July 17, 2022: Dear Friends, Welcome back to KNOWING YOUR BIBLE, a weekly blog that is written to help in learning and knowing the Bible. The information written is not to tell or instruct in interpreting what is read in the Bible, but to help in learning to use and study the Bible. This series on giving instructions in learning the Bible was started on April 24th and will be extended  for a few more weeks. Go to the website above left, to review these previous blogs to increase in the knowledge and understanding of the Bible. Consider teaching the Bible to others after developing confidence in “KNOWING YOUR BIBLE”.                   

In this series, blogs have been written that give instruction on how to learn the names and locations of the Bible books, how to search and find specific Bible verses, how to learn how the Bible books are organized, when the approximate timeline of the books or events that are written about in the books occurred, and how the books of the Bible are related to each other. This last topic on learning how the books are related has been the focus in the last 3-4 blogs. Ways the Bible books can be understood to be related include through geographic sites that transverse through the books and through the same or similar words and ideas that are found throughout the Bible. This last way of describing how the books are related highlights particular words and ideas that God inspired to the Bible writers to reveal what God wanted the Bible’s readers to grasp and follow. In 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verses 16-17, Paul the apostle wrote the following: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”

 A few of many words and/or ideas, will be listed each week for a few weeks with Bible verses assigned to each “Word”. When following that word or idea throughout the books of the Bible, the follower should be able to realize that, even though the events and circumstances found in the many books of the Bible may be different, the specific “Word” being followed has a commonality purpose in being written in a particular verse as part of God’s plan in teaching and guiding those who are reading and studying his “Holy Word”, the Bible. Contemplate on the meaning of each word that is being focused on. The books the verses are listed in may not be in the chronological order of where the books are located in the Bible but will give increased experience in searching and finding Bible verses to read.. All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible

                MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!  

Words found in Bible Verses:                                                                                   LOVE: John, chapter 3, verse 16; Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses 4-9; 1st Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1-13; Leviticus, chapter 19, verse 18; 1st John, chapter 4, verses 16-19; Micah, chapter 6, verse 8; John, chapter 13, verse 1 and verses 34-35; Jeremiah, chapter 31, verse 3; Galatians, chapter 2, verse 20; 1st John, chapter 4, verses 7-12;Exodus, chapter 20, verse 6; Matthew, chapter 22, verses 34-40; and Romans, chapter 12, verses 8-10. 

RIGHTEOUSNESS: Matthew, chapter 5, verse 6 and 10, and chapter 6, verse 33; and chapter 13, verse 43; Psalm, chapter 5, verse 12, Job, chapter 17 verse 9;  James, chapter 5, verse 16; Proverbs, chapter 4, verse 8; Titus, chapter 3, verse 3;Jeremiah, chapter 22, verse 3,1st Timothy, chapter 4, verse 6;1st Samuel, chapter 24, verse 17 and chapter 26, verse 23; Psalm, chapter 5, verse 12, chapter 24, verses 3-6;,and chapter 55, verse 22. Because of space issues,, the study of important and consistent words and ideas in the Bible will be continued next week

JULY 3, 2022:  Dear Friends, Happy 4th of July weekend! We are now in the second half of 2022. During these past few months, a series on the study of God and a series on following Jesus’s life during Lent and Easter have been discussed. This current series, “Learning and Knowing Your Bible,” was started after Easter on April 24th and has been continued through today. Go to the website above left to KeeganBooks.Com., to read and contemplate on the information provided in all three of these series.

Learning and knowing the Bible is one of the most important tools in gaining the ability to understand and study the Bible. The important steps in learning the Bible are as follows:1. Learning the names and locations of the books of the Bible. 2. Learning how the books of the Bible are organized: learn the books in  The Old Testament and The New Testament. 3. Learning how to search for and find Bible verses to read and study. 4. Learning the timeline of when the books of the Bible were written. This adds perspective to thinking as one is contemplating on what is being read.  5. Recognizing how the books of the Bible are related:  A. Through geographic sites that transverse through the books of the Bible. B. Through the commonalty of words and ideas that are found in many different books of the Bible. C. Realizing and learning about God, the Father,  Jesus Christ, the son of God and the Holy Spirit, that are focused on throughout the Bible..

During these past few weeks, the focus of the series has been on following specific geographic sites through the different Bible books. Go to the blogs beginning in May and revisit these important biblical sites that have been discussed. Some of the sites followed through the books include Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Mount Moriah, Mount Zion, Mount of Olives, and the Kidron Valley. Other sites with defining Bible verses will be lisited below for the follower to search for and read. Keep the timeline of when specific books or when events were written about in a specific book as you continue your Bible study. This will conclude this part of the series on relating the books of the Bible to each other through geographic sites. In our next few blogs, similar words and ideas that filtrate through the Bible will be discussed.

Remember, the more you read and study the Bible, the nearer and closer you will come to God. The nearer and closer you are to God, the stronger the faith you will have in God and the more likely you will obey and follow in His ways. Having knowledge of God’s wisdom that is learned through Bible study will abide within the inner-most thought processes of the mind, allowing direction and guiding influence when facing the challenges of everyday living experiences.                      MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                    

Other biblical sites: THE LAND OF CANAAN: (The Promised Land:) Numbers, chapter 34, verses 6-10; Exodus, chapter 6, verses 1-4 and chapter 13, verses 11-22; Joshua, chapter 1, verses 1-5. JERICHO: Joshua, chapter 2, verses 1-3; 1400 years later when Jesus entered Jericho: Luke, chapter 18, verse 35 and chapter 19, verse 1-6; THE JORDAN RIVER: Numbers, chapter 34, verses 10-12; Joshua, chapter 3, verses 14-17 and chapter 4, verse 1; and written 1400 years later, Mark, chapter 1, verses 4-9, the Jordan River. THE DEAD SEA: Genesis, chapter 19, verses 18-23; Numbers, chapter 34, verse 12; Joshua, chapter 3, verse 16. Look up other geographic sites listed in the blog written 1 week ago and 2 weeks ago to reinforce your knowledge of important geographic sites.

completing our series on relating the books of the Bible together, the timeline of the books will be written that will further add perspective in learning the Bible.

Bible Verses: Psalm, chapter 119, verses 1-176, the longest chapter in the Bible. Read 30 verses a day. this chapter discusses God’s Word, referred to in the chapter as “The law of the Lord”. Other verses about the Bible: Matthew, chapter 7, verse 24 and chapter 24 verse 35; Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 8. 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verses 15-17; 2nd Peter, chpater one verses 19-21; Hebrews, chapter 4, verse 12; Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10 -17; John, chapter 1, verse 1; Hebrews, chapter 4, verse 12; James, chapter 1, verse 22; Luke, chapter 11, verse 28.

Remember the birth, life, death by crucifixion and resurrection, of Jesus can be found in all 4 Gospel books of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. A careful study of any or all these books will bring you to a greater understanding of Jesus, drawing you nearer and closer to Jesus. Your commitment to Jesus will grow stronger and stronger, and in the process, will become a continuous, ongoing part of your life. Jesus said in John, chapter 10, verse 10 b, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Belief and Faith in Jesus will give you an abundant life in him.

                MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

BIBLE VERSES:  Matthew, chapter 28, verses 1-20; Mark, chapter 16, verses 1-19; Luke, chapter 24, verses 1-53; John, chapter 20, verse 1, through John, chapter 21,verse 25; Act, chapter 1, verses 1-11; Romans, chapter 8, verse 34; Mark, chpater 16, verse 19; Hebrews, chapter 12, verse 2; and 1st peter, chapter 3, verse 20

April 10, 2022: Dear Friends, Our focus in this week’s blog will be on Jesus Christ, and on the last week of his life including his crucifixion. Today is referred to as “Palm Sunday”, the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey down a pathway on the Mount of Olives, being cheered and worshiped as he entered the city. Five days later, referred to as “Good Friday”, Jesus was crucified after undergoing a trial, having been smitten, beaten and nailed to the cross, to suffer a long and slow death. What a change, in just a few days, from being praised and worshiped, to being hung on a cross.

What suffering Jesus underwent, that through his death, our sins were placed on him and removed, as written in 1st John, chapter 2, verses 1- 2 that says: “ My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 

A commitment in belief and faith in Christ is necessary for us to accept him for who he is and that he saves us from our sins. In Matthew, chapter 1, verse 21, is written that the angel was talking to Joseph and said: “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” In Romans, chapter 10. verses 8-9  the Apostle Paul wrote, “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim): because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

As we enter into this “Holy Week”, the most holy week of the year, let us spend some time contemplating on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on his suffering as he hung dying on the cross, what he did for us and on the new life we have in him, as we commit our lives to him. Jesus said in John, chapter 3, verse 3b: “You must be born from above and John chapter 3, verse 5b: “…..Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit.”  In John, chapter 3, verse 16, it is written: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.”  Jesus said in John, chapter 10, verse 10: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” As you focus on Jesus this week, let your faith and belief grow in strength and  love of our precious Lord, Jesus Christ.  

Bible verses below will be listed about the life of Jesus in the last week he lived on earth before his crucifixion. All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NSR) Version of the Bible.

              MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

Bible Verses: Matthew, chapter 26, verse 1, through chapter 27, verse 65. Mark, chapters 14 and 15;  Luke, chapter 19, verses 29, through Luke, chapter 23 through verse 56. and John, chapters 18-19.

March 28, 2022: Dear Friends, Today, we will continue our series on the humanity of Jesus. We are still in the Lenton Season as we study the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The goal of our study through the many blogs that have been posted in the past, is to help the follower of Jesus draw nearer and closer to our Lord Jesus. Studying Jesus’ humanness should open our minds to insights that we may have not realized in the past and draw us nearer to him. Go to the website above left and return to the blog written on March 6. If time allows, read and study that blog, then progress to the next two blogs to review our Lenton study of Jesus’ life and humanness.

The focus of today’s blog will be on the love of Jesus. Jesus loves all, those of different races, of different backgrounds, of different beliefs and values, those that are different. His love is all encompassing and all-inclusive, allowing the receiver of his love to comprehend the wonderful feeling of his love, Perceiving and understanding that love, brings overwhelming joy into our inner-most beings, strengthening our faith and belief in Jesus. The feelings of love that Jesus has for us are carried in our mind, day-by-day, helping us to realize his presence in us and his guidance and direction in our everyday lives.

As one searches and reads the below Bible verses on love, consider spending time thinking of the love of Jesus has for you, your love of and for Jesus, and how this love has affected your life, your thinking and actions. If one has not realized the love of Jesus in one’s life, if the realization of his love has not filtrated into one’s thinking, spend more time studying Jesus’ life through Bible Study. Remember, Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion and his resurrection, are found in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Choose one of the books to read through. Or skim through several pages, highlighting important verses that are meaningful, focusing on all that Jesus taught about love. Study his examples of demonstrating love to hundreds, if not thousands, during his life here on earth. Praying to God, asking God’s help in bringing one nearer and closer to Jesus, (Matthew, chapter 6, verses 5and 6; and chapter 7, verses 7-11), will help in fostering our love for Jesus and in realizing Jesus’ love for us.

                 MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK! 

Bible verses: John, chapter 3, verse 16; 1st Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1-13; John, chapter 13, verse 1 and verses 34-35. John, chapter 15, verses 7-17. Matthew, chapter 4, verses 23-25; Matthew, chapter 5, verses 43-48; Matthew, chapter 19, verses 13-15; Mark, chapter 9, verses 16-17; John, chapter 19, verses 25-27. Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses 4-9; Matthew, chapter 22, verses 34-40; Matthew, chapter 25, verses 34-40.1st John, chapter 4, verses 7-21, and chapter 5, verses 1-5. 

March 20, 2022: Dear Friends, Welcome to this blog on this beautiful “Spring” day in March. The overall purpose of this blog is to help the reader learn and know the Bible. The blog is organized into several series that focus on different aspects of Bible learning. A series on specific instructions on learning the Bible  can be found by going to the website above left, and beginning with the April 11, 2021, blog, and advancing forward, one blog at a time, to the June 27, 2021, blog, to study this way of learning and gaining knowledge of the Bible.

