Who wrote the Gospel of Luke and who did they write it for?
Luke, a medical doctor and a companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote the Gospel of Luke. The book is addressed to Theophilus, which means "lover of God". Theophilus could have been a particular person or could represent any Christian or group of Christians. Regardless, this account of the Gospel is written to those who need encouragement in the faith.
When did the events of the the Gospel of Luke happen?
It is likely that Luke wrote both the books of Luke and Acts while Paul was imprisoned in Rome, probably between 59-61 AD. It is also possible that Luke was written later, after AD 70. The events of the book of Luke take place from the birth to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
What was the setting of the Gospel of Luke?
No matter when Luke was written, it was intended to encourage Christians and those inquiring about Christ in a time when the Romans believed Christians to be a great political threat to their rule.
Luke, who was a medical doctor and also a dear friend and companion to the Apostle Paul, wrote this account of the Gospel of Jesus. Luke is not an eye-witness account, but a collection of reports from others compiled together to create a chronological and historical record of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Being a dear companion to Paul, it is likely Luke also intended this record to help convince Roman authorities that Christians were not a political threat.
No matter when Luke wrote the book of Luke, there was certainly incredible persecution of Christians happening. He was even close with Paul, who was imprisoned multiple times for his work in spreading the Gospel. There would have been a lot of fear of proclaiming faith in Jesus, and great risk involved. Luke does a great job to encourage and help others to understand the person, life, and works of Jesus Christ in his account of the Gospel of Jesus.
The book of Luke is the longest of the four gospel accounts, is the most detailed, and is the only gospel account with a sequel; the book of Acts. Luke, having accompanied Paul on many of his journies, later settled in Philippi. He devoted the rest of his life to the ministry of the Philippian Church.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Gospel of Mark and who did they write it for?
The Apostle Mark wrote the gospel of Mark for gentile Christians, in particular to Roman converts, and those suffering and being persecuted.
When did the events of the the Gospel of Mark happen?
There is much debate over when Mark wrote this gospel account, but the events which it covers are from the time of Jesus' birth until His death and resurrection.
What was the setting of the Gospel of Mark?
Regardless of when Mark wrote this gospel account, Christians were being heavily persecuted. Mark's account addresses the reality of their suffering and persecution and serves to encourage them with his account of the gospel of Jesus.
Verifies the Truth of the gospel and encourages Christians to share this Truth with future generations
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Summary
The Apostle Mark wrote this gospel account very unique compared to the other three accounts; Matthew, Luke, and John. Throughout the New Testament, we see evidence that Mark was a great helper to both Paul and Peter, and traveled with both of them. It is said that the gospel of Mark is actually the written account of Peter's recollection of events, that Mark wrote Peter's record of events from his travels and time with Jesus.
There is much speculation about where Mark was when he wrote this account, as well as when exactly he wrote it, but regardless of those details, we can be certain that the gospel of Jesus according to Mark is filled with encouragement for Christians of all generations. Mark clearly spoke to Christians at an emotional yet logical and practical level. The way he wrote his account was such that it would spur a Christian into action, into change, to be transformed by the gospel rather than merely informed about it.
The gospel according to Mark is different from all of the other three gospel accounts and is just as important for all Christians to read, study, believe, and apply to their lives.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Gospel of Matthew and who did they write it for?
The book of Matthew is one of the four gospels of Jesus. This gospel was written by the apostle Matthew as an account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This account was written primarily to the Jews.
When did the events of the the Gospel of Matthew happen?
The book of Matthew covers events from the genealogy of Christ, up to the resurrection of Christ. It was likely written before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.
What was the setting of the Gospel of Matthew?
As the events of the book of Matthew cover the entire genealogy, birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the events take place in many locations, settings, and cultures. It is said that Matthew may have written this gospel in Antioch or Palestine.
What is the purpose of the Gospel of Matthew?
Geneology, Birth and Early Life of Jesus (Matthew 1-2)
Acts as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments with the benefit of a Jewish perspective.
Confirms that Jesus is the promised Messiah and that He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament through His birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Explains the genealogy of Jesus as evidence of Him being the promised King and Messiah.
Discusses the law, Sabbath, the temple, prophecy fulfillment, and more from a Jewish perspective.
Provides instructions for how a disciple of Jesus should live their life.
