Epis. 85: Getting God's Call. Elisha shows us how. 1 Kings 19:19-21

What does a call from God look like? Well, here's one example. But in this account we focus more on the individual God assigned as His agent to call someone to His service. And we focus on two key points for us all. You can catch the short video of our study here: https://youtu.be/-SwNsz8cdYU .

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Epis. 84. God's 5-Part Remedy for Depression. (1 Kings 19:9-18)

I'm really excited about this episode (#84) -- on 1st Kings 19:9-18. That's because it clearly gives us a 5-part remedy for when we are depressed, all in one passage. I found it so helpful. I hope you will too. Check it out here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WjGyYinIzpc . Let me know what you think.

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Epis 83: 1 Kings 19:1-8. Depression sets in.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hql1HUbzUMc

Today as we study 1 Kings 19:1-8, we see a very different side of a man of God. It's a side that we often either portray to others, or more likely, convince ourselves of having. Is it natural? Can it be overcome? Join us for these short studies on YouTube. You can catch this episode here: https://youtu.be/hql1HUbzUMc .

 

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Epis. 82 How does Elijah outrun Ahab's Chariot? (1 Kings 18:41-46)

As we continue our study of Elijah (1 Kings 18:41-46), we see God answers his prayer -- both to show that He is God to the people and to bring rain upon a very dry land. We pick up some tools for how to approach God. You can catch it all here on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/IjOkAOJTFqc .

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Epis. 81: Elijah asks God to Prove Who He Is. (1 Kings 18:30-40)

This is the second part of the great Baal vs. God contest on Mount Carmel. The details are most interesting and there's lots there for us in terms of what we ask for, and when to pray, and what to expect. Join us as we study 1 Kings 18:30-40 on YouTube. This episode is a little longer but hopefully worth it. Catch it here: https://youtu.be/E4saPTlpVBM .

 

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Epis. 80: Are you leaning on 2 crutches? (1 Kings 18:20-29)

"My people may be suffering from decision paralysis, but is your god sleeping or on vacation? Why won't he light your fire? Now stand aside and let God show you Who is real and who is not." Elijah speaks boldly in 1 Kings 18:20-29. You can catch it here on Youtube: https://youtu.be/7EVJZU0B1h8 .

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Epis. 79: Elijah meets Ahab. Have you faced yours? (1 Kings 18:1-19)

The plot starring God, Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel, and Obadiah continues. We may recognize some similarities with our lives. Check out our short study on 1 Kings 18:1-19. Put the volume up high as this one was recorded at low amplification. You can watch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VoVMm9lqICA .

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Epis. 78. Bible's 1st account of a "resurrection". (1 Kings 17:17-24)

Today we're studying the Bible's first account of a "resurrection". You'll be surprised how this all went down. And as part of our look, we ask "At what point does my faith fail?" Join us on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/9v2_bWkmkeo as we study 1 Kings 17:17-24.

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Episode 77. Can you believe the nerve of Elijah? (1 Kings 17:13-16)

The nerve of Elijah. Puts himself ahead of a dying widow. And more. But he seems to do it on good authority. As we study 1 Kings 17:13-16, we ask ourselves, "can I exercise that kind of authority?" You'll be surprised at the answer. Join us on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/OVN7ejFjRZc .

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Epis. 76 Are Your Brooks Drying Up? (1 Kings 17:7-12, part 2)

God gave Elijah the Brook Cherith to drink from when there was no rain. But then the brook dried up. We too have brooks given to us by God. What happens when they dry up? Study 1 Kings 17:7-12 with us again and share your thoughts. Catch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CjzX8MbPQ7U .

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Epis. 75: Do You Know Desperation? (1 Kings 17:7-12) Part I.

Our study of the O.T. takes us to Elijah getting some pretty direct instructions from God as to how his needs will be met. And in the process, he meets a desperate woman. Maybe he meets you. Or me. Check our look at 1st Kings 17:7-12, Part 1, here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VN8767s_2IE .

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Episode #74 on 1st Kings: Are you being fed by 'ravens' or are you a 'ra...