Because this is a time of Lent, our focus is learning and knowing Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The time frame for Lent is the 40 days before and leading to Easter Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection. During this time the followers of Jesus spend time in fasting and penitence, fostering one to grow closer and nearer to Jesus.  Focusing on our sins and wrongdoings helps us realize our own wrong ways of thinking and acting. Facing ourselves and our own wrong thinking and actions, leads us to offer penitence to our Lord and seek forgiveness. Fasting helps the process along because fasting lowers the strength of our confidence, placing us in the mode of recognizing the need to change ourselves from wrong to right thinking, from wrong to right actions.

In this series we have focused on Jesus’ humanity, of being human, as we are human, having similar thoughts and actions as he has had. Bible verses have been written or searched for to read, that describe Jesus’ actions and behavior during his life while here on earth. Jesus, being human, expressed words and ideas, and did actions and behaviors, that we, ourselves, have done, having talked and behaved in similar ways and in similar circumstances that Jesus was in when he spoke such words and had such actions. 

Verses have been written or listed to search for and read in this series of blogs that tell of Jesus’ request for a drink of water, he went outside to pray while it was still dark, he was tired from a long journey and set down to rest. Other verses describe Jesus eating with his disciples or with various people. In Matthew beginning in chapter 4, verse 2, it is written, “He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and afterwards, he was famished. He described the crowd as being hungry in Mark, chapter 8, verse 4, when he said, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for 3 days and three nights and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way and some of them have come a long way.” Jesus recognized hunger for what it was and had compassion for those who were hungry. In Mark, chapter 11, verses 12-14, it is written “On the following day, when they came from Bethany he was hungry..” Probably because he had experienced hunger, Jesus had such compassion for those who were hungry. He fed thousands of people fish and bread as written in Matthew, chapter 14, verses 13-21; and in Matthew, chapter 15, verses 32-39. Draw near and close to Jesus as you study and contemplate on the life he lived.

Go to the series of blogs written that start on February 20 through today by going to the website above left. Advance slowly blog by blog to today’s blog to continue studying and reading of Jesus’ humanity.                                                                  

             MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

Matthew, chapter 5, verse 6; Matthew, chapter 25, verses 34-40. Mark, chapter 2, verse 15-17; Mark, chapter 14, verses 22-25. Luke, chapter 14, verse 1; John, chapter 2, verses 1-2. John, chapter 12, verses 1-2; James, chapter 2, verses 14-17 Matthew, chapter 14, verses 13-21 and Matthew, chapter 15, verses 32-39.. Continue reading the gospel book you have chose for continuation of your Lenton Season meditation. (Refer to March 13 blog last paragraph before verses.)

March 13, 2022: Dear Friends, Welcome to this blog on learning and knowing your Bible. As previously written the purpose of this blog is to help one learn and know the Bible. The Bible has often been referred to as the most important book ever written. Past Presidents of the USA have hailed the Bible comparing “Knowing the Bible” as being “equal to obtaining a college degree.” (Theodore Roosevelt). President Reagan was quoted as saying, “Within the covers of this single book, (referring to the Bible), are all the answers to all the problems that face us today, if we would only look there.” *  

As we continue our study of the Bible, keep in mind that learning the Bible is a process that takes time and patience.  In the past a series on specific instructions in learning the Bible has been written in this blog after Easter each year. If interested in that series now, return to the website above left and go to the April 11 through June 27, 2021, blogs, in studying to learn the Bible.                              

Today, as we begin the 2nd week of Lent, we will focus on a discussion about Lent. What is the meaning and purpose of Lent? Who does Lent affect? How is one affected by Lent? 

Lent has been defined as a time period of 40 days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter day, the day of the resurrection of our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ. This time is set aside for fasting and penitence. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, spend time in fasting and penitence. This is a time spent surveying our inner lives of wrong thinking and wrong actions that cling so closely to our everyday behavior patterns. This is a time for seeking atonement of our wrong doings, boosting our need for prayer and repentance to our Lord. Fasting from food and/or fasting from something we really like doing but that may be thought of as being wrong and considered bad actions, activities or other wrong behaviors, help foster sorrow and loss in our inner-most beings. The loss may be triggered by the thoughts of self-failure, not living up to expectations or in the actual loss of self-esteem resulting from having wrong thinking or behavior. This feeling of sorrow and loss influences us to realize the need to change. In this way we begin the process of changing from wrong to right thinking, from wrong to right actions and behaviors. .As a result of our fasting and penitence, we grow near and close to God as written in James, chapter 4, verse 8, which says: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”. 

In our next few blogs, we will continue our focus on Jesus Christ, on his life and humanity while he lived here on earth. Remember, Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion and resurrection, are recorded in the Gospel Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, of the New Testament of the Bible. Consider choosing one of the Gospel books to read during Lent. Read 1-2 chapters a day two to three times a week during Lent if time allows.                                                                                            MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                        Bible Verses: Exodus, chapter 34, verses 27-28. Nehemiah, chapter 1, verse 4; Matthew, chapter 4, verses 1-2, 2nd Chronicles, chapter 7, verse 14; Matthew, chapter 3, verse 8; Joel, chapter 2, verse 12; Luke, chapter 2, verses 36-37, Acts, chapter 13, verses 3-4; Psalm, chapter 35, verses 13-14; Luke, chapter 18, verse 12; Acts, chapter 2, verse 38. All verses are from the NRS version of the Bible.          *”A Rainbow of Hope” Billy and Janice Hughey

March 6, 2022: Dear Friends, welcome to this blog. The purpose of this blog is to help in learning and knowing the Bible. We are currently in the Lenten Season, the time of 40 days prior to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, for fasting and pentence by the followers of Jesus Christ. This series of blogs began 2 weeks ago and is focusing on the life and humanity of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. If time allows, go to the last 2 blogs by going to the website above left, to read and contemplate on what has already been written in this series.

Today, the focus will continue to be on the humanity of Jesus with Bible verses either being listed or written that describe different aspects of Jesus’ actions or his expressions of how he was thinking. For instance, the verses in John, chapter 11, verses 33-35 revealed that Jesus had deep feelings of sorrow and grief over the death of his friend, Lazarus, as written: “When Jesus saw her weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, ‘Where have you moved him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him.’” 

Other verses in the Gospel Books of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, are written about Jesus’ compassion for the many that tells us that Jesus cared for people, whether they were hungry and without food, having sickness or pain or were wandering without goals or purpose in life. In Matthew, chapter 9, verses 35-36, it is written: “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and sickness,. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were  harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He cared for people during his earthly reign, just like he cares for us today.

Jesus uses the word “Joy” in several of his teachings and sayings. Just as he humanly felt sorrow and grief, compassion and caring, he must have had joy in his life to be able to want his followers to have joy in their lives. In Luke chapter 6, verse 23, when Jesus was talking about one of the Beaitudes, he said: “Rejoice in.that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven…..” And in John, chapter 15, verse 11, Jesus said: “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” Jesus wanted us to experience joy in our lives. Sorrow and grief as compared to joy, all are parts of our humanity, our thoughts and feelings. Understanding Jesus’ humanity will infiltrate into our inner-most beings, a better understanding of him, that will bring us nearer and closer to Jesus, day by day..                                                                                                                          MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK! .                             All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible. Bible Verses: Matthew, chapter 25, verse 21. John, chapter 2, verses 1-2; Luke, chapter 7, verse 36; Luke, chapter 19, verses 1-6; Matthew, chapter 25, verses 34-40; Matthew, chapter 23, verse 37; John, chapter 13, verses 3-15; Mark, chapter 1, verses 40-41; Luke, chapter 4, verses 38-39; and Luke 8, verses 40-56.

February, 27, 2022: Dear Friends, Today, we will continue our study of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. As has been previously stated, the focus of this blog in the next few weeks through Easter, on April 17, will be an in-depth study of Jesus, who he is, how he thinks and acts, and on his examples and teachings he left for us to follow. 

This week on Ash Wednesday, March 2nd, is the beginning of Lent. Lent is the time of 40 days fasting and penitence before Jesus” resurrection on Easter Sunday, April, 17. This is a Holy Time for us, a sacred time for meditation and worship. Go to the New Testament Gospel Books of the Bible, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, to read and study about Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion and resurrection. Choose the gospel book preferred and read and study a few chapters daily, if possible, or, if time is limited, at least once a week. This study on Jesus will help bring understanding and the knowing of Jesus nearer and closer to our hearts and souls. This is the purpose of this study, to bring us nearer and closer to Jesus Christ.

In our last blog, the discussion focused on the humanity of Jesus. Some may not understand or know that Jesus is human, a person with thoughts and feelings such as what we may experience as humans.Some might think him as being a spirit, like an angel, that lived in an angel-like existence, hoovering over our lives. And we quoted some Bible verses that revealed his humanity more clearly in last week’s blog such as him rising early while it was still dark to go out and pray. We discussed Jesus’ travel history, walking several miles a day as written in Matthew, chapter 4, verses 23-25 where it is written that Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues…….” “and curing every disease and every sickness”….”And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond Jordan.”

In John, chapter 4, verses 3-7 is written about Jesus leaving Judea to go back to Galilee, going through Samara which would take Jesus through the Samaritan Mountains. Verse 5 states, “So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting at the well. It was about noon.” Jesus being human, was “tired out by his journey” so he probably sit down to rest, as we might if we were in similar circumstances. The mentioning of the time of day, “It was about noon”…… didn’t directly state the temperature of the day but one might surmise that Jesus was near the mountains at noon, possibly the hottest part of the day near the mountains. So not only being tired, he might had been hot and sweaty. In verse 7  is written, “ A Samaritan woman came to draw water and Jesus said to her, ‘give me a drink.’” Again the humanness of Jesus was expressed in his request. He was probably thirsty from his walking and needed a drink of water. In these few verses, Jesus’ humanity is displayed by his physical feelings and actions. He traveled, he grew tired from traveling, he sit to rest, he was thirsty and he asked for a drink of water. 

We will continue our study of Jesus’ humanity following him and the life he lived through the gospel books of the Bible. A few verses will be listed below that will further include places Jesus traveled to during his life. Acquiring a map of Israel to follow and study Jesus’ travel history will provide knowledge and perception in helping to understand  and draw nearer and closer to Jesus. All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible.                                               “MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK”                           Bible Verses: Matthew, chapter 15, verse 21; chapter 16, verse 13; chapter 19, verses 1-2; Luke, chapter 4, verse 1, verse 9, verse 14, verse 16 and verse 31 thru 39.  Luke chapter 8, verse 26, Luke, chapter 10, verse 29 (note Jesus going down to Jericho from Jerusalem and in Luke chapter 18, verse 31, Jesus going up to Jerusalem from Jericho: see discussion of sea level in last week’s blog by going to the website above left and clicking on last week’s blog.) Luke chapter 19, verse 1 and verse 28-29. John, chapter 6, verse 1;John, chapter 12, verse 1.

February 20, 2022: Dear Friends, Today, we will begin our series on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The focus of this series is to provide an in-depth study of Jesus, who he is, how he lived while here on earth, and how he wants us to live and follow his ways in our lives. 

Jesus was human, a person, just like us, with the compacity of having thoughts and feelings like we have. He was sent to us by God to help us reconcile our belief and faith in God. As we study Jesus’ life, we begin to learn more about God and draw nearer and closer relationship with God.  In 1st Timothy, chapter 2, verses 5-6, the apostle Paul wrote, “For there is one God, there is also one mediator between God and mankind, Christ Jesus himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all.” Jesus himself said as written in John, chapter 14, verse 7 that:  “If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Today, we will discuss some of the actions that Jesus did as we spend time studying his life.  By reading about him in the four gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, located in the New Testament of the Bible, we will begin to understand who this Jesus is, how he thinks and acts, and what he is trying to impart to us through being an example or through his teachings. 