Explains the relationship Jesus wishes to have with His followers.
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Summary
Reading and studying each gospel is invaluable for the edification of every believer. Each gospel provides a unique perspective of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to its author, by the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, who was born Jewish and became a tax collector for the Romans.
Matthew wrote this gospel in a way that his fellow Jews would understand, teaching them that Jesus is the Messiah promised through the Old Testament Hebrew texts. Many times scriptures from the Old Testament are quoted in Matthew in order to help build the case for Christ.
Matthew's gospel account provides a unique Jewish perspective, tying the Old and New Testaments together and proving that Jesus is who He claims to be, has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, and is the new way of salvation which is offered first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. His record of Christ's genealogy ties Jesus all the way back to the line of David, which
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and who did they write it for?
1 and 2 Timothy are letters written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy whom he had left in Ephesus to help the Ephesian church.
When did the events of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy happen?
Paul likely wrote 1 Timothy around 62 AD after he was released from his first Roman imprisonment while he was in Macedonia, and 2 Timothy around 67 AD while under his second Roman imprisonment.
What was the setting of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy?
Paul wrote these letters while Timothy was in Ephesus dealing with false teachings that had seeped into the church there.
What is the purpose of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy?
1 Timothy was likely written after Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment, met up with Timothy to travel together to Ephesus and left Timothy there to tend to the church while Paul himself went on to Macedonia. 2 Timothy is said to have been written after Paul was again imprisoned in Rome about 5 years later before he was later executed for standing firm in his faith and mission of sharing the gospel.
Timothy, who was described by Paul as being like a son to him, was entrusted with the teaching of the church in Ephesus and instructed by Paul in how to establish godly leaders in ministry. Paul also instructed Timothy on how Christians should conduct themselves as part of the church of God and how to use their spiritual gifts to share the gospel with others.
False teachings had infiltrated the Ephesian church and Paul was counseling Timothy on how to identify and combat this. Paul stresses the importance of being able to identify false doctrine and how to go about dealing with it within the church and encouraging others to be aware as well.
In 2 Timothy, Paul was writing to Timothy also to ask him to come to Paul. It is said that Paul was executed shortly after the letter of 2 Timothy, making this letter very likely his very last. Paul wanted to leave Timothy with vital wisdom and guidance in church ministry, Christian conduct, and encouragement for the persecution that he was sure to face. Paul likely also wanted to see Timothy again before he was executed.
The wisdom and encouragement that Paul wrote to Timothy in these letters are important for Christians of all generations to take to heart, study and apply to themselves. There is much exhortation, edification, and raw love found within these pages and can serve to embolden believers of Jesus in their faith and life.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the book of Titus and who did they write it for?
The book of Titus was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to instruct Titus about caring for the churches in Crete.
When did the events of the book of Titus happen?
Paul wrote the letter that is the book of Titus around 63-65 AD.
What was the setting of the book of Titus?
Paul had left Titus in Crete in order to establish leadership within the churches of Crete, which was an island known for being lazy, gluttonous, and evil.
Crete, an island south of Greece, was known for being evil, gluttonous, and deceitful. The people there had a bad reputation but great agriculture and a prosperous trading economy. It is said that when Paul was released from Roman imprisonment he establish a church in Crete. He left Titus, one of his most trusted assistants, behind to help the church establish leadership and get on its feet. Titus helped Paul in many other ways, delivering letters and traveling with him to other churches, but returned to Crete and is said to have spent the rest of his life there.
Titus is an incredibly short letter but is packed with vital information for Christians to be edified and encouraged by. Through this brief letter, we can learn about organizational structures and qualifications for church leadership, roles for men and women in the church, practical wisdom for the Christian lifestyle, the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives as well as in salvation, and so much more. This letter focuses heavily on Christians doing good works as a Christian duty and how this duty is impacted by redemption and righteousness through Christ.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Prayer is a powerful tool and our method of communication with God. There are so many ways to pray and lots of recommended methods, but ultimately I've found that the keys to a deeper prayer life with God are praying in every circumstance throughout each day, with intention, with scripture, and also to pray strategically. To pray strategically is to encompass all of these elements together within your personal relationship with the Lord and the circumstances of your life.
