He's given Him the tongue and ear of a disciple so He knows how to sustain the weary with a word. He was obedient, sacrificed Himself. A law will go forth. He bore our griefs and sorrows, all of our iniquities. 
  • Zion and Jerusalem, you've drunken the cup of the Lord's anger, but never again.
  • Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.
  • He has interceded and no weapon formed against you will prosper.
  • You will be established in righteousness. Listen carefully to Him. 
  • God's thoughts and ways are higher. They water the earth and make it bud, as does His spoken word. They return to Him having accomplished His intended purpose. 
  • He who takes refuge in the Lord will inherit the land and possess His holy mountain.
  • He lives in a high and holy place, but also with the humble and contrite spirit.
  • In the day of your fast, remove the yoke, the pointing finger, the wicked ways. Take care of the needy.
  • Delight in His Sabbath.
  • Watchmen, do not be silent. Those who remind the Lord--don't rest or let Him rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 


Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Speaking Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon

 

Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.

Ecclesiastes Summary
5-11-2020

  • Each generation must learn, work, and discover wisdom, knowledge, and joy.
  • There are appointed times to each generation.
  • The works of God remain forever.
  • The works of man, whom are they given to?
  • One hand of rest is better than two fists of labor.
  • Two are better than one.
  • Listen and learn. Know the proper time and procedures.
  • You must know what will happen before you can know when it will happen.
  • Enjoy the reward of your labor, but pass on wisdom with your inheritance.
  • Your time on earth is short.
  • No one--rich or poor, wise or foolish, good or evil--controls his life after death.
  • God judges all things. Fear Him and keep His commandments.
  • Do your work with all your might, enjoying your days, your wife, your life, while remembering your Creator.
Song of Solomon Summary
5-13-2020
  • The bride who seeks the king is beautiful to him.
  • Rest in his shade. 
  • Taste his fruit.
  • Look for his coming.
  • Listen for his voice.
  • If he's not to be found--seek him.
  • Embrace him when he's found and don't let him go until intimacy comes.
  • He comes with warriors and a wedding day crown.
  • Offer yourself, your fragrant garden, your choice fruits of intimacy to him.
  • Respond to his call. Don't hesitate.
  • Seek him and speak of his beauty. He speaks of yours.
  • His desire is for you.
  • Kiss him openly.
  • Give what is due from his vineyard--to him--and for the care of the fruit.
  • Let him hear your voice and hasten his return.


Sunday, August 16, 2020

Speaking Proverbs

 

Proverbs

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Proverbs.


Proverbs Summary
5-8-2020
  • Seek out and study the proverbs, the witty sayings that teach the ways of God.
  • His wisdom, instruction, knowledge, and understanding are for those who choose the fear of the Lord. Choose it over the way of the violent and wicked.
  • Choose the upright and blameless way--kindness and truth--and you'll find favor with God and man, healing, plenty, and blessing.
  • Acknowledge Him, don't reject His discipline. It will add length of days, years, and peace to you.
  • Wisdom, understanding and instruction will bring discretion and knowledge. 
  • Go after it. Don't forget it. Embrace it. She will guard you. They are life and health.
  • The voice of wisdom is crying out. She is the path of righteousness and truth. Diligence and discernment. Generosity and discretion. The fear of the Lord.
  • Foolishness also calls out offering false wisdom.
  • Arise and awaken to righteousness. Desire and seek after it. Follow it. It will exalt your nation.
  • Let your words be few and true. When you speak, ponder what and when to say.
  • Speak wise and pleasant words. Life -giving reproof.
  • Commit your plans to the Lord and they will be established. He will direct your steps.
  • Don't follow the path of the fool, lazy, drunkard, angry, or liar. 
  • Don't trust in riches.
  • Maintain integrity, even if it means being poor.
  • Be generous to the poor.
  • Keep strife out of the home to bring the favor of the Lord.
  • Your words will feed you. Choose them wisely.
  • The righteous king will be upheld. Loyalty and truth will preserve him.
  • Hasty and lying behavior to gain riches and feed appetites lead to poverty and death.
  • Laziness, debt, bribery, and bad counsel lead to trouble.
  • Guard your mouth and tongue.
  • Listen to truth--buy it. Don't sell it.
  • Be pure in heart, applying discipline, humility, and the fear of the Lord.
  • Be diligent. Make plans. Listen to knowledge. Be generous.
  • Let the wicked counselors and advisors be removed from the land, from leadership positions and influence. 
  • Establish leadership positions in righteousness, built by wisdom, established by understanding, filled by knowledge.
  • Let the faithful and wise rise up and lead.
  • Seek understanding and friends who also seek understanding. Listen to their counsel and rebuke.
  • The king brings stability to the land by justice.
  • Remove bribery from leadership.
  • Let the king judge all things in truth.
  • Let the righteous kings arise. Those who do not desire drink, but soberly maintain what is right.
  • Speak up for the rights of the unfortunate. Defend the needy and afflicted.
  • Let the wise wives arise who fear the Lord and tend to their homes, families, and business with strength, dignity, wisdom, and kindness.
  • Let the pure generation arise who bless their parents, heed wisdom, are humble and generous.