Remember, when reading Bible verses, whether read today or a year from today, the interpretation of the verse or verses is left to the reader. The reader’s  interpretation is influenced by where he or she is in life, and in spiritual growth, belief and faith, in Jesus. This writer is not trying to impose an interpretation of what is being read upon any reader, but will present ideas that come to the writer’s mind when reading or writing about the verse or verses. This will give the reader examples and ideas that can be used by the reader to help in realizing his or her own ideas when interpreting Bible verses. The verses being studied are generally composed of simple words that are easy to understand. When reading verses, think about the meaning of what the verse is trying to impart to it’s readers.  

Verses will be listed below that will describe Jesus’ actions as he goes through life that remind us of his being human, a person that has the capacity of having thoughts and feelings similar to ours. All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible.                                                                                                                              MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

In Mark, chapter 1, verse 35, it is written that: “In the morning while it was still dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” I interpret the verse as follows: Jesus got up early in the morning while it was still dark, he went outside of his habitation to a deserted place (probably a silent or a quiet place) to pray. I would think that this was a habit Jesus had. If compared to today’s terminology, I might think Jesus had self-discipline, probably consistently arising early while it was still dark and going to a quiet place to pray.

Several verses in the gospel books relate that Jesus traveled frequently.There is no way to know how many miles he walked a day, but it has been said that in Jesus’ time, it was common for people to walk up to 10 miles a day. In Matthew, chapter 19, verse 1, it is written “When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan (approx 70 miles). “When Jesus was going up to Jerusalem” as written in Matthew, chapter 20 verse 17; and in verse 29: “as they were leaving Jericho” to go up to Jerusalem (see verse 17). Jerusalem is approximately 15 miles from Jericho. And Jesus had to walk “up” to Jerusalem. Remember, Jericho was approx  800 feet below sea level, and Jerusalem was approx 2400 feet above sea level. The road between the 2 cities was through the Samaritan mountains.

Because of space issues, our discussion about Jesus’ humanity will continue next week. For Bible study this week, read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7.

February 13, 2022: Dear Friends, Thank you for following this blog. As has been defined several times in past blogs, the purpose of this blog is to help in learning and understanding the Bible, and in the process of learning the Bible, develop a near and close relationship with God.

Spend some time reviewing past blogs by going to the website above left. Reading and studying these blogs will be very helpful in learning the Bible. The blogs listed in the past from April 11, 2021 thru June 27, 2021, give direct instruction in learning the books of the Bible, how the books are organized, how to search for and find Bible verses and learning how the books of the Bible are related to each other. Reading and studying these blogs will be especially helpful for those who are just beginning to read the Bible.

During the next several weeks, a series of blogs will be written with the focus on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We have spent some time focusing on Jesus’ birth in December of 2021. In this series, the focus will be on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, with the series ending after Easter, in the April 24th blog. The recordings of Jesus’ birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection, are found in the New Testament Gospel Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

Bible verses will be listed below that will focus on the first few days and weeks of Jesus ministry as recorded in the Gospels. Reading of these passages will give a  background of Jesus’ life as we begin our in-depth study of Jesus next week. All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NSR) Version of the Bible.                                                                                                                

     MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

Bible Verses: Matthew, chapter 3 and chapter 4; Mark, chapter 1, verses 1-39; Luke, chapter 3, verses 21 through 23 and chapter 4, verses 1-14; and John, chapter 1, verses 1-51. If time allows, choose one of the gospel books and begin reading the book during the next few weeks to correlate with our study of Jesus. 

FEBRUARY 6, 2022: Dear Friends, In this blog a review of the current series will be discussed. Our focus in this series has been on God, who he is, how he thinks, how we communicate with God, and developing a consistent relationship with God through committing ourselves to him. Go back to the January 2 blog and move forward through each weekly blog to this blog, spending time contemplating on what has been written about God and the Bible verses that correlate with each blog. Spend time in prayer and meditation, drawing one’s inner-self nearer and closer to God. This will help in learning and knowing our “Amazing” God, and realizing a deeper relationship with him.

The joy of knowing and experiencing a close relationship with God is one of the most blessed of all blessings that we receive in life. The meaning of the word “blessings” written in Webster’s dictionaries is “to endow, to make happy, to bring comfort and joy.” We usually think of blessings as being bestowed upon us by God.The joy of having a close relationship with God is an abundant blessing that will bring peace and contentment, giving us confidence as we progress day-by-day through our lives. 

The goal of knowing God helps to place a desire for God in our inner-most-souls. David writes in  Psalm 63, verse 1  “Oh God, you are my God. I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, as in a dry, and weary land where there is no water.” Because the Bible is God’s Holy Word to each of it’s readers, consistent Bible reading and study is one of the primary ways of learning and knowing God. Becoming comfortable in Bible reading, finding and reading Bible verses that are meaningful, contemplating on what is being read, all add to a growing knowledge of God that helps develop that near and close relationship with him. 

This blog is the last of the blogs in this series on learning and knowing God. Our next series of study will be on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and will be continued for several weeks. A few Bible verses will be listed below that will relate to the current series of blogs on God. Remember to highlight meaningful verses so that the verses can be readily found when returning to contemplate on the verses. All Bible verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible.

            MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!        

Bible Verses: 1st John, chapter 4, verses 16-19; 1st John, chapter 1, verse 5; Psalm, chapter 8, verses 3-9; Job, chapter 38, verses 4-41; and chapter 39, verses 1-30; Ezekiel, chapter 17, verses 22-24; Jeremiah, chapter 29, verses 11-14; Isaiah, chapter 40, verses 28-32; Isaiah, chapter 44, verses 6-8; Malachi, chapter 3, verses 6-12; 1st Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1-13; Galatians, chapter 5, verses 22-23. John, chapter 3, verse 16.

January 30, 2022: Dear Friends: Today we will continue our series on learning about God. Some of the followers of this blog might know more about God than, perhaps, the writer or others. However, the purpose of discussing God in this blog, who he is, how he thinks and how he wants us to think and act, is to give the biblical information that will help in strengthening love and faith in God. 

Helping in learning and knowing the Bible is the purpose of this blog, for the Bible is God’s Holy Word to it’s readers. The more the Bible is read and studied, the more knowledge about God is learned. The more one learns about God, the nearer and closer one becomes to God.The follower’s perspective and confidence will progress as one grows into a relationship with him.

Maybe the follower has learned about God through attending church or other worship services, or through family teachings. Maybe a friend related information about God. Or listening to or viewing a worship service may have stimulated an inward desire to learn about God. King David described this feeling of desire for God in Psalm, chapter 42, verses 1-2a when he wrote, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God……”  

The goal for anyone who is knowledgeable about God and in God’s thinking and God’s ways, is to develop a strong, continuing relationship with God. Being consistent in daily actions such as praying and meditating on and with God through Bible reading and study, or through other platforms, helps one to grow in a commitment to God. 

What does being committed to God mean? Think about the word “Commitment”  Webster defines commitment as “a pledge, a promise, or to bind with.”  To add to this is the concept of being consistent in our love of God and our faith and trust in him. Commitment is a day-to-day process that nourishes our inner-most being through constant, or almost constant ,focusing and thinking about God. As learning about God progresses and our love and faith in God grows, one begins to comprehend how God desires us to think and act. As a result, we are influenced by our knowledge of God that enters into our thinking and decision making. Recognizing our thinking of God as we function throughout our days, enhances the joy we receive from knowing that we are following God’s ways. These joyous thoughts reinforce our longing for God and thus helps build a progressive, stronger commitment to God.   

Bible verses will be listed below to search and read that either directly or indirectly relate to commitment and consistency. The books the verses are in will not be listed in chronological order in order to give experience in searching for Bible verses. All Bible verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible.  Go to the website above left to review past blogs in this series, beginning with the January 3rd blog.

         MAY YOU BLESSED THIS WEEK IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY!

Bible verses: Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses 4-9; Job, chapter 22, verses 21-28; John, chapter 15, verses 1-17; 1st John, chapter 4, verse 13-15; Jeremiah, chapter 33, verse 3; Mark, chapter 1, verse 35; Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 22-28; Matthew, chapter 21, verses 21-22; Psalm, chapter 148, verses 1-14; Isaiah, chapter 30, verse 15; Psalm, chapter 100, verses 1-5; Hosea, chapter 14, verse 9; Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5-8; Isaiah, chapter 55, verses 8-10, and Psalm, chapter 149, verses 1-5.

January 23, 2022:  Dear Friends, Thank you for following this blog as we attempt to help each follower learn and understand the Bible. In our current Bible series, our focus has been on coming to know and understand God. 

The Bible is God’s Holy Word to each of its readers. As written in 2nd Timothy chapter 3: verse 16: “All scripture is inspired by God……” and by assumption, the more the Bible is read and studied, the more one will come to better understand and know God, who he is, how he thinks and how he wants us to think and act. 

The focus on God in today’s blog will be on trying to understand how God thinks. There are several Bible passages of verses, that when contemplated on, will help the follower realize this is how God thinks and how he wants us to think and act. Most Bible verses allow us insight into how God thinks, but some scriptures are more specific in siting important direction and guidance that influences our thinking. Reading these scriptures helps us to know God better, helps us in our relationship to him and draws us nearer and closer to him. 

Having a close relationship with God is our ultimate goal, influencing us as we go through life facing the challenges and responsibilities that we experience in everyday living. Our thinking changes, our attitudes expand, our decisions advance. One will begin to notice a positive difference in one’s life, that is progressive as one continues to meditate on God and his Holy Word. 

Reading the Bible a few times a week or daily, as time allows, enhances our relationship with God. Spending a few minutes reading God’s Word brings peace and understanding within us that is carried with us throughout the day, day in and day out. Consider also adding to the Bible reading a daily devotional or two found in specially written devotional books This will help broaden prospective in our quest to gain understanding of God.

Each person has to develop one’s own method and pattern of Bible study. Jesus went out early in the morning while it was still dark to pray to God, as written in Mark, chapter 1, verse 35. Morning reading and worshiping God in prayer may be preferred due to being readily able to focus more clearly with a rested mind. Whenever and however one chooses to meditate on God and on God’s Word, is entirely each one’s priority and is usually determined by how comfortable one is in the worshiping process. Remember, the time spent in God’s Word is time spent between you and God. What could be more important than that, spending time with God?

A few verses, of the many in the Bible will be listed below that will reflect on how God thinks. All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) version of the Bible.

                 MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                        Bible Verses: Psalm, chapter 46, verse 10; Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 1; Exodus, chapter 20, verses 1-18; Leviticus, chapter 19, verses 15-18, and verses 33-35; Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verse 9, and chapter 30, verses 15-20; Isaiah,chapter 58, verses 6-11; Jeremiah, chapter 7, verse 25; Matthew, chapter 22, verses 34-40, and chapter 25, verses 34-40; and Galatians, chapter 5, verses 16-26.                          

January 16, 2022:  Dear Friends, Last week’s blog was written on a different platform that was presented when logging into tumblr.com. As a result, last week’s blog was not recorded on Tumblr or on the website, keeganbooks.com.

A series had been started in the January 2 blog that focused on getting to know God better, who he is, how he thinks, and how he wants us to think and act. By reading and studying the Bible, God’s Holy Word to it’s readers, one will learn about God. After all, God was who inspired the authors of the books of the Bible on what to write. In 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verse 16 it is written that, “All scripture is inspired by God”. Consistent Bible reading, several days a week, or every day, if time allows, will draw us nearer and closer to God, as is written in James, chapter 4, verse 8:  “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”

The January 2 blog was written about how one communicates with God through prayer. Return to that blog by going to the website above left to review and contemplate on what was written. Our focus this week will be on who God is, as written in many verses of the Bible. God is the almighty, all powerful,the creator of all the universes, the one and only God, who reigns over the world and all that lives in it. In Psalm, chapter 24, verse 1, is written: “ The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. God’s creation of the world can be read about in Genesis, chapter 1, verses 1-31. The beauty of the creation with God’s power over the earth is written about in Psalms, chapter 8, verses 1-9 and in Job, chapters 38 and 39, God, himself, describes his power over the universe.

