Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Good Morning. I have often spoken of some of the lovely sunrises that God has sent our way this summer. This photo was taken by Dan Meyers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  It is simply titled "Country Sunrise."  The photo reminds us that God has granted us another day of life and breath and that is filled with endless possibilities.  The child of God should seek to use each day wisely.  In the Biblical sense this means that we recognize that we cannot take another breath if our Wonderful God does not sustain us.  We look to Christ in dependency and seek to serve Him faithfully.  The photo above reminds us that each day can be a beautiful day of praying to Jehovah, of reading and meditating on the Word of God, of singing and praising Jehovah and of serving Him in what ever capacity that we can.  Each day is full of potentially beautiful moments for serving Christ.  Psalm 39:4-5  LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure o...

Good Morning to each one of our Readers. It is hard to believe how rapidly time seems to slip away.  July is almost over and the month of August is looming large.  In Ohio, that means back to school preparation will begin for many parents. The long summer vacation is coming to a close.  Cicadas are busily buzzing inside their shells as the vibration cracks the shell so that they can get out.  The process is like molting for an insect.  I have heard a few crickets chirping at night already.  The photo below shows a cicada emerging from its hardened shell.  Today we will turn our attention to Psalm 4.  It is 8 verses long and we will need to use a few posts to explain it.  The names of God figure prominently in this Psalm.  LORD (Jehovah) is used 5 times and the name God (Elohim) is used once.  In our previous study of Psalm 3, I mentioned the distinctive importance of each name. Those same distinctive characteristics would ...

Good Morning Dear Readers! Today is the Lord's day and I hope you can gather with your church family for a time of rejoicing and worship as we set aside the things of earth to focus upon our Father in Heaven.  I am live streaming our services at home again this week.   I am hoping that perhaps next Sunday I can join my church family for worship, preaching, and seeking the Spirit o f God's transforming work in my own heart and in the hearts of my family. I have many books containing vivid photos of the desert areas south of Jerusalem.  The images evoke feelings of desolation, isolation and helplessness.  Yet, they also remind us of the hope we have in Christ. Psalm 3 was written by King David when he was betrayed by his own son, Absalom.   The Psalm captures the immensity of the problems facing David.  His own son set in motion a strong conspiracy to take the kingdom from his father. King David's trusted advisor Ahithophel was one of t...

Good morning Dear Ones! Another work week has begun for many of you. It is important to do all things heartily as unto the Lord when we work for someone. The Christian should set the example of being the very best worker in terms of productivity and quality. The Christian should be a problem solver not a complainer. The ethical behavior of the Christian employee should be impeccable. May I encourage each of you who are working? There are many workers today who are shiftless, lazy and who have bad attendance or poor punctuality. The Christian can really stand out by cultivating a good work ethic and seeking to find new ways to bring value to the business. You can glorify God by doing all things heartily. I am a retiree but my wife and I have stayed very busy doing things for our church family that we could not do when we were still working. The Lord has provided both of us with many areas of ministry opportunities. My knee has slowed me down temporarily but we will both serve a...

Good morning to all our Readers! It is another cheerful, sunny morning here in northeast Ohio. We have bright yellow, vibrant red, deep gold, hot pink, and purple flowers blooming right now. Psalm 2:1-12 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed,  saying , Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou  art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give  thee the heathen  for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth  for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod ...

Good morning to you all! We have had several beautiful sunny days in a row. Evening temperatures have dipped into the 50s which means great sleeping weather. We have some deep purple butterfly bushes next to some golden yellow green fennel plants. They have amazing color intensity and the butterflies are all over them. Our petunias finally bit the dust but they bloomed for 2 1/2 months which is really good.  I am thankful to be able to enjoy these things at our home. The wonder of creation never ceases to turn my heart toward our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ.  I would like to study more of the book of Psalms with you. This book is often referred to as the Hebrew hymnal because it is full of worship and praise. We find some wonderful names of God introduced in the Psalms including some that are only found once in the Bible. It is also a book that reflects the full range of our emotional experiences. Every person can identify when the Psalmist has a spirit that is soa...