The Covenant with the Gibeonites

Text: Joshua 9:3-15 After Israel left Egypt, they were warned not to make any covenant with the people of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). But after conquering just two cities (Jericho and Ai), they made a covenant with the Gibeonites. Though they were deceived, this was still a failure on their part and would come with consequences. […]

How One’s Heart Becomes Hardened

Hebrews 3:12-13 The Hebrew writer warned about brethren developing an unbelieving heart hardened by sin. This comes in the middle of two warnings against following the poor example of the Israelites (Hebrews 3:7-8,15). The example of the Israelites hardening their hearts is a warning for us. However, the Israelites also had an example that they […]

Psalm 23 and the Christian

Text: Psalm 23 Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and well-loved passages in the Bible. Though it was written during the time of the Old Law, there are certainly lessons contained in it that apply to us as Christians. “The Lord is my shepherd” (v. 1) Each one of us, as individuals, must […]

“Remember Me For This”

Text: Nehemiah 13:14 Four times, Nehemiah asked that God remember him for something. What were they? And what lessons can we learn from them? He Did Not Take the Governor’s Food Allowance (Nehemiah 5:14-19) Nehemiah served as governor of the land, but he was different that former governors – they burdened the people with excessive […]

“O Lord, Take My Life”

Text: 1 Kings 19:1-4 Elijah prayed to God, requesting that the Lord take his life. This was not a matter of depression (suicide), but a feeling of being worn out in his service to God. He prayed for relief – that his task on earth might be done. There may be times when we feel […]

Stagnant in Spirit

Text: Zephaniah 1:12-13 This prophecy of judgment was against those who were “stagnant in spirit,” or “settled in complacency” (NKJV). In this lesson, we will consider how these people were “stagnant in spirit” so that we might not be the same. Why Complacency is a Threat to God’s People Keeps us focused on the here […]

The Rise and Fall of Jeroboam

Text: 1 Kings 12:20 Jeroboam was the first king over the northern tribes when the kingdom divided. There were reasons why he was chosen. There were also reasons why he would later fall. There are lessons that we can learn from the rise and fall of Jeroboam. Before His Rise He was a valiant warrior […]