Elijah in hiding has to be fed by ravens. Wait a minute, aren't they unclean? Yes, they are. "But God. . . " There's some great lessons here for us. Check our study out here: https://youtu.be/aoHSE_efPjI -- and start thinking differently about certain things you assumed before.

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Elijah makes his first Cameo appearance. But who is he? (1 Kings 17:1)

Enter Elijah. But only to make a declaration. (1 Kings 17:1) Who is he? Gentile? Jew? We discuss that and more. And we share when he also appeared in the N.T. and when we'll see him again. Check it out in our short video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GrwnQognKY4 .

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530 Years Apart -- and the Stories Match. (1 Kings 16:29-34)

During Ahab's reign of the northern Kingdom, much evil took place, but so did an action which fulfilled a 530 year old curse. Find out what happened and strengthen your faith in the authority of Scriptures. Studying 1 Kings 16:29-34. Catch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rtZbP94aBe4 .

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Suicide & Greed. One sinful and sick king. I kings 16:15-28.

The history of Israel isn't pretty. All due to sin. God's justice prevails -- then and it will again now and in the future. Even suicide and greed can't stop it. Join us on a brief Youtube video as we study 1 Kings 16:15-28. Catch it here: https://youtu.be/ZXLFZX6umWA .

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God Eliminates Two Whole Families in a Row (1 Kings 16:1-14)

Who would have ever thought that God would eliminate two entire families in a row in the same way? Not me. But He did. If we learn nothing from studying the book of 1st Kings, we need to learn that God means business with His warnings. And that still applies today. Join us as we take a look at 1 Kings 16:1-14. You can catch it here on YouTube: • God Eliminates Two Whole Families in … .

 

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How to Blow a Dynasty. (1 Kings 15:25-34)

God warns us and then acts. The question we ask today is whether or not repenting and changing our ways God warns us and then acts. The question we ask today is whether or not repenting and changing our ways would make a difference? Think it out with us in our short YouTube video here.

 

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Disobedience & Death. But It's Not that Straight-forward. (1 Kings 15:1...

Here we have an account of Asa's disobedience and perhaps the reasons for it. But still God saw him as a good guy allowing him to reign for 41 years. We can learn about our sin and our attitude from Asa's story in 1 Kings 15:16-24. You can catch our short video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6A9T-KF-uik

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Judah's King Asa Removes His Own Grandmother From Office (1 Kings 15:9-15)

We go from his father Abijam that God only let rule Judah for three years, to Asa who ruled for 41 years. But did he do enough? Well you decide. For one thing, he moved his grandmother from her role of 'Queen Mother' and for good reason. Find out why (for adult ears only) on our YouTube study of 1 Kings 15:9-15. You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/l2Tz3Lgb6GE .

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Why Abijam's Reign was so Short? (1 Kings15:1-8)

In today's study (1 Kings 15:1-8), we learn about Abijam and his mother (known as the first Hebrew 'Queen Mother') whom we study in greater detail in our next episode. But there's some good lessons for us here today. Check our YouTube video out here: https://youtu.be/xcuyypdX_9w 

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Turning our Gold into Bronze. (1 Kings 14:25-31)

Whoever would have thought that the request of God's that we "don't hide our light under a bushel" has a sort of parallel in the O.T. with the story of Rehoboam, the King of Judah? Well, I think it qualifies. The lesson for us is not to turn "our gold" into "bronze". Maybe a stretch. But hear me out as we study 1 Kings 14:25-31 -- find it here: https://youtu.be/RisVbgQTtac .

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The Last Thing You Want To Do . . . Is To Sadden God. (1 Kings 14:21-24)

Kings and peoples have a way of making God very sad. As any loving parent would understand, when one's own children do it, the feeling is devastating. We need to stop and think about things we say, do, think, that makes God sad. Check out our study of 1 Kings 14:21-24 here: https://youtu.be/DsQwaeqKoWM

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One Answer as to Why God Allows a Good Child To Die. (1 Kings 14:10-20)

My family has lost a child and it was devastating. But today as I was studying 1st Kings 14:10-20 I found one reason that God may have some times in taking away a young child. This helped me. I hope it helps you.