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
After the Apostle Paul gave the Colossians many instructions about running a Christian household, spiritual fullness and freedom in Christ, the supremacy of Christ, and doing all you do for the Lord, he closes his letter with this instruction about prayer. He goes on to name specific items the Colossians should be praying over and gives us some encouragement about how to pray for ourselves and one another.
He begins with the instruction to pray "earnestly" and to be "vigilant" with "thanksgiving". To be vigilant is to be watchful, cautious, active, and to give "strict attention" (G1127). To be actively watchful and cautious requires a strategy to be successful. We must give strict attention to our prayers, and also to gratitude in our prayers.
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How does Paul tell the Colossians to pray strategically?
3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
For me, I have begun using a strategically planned prayer journal to help me to be praying strategically in these ways. I have found great benefit and growth in my relationship with God, and my reliance on Him. While praying intentionally, all throughout my day, and also praying scripture back to Him, and I developing an even stronger and more personal prayer strategy. Each of us has our very own personal relationship with the Lord, but none of us can grow in our relationship with Him without intentional, constant and strategic prayer.
We implement strategies in our homes, in raising our kids and having a strong marriage, with being successful in our jobs, making plans with our friends, and so many other areas of our lives. Why would we not implement intentional strategy in our relationships with God?
What is your prayer strategy and how might you encourage someone else with it? How does your prayer strategy help you to obey God's call better? How does your prayer strategy help you grow in your personal relationship with God, and therefor help others to grow in theirs as well?
I'd love to hear about how you pray strateigically below!
When I was new to reading the Bible, I was very discouraged by my incredibly terrible memory. I used to have a wonderful memory. I'd grown up doing community theatre and held many roles that required memorizing many lines. When I was pregnant with my kiddo, though, I developed what we moms call "pregnancy brain", and it never left me. I remember starting to read scripture and I was really worried about how I would ever memorize any of it, so I told myself I would never try. Fast forward a few years and the Holy Spirit has been working in my stubborn heart, teaching me to pray scripture, and bringing to remembrance His Word at the right time in the right situations more and more often.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
To pray scripture is to speak God's Word back to Him. It helps us to remember His promises and commands, and as we spend more time in the Word of God the Holy Spirit has more to bring to remembrance at the right moments.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
In John 15 Jesus is explaining how to abide in Him. He tells us that when we abide in Him, He abides in us. When we abide in Him, His Word abides in us. When His Word abides in us we can ask whatever we wish and He will do it. What Jesus is saying is that when we remain faithful to Him, when we are spending time in His Word, when we are living according to His will, commands, and instructions for our lives out of love for Him then He will grant us the desires of our heart because our desires will be aligned with His desires for our lives.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
To pray scripture, we have to be in scripture to start with. If we don't spend time in the Word, how will the Holy Spirit remind us of scripture? Spending time with the Lord in prayer and scripture every day is essential to the life of every Christian. It helps us to grow in our relationship with the Lord, teaches us to pray to God in all circumstances and to be intentional about our communication and relationship with Him. Praying scripture helps us to abide in Him, and the Word to abide in us.
Some ways that have helped me start to pray scripture are:
Being in the Word helps us to learn more about how God instructs and desires for us to live our lives, and gives the Holy Spirit more to bring to remembrance at the times we need the reminder. How do you spend time in the Word each day? In what ways do you pray scripture? Share and encourage one another, just as we are called in scripture to do.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
When I came into my faith and started to read the Bible, praying, and living a Christ-like life I had no idea how it would change me. I was familiar with crying out to God in times of pain, agony, heartbreak, and need but I had no idea there was so much more to prayer than that. I eventually learned how to pray intentionally, and this has helped me so much in my faith and relationship with Jesus.
There are many ways people explain prayer. We need, however, to filter all things through scripture, and that includes what God tells us about prayer through His Word. We have touched on how to pray without ceasing, but what does scripture tell us about how to pray intentionally?
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
While Jesus is explaining the model prayer (Matthew 6:5-15), which includes the Lord's Prayer, Jesus begins in verse 5 by saying not to be like the hypocrites who love to show off in public, praying to be "seen by men" which in the original Greek means "to meet the eyes, strike the sight, become clear or manifest". In other words, your prayers should never be for your own glorification.