Spend some time this week contemplating on God, the Mighty one, the eternal creator, all powerful and just. Consider the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. When studying and contemplating, allow one’s self the privilege of being alone, in a quiet, silent place, that allows the quietness of solitude to invade the mind. In this silence, the inner-most thought processes can dwell on our Almighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, helping one to draw nearer and closer to him. 

Reading the Bible and acquiring knowledge about God will help one to grow spiritually. Spiritual growth will pave the way in allowing us to perceive the presence of God with us during our quiet times as well as in our regular everyday living experiences. Learning and knowing the Bible might be the most important resource that one can use that will positively influence life’s daily decisions and actions. Strive to learn and know the Bible.

             MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                              All Bible verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible

Bible Verses: Ist Chronicles, chapter 29, verses 10-13; Jeremiah, chapter 32, verse 17; Psalm, chapter 91, verses 1-2; Psalm, chapter 145, verses 3-7; Psalm, chapter 34, verses 1-2; Ephesians, chapter 6, verse 10, Mark, chapter 10 verse 27; Roman’s, chapter 1, verse 20. Leviticus, chapter 20, verse 26; and 1st Peter, chapter 1, verses 15 and 16. Refer to and read the verses listed above in paragraph 3.

January 2, 2022: Dear Friends, May you continued to be blessed in this brand new year, 2022. What a joy we feel as we contemplate the year ahead, knowing that the Lord God, our Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is with us at all times, guiding us as we progress through life’s experiences.

Most who follow this blog have a close relationship to God, and those that don’t, will learn how to learn about God and will receive that closeness,through reading and studying the Bible. The Bible is God’s Holy Word to all who read the Bible. In 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verses 16-17, the apostle Paul wrote, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”

In the next few weeks, the focus of this blog will be on learning more about God, how He thinks and how He wants us to think and act. The action of prayer to God will be discussed in today’s blog.. Most know what prayer is. Prayer is a form of communication with God, talking to God, and as spiritual growth develops, learning to listen for God’s communication with us. 

There has been much written about prayer, how to organize thoughts conveyed in prayer, when to pray, what to say, even prayers written for us to read to God. What is important in how to pray is to know that each person, when praying to God, has his or her own way to pray to Him, how to address God, what the individual wants to tell God, what requests are to be made to God. These are individual thought processes that go into talking with God, just as having thought processes that lead us when we talk with others. Keep in mind that how often we talk with God will influence our relationship with God as James wrote in James, chapter 4, verse 8: “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.”

There are numerous Bible verses on prayer or praying. A few Bible verses will be listed below that will help in learning how to pray. Prayer and praying are written about frequently throughout the Bible. When learning to pray, learn to feel comfortable in talking to God. Don’t be scared. In Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10, is written from God’s word: “Fear not for I am with you…..” Be in a quiet, silent place so that the stillness may transform in the process of thinking on the words to use when praying. Feel the closeness of God. That closeness will continue as one continues to pray and to learn and know the Bible.

                MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK! 

Bible Verses:  Verses on Jesus and prayer: Matthew, chapter 6, verses 5-22; Mark, chapter 1, verse 35; John, chapter 17, verse 1; Jacob praying in Genesis, chapter 32, verses 22-32; Daniel on praying: Daniel, chapter 6, verses 6-22. There are several recordings on David and prayer, one will be listed: 2nd Samuel, chapter 7, verses 18-29; Solomon on prayer: 2nd Chronicles, chapter 6, verses 3-through to chapter 7, verse 1; Paul on prayer: Colossians, chapter 1, verses 9-10; and 1st Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 17.

December 26, 2021: Dear Friends: As we enter into the last week of December, 2021, let us turn our attention back to what we studied and learned during our Bible Study this year. In January, 2021, a series of blogs were written on developing a relationship with God with the focus being on learning and understanding the wisdom of God. This series was followed by a short series, January 31 through February 14, on a word study on common words found throughout the Bible. The purpose of that study was to emphasize the importance of words in the Bible that convey God’s purpose in the words of the Bible.This series was followed by a series of blogs on Lent, which started on Ash Wednesday, February 17, and lasted 40 days, until the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, April 4.  The focus of this series was on the life, death by crucifixion and resurrection, of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Learning about Jesus’ examples, either in his teachings or in his daily activities, in this study gave the follower of this blog direction and guidance in how to live and grow in Christian faith. 

The next series of blogs in 2021, began on April 11, and extended through the last Sunday in June. The focus of these blogs was to teach on learning the Bible. The series included instruction in learning the books of the Bible, learning how to search for verses in the Bible, learning how the books of the Bible are organized, the time line of the approximate time of when the events that were written about occurred, and information on how the books of the Bible are related. Geographic sites that transverse through several books of the Bible, as well as having several words and ideas that are found in many of the Bible books, helped in diffusing the confusion that can occur when trying to learn the Bible.

The second half of 2021 had a series of blogs that were written to help the follower learn more about God. The Bible is God’s Holy Word to its readers. Studying God’s Holy Word increases knowledge about God, who he is, how he thinks, and how he wants his followers to think and act. The more the follower grows in the knowledge of God through Bible reading and study, the nearer and closer one becomes to God as written in James, chapter 4, verse 8 which states, “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.” This series was written between July 4 through August 22. 

The last two series, studying important people who are written about and/or referred to throughout the Bible, August 19 through November 21; and the series on Advent, November 28 through December 19, complete our 2021 Bible Studies. For this week’s Bible Study, choose a particular series or maybe 2 to 3 series, and review what has been written. Spend some time thinking about where you are in your knowledge of the Bible. Determining what you want to accomplish in your knowledge and understanding of the Bible in 2022, will help you set goals and plans regarding the study and usage of the Bible. Then if time allows, write down your resolutions on your Bible Study goals for 2022. This will provide a reference as you progress in your study in 2022..

The Bible is a wonderful book, full of wise and purposeful prose, that will provide support, help, guidance and direction, as one goes through the day-to-day living experiences and challenges of life. May you continue to grow in your knowledge of the Bible, God’s Holy Word to you.                                            

                                                    Happy New Year!                                                            MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY IN 2022.      Bible Verses: Psalm, chapter 23, verses 1-6; Matthew, chapter 5, verses 1-11;  1st Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1-13; and Matthew, chapter 25, verses 31-40; and Isaiah, chapter 58. verses 6-11.                    

December 19, 2021:  Dear Friends, Merry Christmas to all! This is Christmas week, and today is the fourth Sunday in Advent. As most know, Advent is the time before Christmas when his followers prepare for the birth of the Christ Child, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. Even though Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago, Christians spend time anticipating his arrival. In the days leading up to Christmas Day, many contemplate on Jesus, who Jesus is, and the purpose of his life. Return to the previous 3 blogs by going to the website above left to learn more about Advent.

The word that is associated with the 4th Sunday in Advent is the word “Love”. Most of Jesus’ followers, when ask about Jesus, will talk about the love of Jesus for us. As we learn through the reading and studying of the Bible, all the populace that dwell in the world, not just a few people, but all people, are loved by Jesus.

Jesus spoke about love, directly and indirectly, in many of his teachings. He talked about the love of God, the love of family members and friends, and of  love of neighbors and strangers. Jesus was a teacher and he taught us, as his followers, how to live a righteous life, showing love, compassion and mercy, in our dealings with others.

Love is the key feeling that other positive thoughts and actions flow from. Love influences how we think and act. Having a loving, forgiving,and compassionate heart, is directly and indirectly, acquired through learning and understanding Jesus and his teachings.  As written by the Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians, chapter 13. verse 13: “Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

The Beatitudes, written in Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7, offer good, solid insight into how Jesus thinks and how Jesus teaches. If time allows, try to read these chapters daily for a few days to help in understanding and knowing Jesus better. Bible Verses on the Christmas Story of Jesus’ birth and early childhood can be found in Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18 through chapter 2, verse 23; and in Luke, chapter 1, verse 5 through chapter 2, verse 39. Other verses will be listed below to search for and read about “Love”. all verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible.

May you Have A Blessed Christmas, and MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!   BIBLE VERSES: Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses 4-9; John, chapter 3, verse 16; John, chapter 11, verses 1-6, and verses 32-35; John, chapter 13, verse 1; Matthew, chapter 36b; Matthew, chapter 15, verses 29-39; Matthew, chapter 18, verses 2-5; and verse 10; Matthew, chapter 22, verses 34-40; Matthew, chapter 24, verses 34-40; Matthew, chapter 25, verses 34-40; Luke, chapter 5, verse 17; Luke, chapter 7, verses 22-37; Luke , chapter 10, verses 29-27; and 1st Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1-13.

December 12, 2021: Dear Friends, Today is the third Sunday in Advent. The word that is associated with this special Sunday is the word “Joy”. Today is a day for rejoicing over the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, on Christmas Day. As we continue to meditate during this most important time of Advent, let us take time to absorb the joy that is created in our hearts and souls as we worship and praise Jesus. 

According to historical records, some of which are recorded in the Bible, Jesus was born approximately 6 BCE, two years before King Herod, the Great, died. The exact date King Herod died is not known. However most biblical historians think that Herod died in 4 BCE. In Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-23 is the recording of when King Herod, upon learning of Jesus’ birth, that Jesus was the Messiah and that Jesus’ birth had been prophesied, sought to have Jesus killed. He brought terror to the area in and near Bethlehem to have all the children that were around two years old and younger killed. This was to prevent Jesus from living to “shepherd the people Israel” and “to be the King of Israel”. If King Herod died in 4 BCE, Jesus would have had to be at least 2 years old to have been targeted by King Herod to be killed with all other two year old’s and under in the area.

Most are familiar with the word “Happy” or “Happiness.” Happiness has been defined in Webster’s dictionary with many descriptions including being joyous, ecstatic,merry, and delighted. The word “Joy” has been described in Webster’s with the same words described when defining happiness. Both joy and happiness can be understood as being a state of mind, usually occurring after an unexpected positive event or happening, that has greatly influenced the thinking and the mind of the one who is experiencing joy and happiness. The feeling of joy and happiness may last a few seconds, or up to several hours or days. However long the feeling is present, the feeling is one of pleasure, contentment and satisfaction. A pleasant, merry feeling of joy at a particular time.

Jesus, in his words to his disciples and followers use the word “Joy” in his teachings. In Matthew, chapter 25, verse 23, while teaching a parable, Jesus said, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master;’” and in John, chapter 15. verses  9-11, “ As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father;s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

We will experience the joy of the our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we strive to get to know him through our Christian lives. We will learn about Jesus and foster a relationship with him by reading about his life in the Gospel Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, in the New Testament of the Bible.The more one reads and studies about the life of Jesus, the nearer and closer one draws near to him. In addition, attending worship through church and group study services, adds to our knowledge and understanding of Jesus, who he is, what he stands for, and how he wants us to live and think.  Remember, the joy of our Lord is complete through our love of him and his love for us. Our joy for him is brought forth in us through love and through obedience of his commandments and teachings. May the joy of the Lord in this advent season be with you.

                        GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                      BIBLE VERSES: All Bible verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible. Matthew, chapter 22, verses 34-40; John, chapter 13, verse 1; John, chapter 15, verses 12-17; Matthew, chapter 4, verses 23-25; Matthew, chapter 11, verses 28-30. Matthew, chapter 25, verses 34-40; John, chapter 14,verses 27-28; and John 16, verses 32-33.

KNOWING YOUR BIBLE

December 5, 2021: Dear Friends, Today is the second Sunday in Advent. Advent has been defined as the time prior to Jesus birth on Christmas Day. During this time, Christians, world wide, focus on the coming of the Christ Child. During this waiting period, these few days before Christmas, most committed Christians concentrate on the purpose of Jesus’ life, what he stood for and believed, and what his life means to his followers. 

