Bible Study March 11, 2026

Psalm 149 (CSB)

“Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel celebrate its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. 3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and lyre. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. 5 Let the faithful celebrate in triumphal glory; let them shout for joy on their beds. 6 Let the exaltation of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, 7 inflicting vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 binding their kings with chains and their dignitaries with iron shackles, 9 carrying out the judgment decreed against them. This honor is for all his faithful people. Hallelujah!”

It seems to me the theme for the most part is praise to God in the Psalms. This Psalm calls God’s people to praise Him with a new song and dancing because He is both the Maker and King. He adorns them with salvation. The Greek word for “adorns” is to “decorate” or “embellish.” Imagine being embellished in salvation. So those who look to Him alone should both celebrate and shout.

Praise is to accomplished by action. What we say can only be supported by whet we do. As the say our actions do speak louder than our words.  

We are to honor God with our lips and wage war against that which is wrong. The Lord honored His people by allowing them to carry out judgement based on His word (149:9)

He is not only to be praised for His grace but for His judgment.

God Bless.

Bible Study March 10, 2026

Psalm 150 (CSB)

Praise the Lord

1 “Hallelujah!  Praise God in his sanctuary. Praise him in his mighty expanse. 2 Praise him for his powerful acts; praise him for his abundant greatness. 3 Praise him with the blast of a ram’s horn; praise him with harp and lyre. 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and flute. 5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; praise him with clashing cymbals.”

We’re going to take a look at the book of Psalms starting at the end. I think about this Psalm and I am reminded of Joshua and the walls of Jericho.

There are a number of “what ifs” I see in this chapter. The fall of Jericho is recorded in Joshua chapter six. This is the first major Israelite military victory in Canaan, where divine instruction, was needed. They were instructed to march around the city once daily for six days and seven times on the seventh, As you remember seven is the perfect number from scripture. They were accompanied by priests blowing rams’ horns. A form of praise. Following a final loud shout and trumpet blast, the walls collapsed, enabling the conquest.

They had a plan that was devised by God. Sure He could have destroyed the walls without the Israelites but they needed to be obedient.

The Plan: God instructed Joshua to march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. The Ark of the Covenant was carried by priests, who also blew rams’ horns.

They were to remain silent for six days, the army was instructed to remain silent, not even shouting until commanded. On the seventh day, after the seventh lap, the priests blew a long blast, the people shouted, and the walls collapsed. The victory was theirs.

Back to what ifs:

• What if they didn’t obey?
  What if they decided were going to talk and celebrate on day one through six?
• What if the remained silent on the seventh day?
• What if they got lazy and decided to not march one day?
• What if they did not have  a plan – they would be lost?
• What if they decided not to praise God with their voices, the priest’s with their rams horns

What if we do not praise Him?
God Bless.

Here is an article fom Josh Arnold on how to pray for the situation in Iran. No matter whether you agree or not with the decison to strike Iran we shuld pray for it’s people.

4 Ways Christians Can Pray for the Situation in Iran

Joshua Arnold

America’s ongoing military campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran affects not only Iranians, but Americans too. U.S. Christians, in particular, have a role to play in bringing their petitions before the throne of grace. “This is where the Church has a distinct and indispensable role — to stand in prayer, to seek God’s wisdom and protection, and to engage the battle in the heavenlies with spiritual discernment and steadfast faith,” declared FRC President Tony Perkins.

But what should Christians pray? The answer to that question is all the more important amid momentous global changes that leave our heads spinning. The good news is, God has provided a timeless source of guidance on what to pray for in his word. Bible-believing Christians can agree in prayer by simply praying as the Bible directs us. At my church’s Sunday evening prayer meeting, we prayed corporately for four aspects of the situation in Iran. I believe all four aspects have biblical warrant, and so I share them now with you.

1. Pray for America’s Leaders

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,” writes Paul, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

The Apostle Paul commands the church to pray for government leaders, who are outside the church, in order that Christians may “lead a peaceful and quiet life.” Here, Paul is not endorsing pacificism or the utter avoidance of war at any cost — sometimes wars are necessary — but he does recognize that the church of Jesus Christ benefits when civil authorities maintain (or restore) international peace and internal order.

2. Pray for America’s Soldiers

Secondly, Christians can pray for America’s soldiers, those who put their own lives at risk to secure the safety and freedom of those of us who remain at home. Scripture presents military service as a legitimate career path in Luke 3:14, when repentant soldiers (presumably in the Roman army) ask John the Baptist what repentance should look like for them. Instead of telling them to get out of the military, John tells them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14).

Likewise, Christians should pray that our troops act morally — that they would not target innocent civilians, oppress the weak, or use their position for unjust gain.