Thursday, July 9, 2020

Speaking Psalms

Psalms

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Psalms.


Psalms Summary
4-28-2020
  • Delight yourself in the law of the Lord--you will be fruitful in season and sleep in peace.
  • The wicked will fall in their own pit.
  • Both the righteous and wicked are in the earth. The wicked curse and deceive, think there is no God and no consequence.
  • God looks for those who understand and seek Him.
  • He judges the nations righteously.
  • The righteous will behold His face. Their heritage is beautiful. Their heart is tried.
  • The Word of the Lord is pure, tried in the furnace of the earth.
  • He is with the righteous generation. He answers the prayers of those who see His glory and the perfection of His law--those who fear Him and know that without Him they can't even discern their own error.
  • Wait before the Lord. Seek His face. Behold His beauty.
  • The shepherd king leads, guides, and teachers. He delivers, instructs and shares secrets with those who stand before him with clean hands and a pure heart.
  • Seek to dwell in His house. Look for His purifying truth-telling light.
  • Declare His righteousness to the next generation.
  • Let the faithful take courage. Don't fret because of the wicked. They will wither and fade.
  • Keep your tongue from evil.
  • Cultivate faithfulness.
  • Delight in the Lord. Commit your way to Him. Rest in Him. Trust in Him.
  • Fear the Lord and you will not lack. You'll be delivered from every affliction and those too strong for you.
  • When the heavy burden, wounds, and anxiety of sin comes, confess to the Lord. Ask for healing of the soul. Thirst for God. Delight in His law. Speak of His faithfulness, salvation, lovingkindness and truth. 
  • Truth and lovingkindness will preserve you continually.
  • Each generation must learn from the past. Learn from the stories, but the future replaces the past.
  • Don't trust in wealth.
  • Days, times, seasons, years, and lifetimes, judge the people.
  • Make a covenant with God--a broken and contrite spirit--a sacrifice of thanksgiving. 
  • If He is silent to the wicked it doesn't mean He agrees.
  • The wicked speak evil from birth.
  • Take refuge in the shadow of God's wings until destruction passes by.
  • Your tears are in His bottle and book.
  • Lead us to the higher rock.
  • Shout joyfully and lift your hands to the One who is worthy and delivers you. Who stills the seas, waves, and tumult of the people.
  • He cares for the needy.
  • His enemies melt like wax before Him.
  • God hears the cries and prayers of the afflicted, their sacrificed songs and thanksgivings. He knows their folly and wrongs. He is their rock. 
  • Declare His wondrous works!
  • Don't grow weary in keeping yourself pure.
  • Don't envy the wicked for their time of destruction will come.
  • Wait. 
  • Remember His deeds.
  • All the earth is prepared and appointed by Him.
  • He judges at the appointed time.
  • Fear the Lord all the earth.
  • Tell your children the wonderful works of God, and the rebellion of their fathers. Tell them of God's mighty deeds and to trust Him and keep His commandments. Tell them to tell their children.
  • God shows favor to the land. Fear the Lord so His glory may dwell in the land.
  • Sing to God, your strength.
  • Remove all false gods.
  • The DNA of God and man through David--Jesus--merged to form a timeless generation of people--sons of God, to live and dwell both on earth and in heaven.
  • The years of our life, the voice of creation, and the adversity of the wicked, teach us so we may present a heart of wisdom to God in the end.
  • Tell of His glory all you people, all creation. 
  • Sing of His wonderful deeds. Salvation--His sovereignty rules.
  • He is coming to judge. His angels perform His word and obey His voice.
  • Write, so a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
  • Seek Him continually and consistently with all your breath and life.
  • He's clothed with splendor, majesty, and light.
  • Winds and fire are His messengers and ministers.
  • All the earth listens to Him.
  • Turn from evil and seek Him.
  • He brings the hungry to streams and sets them on high.
  • Princes who oppress He brings low.
  • Deliverance by man is vain.
  • His wondrous works are to be studied and remembered.
  • Light arises in darkness for the upright.
  • The righteous enter through the gates of thanksgiving. They will not fear evil tidings. Their descendants will be mighty. They will live, not die, and tell of the works of the Lord.
  • The Word of God is pure and forever settled in Heaven. It is truth. See it. Delight in it. Treasure it. Meditate on it. Wait for it. Cry out for it. Love them. Lift your hands to them. Keep them. Walk in them. Choose them. Observe them. Let them counsel you. You will be blessed, pure, free, contented, wise, strengthened, insightful, understanding, and at peace.
  • Go to Zion--His chosen dwelling place.
  • Be Zion. Trust in Him, and like Zion, you won't be moved.
  • Arise O Lord to Your resting place.
  • Surround Your people. 
  • Let the brethren dwell in unity like the oil of the high priest and the dew of Zion.
  • He knows the inner thoughts and form of everyone from the womb.
  • Bless the Lord!
  • Search our hearts O God and lead us in Your way.
  • Offer prayer as incense and lift your hands as an offering to the Lord.
  • Learn the will of God and the way you should walk.
  • Follow His good Spirit.
  • Praise His works to the next generation.
  • Call upon Him in truth and He will be near.
  • His favor is on those who fear Him. 
  • With the high praises of God in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand, His godly ones will execute vengeance--the judgment written.
  • Let all breath praise the Lord!