The New Testament Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, tell about the birth, life, death by crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Choose one of these books to read and study during this Advent time. The books of Matthew and Luke tell of Jesus’ birth which is why we celebrate Christmas. These books might be perferred to use for Bible study during Advent. Time spent alone, in a quiet, peaceful area, reading, studying and contemplating on Jesus, will bring his followers to draw near and close to him. The relationship with Jesus will be nurtured and will foster spiritual growth in developing a stronger, greater faith and belief in him. 

To learn more about Advent, refer to last week’s blog by going to the website above left. The Word “Hope” is associated with the first Sunday in Advent. The word “Peace” is associated with the second Sunday in Advent. Jesus brought attention to peace in the world through his examples and teachings as written in the Bible. One can be led to having peace and contentment in their lives by  gaining knowledge in the ways that Jesus instructed us in his teachings. Right judgement, right thinking and right actions, lead to peace and contentment by influencing our decisions, the choices we make, who we associate with, what vocation we choose and how we live our lives. The Bible is the standard of rightness when comparing the word “right” to a standard that is correct.

Matthew, chapters 5 through 7 are referred to the “Beatitudes” with the verses being direct quotes of Jesus in his teachings to his followers during his life. Most of what Jesus said in these chapters and through his teachings throughout his ministry, was related to one’s day-by-day thinking and actions, Maybe the word beatitude has reference to the word, attitude”. Maybe our attitudes need corrected. 

Besides teaching directly to his followers, Jesus also taught through the use of parables that are written in the gospel books. A parable is defined in Webster’s dictionary as a “short simple story that teaches a moral story.” Contemplating on Jesus’ parables may help in recognizing an underlying defect in character that is causing a lack of peace or contentment in our lives. 

A few Bible verses related to peace and some parables will be listed below to read and study this next week as we continue to contemplate on Jesus. Remember, Jesus said in John, chapter 14, verse 26, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”                                                                                                                                                       MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!            BIBLE VERSES: Matthew, chapter 4, verse 23; Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7; Mark, chapter 12, verses 28-34 and verses 41-44; Luke, chapter 6, verses 32-36; Luke, chapter 8, verses 11-18; Luke chapter 10, verses 29-37; Luke, chapter 11, verses 5-8′ and 33-35; Luke chapter 12, verses 13-21; Luke, chapter 15, verses 3-7; 8-10; and verses 11-32; John, chapter 8, verses 1-11; John, chapter 13, verses 3-11; and John, chapter 15, verses 1-17.

November 28, 2021: Dear Friends, today is the first Sunday of Advent. The word Advent refers to a period of time, the four Sundays prior to the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas. The custom of observing Advent during this time period has been passed down through the ages and is recognized and practiced by most Christian churches. 

Advent is a time set aside to focus on the coming birth of Jesus Christ and on the meaning of his life. During this time of waiting and preparing ourselves for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, contemplate on what his purpose was, how faith and belief in Jesus influences our lives and what Jesus actually means to us as believers in him. Set aside a time to study and think on these ideas. This should be a personal, reflective time, to draw near and close to Jesus. Drawing near and close to Jesus will provide  a deeper understanding of who he is and the purpose of his life. 

The first Sunday of Advent is usually associated with the word “Hope”. Jesus’ birth and being the “Son of God” was prophesied in the Old Testament. The focus of the prophesy was that living conditions and circumstances were so bad that God would send his only son to reign as the Messiah, bringing hope, peace and joy, and causing living conditions and circumstances to be better. In actuality, as seen as we study Jesus’ life in the New Testament gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, living conditions and circumstances in one’s life does become much better as we come to know Jesus through our Bible studies and worship services. 

The people of Jesus’ time did not accept Jesus as the Messiah when they came to realize that Jesus, the Messiah they expected, was not the Jesus who Jesus was and is. Who Jesus was and the expectations of who Jesus, the Messiah  was, were of two different, incompatible beliefs of who he was, one being material in wealth, and possessions as the “King” of the Jews, and the other who was and is, the spiritual, the Prince of Peace, with his authority growing continually, as written in Isaiah chapter 9, verses 6-9.

Bible verses will be listed below to search for and read from the prophets of the Old Testament with some verses on his birth and references to his being the Messiah from the New Testament. When time allows, return to the blogs written from April 11 through June 27, 2021, to help in learning and knowing the Bible. Remember, the more you read and study the Bible, the closer and nearer you will become to God as written in James, chapter 4, verse 8 which says: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you…….”                                                                          MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!         BIBLE VERSES: Isaiah, chapter 8, verses 11-22; Isaiah, chapter 9, verses 1-7; Micah, chapter 3, verses 8-12; Micah, chapter 4, verses 1-7; Micah, chapter 5, verses 2-5a; Matthew, chapter 2, verse 3-6; Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18-25; Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-6; Luke, chapter 2, verses 1-20; John, chapter 4, verses 25-26; John, chapter 19, verses 1-16. Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 23; and Hebrews, chapter 11, verses 1-3.

November 21, 2021: Dear Friends, This is the last blog in our discussion of important people in the Bible. Becoming acquainted with biblical people is just another forward rung in the ladder of positive spiritual growth in learning the Bible. This series started on August 22, 2021 and has continued, with few exceptions, to today’s blog.   

Time is limited to continue this series due to our upcoming itinerary focusing on Advent. Advent is celebrated by Christians around the world during the four Sunday’s prior to Christmas day. It is a time set aside to contemplate and wait for the coming of the Christ Child, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

In the past few visits, (except for our August 22 discussion of Jesus Christ, the most important person written about in the Bible),the discussion has primarily  been on important people in the Old Testament. In today’s visit, the focus will be on important people in the New Testament. There are 27 books in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the most important person in the Bible. The whole focus and purpose of the Bible is Jesus Christ. His birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection can be found in the first 4 books of the New Testament Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books are referred to as the “Gospel” books.

The next book following the book of John is the book of Acts. Acts is the history book written about events and happenings that were occurring in the early church after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Going forward from the book of Acts, to the book of Revelation, starting with the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul is credited with writing the next 13 books including Romans. These books are listed in the organizational chart as Paul’s Letters. (Refer back to the April 25, 2021 blog written on the organization of the Bible). 

Paul is certainly one of the most important people in the Bible. His importance would be in competition with the importance of the 12 disciples written about in the gospel books listed above and in the book of Acts. Go to the book of Acts, and read about Paul, starting with Stephen’s stoning to death in chapter 8 and about Paul’s Christian conversion in chapter 9. When time allows, skim through the book of Acts to learn the important history of the early church including writings about Paul’s life and ministry.

Some of the other books of the New Testament are named after the author that wrote the book including the books of James, 1st and 2nd Peter, and 3 books written by “a” John. Certainly these men were important people of the Bible. These three men are thought to be Jesus’ disciples, although the actual authors of these books may have been other people named James, Peter and John. For further study on the authors of the New Testament, refer to “Comprehensive Analysis of the Bible” by Montgomery F Essig. Other resources may be found online.

Spend time this week going through all the books of the New Testament, reading and contemplating on a few scriptures from each book. Beginning in next week’s blog, our next series will focus on Advent. 

Remember, that the more the Bible is read and learned, the closer and nearer one comes to God. We have been instructed in James, chapter 4, verse 8 to, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” The Bible is God’s Holy Word to it’s readers.  Reading, studying and learning the Bible will help one to acquire knowledge of who God is, how God thinks and how God wants us to think and act.  Read the Bible. Study the Bible. Learn the Bible. All are important in helping us draw closer and nearer to God!

      MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

November 14,2021: Dear Friends, I hope you are enjoying some of this beautiful fall weather. Aren’t we blessed every day with all of God’s gifts to us through nature and throughout the universe? May you continued to be blessed as you are studying and learning the Bible.

We are nearing closure on our study series that has focused on important people written about in the Bible. Refer to past blogs starting with the August 11 blog and, proceeding forward to this blog, to review and contemplate on what has been written in this series of blogs.

There are many important people written about in the Bible. Time and space do not allow listing and writing about all the noted people in the Bible. Giving exposure to a few of the most noted people in the Bible will allow for spiritual growth in knowledge and wisdom as one is trying to learn the Bible. As time continues and Bible study becomes consistent, one begins to know and understand the Bible. Perspective is being molded into our mindset as we continue to gain knowledge of the Bible. Perception becomes an important influence on learning as we try to decipher what is being learned through the study of the Bible.

The focus of this visit will be on the prophets whose books are located in the last part of the Old Testament. For the most part, the name of the book is named after the author. The word “Prophet” has been defined as “one who prophesies and predicts the future.” Refer back to our study on learning the Bible (April 11, 2021-June 27, 2021) by going to the website above left. Review the listing of the prophet books in the organizational chart and in the timetable on the approximate time the books were written or when the events written about in a particular book occurred. Again, learning some details about the books of the Bible will propel one’s intensity of desire to want to dig deeper and learn more about the Bible. 

There are seventeen prophet books. The prophet books begin with the prophet Isaiah and end with the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. There are four prophet books, Isaiah, Jeremiah, including Lamentations (written by Jeremiah), Ezekiel and Daniel, which are referred to as the major prophets.The reference to the word “major” has been said because these books with the exception of Lamentations, are larger in size when compared to the “minor” prophets, whose books for the most part are only a few pages in length. The minor prophet books include the following: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah,Micah, Nathum Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. 

For Bible study this week, go through the prophet books of the Old Testament. During the study one might want to read a few verses in each book just to get an insight of what is being written. One might want to write the approximate date that the book was written at the top of the first page of the book as a future reference. It is helpful in knowing the date that the book was written when trying to associate when the events written about occurred. Also, always remember, if using one’s own Bible, consider underlining or highlighting meaningful verses, so that the verses can readily be found when going back to read and contemplate on what has been written. 

              MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK! 

November 7, 2021: Dear Friends, The focus of this week’s blog will continue to be on important people that are written about in the Bible. This series was started on August 22 and continues through today’s blog. Last week David, the shepherd boy who became King of Israel, was written about. This week the focus will continue on David, with emphasis on the wisdom book of Psalm that David partially composed during his life time. 

Return to last week’s blog and review some of the Bible verses listed that tell of David’s life. Next to Jesus Christ being the most important person written about in the Bible, Abraham, Moses and David, could well be at the front of the list of important people in the Bible. What seems interesting when comparing David to the study of Abraham and Moses, is that there is much more written in the Bible about David and the life he lived as compared to Abraham and Moses. The study of the humanity of these three biblical persons reveals much that can be related to man’s humanity today. But of the three, the study of David’s life reveals more details on how David thought and on his behavior and actions when compared to Abraham and Moses. Return to last week’s blog by going to the website above left and review what was written about David. When time allows, review some of the Bible verses listed ( 1st Samuel, chapter 16 through 2nd Samuel to 1st Kings, chapter 2; and 1st Chronicles, chapter 11 through chapter 29.)

David has been credited with writing more than half of the book of Psalm. Other writers that wrote chapters in the book include Moses, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Asaph, Heman, Ethan, Ezra and possibly Jeremiah and Nehemiah.The chapters were written over a time period of almost one thousand years. David is given credit for setting the foundation of the book and Ezra has been given credit for organizing the chapters in the book. 

The book of Psalm is one of the five wisdom books of the Bible. It is the longest book in the Bible, having 150 chapters. Psalm is located in the center of the Bible. Many who teach the Bible will teach their students to go to the book of Psalm to locate other Bible books. After locating the book of Psalm, students are taught to go toward the front or toward the back of the Bible, depending on where the book being searched for is located.(Find “organization” of Bible books on the April 18 2021 blog and “searching” for Bible verses on the April 25, 2021 blog.)

Biblical history reveals that music was added to the worship services through the David’s influence. (Psalm chapter 149, verses 1-4; 2nd Samuel, chapter 6, verses 12-16.) Other important information about the book of Psalm is that composition of the many chapters in Psalm are classified as psalms of praise, adoration, gratitude, trust in God, and on instruction and supplication.

