Bible Study

Roams 8:28 – 29 (ESV)

“Circumstances”

28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

Those of you that know me fairly well believe know that I do not believe everything is perfect. In reading the above verse one might believe that everything is always perfect in  a broken world. Verse twenty-eight is true if you apply verse twenty nine that we being brought into the image of God.

Cancer is not good, death is not good, homelessness is not good, financial ruin is not good that is part of “everything.” Not all things are good.

Circumstances can change us for sure. You can get out poverty if you choose to work and better yourself, you can find a home. There are some thing we can do. You can avoid bad habits and save your heath. But, I understand things still happen to good people. I do not have the answer as to why – I wish I did. I do know God loves His creation and even sent His Son for it.

I mention to share a bit about something that happened to Cindy and me recently as we embarked on a visit to see our handsome one year old grandson in Florida. I took us three hours to get from our home to the Illinois side of the river normally no more than forty-five minutes. Stuff happens thankfully we love each other and had a wonderful time talking. I still have no idea what was wrong with the traffic other than it was Illinois.

Circumstances can make us or break us it is up to us. We can choose to move forward or we can choose to languish in defeat, God created us to be victorious over our circumstances. “Choose victory over defeat in your life.” (My quote).

God Bless

Bible Study June 30, 2025

“Happy, Happy, Happy or Am I”

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ‘

Rejoice. The joy that Paul calls for is not a happiness that depends on circumstances but a deep contentment that is in the Lord, based on trust in the sovereign, living God, and that therefore is available always, even in difficult times.

I read an article on the happiest Americans and they are not who we might believe they are.

“Teenagers of  today were asked what they most wanted out of life. Here is what a recent Pew Research poll titled “Teens’ Future Plans and Goals” found that 86% of teens say it’s extremely or very important to them to have a job or career they enjoy. Sixty-nine percent say close friendships matter deeply. And 58% say it’s very important to make a lot of money.

With high school and college graduation season nearly over, most commencement addresses will likely reflect advice helping a young person to think about flourishing in one of these areas. “

Although these are good and something to look forward to they do not provide real happiness.

What about marriage? Just 36% of teens say getting married is very important.

“This shift may seem unremarkable in a culture that increasingly values autonomy, financial success and self-expression. But there’s a glaring problem: none of those things — on their own — actually lead to human flourishing. “

According to Dr. Brad Wilcox, a leading social scientist and director of the National Marriage Project, the happiest Americans aren’t the wealthiest or the most successful in their careers. They’re not the ones with the largest Instagram following or the most adventurous travel resume. They’re not even the ones with the tightest circle of friends.

The happiest Americans are married, churchgoing and often parents. In fact, the happiest within this group are those who report being in a good marriage.

To say this out loud in today’s world feels almost rebellious. We tell young people to chase dreams, prioritize independence and keep their options open. But we rarely tell them that committing to another person and building a life of shared purpose could actually be the surest path to happiness.

Marriage isn’t always perfect. No relationship is. I read this the other day. A man asked his wife what would she do if he won the lottery. Her answer “I would take half and leave.” The husband “I won twelve dollars here’s half stay in touch.”  

We live is a society that is interested in what it can get out of today. But long term happiness is about God, family, and relationships.

God Bless.

Bible Study June 27, 2025

“Exceeding Courage”

Genesis 1:26  (ESV)

“ Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Over the past week I have shared some Bible characters that have shown courage. There are many more such as the twelve disciples who all but one died a martyr’s death only John dying of natural causes.

Joshua, Easther, Gideon, and David were all courageous but the most courage shown was that of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Jesus the incarnate Son of God conceived and born of the Virgin Mary. What courage she had to be pregnant and unwed.

He is the Son of God who was crucified and raised from the dead for the salvation of all who trust in Him. Jesus is our Messiah (Christ is the Greek translation of Messiah), the fulfillment of the old testament promises that God saves his people.

If you were to be asked who Jesus Christ is how would you answer that question?

For Christians, He is the unique Son of God, fully God and fully human, the Savior of the world, who came to take away the sins of the world. that’s the short answer. most people only take it that far.

Bur He is so much more: healer, forgiver, sanctifier, care giver, care taker, our hope for tomorrow (as well as today) What can you add?

How do you explain Jesus to someone?

Keep it simple and loving. you can share the gospel in ten words: Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave. Tell them how repenting and following Jesus changed your life!

What is your Jesus story? – write it out and memorize it if you are leading others this is a great tool to help in sharing the Good News.

God Bless.

Bible Study June 26, 2025

“Excellence After Sin” Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV)

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

No one is perfect we can start with that. David was a man after God’s own heart but he failed but even greater than that he was restored. No one has ventured so far away from God that he cannot return.

In the Bible, King David was a prominent figure, known for his: military prowess, spiritual depth, and role as the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel. He is depicted as a skilled warrior, a psalmist David’s story is recounted in the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and he is also mentioned in other scriptures.

David was the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons, a shepherd boy from Bethlehem. He was chosen by God to replace King Saul, who had disobeyed God’s commands.

David’s most famous act was slaying the Philistine giant Goliath, a victory that solidified his reputation and led to his eventual kingship.

David ruled Israel for 40 years, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and bringing the Ark of the Covenant there.

