“[Verse 5 is] very different [between the NCV and HCSB translations]: warfare vs. vocal confrontation” Glance at the headings under both translations. To whom is this psalm attributed? “Solomon” In Hebrew, the words are actually the name of God gave Solomon according to 2 Samuel 12:25: Jedediah, meaning ‘Beloved of Jehovah.’ The tone of theContinue reading “from Rachel: Vain Labor”
Tag Archives: bible
from Rachel: To Laugh Again
Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves “‘We shall come rejoicing / bringing in the sheaves’” Psalm 126 falls conveniently into perfect halves. The Message makes the transition clearest. Write the verse that you think introduces the second half. “‘AndContinue reading “from Rachel: To Laugh Again”
from Rachel: A Love That Surrounds
How did the psalmist describe God’s position regarding His people (v. 2)? “He surrounds them/us, like the mountains surround Jerusalem.” What do these verses say about God’s help and sustaining presence? Psalm 34:7 “He encamps around and delivers those who fear Him.” Psalm 139:5 “He is in front and behind; His hand is on us.”Continue reading “from Rachel: A Love That Surrounds”
from Rachel: He Surrounds His People
Today you and I will steep ourselves entirely in the first verse and the picture it draws. How does verse 1 describe the people who trust in God? “like Mount Zion” ‘Those who [are “confident”] in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.’ How would you describe confidence inContinue reading “from Rachel: He Surrounds His People”
from Rachel: Praise the Lord
Has Satan effectively tempted you to oppose your own best interests? “yes” If so, did you did you get fed up with being your own worst earthly enemy and decide to let God bring you some healing? “yes and no – lots of times – never permanently” In our introductory session, we talked about threeContinue reading “from Rachel: Praise the Lord”
The Curse
Dearest Rachel – This may seem strange to bring up so many days later, but it’s not as if thoughts are necessarily time-sensitive – they occur to me when they occur to me – so I’m going to talk about this one now, if that’s okay with you. It’s not as if much happened lastContinue reading “The Curse”
from Rachel: If the Lord Had Not
Don’t think for a moment He is inattentive as you throw open your Bible and seek to hear His voice amid so many voices competing for your attention. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth /  God’s strong name is our help, the same God whoContinue reading “from Rachel: If the Lord Had Not”
from Rachel: The One Enthroned
I lift my eyes to You,the One enthroned in heaven In one phrase or sentence, what do you consider to be the theme of Psalm 123? “Pursuing favor from God while ignoring (or maybe ‘and deliverance from’) contempt from others.” Have you discovered a strong relationship in the concept of the statement ‘where I lookContinue reading “from Rachel: The One Enthroned”
from Rachel: Where Will My Help Come From?
“‘I’ve moved my mind up, so I’m okay’” Song originated with God and accompanied “creation” (Job 38:7) In scripture, singing is attributed to both “God” the “Father” and “Christ” the “Son” “Specifically, Psalms, ending with number 118, an especially messianic Psalm Jesus will one day sing to God in our presence” “Emotions” and “experience” canContinue reading “from Rachel: Where Will My Help Come From?”