Directly after this, Jesus tells us to "go into your room and shut the door". An important aspect of intentional prayer is to take time to be alone with God. Clear distractions, clear time in your schedule, step away from other people and pray between you and God alone. To pray intentionally is to intentionally make time for God every day.
Even Jesus took time to pray intentionally
Jesus, God in the flesh, took time to pray intentionally and privately with God the Father. We can take from Him the example that there are times we need to intentionally separate ourselves from others, from distraction, from the everyday things, even the important life things, and focus on God alone. Jesus took time to pray in solitude while He awaited the Romans who would come to take him to be crucified. Jesus took time to step away and pray even with His impending death approaching. While a crowd gathered, desperately wanting His attention, He stepped away from them to go "to the mountain to pray".
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
Is your to-do list really more important than time with God? Are your friends, your spouse, your kids, your job more important than God in your life? To pray intentionally is to actually live like God is truly the most important part of your life. This benefits our relationship with God, and also is a signal to others that God comes first.
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Why should we make time for God?
When we take time every day to spend with God alone we are committing to growing in our personal relationship with Him. We are placing God as a priority in our lives and our days. By creating space to be alone with God, we are able to focus on God without distraction.
God wants a personal relationship with you. We know that communication and commitment are necessary for healthy relationships to grow with the people in our lives. We schedule girl's nights with our friends, date nights with our significant other, play dates with our kids, bedtime and morning routines with our families, self-care routines, schedule me-time, and heck, we have routines at work, in serving, and in church. Why would we give any less to God? Why would we not intentionally make time for the most important Person in our lives every day, the Lord?
Make intentional time for God
Your intentional prayer time with God may look a bit different than mine, but that's exactly as it should be. What doesn't change is that we should be in scripture, pray to the Lord constantly, and intentionally invest in our personal relationships with God every day.
For me, I use my prayer journal in the mornings and spend time in the Word every morning. This sets my day up to be centered on Christ and helps me resist charging into my day with my to-do list as the primary goal and focus. Our goal and focus should always be to serve and honor God in all we do to draw others to Him as we also draw nearer to Him. We are here to share His Truth far and wide, and our lives should be a testimony to our living faith in Christ. But how can our lives be a living testimony if we aren't making time for Him in our lives?
How do you spend time with God each day?
Share some ideas with us that may encourage others in how they can make time to pray intentionally and create time and space for the Lord every day.
You have likely been told at some point or another to "pray without ceasing", or to "always be praying". This is something that can be difficult to grasp and feel impossible to do realistically. I mean, life is busy, we have things to do... how can we ALWAYS be praying?
16-18 Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
When I was newer in my faith I had a really hard time understanding this. I felt strange about prayer as it was and I had a hard time praying unless I was completely alone with nothing but quiet solitude. Any little distraction threw off my focus and left me feeling guilty for being distracted.
I now know that this is a really common experience not just for newer Christians, but for a lot of Christians. Prayer is tough and uncomfortable for a lot of us. So how can we pray without ceasing when prayer is such a challenge to begin with?
We have to start by asking another question first.
How can we pray better?
Exploring how to pray better is vital to improving our prayer lives. Seeking what God says about prayer is essential to a growing relationship with Him.
Prioritize your relationship with God
The first thing to address is our relationship with God. Do you have a relationship with your Heavenly Father? When we have accepted Christ as our Savior we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and open up the direct line of communication and relationship with God.
After this, it is up to us to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us to grow in our faith and relationship with God through our faith in Christ and by Christ.
Make it a habit
Making prayer a habit is probably one of the most challenging parts for all of us. Our lives are busy. We have things to do. We tell ourselves we will pray later, we don't have time right now, we have other things to do. The thing is, all of these excuses are just that - excuses. This is our way of making it not seem so bad that we are putting God off and failing to prioritize God in our lives.
Making is a habit to pray doesn't always mean scheduling time, but that is part of it too. When you create time in your day to spend with God you are telling God, yourself, and those around you that this time with God is more important than your to-do list.
It took me a while to get into a routine with God every day, but it has helped me in ways I never imagined. The other side of that is when I start my day with God I am able to focus more on Him throughout my day. This better enables me to pray all day, through all the events of my day. I pray while I do laundry, while I listen to my kiddo tell me stories, while I write, while I watch TV. I pray through all of my activities.