Spend some time this week looking and reading various chapters in the book of Psalm. Some chapters of Psalm will be listed below to search for and read. The more the psalms are read, the more one will want to read the psalms. The love of the beauty and the reality of what is written in each psalm brings an increasing desire in wanting to read and learn more of the psalms. Remember, the more the Bible is read, the closer and nearer we are to God. All Bible verses listed are from the New Revised Standard (NSR) version of the Bible.                                      

                   MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                      BIBLE VERSES: Psalm, chapter 1, verses 1-6; Psalm, chapter 8, verses 1-9; Psalm, chapter 23, verses 1-7; Psalm, chapter 24, verses 1-10; Psalm, chapter 27, verses 1-14; Psalm, chapter 46, verses 1-11; Psalm, chapter 51, verses 1-19; Psalm, chapter 63, verses 1-11; Psalm, chapter 91, verses 1-16; Psalm, chapter 100, verses 1-5; Psalm, chapter 103, verses 1-22; Psalm, chapter 128, verses 1-8 Psalm, chapter 139, verses 1-24.  References for this blog are from online review and “The Comprehensive Analysis of the Bible” by Montgomery F Essig.

October 31, 2021. Dear Friends, welcome to this blog on KNOWING YOUR BIBLE. The purpose of this blog is to help in learning and knowing the Bible. The current series of blogs have focused on important biblical persons that have been written about in the Bible. The series was started on August 22 and has progressed to today’s blog. Go to the website above left to read these blogs to help in giving perspective on what is being written today. 

In this blog, the biblical person to be focused on is David, the shepherd boy who reigned as King of Israel for 40 years. David is a very important person in the Bible. The “ genealogy of Jesus, the son of David, the son of Abraham” is written in Matthew, chapter 1, verse 1. 

One can read about David’s life starting in 1st Samuel, chapter 16, verse 1 through the book of 1st and 2nd Samuel, progressing to 1st kings, chapter 2, verse 11. Similar events and writings about David’s life can be found in 1st Chronicles, chapter 10, verse 13, through the book of 1st Chronicles, chapter 29.  

When reading about David in these chapters, keep in mind that David was a faithful man of God, that he had a strong faith in following God’s guidance and direction in his life. But, David was also human, and wandered from God’s ways, committing devastating sins that changed his life in many ways.

When studying the lives of the different biblical persons written about in these blogs, try to apply what is being read to the life, thoughts and actions one may be having. When reading about a particular meaningful event or happening that may have affected the person’s life or the life of his family, try to understand the cause of the sin and compare one’s thinking to that of the person. This is an important way that one can learn God’s ways through reading the Bible.When we see ourselves in another’s wrongdoing, making a wrong decision, injuring or harming another, or being stubborn or obstinate, we can then realize our own shortcomings and begin to want to change ourselves. 

Changing ourselves to be a more holy person is no easy chore to accomplish. In 1st Peter, chapter 1, verses 15-16, it is written: “Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Besides having a strong commitment to change, one must go to God in prayer, asking for forgiveness and for strength and help to change. By our faith in him, our Holy God will lead and guide us in our attempts to change for the better. 

For Bible study this week, spend time reading and going through the Bible verses listed above. Read a few pages a day. If some of what is written does not seem to be applicable to what you are seeking in your study, skip to pages that are more meaningful to you. Remember to highlight or underline meaningful verses so that you may easily find the verses when going back to study and contemplate on the verses.                                                                                               “MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!”

For new beginners, go to the website above left and return to the April 11th blog. Starting with that blog, a series has been written that will teach the organization of the books of the Bible, where the Bible books are located, how to search and find specific Bible verses, and when the approximate timeline of when the Bible was written. There is a section of blogs that describe how the books of the Bible are related, through geographic sites that are found in many books of the Bible, and through words and ideas that transverse through the Bible. Follow the blogs in that series from April 11th to July 4th, 2011 to help in learning the Bible.

October, 24, 2021: Dear Friends: In this discussion, the focus will continue to be on the series of persons that are important in biblical history. This series started on August 22 and has progressed through today. Go to the website above left to review this series of blogs. Contemplating on what has been learned in this series will add perspective to what will be learned as our study progresses. 

Remember, the more one learns about the Bible, the more one will learn about God and be drawn to want to know and understand him better. The Bible is God’s word to its reader as written in 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verses 16-17, by the Apostle Paul, who wrote as follows: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”

Bible verses written about the “Word of God” are found in many books of the Bible. The longest chapter written in the Bible is Psalm 119. The focus of that chapter is on the “Word of God”. Several verses about the “Word of God” are written in Proverbs including in chapter 1, verse 24, which says: “Give heed to my reproof: I will pour out my thoughts to you. I will make my words known to you.”  And in chapter 4, verse 4, it is written  “….Let your heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments and live.”

Our study of Moses will be completed today and our focus will shift to Joshua, a close follower of Moses. Most have finished reading the last few chapters of Exodus on the life of Moses. If not, spend some time this week reading chapters 29 through 40. In future Bible study, the follower should learn about the other LAW BOOKS of Leviticus through Deuteronomy, during the process of general learning of the Bible. Go to Deuteronomy, chapter 34, verses 1-10, to read about Moses’ death and Joshua’s succession of the leadership of the Israelite’s. A tribute to Moses was written in verses 10-12 of chapter 34.

Joshua succeeded Moses in leading the Israelite’s through the next several years until his death at 110 years of age. Details of his life are found in the book of Joshua. The approximately timing of the events written about in the book of Joshua occurred in the 1400′s BCE. Joshua was a holy man. He led the Israelite’s into the promised land of what is known today as the country of Israel. He had a close and faithful relationship with God. There are many familiar writings about Joshua, one of the best known was when he was talking about serving God found in chapter 24, verse 15.

The book of Joshua follows the book of Deuteronomy, and, is the first book of the history books of the Old Testament in the organizational chart of the Bible. Reference to the organizational chart of the Old Testament, as well as a structured detail instruction on learning the Bible, can be found by going to the series on learning the Bible. This series starts with the April 11 blog, and progresses through to the July blog. This is a very important series that should be read, then reviewed and studied, to help in KNOWING YOUR BIBLE.

Read Joshua, chapters 1-12 this week or as many more of the chapters that time allows. Spend time contemplating on what is being learned. May you continue to look forward to learning and enjoying the study of the Bible.                                                                 MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

October, 17, 2021: Dear Friends: Today we will continue our series on learning about people that are important in biblical history. This series started on August 22,2021 and can be found by going to the website above and returning to the August 22 blog. Progress forward to review the series through today’s series.

Learning about different biblical characters broadens perspective and knowledge as one progresses in learning the Bible. Often, in Bible verses, names of different persons will be written about several hundred years after the person mentioned lived on earth.

For newcomers to this blog, another series on learning the Bible is written in the April 11, 2021 blog and extends through the July 4, 2021 blog. This series of blogs discuss how to learn the books of the Bible, how to search for to read Bible verses, the organization of the books of the Bible, the approximate timeline of when the events written in the books of the Bible occurred and how the books of the Bible are related. Again, return to the April 11 blog, and progress forward to the July 4th blog, to review and focus on learning the Bible.

There are many ways the books of the Bible are related. When first trying to learn the Bible, confusion may arise over how the books of the Bible are related. After all, there are 66 books in the Bible, 39 in the Old Testament, and 27 in the New Testament. The books were written by one or more authors covering a timeline of hundreds of years. One might ask, “What does the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament, have in common with the book of Hebrews in the New  Testament.?” 

This author chose to write about how common geographic sites that are found throughout the books of the Bible help connect the books together. Also noteworthy, is that there are many common words and ideas that transverse throughout the Bible conveying common beliefs and thoughts that influence thinking and actions. Common words that God used in inspiring the writers of the books to write, (2nd Timothy, verses 16-17), tell its readers how God wants us to think and act, illustrating another way the books of the Bible are related.

During learning about the organization of the Bible books as well as the timeline of when the events that happened in the books, try to think about where in the organizational chart is the book listed and when the book the verse was written in, was written. When reading a verse in a particular book of the Bible, one may realize that the book the verse is in is a law book, a history book, a wisdom book, and so on; and that the writing took place 700 BCE, or 70 AD and so on. This knowledge helps to broaden one’s perspective when trying to learn the Bible. Perspective in understanding the Bible will be learned.

Last week”s blog was focused on Moses, his life and actions as a major leader of the Israelite’s in early biblical history. The leading of the Israelite’s out of slavery and bondage in Egypt was a major historic event in the Old Testament and is referred to in several of the books of the Bible. It has been thought that Moses composed most of the 1st 5 books of the Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy, referred to as the Law Books. He also composed some of the Psalm, chapters 90-95. The events that occurred in these books happened approximately in the 1400 BCE timeline.

During Bible study this week, read more chapters in Exodus, from chapter 14 through chapter 28. If time allows read as many of the chapters left to read in Exodus. Note that the 10 commandments are written in chapter 20. Spend time contemplating on what has been read. 

A few Bible verses referring to Moses and the leading of the Israelite’s from Egypt will be listed below. Use the timeline in the April-July series on when the book that the verse is in was written. Then estimate how many years had past since Moses had lived on earth when the book the verse was in was written. This exercise will help in reinforcing the knowledge that is being learned when reading the Bible.                                                                   MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!   BIBLE VERSES: Joshua, chapter 34, verse 5; Judges, chapter 1, verse 5; 1st Samuel, chapter 10, verse 18; and chapter 12, verses 6-8; 1st Kings, chapter 8, verse 53; Jeremiah, chapter 2, verse 6; Amos, chapter 2, verse 10; and Micah, chapter 6, verse 4.

October 10, 2021: Dear Friends, We will continue our series on highlighting different people that are written about in the Bible. The reason this series has been written is to broaden the biblical knowledge of the person learning the Bible. Learning and knowing the Bible is a satisfying, rewarding, achievement, influencing perspective and wisdom in decision-making and judgement, as one is trying to discern life’s experiences and challenges.

In the past few weeks, discussions have focused on persons and events written in the book of Genesis. Return to the website above left and go to the blog written on August 22. Progress forward reading the blogs written through October 3, to review this series of blogs. Note that Abraham, his sons, and grandsons, were written about and have been focused on in several chapters of Genesis. Having learned some about these persons, as well as other persons that have or will be written about, will allow the reader to have a better understanding when one of the person’s might be mentioned in Bible verses found in other books of the Bible. References to these persons are found in many of the books of the Bible. (Reference Verses: Exodus, chapter 6, verse 8, Joshua, chapter 24, verses 2-4; Nehemiah, chapter 9, verses 7-8; Acts,chapter 7, verses 2-54[early biblical history]; Hebrews, chapter 11, verses 8-12 & 17-22.)

In today’s discussion the focus will be on Moses. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt into the “Promised Land” of Israel. The Law books, the first 5 books of the Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy, have been thought to have been written by Moses,or, at least some of his writings were included in these books. The Ten Commandments, written by Moses at the direction of God, can be found in Exodus, chapter 20. The approximate time frame of Moses’ life covered a period of time in the 1400′s BCE, approximately 300 years after Abraham and his family lived on earth. 

The book of Exodus tells of the life of Moses, his teachings, the leading of his people from Exodus and other important information that is relevant in understanding how important Moses is in the history of the Bible. As in the study of Abraham, details about Moses’ life allows the reader to realize that Moses, and the people of his time had thinking, feelings and actions, that are similar to ours, although there is a 3500 plus-time period from his time to our time.

Our Bible study for this week is on the book of Exodus. There are 39 chapters in Exodus. Try to read two chapters a day, 14 chapters or more this week. Spend some time contemplating on what is being read. If possible, share Bible study with another or others and discuss what has been read.  

The more the Bible is read, the more one draws near to God, the more one is influenced in helping to change thinking and actions. Understanding love, compassion, mercy and the goodness of God, and through his son, Jesus Christ, that is written throughout the Bible, can and should make a difference in one’s thinking and actions. There are other positive ways that one can be influenced to change, but knowing the Bible is one of the most important, if not the most important, in helping in changing ways of thinking and ways of acting.  As Jesus said in John, chapter 10, verse 10: “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN YOUR BIBLE STUDY TODAY !                