 

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The Mask Won't Help. (1 Kings 14:1-9)

In this portion of Scripture, 1st Kings 14:1-9, we learn that bad things happen to anyone including kings, that you can't deceive God, and there are consequences for our unrepentant sins. Lessons we need to heed. Join us for our short study on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/WVKpQGnSz-Y .

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stubbornness and/or Politics could mean failure. (1st Kings 13:33-34)

 In this short YouTube study of just two verses (1st Kings 13:33-34) we get an excellent example of how a person's stubbornness and/or his/her political ambitions can be catalysts for total failure. Join us here as we study together : https://youtu.be/CcByD6oLPPQ , and check your motives before embarking on your next adventure.

 

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Believers Don't Get A Free Pass (1 Kings 13:20-32)

In this study, we learn that sometimes God chooses to be much harder on His people that sin, than He does on those who don't know Him or worship Him. I'm not talking about ultimate destination after death. I'm talking about the physical consequences of sheer disobedience. Check out our study of 1 Kings 13:20-32 right here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9jphWTfAKqk .

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Which Part of God's Direct Instructions to You Did You Miss? (1 Kings 13...

Has God ever spoken to you? If so, did you ever feel the need to listen to older, more mature Christians? If so, you may well have done it at your own peril. In our study today, we see this happen to a prophet, no less. Take a look and see what you apply to your life. We're studying 1 Kings 13:7-19 and you can catch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0BTLjTBybgQ .

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Prophecies often come with signs & yes, sometimes 340 years earlier. (1 ...

In this most interesting passage (1 Kings 13:1-6) there's a lot going one and much we can apply to our own lives today. When God has His prophets prophecy "His Words" -- they will come to pass, even centuries later. And sometimes, He gives us signs of that happening much, much earlier. Many believe we're there now. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/hLnoaapCQL4 .

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How Fear Can Cause Failure (1 Kings 12:25-33)

I know people that are struggling emotionally, financially, socially, and otherwise, After studying this passage of 1 Kings 12:25-33, I now see that their biggest problem most often is their own fear. Check it out with me and make sure you're not holding yourself back from what God has for you because of your own fear. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/jq5scUTRlBk 

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The Kingdom Splits. . .and God Did It. (1 Kings 12:16-24)

We started with Abraham back in Genesis 12 where God promised to build a people and we now come to the point where God Himself has to split the Kingdom. This is a crucial point in the history of Israel. Join us on YouTube as we study 1 Kings 12:16-24. Link up here: https://youtu.be/6HgxfZmhpeM .

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Beware of "advice shopping". It can be very dangerous. (1 Kings 12:6-15)

Rehoboam about to be crowned king of Israel, goes "advice shopping" and it will cost him big. Many of us do that same thing and it costs us. Take a look at our study of 1st Kings 12:6-15 and learn the lessons to avoid. You can catch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LG-_X5lZjv8

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Where there is sin . . . there is death. (1 Kings 12:1-5)

We come to the point of our study (1 Kings 12:1-5) where Solomon's son is about to be made king -- but the people and a former enemy of his father first have a request of him in order to give him their service. Let's check out if he was as smart as his father, Solomon. Catch our short study here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KlHY7nqRQ48 .

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Will the world's wisest man be in heaven? (studying 1 Kings 11:41-43)

We come now to the death of Solomon (I Kings 11:41-43) and note some interesting details about his life and death, as well as ask some interesting questions about his afterlife. Join us for that on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/JIri8yX5hgU .

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You Know It Won't End Well If You Try To Get Ahead of God (1 Kings 11:2...

God stirs up a 3rd adversary Solomon, this time an insider and a fellow Israelite. He tells Solomon nothing will happen until he dies, but Solomon takes things into his own hand. Join us we study 1 Kings 11:26-40. You can catch the short YouTube study here: https://youtu.be/E8MJ1lHIZHQ .

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Pleae listen and reflet on the content.