Sunday, June 21, 2020

Speaking Job

Job

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Job.


Job Summaries
4-4-2020

Job was a man from Uz. He was blameless and upright. He was very wealthy and helpful to the people. He sat in the gates and instructed the people. He had the final word on matters. He helped the poor and needy.  God saw him and was pleased. Satan, however, came to the Lord and accused Job of weak integrity saying he wouldn't hold up under pressure. The Lord gave permission to Satan to test him, yet within boundaries. Job's grief is great. He wishes for death. His friends come to visit him. Job maintains that he's done nothing wrong, that God has done this to him and he doesn't know why. He feels his righteousness didn't keep him safe. He says if he could argue his case before God he'd be vindicated. He says that his friends should comfort him, pity him, strengthen him, but instead they accuse him of sin and wickedness. They say he must have sinned and he should repent and then God would deliver him. The young one speaks after Job's friends finish talking and says that Job should listen to God's chastening and repent. Why should he expect God to tell him what He is doing? His case is before God and he must wait. He says that just because God hasn't come in anger, Job continues to talk and multiplies words without knowledge. He says that Job should consider the majesty of God and consider his own ways. The Lord finally speaks and humbles Job, speaking of creation and all He did to form it, and all He does to maintain it. Can Job do all that? Job repents. The Lord tells the three friends that they didn't speak right of Him as Job did. They will need to offer a sacrifice to Him and Job will pray for them. After Job prayed for his friends, his fortune was restored two-fold and his friends didn't suffer the wrath of God.

  • God boasts in His people's goodness, Satan accuses.
  • God provides evidence of His opinion because He is just in dealing with accusations.
  • Job was tested to prove God's claims.
  • When suffering or doubts arise, stay true to the Lord, even when you don't understand.
  • Know God's character as well as His power.
  • Look beyond a suffering person's words of despair. Strengthen, rather than condemn them.
  • Help the suffering person to not forsake the fear of the Almighty.
  • Don't faint when justice requires evidence. When God moves to strengthen you, or prove you, through testing.
  • Maintain your faithfulness through it all. Search your heart and call on Him.
  • Truth must be spoken in love.
  • Where is weeping? Where is intercession? Why take a stance against your brother instead of holding him up and walking him through his trouble? Where is comfort?
  • When hope seems about to die and everything seems against you, and circumstances are painful, don't forsake your faithfulness to God.
  • Seek the Lord when questions and doubts arise.
  • When He is silent, wait.
  • Are the righteous assured of never suffering trouble? Does trouble come only to the wicked? No.
  • Does God do, or allow, things for no reason? No.
  • Wisdom does not come up from the earth. It's not hidden in the earth. It's from God and He declares that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.
  • Calamity tests your humility as well as your faithfulness.
  • Your faithfulness is not something to be arrogant about.
  • Judge by truth and God's wisdom, not appearance.
  • Seek Him. Search His heart as well as yours.
  • When trouble comes, seek God. He gives songs in the night. He teaches us more than the beasts and makes us wiser than the birds of heavens.
  • Seek to become more than a creature of the earth, but to become a song and wise.
  • Creation speaks of the mysteries of God. We can see them. God will show us.
  • The mysteries of God in creation speak of His mysteries, wisdom and ways.
  • A proper response is awe, humility, and fear of the Lord.
  • Don't speak of what you don't know.
  • We need the whirlwind of God to come so we can see Him and hear Him, not just hear of Him.
  • The testing comes not just to prove our faithfulness, but also to strengthen the areas we are weak in.
  • 1 Peter 5:9-10: Resist the devil firm in the faith. After you have suffered a while, God will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 
  • If we just had God's protection with no adversity, we may be able to appear perfect and blameless, we might even behave perfect and blameless, but adversity comes and strengthens us. Adversity comes so we learn to appreciate the times without it. 
  • None of us are God. We're not that pure. So the potential is there for sin. 
  • Darkness comes and we are thankful for light. Suffering comes and we're thankful for peace. Lack comes and we are thankful for plenty.