October 3, 2021: Dear Friends, In this discussion, the focus will be a continuation of our study of Abraham, his son Isaac, Isaac’s twin sons, Esau and Jacob, and lastly, the families of Esau and Jacob. This series of blogs began on August 23rd with the central focus on learning about important biblical characters that are written in the Bible. By returning to the August 23rd blog by going to the website above left, and progressing forward through the blogs written since then,the follower  will receive a broader perspective in what has been written in this series of blogs.

The purpose of this topic, KNOWING YOUR BIBLE, is to help the followers of this blog learn and know the Bible. For new beginners, trying to read and understand, the Bible can be confusing and difficult when trying to learn the Bible. After all, there are 66 different books in the Bible, with each written by one or more authors, over a time period of hundreds of years. For an in-depth Bible Study on learning the Bible, return to and study the series of blogs, written between April 11 through the July 4th of this year. Spend some time on each blog to help comprehend and understand the teachings on learning the Bible.

 This week’s study will continue in the book of Genesis, starting with chapter 34 and extending to the last chapter in Genesis, chapter 50. This study will complete our reading of Genesis. Again keep in mind how the story written can be compared to our lives today. Most would agree that people, through the years, have not changed in how they live and think. Situations occur in families today just like situations occurred in families in biblical times. This is one reason why reading and knowing the Bible is important. Much wisdom and knowledge can be learned through reading and studying the Bible, that is very helpful to us as we progress through our day-to-day life experiences. 

Next week’s focus will begin a the study of Moses, his history and the writings of the books he has been credited to writing. May God bless you in your Bible Study this week. 

September 26, 2021: Dear Friends, In today’s blog, the focus will again be on studying of persons written about in the Bible. So far in this series, Solomon and Abraham have been discussed. The creation story and the story of Noah and the ark and the great flood, found in the first few chapters of Genesis have been read about. Return to last week’s blog to follow the sequence of this series. Referral to the first and second blogs in the series written August 22 and August 29, can be found by going to the website above left when returning to these blogs for review and meditation.

• This week’s discussion will continue on Abraham, his son Isaac and Isaac’s twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Again, remember that feelings and emotions expressed among Isaac’s family, his wife, Rebekah, and sons, Esau and Jacob, are commonly found in some of today’s families. People have not changed from that time, probably even previous times prior to the time of Abraham, to current times in the world we live in. Keep in mind that the events written about in Abraham and his family took place approximately in the 1800′s-1700′s BCE. If time allows, read what Jesus said about us humans in chapter Matthew, chapter 15, verse 19, and what the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians, chapter 5, verses 16-25.
• Our Bible study this week will be Genesis chapter 24 through chapter 33. If time allows, spend some time contemplating on what has been written. Try to review your relationship with your family members to see if there are similarities to Isaac and his family’s relationships.
• Spend some time thinking about the importance of the Bible and how Bible reading and Bible study influences thinking and actions.Psalm, chapter 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, discusses the “law of the Lord.” The Bible, the Word of God to each of its readers (2nd timothy, chapter 3, verse s 16-17), was referred to in biblical times as the “law of the Lord.”

                       MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

September 19, 2021: Dear Friends, Today, we will continue our focus on learning some of the important people who have been written about in the Bible. This series was started with the August 22 blog, continued on August 29, with a change in the focus on the September 5 blog, to coping with all the turmoil and disasters that were happening in our world at that time. Spending some time reviewing these blogs by going to the website above left, will add perspective to the rest of your studies in this series. 

For new followers of this blog, a series on KNOWING YOUR BIBLE has been written in the April through July 4 blogs, that give detailed instruction of how to learn the Bible. Topics in the series include how the Bible is organized, how to search for and read Bible verses, and how the books of the Bible are related. Studying this series will be very helpful to those wanting to learn to understand and know the Bible.

The Bible has been recognized as the most important book in the world. There have been millions of copies sold throughout the world. Through Bible reading and study, learning about God and God’s wisdom, his instructions and teachings, his love and compassion for each of us, is of the upmost importance in gaining and applying the knowledge learned about God. The Bible is God’s Holy Word to us as is written in 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verses 16-17: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 

The person focused on in this blog is Abraham. Abraham’s name is written throughout the books of the Bible. He is considered the Father of all nations, with the roots of Christian and Jewish religion going back to him through his son Issac. The roots of the Muslim religion can be traced to Abraham’s son Ishmael. 

Many think that Abraham was the first person that recognized God as the Holy One, The Almighty, The Creator of the world.(Hebrews, chapter 11, verses 1-3 and verses 8-12). According to historic records, the written account of Abraham’s faith has mainly been found in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Keep in mind that the events written about Abraham, his sons, grandsons and great grandsons, occurred approximately between the years of 1800 BCE to 1700 BCE. As time has progressed there may have been more written sources of Abraham’s life besides the Bible, but, if so, the sources are not commonly known.

Also remember when reading about persons in the Bible that feelings, emotions and actions that are commonly found in these persons and others in the written stories, are found in humans today. (Matthew, chapter 15, verses 18, and Galatians, chapter 5, verses 19-21.) Does this indicate that mankind has not changed through the centuries of years?  One factor almost always occurs and, that is, reading and studying the Bible will bring changes to the one who follows what is being read and applies the knowledge learned to his or her life. This is why KNOWING YOUR BIBLE is so important!

This week, go to the book of Genesis and starting with chapter 11, read through chapter 23. In future blogs we will continue reading and studying in the book of Genesis, studying the life of Isaac, his twin sons, Esau and Jacob, and the twelve sons of Jacob, concluding in the 50th chapter of Genesis. These topics will be written in 3-4 future blogs. 

If time allows, search for and read other Bible verses listed above, reading verses before and after the verse or verses listed, to add perspective in what has been written. 

               MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

September 5, 2021: Dear Friends, May God be with you during this time of horrific events here in our country. Many millions are suffering from the massive destruction caused by a hurricane and from fires that are burning in the West. Many are homeless without food, water and electricity. The turmoil occurring because of  these events cause constant dealing with chaos and disruption. The stress being experienced is part of the suffering of the body, mind and soul, as unrest and insecurity set in.

Sometimes, when one is experiencing undue stress and turmoil, turning to God might not be the first priority in seeking relief.  However, God through his love and compassion is our help at all times as well as during times of chaotic and disruptive events.              In Psalm, chapter 46, verses 1-7, it is written: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Consider training the mind to immediately think of God and God’s power and strength that will calm the spirit and give confidence in helping with facing the challenges and problems that are being confronted with. Try to spend a few minutes during the day, several times a day. Be alone, away from the situation of chaos and disruption. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Then focus on God. Prayer is the pathway of communicating with God. God’s Holy Spirit dwells in us when we come to believe and have faith in God. (Go to the website above left and go back to the blog written on August 15 to further increase knowledge about the Holy Spirit.)( A blog on Prayer can be found in the June 8 writing).

Some don’t know about God, let alone trying to pray to God. Talking to God alone, silently or aloud, is like talking with a family member or close friend. Some may want to say a word or two such as “God help me” or “God be with me”. Others may want to say a longer prayer, requesting in detail the needs and situations to God. One may just want to sit in silence, relaxing the mind, and relieving the soul from constantly thinking about the circumstances. Which ever way one chooses to meditate, know that God is with you. Some might feel God’s presence during the prayer time. His presence through his spirit will bring comfort and help to sooth the circumstances, changing the mindset of “disaster-thinking” to one of calmness and confidence in that “…..but for God, all things are possible”. Matthew, chapter 19, verse 26. 

The Bible is God’s “Holy Word” to its readers. This blog is written with the purpose of helping any who might want to know more about God and learn the Bible. The blogs written between April 11 and July 4 give instructions on learning the Bible. Other blogs written about God can be found from July 4 through August 22 writings.Go to the website above left. Go back to these blogs to study and contemplate about the written “Word” of God. Next week the focus will return to the study of important men and women of the Bible.                                                     

                 MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                       All verses are from the New Revised Standard  (NRS) version of the Bible.        Bible Verses: Psalm, chapter 46, verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. Isaiah, chapter 41 verse 1: “Listen to me in silence O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength.”  Jeremiah, chapter 33, verse 3: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Due to space, only a few verses will be listed to search for and read: Genesis, chapter 28, verses 15-22; Exodus, chapter 33, verse 14; Joshua, chapter 1, verse 9; 1st Chronicles, chapter 29, verses 10-13. Psalm, 27, verse 14; Mark, chapter 1, verse 35. John, chapter 17, verse 1; Colossians, chapter 1, verse 9. 2nd Thessalonians, chapter 5, verses 16-17. Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 10.

August 29, 2021: Dear Friends, May this time studying this blog be a blessed time for you. With all the strenuous happenings occurring on this day, the hurricane, the war in Afghanistan, the pandemic, most of us need a few minutes of quiet time. Meditating on God’s Word, The Holy Bible, and listening for his small voice in our souls will give us guidance as we face the challenges of our everyday lives. Remember, the more we draw nearer and closer to God the more we gain in strength and courage in our spiritual lives. (James, chapter 4, verse 8)

Last week, a series was started on focusing on people who have been written about in the Bible. If there is a name of a person, or even if there is a name of a particular group or tribe, that has been included in biblical scripture, it is there because God thought that particular person or group was important in whatever was being written in the scripture. Remember, Paul wrote in 2 Timothy, chapter 3, verse 16 that: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,…..” . 

Whenever we are reading about a particular person or group, keep in mind that what was written had a purpose when mentioning the name or group written in the content of the Bible. Also note that there is a commonality among the people  written about in the olden days and the people in today’s times. Human feeling and patterns of thinking are clearly recognized when studying the personalities of the ones written about. A few of the feelings include love, hate, selfishness, greed, jealousy, anger and idolatry.  A few of the patterns of thinking include the thought of harming or killing, of stealing, of lying, of being self conceited and of committing adultery, This brings to mind that there hasn’t been many, if any, changes in the way people think and act through the hundreds of years. Read what Jesus and Paul had to say more than 2000 years ago about evil thoughts in Matthew, chapter 15, verses 18-19, and in Galatians, chapter 5, verses 19-21. 

Of course people have changed the way they think and act through the influence of reading and knowing the Bible. Developing a relationship with God and his only son, Jesus Christ, cause changes in the way we think. Learning and obeying God’s Word and believing in Jesus, God’s only son, who came to save us from our sins as written in Matthew, chapter 1, verse 21, have changed the minds and actions of millions of people through the hundreds of years.

Today,and the next few weeks, our focus will be on 3 different groups of people written about in Genesis. Discussion has been brought forward that the book of Genesis was written in approximately 700 BC-500 BC time frame.  Some of the events such as the creation story with Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, in Genesis 1-3  took place several hundred to thousands of years before the Story of Abraham, Isaac, Esau and Jacob that took place in the 1800-1700 BC time frame. The flood story and Noah and the Ark written in Genesis Chapter 6, starting in verse 5 and continuing until chapter 11, verse 31 took place several generations before the story of Abraham and his family.  Bible stories were carried down from generation to generation and finally written about as stated above.

For this week’s Bible study, read Genesis chapter 1 through chapter 11 about the creation and the flood. Consider reading the creation story first, Genesis chapters 1-5; and then read the flood story, if time allows, chapters 6-11. Feel free to use other resources, including online resources with emphasis on the time line of when the events occurred that are written about in these chapters.All time frames written in this blog are approximate.

                  MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                        All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible.

August 22, 2021: Dear Friends, our focus this week will be shifted to learning about  the people who are written about in the Bible. Previous blogs have discussed how the Bible is organized with focus being on areas that explain how the Bible books are related. Learning the basics of the Bible will provide understanding in reading and using the Bible, and broaden perspective in how, what is being read, is interpreted. For review of Biblical instruction in learning the basics of the Bible, return to the blogs, starting April 11 and extending through the June 27th blog. 