 

This is truly amazing. It lifted my heart. It's exactly how I feel. Please listen and marvel at what is being sung here.

https://www.facebook.com/100024961871038/videos/431814913157096/

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Would God Ever Raise Up Enemies Against a Believer? (1 Kings 11:14-25)

In this study I discovered some very interesting things about God which seem to go against the common grain. Please join me and tell if and where and how I may have erred. 1st Kings 11:14-25 is a fascinating passage and we may have to change our mind about a few things. But let's see. You can catch the short study here: https://youtu.be/5mSooR8yh3g

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Staying Calm

 

STAYING CALM, BUT PURPOSEFUL, IN A WORLD GONE NUTS

 

by Ken Godevenos, Toronto, 24/05/15

 

The Geller Report is most informative and its recent thoughts on this issue of York Regional District School Board (part of the Greater Toronto Area) banning the Star of David in their schools were no exception.

 

The world is indeed in a mess.

 

It is true that our borders (especially that of the U.S.) is in a state of total “futility”. As far as I am concerned, there is no southern border in the U.S. any longer. That can only mean eventual ruin as drugs and terrorists slip into the country. And if caught, they are released with some trial dates into the next decade. Nothing is being done. The number of illegals in the country is growing exponentially it seems.

 

The ownership of land all over the use, but especially near their highly critical (for security reasons and for survival reasons) areas by Chinese and Chinese companies is also a real risk to America’s and to North America’s future safety. Nothing is being done for the most part.

 

While Covid failed to defeat us, the powers that be are practicing and even expecting a much larger threat in the days ahead. Whether they are part of it or not, I cannot say with certainty. They may be and if so, the implications are even worse. At best, they’re expecting such an attack from our arch-enemies — China, Iran, North Korea, etc.

 

And yes, of course, the situation in the Middle East with so many enemies of Israel involved, but also with the continuous double-speak of the United States with respect to its mediocre support of its so-called “best ally in the Middle East” is something that should be watched with some trepidation given what God has said about Israel.

 

We are indeed in a lot of hot water globally speaking and God’s Laws of Science will only allow the temperature to get so hot before the He blows the lid off the pot.

 

More people are attending church. More Christians are studying Revelation. Others are hoping a change in various government administrations (U.S. and Canada for starters) will make a difference, although I think that even with those, improvements will be short-lived.

 

Pamela Geller’s view in the recent article about the Jewish Star of David being banned in schools is a little “over the top” but she is on to something. It is worrisome. Yet, we should also consider the source — the York Regional District School Board has always been “conflict averse” and bows easily to whatever group yells the loudest. The problem is not so much that so many Muslims are standing up and demanding things, though so clearly are, but rather that hardly any Protestants, Catholics, and Jews are countering and demanding things like the Star of David, the Nativity scene, the Cross, and so on, must be allowed.

 

My take is that we should no longer be silent. We should “love” all but love the “truth” more and therefore speak it out loud and clear, in unison, and publicly. The time for silence is over. And we should be willing to accept the consequences as believers.

 

Having said that, I am also a believer that while mankind and world leaders have their plans and agendas and goals for the years ahead, so does God. And His Plan will be both fulfilled and successful. We need to be fully prepared. And we need to know what to expect.

 

I recently found this internet sources very helpful: https://www.gotquestions.org/end-times-timeline.html .

Therefore, I say, “bring it on”. And I say, with the Apostle John, as he wrote in his closing of the book of Revelation, the second last verse, "The one who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

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1 Kings 11:9-13. -- God Gets Angry with . . .

Solomon blows out and God must react. But He does it in a way which perfectly balances His mercy and His judgment. Find out how. Join us as we learn from 1 Kings 11:9-13 on Youtube. Click here: https://youtu.be/AzkVrBDSDxQ .