Later in his reign, David’s life was marred by sin, including his affair with Bathsheba and the rebellion of his son Absalom.

God promised David that his dynasty would last forever, and this promise was later fulfilled through David’s descendant, Jesus Christ.

After Saul’s death, David was anointed king by the tribe of Judah, and later, by all the tribes of Israel.

He established Jerusalem as the capital, called the “City of David,”

Despite his successes, David succumbed to temptation and committed adultery with Bathsheba, who became pregnant.

To cover his sin, David arranged for Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, to be killed in battle.

The prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, and David repented, but the consequences of his actions had a lasting impact on his family and kingdom.

David’s story is a complex one, highlighting both his strengths and weaknesses.

David’s story serves as a reminder that even the most gifted individuals can fall into sin, but that repentance and forgiveness are always possible.

Many people look at David for he did that was wrong – God looked at Davis for what he could do – he sees us the same way.

God knows our faults but when He forgives us He forgets them.

God can use anyone at any time, under any circumstance.

God Bless.

Bible Study June 25, 2025

“Gideon, A Man of Valor”

Judges 6:12 – 13

12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.”

In the Bible, Gideon is a pivotal figure in the Book of Judges, known for his role as a military leader, judge, and prophet. He is famously remembered for something very significant in the Old Testament.

The biblical story of Gideon, found in the Book of Judges, (6 – 8) and centers around his call to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites, despite his initial fear and self-doubt. God empowers Gideon to lead a small army, demonstrating that victory comes: through faith and reliance on God rather than military strength.

 God’s Assurance and Gideon’s Tests: God provides Gideon with signs: including fire consuming meat and a fleece that is wet while the ground is dry, and vice versa. These signs reassure Gideon, but he continues to seek confirmation even as he prepares for battle.

4. Reducing the Army and the Night Attack: Gideon gathers an army of 32,000, but God instructs him to reduce it, first to 10,000 and then to a mere 300 men, emphasizing that victory will be attributed to Him, not to Israel’s strength. Gideon and his small army launch a surprise attack on the Midianite camp at night, using trumpets, torches hidden in jars, and shouts to create confusion and panic, leading to a rout of the Midianites.

Key takeaways from Gideon’s story:

God chooses the unlikely,  God can use anyone, regardless of their perceived limitations.

Faith and obedience are crucial Gideon’s story demonstrates the importance of trusting God’s promises, even when faced with seemingly impossible odds.

God receives the glory reducing the army to a small number emphasizes that victory is a result of God’s power and not human strength.

Why does God choose Gideon?

God chose Gideon because his weakness would give God the greater glory. It is through our weaknesses that people get to see a demonstration of God’s power and strength. But we have to accept His agenda.

God chooses the unlikely to do great things, He knows what He is doing.

God Bless.

Bible Study June 24, 2025

“Feminine Courage”

Esther 4:12 – 14 (ESV)

12 “And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

In a world where men are expected to be strong and have courage Queen Esther stands out as a woman with tremendous courage. A little background to the story of Esther. Esther replaced Queen Vashti when Vasthi refused to be made a spectacle by the king. Esther through a series of events is chosen to replace Vashti but Esther is a Jew who was raised by her uncle Mordecai.

A leader in the king’s court Haman hated the Jews and when the king raised Haman to a leadership role in the kingdom Haman sought to kill all the Jews in the nation because of Mordecai’s actions. Haman convinced the king that everyone should bow to him but Mordecai refused. Upon seeing this Haman sought his revenge on all the Jewish people and convinced the king to decree that all should die.

But as fate has it Mordecai hears of an assassination plan against the king and brings it to his attention. He finds favor with the king once this is known yet the decree still stands because it is ordered by the king. Mordecai tells Esther these familiar words in verse fourteen. It took courage for Esther to approach the king even though she was his wife because without being acknowledged by the king to enter the palace you could have been put to death.

In order to get the full impact of her courage you must read the book of Esther. The book of Esther is only ten chapters long and provides a great lesson in restoration. One woman who had courage saved a nation form a holocaust.

God Bless.

Bible Study June 23, 2025

“It Takes Courage to Be Courageous”

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (ESV)

Lat week we conducted our Annual Asbury Bible Camp and the theme this year was “Courage” based on Joshus 1:9. Each attendee was asked to memorize this verse as the theme and they were given scriptures to learn on a daily basis. I had the privilege od sharing with them each day about a Bible character who showed courage. On Monday I spoke of Joshua and along with him I mentioned Caleb as two men of great courage.

You will remember Moses sent out twelve spies from the children of Israel to spy out the promised land. Two came back with courage and ten came back as doubters and unbelievers. We all know people from both sides the courageous and weaklings. Joshua and Caleb stood up and said we can take the land while the other ten said they appeared as grasshoppers before the “giants” of the land.

What are the “giants” and the “grasshoppers” in your life? There are those things we know we can stand firm against and there are those that may make us feel as grasshoppers. How do you deal with the “grasshopper feeling?”

Joshua answer s that question in our scripture today he says to “be strong because the Lord is with everywhere.”

Consider praying these verses:

• “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33,
• I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:4-5, 8,
• Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippian 2:3-4, and
• “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:4.

God Bless.