from Rachel: The Peace of Jerusalem
What does Isaiah 55:10-11 say about God’s Word? “It does not return void, but does the work God intends for it.” OK, let’s get to our third Psalm of Ascent. Quick review: what three approaches are we going to take? “Say” it, “work” it, and at the conclusion of our next day of study, we’llContinue reading “from Rachel: The Peace of Jerusalem”
from Rachel: The Lord Your Keeper
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. “I depend on him so often for so much.” The Lord protects you/Yahweh is your keeper, the Lord is a shelter right by your side  The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. The Lord will protectContinue reading “from Rachel: The Lord Your Keeper”
from Rachel: Woe to Me
Did you get the three approaches? “Say it –> Work it –> Pray it” In my distress, I called to the Lord and He answered me. “Too many times to count, and even in the mundane He answers me.” I’m in trouble. I cry to God, desperate for an answer. “Less hopeful version, whether orContinue reading “from Rachel: Woe to Me”
from Rachel: Worship on the Way
What does 1 Peter 5:6 say to you? “If I humble myself under God’s mighty hand, He will lift me up when the time is right.” What brings you to this study? “Convenience of schedule. I still have to rearrange a little, but mornings are still much better than evenings. I know I need aContinue reading “from Rachel: Worship on the Way”
from Rachel: The Display of His Presence
Please write benefit 5… from memory. “To enjoy God‘s presence” Read the familiar words of Isaiah 40:28-31 and savor every word. Write your favorite part of these verses. “31 ‘…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…’” I believe Isaiah 40:28-31 tells us exactly whatContinue reading “from Rachel: The Display of His Presence”
from Rachel: The Display of His Glory
Now let’s consider the portrait of our second benefit… write benefit 2 of our covenant relationship with God. “To glorify God” A wonderful example of persons living beyond their human responses appears in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. In one word, how would you characterize the kind of person these words describe? “strong” Read 2 Corinthians 4:7Continue reading “from Rachel: The Display of His Glory”
from Rachel: The Display of His Renown
Read Isaiah 43:1-12. What do verses 8, 10, and 12 suggest God purposes to do with your life? “(7? 9?) We are to be His witnesses, to testify of the great things He has done.” Please write the five benefits of your covenant relationship with God based on the book of Isaiah. – “To knowContinue reading “from Rachel: The Display of His Renown”
from Rachel: A Planting of the Lord
Read the familiar words of Mark 12:28-30. What is God‘s absolute priority commandment for you and me, and according to 1 John 3:18, what form should a genuine love for God take? “We should love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength with actions and in truth.” Write the last sentence ofContinue reading “from Rachel: A Planting of the Lord”
from Rachel: Taking Thoughts Captive
What is God’s goal for our thought life? “to think with the mind of Christ” In our previous lesson, we cited a possible reason why God usually does not simply remove temptation from us. What was it? “We would then still be just as vulnerable to all the similar attacks in the future.” Read PsalmContinue reading “from Rachel: Taking Thoughts Captive”
from Rachel: Tearing Down the High Places
What do you see as the differences between casual thoughts and captivating thoughts? “I see the difference as how often they keep recurring and whether or not they return unbidden when I’ve decided to stop thinking about them.” So we can begin to think in applications from the start, describe two situations that could easilyContinue reading “from Rachel: Tearing Down the High Places”
from Rachel: Failure to Believe God’s Unfailing Love
Why should not believing God personally and lavishly loves us be considered a sin? “Perhaps, again (see page 177) the extreme pridefulness of thinking one can out-sin God’s love, or maybe it’s belittling Him and the size of His love.” Think of someone (besides God) you are absolutely positive loves you. Who is this person? “Randy” ListContinue reading “from Rachel: Failure to Believe God’s Unfailing Love”
from Rachel: The Fullness of Unfailing Love
Read 1 John 4:13-15. What happens when someone acknowledges that Jesus in the Son of God? “God lives in him (and he in God).” Can you think of a time when you were suddenly awash with the magnitude of God’s love for you personally? Describe it. “Beth’s story reminds me of [singing] ‘How Great Thou Art’ inContinue reading “from Rachel: The Fullness of Unfailing Love”
from Rachel: The Freedom of Unfailing Love
Why do you think we readily accept God’s love for others but struggle with the belief that He loves us equally, radically, completely, and unfailingly? “Maybe low self-esteem, perhaps because we know first-hand how big our own sin (does that mean we at least have the plank in the eye lesson mastered, or is itContinue reading “from Rachel: The Freedom of Unfailing Love”
from Rachel: Finding Unfailing Love
Read Psalm 136. What is the obvious point of the chapter? “His love endures forever.” Write a phrase and reference from each of the 26 verses of Psalm 136. For example, verse 1, “He is good,” shows His compassion. 1. God the Creator“4 – does great wonders“5 – made the heavens“6 – [made] the earth“7 – madeContinue reading “from Rachel: Finding Unfailing Love”