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Sorry to Disappoint You, But You're Not The Exception. (1 Kings 11:1-8)

We all think we can get away with it. But we can't. Take a look at Solomon's 3 strikes. But was he out? Soon we'll find out if Solomon beat the system. In the meantime, let's see what he did. Study 1 Kings 11:1-8 with us on YouTube. Just click on this link: https://youtu.be/xA4FSKiTMIs

 

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He asked for wisdom; God gave him riches as well. Why? (1 Kings 10:14-29)

Today we study 1 Kings 10:14-29 and note at least two things that make us think: why did God give Solomon riches and wisdom, when he only asked for the latter? Also, is there any siginificance to the fact that Solomon is the only other person (other than the antiChrist) who is identified with the number 666? Check our short video out on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/lVXK7EPfryM .

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Peer Recognition and the Christian (1 Kings 10:1-13)

We all wish we had it -- peer recognition that is. Solomon got a big dose of it from another person of royalty -- the Queen of Sheba. Fascinating story that teaches us a lot about how to handle it. It's based on our study of 1 Kings 10:1-13 and you can catch the YouTube video right here: https://youtu.be/Dd9nbLUhdl0 .

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Israel Then & Now. God keeps His eyes on her. So should we. (1 Kings 9:...

As we study 1 Kings 9:15-28, marveling at what Solomon was accomplishing, we can't help but see the continuity of its history through the ages right up to today. God is certainly keeping His eyes on her. Perhaps we should as well. Join us on YouTube for a short study that has a lot to say to us today. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/UuNBtqPU0vU .

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Giving Away what God Wanted You to Keep (1 Kings 9:10-14)

Studying an interesting passage on Solomon's dealing with Hiram (his father-in-law) and the giving away of 20 cities that God had given to Israel. Perhaps not a wise move. But we learn a lot about Solomon and gain an opportunity to think about our relationships as well as our blessings from God. Join us as we study 1st Kings 9:10-14. Catch it here: https://youtu.be/20WYmkiwc7g .

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Not All of God's Promises are Unconditional (1 Kings 9:1-9)

Hey, that's right. Some of God's Promisred are indeed Conditional. Our study of 1st Kings 9:1-9 tells us that. Join us to see which one is key, and what we have to do. You can catch our YouTube short video study here at this link: https://youtu.be/jGfAX20HUSE .

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The Biggest Barbecue on Record (1 Kings 8:62-66)

Solomon was not only the smartest king, he was also the most extravagant. And this account of his sacrifices and feast(s) proves it. Join us on YouTube as we study 1 Kings 8:62-66. We learn a lot from this passage for our own lives. You can catch it here at this link: https://youtu.be/Xe5HM-sA4n0

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All About Praying. (I Kings 8:54-61)

Solomon talks to the people after his prayer to God and we get to think about how we might want to pray when we do, and much more. Join us as we study 1 Kings 8:54-61. You can catch the clip here on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/XY1IUu3waoA .

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Solomon's Assumptions Still Hold (1 Kings 8:46-53)

As Solomon concludes his prayer to God, in 1st Kings 8:43-56, he makes some assumptions about man and God -- and all these years later, his assumptions still hold true. Join us as we study this passage on YouTube. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/VL6Rp2sGL6c

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Foreigners in Our Land. 1 Kings 8:41-45

As Solomon, one of the world's wisest men, continues his prayer to God, he asks for special prayer w.r.t. the foreigners in his land as well as prayer for his soldiers to who go out to battle, but under certain conditions. We can learn a lot from Solomon in our study of 1 Kings 8:41-45. Join us on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6lTf3HxHhq0 .

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If you had a choice, what would it be: Western Justice System or God's? ...

As we continue our study of Solomon's prayer to God we find a number of gems, but key to me was some thoughts on God's justice system and how He makes His judgments vs. those of our secular justice systems. Take a look at our study of 1 Kings 8:325-40. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/KweYcy2RkCw .

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Solomon prays for God to Hear His People . . . and Forgive Them (1 Kings...

What is sacred any more? Does sin cause illness? Why we lose some battles? And more. Join us as we look at Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:31-35. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/NueUQAivQYE .