3. Pray for Iranian Christians

Every Christian lives in a particular nation under particular leaders because that is simply how God created the world (Acts 17:26). Yet Christians should be concerned beyond the borders of our own nation because “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That more fundamental bond of heavenly citizenship is one we share with “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Revelation 7:9).

That includes Christians in Iran, who endure intense persecution under a regime so anti-Christian that a false religion is in its very name. In the first century, the Lord Jesus directed the Apostle John to tell the saints in Smyrna, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

4. Pray for the Iranian People

But, while Iranian believers should have priority in our international attentions, we should set our sights in prayer further still. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith,” Paul writes (Galatians 6:10). This was his application following the encouragement, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Since the Carter administration, the Iranian people have lived under a repressive regime radicalized by a false religion. The Islamic Republic of Iran cares less about the welfare of its people than the destruction of Israel and the United States — especially by means of conventional and nuclear missiles.

Proverbs illustrates the principles at play here. “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2), and “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Bible Study

February 24, 2026

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 10 (NKJV)

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which [a]he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread [b]free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat

Paul warned the church here to avoid idleness. That is the problem with many people today they waste time each moment is precious. Welfare and government assistance has made people lazy.

Paul’s words were commands look at verse six. We need to spend time with the unsaved but in the same breath we can spend to much time with them and lose our souls if we are not careful. Wisdom is the guide here.

Paul lived a godly life and for him to say “follow us” was said without reservation. Paul may have been the one who most closely followed Jesus therefore to make such a statement carries a great amount of weight.

Paul worked so no one could call him a burden. He set an excellent example. He worked to earn a living so as not to be a burden. Nothing is better than an excellent work ethic to provide for your family.

Paul did have the authority of an Apostle to receive support but he chose to set an example and earn support on his own. A lesson for the welfare recipients who could work in 2026.

God Bless.

Bible Study

February 23, 2026

2 Thessalonians 3:2  – 3(NKJV)

3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

One thing for certain the Apostle Paul could pack a lot of wisdom into two verses as he has done here.

God is faithful in all things. From the very beginning of creation to the very end of time – He is faithful.  In regard to creation science is finding out more about creation than a big bang theory. His promises to the Jewish people have held firm from telling the they would be punished for disobedience to actually carrying out the punishment to even blessing them.

His promise of salvation to all who would accept His offer has never been rejected, He has been faithful to all who have asked. During His temptation in the desert He remained faithful to His God and Father rejecting from Satan what was already His. Three time He turned to the Word and rebuffed the adversary. That is who He is.

We can rest assured of what He said he will do. Paul speaks of that we he says, “have confidence.” Confidence is built on trust; trust comes from seeing the past come true.

But there is a price to pay and Paul tells us that in verse four “that you do and will do the things we command you.” We must follow the path that has been laid out for us, yes the “narrow path.” Not always easy but the right course to follow.

And w hen we do this “may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” It doesn’t get any better than that.

God Bless.

Bible Study

February 20, 2026

2 Thessalonians 2:16 – 3:2  (NKJV)

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

Paul left people with a blessing and here he does the same thing. He is invoking God’s power on the people based on love and grace as the source of encouragement. How much better off would we all be if we lived in love and grace. Jesus commanded us to love one another as we love ourselves – where are we as a nation, as a neighbor, as a family?

Paul also sought the prayers of his followers as he journeyed along. No one follower of Jesus received more punishment that Paul yet he always held the Lord in high esteem. He needed this prayerful support for his ministry as pastors do today. They are called upon to carry many different roles and it’s easy to blame them when things go wrong. He asked then to pray that the Word would continue to spread quickly as it had in the past.

He knew there were evil and wicked men out amongst his fellow believers. These were Paul’s enemies in Corinth where he ministered and wrote who were perverse and unrighteous in their opposition both to him and the Gospel.

God Bless.

Bible Study

February 17, 2026

2 Thessalonians 2:11 – 17  (NKJV)

11 “And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”

I want to follow up from yesterday on this passage of scripture from Paul. Looking at verses 13 and 14 for today. Salvation …. Sanctification.

Paul wanted to reassure the Thessalonians they were headed toward glory not judgement. They had no reason to be agitated or concerned thinking they missed the rapture or in the “day  of the Lord.” He did not want them deceived.

Concerning sanctification and it’s many teachings. I grew up in a church that taught there were two works of grace: salvation and sanctification. Once you were saved then you should seek sanctification as a second work of grace. When you did this the desire to sin was eradicated and you would be perfect. The only problem was it didn’t work for me it may have for others but I do not think I was much different than other people. Pauk gave me much clarification on this.   

I now have come to the conclusion we are to seek sanctification as being set apart from sin and our desire is not to sin but we will also not be completely perfect till we see Jesus face to face. We should stand firm in our faith as Paul tells them in verse fifteen.

God Bless.