In times of trouble, we need to hold fast to a faithful view of God. Not only does the book of Psalms show us God, but Psalm 103:2 cautions us to not forget God's benefits. As a result, Psalm 103 is really the gushing praise of David as he remembers what God has done for him. Literally everything that is good comes from God, but David mentions many specific blessings that all who fear God should never forget!
Tired of the expression "shelter in place?" This lesson seeks to put a twist on our unfortunate situation. As we continue our "Serenity from the Psalms" series, we are reminded that Psalm 91 teaches us we can "Shelter in Grace!" We are not the first generation that needed help during times of pestilence. This comforting Psalm reminds us why God is the place of shelter for his people during difficult times.
Perhaps the most recognizable words in the Bible come from Psalm 23. "The Lord is my shepherd" is a thought that comforts believers and intrigues countless individuals. In this lesson, we will sit at David's feet and let him explain why the Lord was his shepherd. What he saw in the Lord can be your hope and blessing too!
Most people probably think the story of Jesus is more of a New Testament focus. But this story is first told in the Old Testament Scriptures. In this lesson, we'll specifically center our attention on the Psalms. It's powerful to imagine that his story was told in prophecy long before Jesus was incarnate. All the significant parts of the story are there, but we'll highlight the parts that matter the most for our future and hope!
The news today is depressing. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But Psalms 16 has a different message: "Things are going to get better!" In this lesson, we learn how David found the benefits and hope of being in a covenant relationship with God. Christians can have this too! These blessings are both here and in the hereafter!
In this lesson, we dig into how David felt about this terrible event and what he did in response in Psalms 3. This is a message for our times when life turns upside down!
Malachi was a prophet that challenged God's people who were a part of the remnant who returned from captivity. Despite God's love and goodness, they questioned their relationship with him. Having drifted into spiritual and moral decline, Malachi answers their questions and, in a hint of what is to come, teaches God has a plan for the future.
The next to the last book of the O.T. is the most difficult of the Minor Prophets. It's also the longest. The difficulty is not in the length but the interpretation of the visions and prophecies regarding God's Holy City and his people. Zechariah is truly messianic, apocalyptic and eschatological. We address these topics briefly and look at the central theme of encouragement in this book.
The book of Haggai has a very contemporary message: put first things first. Ironically, it was originally given to people a lot like us. There were people who would have agreed God is paramount, but they weren't acting like he was. In this lesson, we observe three ways we can make sure God is really first in our lives.
The book of Zephaniah deals with the unpleasant subject of God's judgment. It is specifically mentioned in 1 out of every 3 verses but also the majority of the three short chapters of this book stay on the subject. Yet, a study of Zephaniah is beneficial in that it reveals that God's judgment reveals purification, hope and a promise of a future kingdom where Jesus rules and saves.