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Asking God a Rhetorical Question. (1 Kings 8:27-30)

I don't know about you, but I have never asked God a rhetorical question. Solomon did. Let's find out what that is all about as we study 1 Kings 8:27-30. I was amazed what these 4 verses can teach us. You can catch the short video here: https://youtu.be/-Y3kSmPoVm0 .

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Kenny's Karats @#52: The Shock of the Resurrection

In today's clip from Christopher Watkin's "Biblical Critical Theory" we learn 5 ways the Resurrection of Christ is shocking to the world. Join us for this short clip on YouTube. You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/i5bosmReHzg . Also, if you like our video -- please hit like on this page and consider subscribing to our YouTube channel "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

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Speaking to God. Learning from Solomon. (1 Kings 8:22-26)

We should all be speaking with God, but how? Well Solomon has some ideas and we can learn from him. Join us as we study 1 Kings 8:22-26. You can catch it on Youtube at this link: https://youtu.be/0eYoXEhTJrQ .

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Kenny's Karats #51: The Paradox in the Theology of the Cross

Christopher Watkin takes a quick look at what the world saw and sees when they consider Christ on the cross, and what Christians. Most interesting. Take a look here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8oICgdAKE5M . If you like these videos, please indicate so and also subscribe to our YouTube Channel: "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

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"It's the thought that counts." Well, not exactly. (I Kings 8:12-21)

Temple is complete. God moves in. Priests scared off their feet. Solomon decides to give a sermon. Was he arrogant? You decide. Also, we learn about "things on our heart". Join us on YouTube as we study 1 Kings 8:12-21 together. You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/6SylOACpxgM .

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Kenny's Karats #50: How Do We Judge or Think Of Those Who Are Not Saved?

Watch this clip . . . preferably on your own. Then think about how you view those unbelievers who want nothing to do with what you have. Then go relate to some of them and see how you feel about them now. You can catch this clip here on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/ubZ_xEf3UI4 .

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

The Shekinah Glory? Maybe then, but now? (1 Kings 8:11-12)

The Temple that Solomon built is open for business, but something happens that causes the priests to stop their work and fall down. They can't work there. Find out why and how as we study 1 Kings 8:11-12 together on YouTube. You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/9E6Ce9RF5Rw . And also find out if you and I can experience it today.

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Kenny's Karats 49: The Grace Narrative

What's so amazing about Grace? Well, Christopher Watkin and C.S. Lewis tell us in this short clip. You can catch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DOjIKoobWhM . If you like what you see or hear, like us on YouTube and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Digging For Scriptural Gems.

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

What Solomon can teach us about Weddings & Funerals (1 Kings 8:1-9)

It's time to celebrate. The Temple is complete. Just move the ark to its designated spot. And let's celebrate our doing it. And that's what Solomon does (1 Kings 8:1-9). In the process he indirectly teaches us about weddings and funerals. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/xYx1JshnvlI .

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Kenny's Karats #48: The Scandal of the Cross

Listen to this short account from Christopher Watkin's "Biblical Critical Theory" and you will never think of The Cross -- Christ's Brutal Suffering -- in any other way again.  And that's good news.  You can catch it here on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/sdyej3PKJKk .
(Also more of these on our YouTube Channel "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Invitation to Joy.

 

Invitation To Joy: Your Pathway to a Purpose-Filled Life

Author: John Murray

Publisher: Self-published, White Rock, BC, 2023

 

Making the Plain Things the Main Things

 

I recently told my spouse that I would be happy just staying at home for the rest of my life. Up to my last birthday (my 76^th) I had been a very active and very involved type-A doer. But somehow things had changed, and I no longer felt like making the effort.  Well, clearly God wasn’t finished with me yet and (I believe) He arranged for my friend John Murray to send me his latest book, Invitation To Joy. I read it in one day and am delighted to recommend it highly.

John makes the “pathway to a purpose-filled life” very simple, very quick, and very effective – if you want it to be. He takes Alistair Begg’s quote to heart making some very “plain” things the “main” things. John gives us a plain (not simple) means of getting to Joy.