The Bible is God’s “Holy Word” to whoever reads or, listens to one who reads the Bible.  In 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verse 16, the Apostle Paul writes: “All scripture is inspired by God……”.  “God” has been written about throughout the blogs written throughout the past. The most recent series beginning July 4, and going through August 15th blog, focused on specific Bible verses that reveal how God is and how God thinks. The focus in this series of blogs will be actual people written about in the Bible.

There are many important people in the Bible, the most important being Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior of the world. In Matthew, chapter 1, verse 21, it is written: “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Every blog written in the December, 2020-April, 2021 time frame has been devoted to writing about Jesus.Refer back to the first of 2021 and progress forward until through Easter, in April, to review content that tells us about Jesus. 

If no other person than Jesus was being focused on and learned about in the Bible, then learning about Jesus is the most important person to learn and know. Jesus is the ultimate focus and purpose of the Bible. Take time to learn about him. The birth, life, death by crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, are written about in the New Testament Gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Chose one book and, reading one to two chapters a day, completing the book in less than a month’s time period.Then start another gospel book. To have a better understanding of Jesus, read the book of John after reading the other three gospels.

Another important person to read about in the Bible, who is probably 2nd in line behind Jesus, as being the wisest person written about in the Bible, is King Solomon.  Jesus referred to Solomon when he said in Matthew, chapter 7, verses 28b-29: “Consider the lilies of the Field, how they grow; they neither toil or spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.” 

Solomon is credited with writing three of five of the WISDOM books of the Old Testament: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon. BIBLE VERSES: The life of Solomon is written about beginning in 1st Kings, chapter 1 through chapter 12; and in 1st Chronicles, chapter 28, verse 9 through 2nd Chronicles, chapter 8, verse 1. Read a chapter or 2 a day as time allows.

During progressing through this series discussing important people written about in the Bible, Bible verses pertaining to the person being focused on will be listed as the week’s Bible Verse Study. Becoming familiar with Bible characters will add to the knowledge gained through reading the Bible. The more that is known and understood through Bible reading and study, the more joy and fulfillment are realized in the inner-thought processes of the mind. Peace and contentment are the result of the quenching the thirst for God through “Knowing Your Bible”.

                 MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!

August 15, 2021: Dear Friends, In this session, we will complete our series on learning about God, who he is and how he thinks and wants us to think and act. All blogs have and will focus on learning about God and his wisdom and knowledge. However in this series the focus was to search for and find particular verses throughout the Bible that tell about different aspects of God’s character and being.

Learning about God will help one to have a more complete understanding of God and His Holy Word, the Bible. Insight into how God thinks and how he wants his followers to think and act will influence daily life experiences. Return to previous blogs on this subject, beginning with the July 4th blog, and if time allows, progress forward through today’s session, reviewing and contemplating on this series on learning about God. 

Today’s focus will be in helping one to realize how close God is to us. Many might think God lives up in the air,perhaps on another planet, looking down on us in his attempt to influence our thoughts and actions and  the way we live. In John, chapter 4, verses 23-24, Jesus said: “But the hour is coming, and is here now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.” And in John, chapter 14, verses 15-17, Jesus said: “If you love me you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, (The Holy Spirit) to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive , because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.”

In the process of learning and knowing God through Bible reading and study, the words, “Father”, “Son”, and “Holy Spirit,” become familiar. These words, often referred to as the “Trinity”, are heard in sermons, either together or individually, and in benedictions, such as ”Go in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Many interpret the Bible as referring that all three are the same, in one Godhead. Jesus, the son was sent by God, and lived as God on earth, teaching, preaching and setting examples, of how God wanted us to live and think and act. Once the believer believes in Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God enters and lives in the soul of the believer. In Acts 2, verse 38: “Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’”. God’s spirit then guides and directs the individual as he or she lives and progresses through life.

Because the Bible is God’s Holy Word to it’s reader, the importance of learning and knowing the Bible correlates with the spirit to help the believer learn and know the truth of God’s words. Growing in the wisdom and knowledge of God through reading and studying the Bible will further increase the commitment and love of God in the soul of the believer, influencing thinking, decision making and actions. The Holy Spirit is what makes the teaching and instructions of the Bible become real in the inner processes of the thinking mind.                     MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!            All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible.        BIBLE VERSES: The Nearness and Closeness of God:       Exodus, chapter 13, verse 21: “The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light.” and chapter 31, 3-5: “The Lord spoke….’and I have filled him with divine spirit, and with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft….in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood in every kind of craft.’” and in chapter 33, verse 14: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”      Psalm, chapter 16, verse 8: “I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 32, verse 8: “ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”             Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10:   “…… do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” and verse 13: “For I, the Lord of God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.”   Luke, chapter 17, Jesus said in verses 20-21: “……the kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!.’ For in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”      Acts, chapter 11, verse 15; ‘And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning.”  chapter 13, verse 4: “So being sent out by the Holy spirit…….”  and verse 52: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Other verses to search for and read: Acts 1, verses 1-12; and chapter 2, verses 1-4; and chapter 13, verse 9; and chapter 16, verses 28-34.

August 8, 2021: Dear Friends, As we begin another week, let us take a few minutes to get to know God better by studying his word to us, the Holy Bible. Five  blogs have been written over the past 5 weeks to provide information on who God is, how God thinks and how God wants his followers to think and act. In this blog. instead of writing more about God and writing more verses to read, the follower will be instructed to go to the blog written on July 4, 2021, and progress forward, reviewing and contemplating the verses and discussion on what has been written about God in this series of blogs. 

Consider searching for Bible verses that have been written or listed in these blogs. This will give much experience in searching for Bible verses, and an opportunity to underline or highlight meaningful verses to followup in future Bible studies. Remember to find a quiet place to read and study the Bible. Lastly, chose a Bible to purchase that is comfortable and understandable to read. Discuss with a minister or a store clerk, someone who is knowledgeable in the different versions of the Bible, to help guide in purchasing a Bible. (The version of the Bible used primarily in this blog is the New Revised Standard (NRS)Version of the Bible.) If finances are not enough to purchase a Bible, consider going to a library and reading or checking out a Bible to take home for reading and studying. Often different churches will supply Bibles to others. 

When time allows, go to the website above left and return to the series of blogs that were written to help the follower learn to use and study the Bible. If possible, spend a few minutes each week reviewing a few of these blogs and progressing forward weekly to completely review this series of blogs. The series starts on April 18 and extends forward to June 27. The topics of discussion in these blogs include learning the name and location of books of the Bible, and learning how the books of the Bible are organized.Learning how to find verses in the Bible. This will help in learning to search and find Bible verses to read. 

Discussions on how the books of the Bible are related to each other comprise several other blogs in this series, including focusing on geographic sites that are found in many of the books, and on the time table of when the events or when the books were written. Because God inspired the writers of the different Bible books in writing the books, the follower is able to recognize certain words and ideas that transverse through many Bible books, illustrating what God is trying to teach in the Word, and providing another way to realize how the books of the Bible are related.

Next week’s blog will be the last blog in this series and will focus on the nearness and closeness of God to each of us. A series will begin the following week and will focus on different characters written about, or are included in the Bible. 

            MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                      Because many followers will review previous blogs with Bible verses written or listed to be searched for this week, only one Bible verse will be written that is almost a synopsis of the many Bible verses written in this series. In Matthew, chapter 28,verses 18-20: Jesus said to his followers in one of his last instructions: “…….All authority in heaven and in earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age. (Refer to the blog written July 25, 2021)       

August 1, 2021: Dear Friends, I hope each of you is having a great day! In this blog, we will continue our series on learning about God. Because the Bible is God’s “Holy Word” to each of it’s readers, reading and studying the Bible will provide knowledge and understanding of who God is, how he thinks and how he wants us to think and act. 

The more the Bible is read, the nearer and closer one comes to God as written in James, chapter 4, verse 8: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” The nearer and closer one comes to God, the more closer and nearer one wants to be to God. That inner calmness that is felt in knowing God will continue to grow providing such peace and serenity to our inner beings as described by Jesus, in John, chapter 14, verse 27a: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”

The goal in “KNOWING YOUR BIBLE” is to know God and thus, fill the emptiness of our souls with God, his love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and wisdom….the list can go on and on. Most of us have the common, inner desire, that is described in Psalm, chapter 42, verses 1-2: “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” and in Psalm, chapter 63, verse 1: “O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water;” and in verses 3- 5: “Because of your steadfast love is better than life, my lips praise you. so I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joy.”

Bible verses will be written or listed below that will focus on how God wants us to think and act. Most verses will be related to seeking God’s guidance as we progress through life. If time allows, review previous blogs by going to the website above left during Bible study. Underline meaningful verses so that the verses can be readily found when going back to contemplate on what has been read.Bible verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of theBible

                 MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                        BIBLE VERSES: Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 4-5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.”     Proverbs, chapter 4, verse 1: “Listen, children, to a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight.”             Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 1 “Listen to me in silence, O coastlands: let the people renew their strength.”    Psalm, chapter 48, Verses 12-14: “Walk about Zion, go all around it, count its towers, consider well its ramperts; go through its citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will be our guide forever.”      Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses 4-9:  “Hear O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”    Galatians, chapter 5, verse 16: Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.” and verses 22-23: “By contrast, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control……”. Colossians, chapter 3, verses 12-17: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven you so you also must forgive . Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in harmony. and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts……”  Verses to search for and read: The Ten commandments: Exodus, chapter 20, verses 1-17; Proverbs, chapter 2, verses 1-11; Jeremiah, chapter 33, verse 3; Matthew, chapter 22, verses 36-40; and Matthew, chapter 25, verses 34-40. Isaiah, chapter 50, verse 4. Matthew, chapter 12, verses 33-37. Galatians, chapter 5, verses 19-21.

July 25, 2021: Friends, In this blog, we will continue our quest to know who God is, how God thinks, and how God wants us to think and act. The Bible is God’s “Holy Word” to each of it’s readers, as described in 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verses 16-17, where it is written: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”  Continuation in studying God will be the focus for several weeks in this series of blogs.

Refer to the last 3 blogs, by going to the website above left, to read verses about who God is, and, in his being, how he thinks and acts, and wants us to think and act. In this  blog, we will begin to study on how God wants us to think and act. Verses will be written for the follower to read and contemplate. Consider searching in the Bible for each verse, or verses written, and reading verses before and after reading the verse listed, to gain a broader perspective of what God is trying to teach to readers of the Bible. Realize while reading the Bible, that each person should interpret for themselves what is being read when contemplating on what has been read. If confusion or misunderstanding of what is read occurs, seek someone who is knowledgeable in knowing the Bible, to help in clarifying the verse or verses in question.

              MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!                    Bible Verses:    Deuteronomy, Chapter 10, verse 17-18: For the Lord your God is a God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves strangers, providing them with food and clothing.           Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses 4-9: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”      Deuteronomy, chapter 30, verse 16: “If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that your are entering.”      Jeremiah, chapter 7 , verse 23: “But this command I gave them, ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.’”    Proverbs , chapter 11, verse 23-25: ”The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath. some give freely, yet grow richer; others withhold what is due and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.” and verses 29-30: “Those who trouble their households will inherit wind, and the fool will be the servant of the wise.” The fruit of righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives away.” Matthew, chapter 7, verse 12: “In everything, do unto others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and prophets.” Galatians, chapter 5, verse 14: “For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Other verses to search for and read: Psalm, chapter 32, verses 8-9; chapter 31, verse 24;  and Psalm 29, verse 2; and chapter 27, verse 14.  Proverbs, chapter 12, verses, 1-28;  2nd Timothy, chapter 2, verses 22-23; Hebrews, chapter 10, verses 24-25; James, chapter 1, verses 12-16; chapter 2, verses 15-17; 2nd Peter, chapter 2 verses 5-6; 1st John, chapter 3, verses 17-18.