He shares with us some things he considers important to a life of purpose and meaning. While recognizing our uniqueness and differences as individuals, he dares ask the question, “Are we not all the same on the inside?” He contends that every person has the same inherent value, and it is “we” that regard some with greater respect than others and put them on pedestals, adoring some like sports personalities and actors.

In the process, John gives us some gems to think about and incorporate into our daily lives. For starters, he makes us think about our real ‘friends’ by giving us a solid definition of a ‘friend’.  A plain thing.  He then takes us through thoughts on ‘love’.  Another plain thing. He borrows St. Augustine’s description of God’s love and shows us what an impact it can have on others.

From there the author moves us along to the need that millions and millions of people have today – the need for ‘physical touch’ – an arm around one’s shoulder, a hug, even a pat on the back. Another plain thing.

But wait, there’s more.  He delves into the matter of “contentment” and how we might ever find ourselves there. Time for another pain thing – gratitude. He covers the inter-relationship between gratitude and joy. And with the help of David Steindl-Rast, the Austrian-American Benedictine monk, author, and lecturer, he helps show us which of the two is dependent on the other.

And there are more ‘plain’ things for us to make into ‘main’ things. Some we may not like or welcome, but there’s no avoiding them as we pursue both Joy and Purpose.  Plain things like ‘kindness’ and ‘generosity’, both of which are linked to ‘gratitude’ and thus ‘joy’.

The latter part of John Murray’s book takes us to the point in time when we the readers are no longer around and makes us think about the question, “Have I made the world around me a better place because of my being here?”

One more thing. Don’t for a minute think Murray is living in a dream, imagining an ideal world. He isn’t.  He has had his share of difficulties in his life, so he shares with us about the co-existence of joy and adversity.

All very real.  All very useful. All very necessary. All very well written. The content clearly demonstrates John’s growth as an author, and we are the beneficiaries.  I highly recommend the book for you, and for your family and friends.  I’ve already shared it with a number.

 

GET Your Copies by Contacting John Murray:  jmurray150@hotmail.com .

 

n   Ken B. Godevenos, is the retired President, Accord Resolutions Services Inc., Toronto, Ontario, January 13, 2023.   You can go “Digging For Scriptural Gems” with him at https://www.youtube.com/user/accordconsulting/videos.

 

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

3 Key Temple-Building Lessons (1 Kings 7:48-51)

We learn 3 Key Lessons from Solomon about how to build temples. Join us as we continue our study of the O.T. today looking at 1 Kings 7:48-51. You can catch our short study right here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J3BdtCZ0J_0 . If you like what you hear, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel: "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Kenny's Karats #47: Love and Politics

A great explanation of how Biblical Love and Politics don't jive beautifully today. This was eye-opening. Christopher Watkin tells us about it in his book "Biblical Critical Theory". You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/F5IDMhoUswg . Also get more of these insights on our YouTube channel: "Digging For Scriptural Gems". I look forward to having you join us there.

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Hiram or Huram, a big bathtub, and much more. Studying 1 Kings 7:13-47.

More details about the temple and how it was built and by whom? Was a Gentile allowed to work on it after all? Was Hiram really Huram? Was he a king and from where? And more. Join us as we study 1 Kings 713-47 on our YouTube channel: Digging For Scriptural Gems. (Subscribe for more). Here's the link for this video: https://youtu.be/f8UgI3stf8A .

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Kenny's Karats #46: Love -- it is everything for the Christian

Join us as we take a look at how Christopher Watkin introduced this topic in his book Biblical Critical Theory. You can catch it on our YouTube channel "Digging For Scriptural Gems". Here's today link: https://youtu.be/wvoxSSMW5FI .

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

God got His Temple, I need mine. Or do I? (1 Kings 7:1-12)

Solomon was wise, but did he have his priorities right at this time? We'll look at both sides and you can decide which one you agree with. We're studying 1 Kings 7:1-12. And you many never have even heard of this controversial point. Join us on YouTube: Get the clip on our channel (which we ask you to like and subscribe to -- Digging for Scriptural Gems) by going here: https://youtu.be/ZmJxVkDO5YU .

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.