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How does praying better help me to always pray?
I keep the line of communication with God open at all times, and I focus my attention and mind on Him. When I feel myself drift to stress, worry or selfish thoughts I discipline my mind to go back to God. I seek God's council in every little-and-big thing I do, and I take the time to listen for His wisdom and direction.
Praying without ceasing doesn't mean physically kneeling before God every day to focus on Him and neglect life around you. What it does mean is keeping your mind on Him and Heavenly things, even while you tackle your earthly responsibilities and entertainment.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
What are the different types of Bible translations?
There are many Bible translations and it can be very challenging to determine the accuracy of each as well as how to choose a Bible of your own.
What are the different kinds of Bible translations?
Why are there so many different translations, and how do we know which ones to use?
Bible translations are placed into categories that can help us learn how each of them was intended to be used. Learning about the different types of translations is vital to better understanding the translations you use.
Word-for-word Bible translations are widely considered the best translations. It sounds fairly obvious that a Word-for-Word translation is a literal translation of one language into another language, but when referring to scripture it is a bit more in-depth than that. We must take into consideration that languages change and evolve over time and it is not always easy to correctly translate every word, or convey the exact message or feeling the original texts were going for.
We also need to consider that there is often no one-for-one translation of a word or phrase between languages. Word-for-Word focuses on the specific words and phrases while also striving to convey the correct message and feel intended by the original texts. Word-for-Word is essentially the closest to the literal translation from Greek and Hebrew as we can get in English while ensuring the translation makes sense.
What are the most common Word-for-Word Bible translations?
There are many word-for-word translations. The most popular are:
Thought-for-thought Bibles intend to express the meaning from the original language in modern English that is easy to read. This is typically done without translating every word.
While word-for-word translations strive for as literal of a translation as possible, thought-for-thought Bibles seek to express the meaning within the text. This is done by summarizing and providing overarching ideas.
The editors of biblestudytools.com liken this approach to the difference between an inkjet printer and a laser printer. Inkjets produce results by laying out one line at a time in order to form a complete picture. Laser printers produce the entire picture all at once.
Translators deviate from offering direct word for word replacements which in exchange for summarized sentences and paragraphs. The goal is to make it easier for the reader to grasp the concept of the biblical passages. Most of these thought-for-thought translations are written between a 4th and 7th grade reading level. This makes comprehension of the text easier for most people.
What are the most common Thought-for-Thought Bible translations
There are many thought-for-thought Bible translations. Some of the most common are:
Some Bible translations make their claim as the "most literal" or "most accurate". Another category of translation steers more toward the feelings and intentions of Scripture versus being extremely literal. Moderate translations strive for accuracy and are literal to a point, but they tone down the difficult jargon to make it easier for readers to understand.
What are the most common Moderate Bible translations?
Paraphrase translations work to convey the thoughts of the original author's texts at the expense of literality. Paraphrasing restates the original texts completely. The goal is to capture the original meaning in phrases that are easier for readers to relate to and absorb.
What are the most common Paraphrase Bible translations?
There are several Paraphrase Bible translations. Some of the most common are:
What does 1 Peter 5:6-7 tell me to do in tough circumstances?
1 Peter 5:6-7 is a great lesson for me this week. This week has been off to a really tough start. We've had such an insane heat wave it has broken records. For someone like me who is highly heat sensitive these temperatures have been dangerous. I've had a hard time focusing, have tried to stop myself from complaining, and truly strive to thank God even in this discomfort.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.
Sometimes we face difficulties and discomforts in life that seem too small for God to be bothered with. As I lay here at 9:30pm, it's still over 90 degrees and theres no escaping it. The ice maker stopped making ice, kiddo is sleeping on our floor because her room is dangerously hot, and I've had ups and downs of heat exhaustion for days.
I can hear some of you saying "oh boy now that's a good reason to complain!" But here's what 1 Peter 5:6-7 reminded me of.
Humility isn't just for when it's easy or convenient
Humility is for all circumstances. In this extreme heat I have a choice. I can keep complaining, talk about how miserable I am, brcome a grouch to my family, or I can praise God, pray for endurance, and focus on the blessings and ways He has exalted me.
I can choose to cast my cares, no matter how petty, small or mundane they may seem, and allow Him to work in and through me.
Remember that everything we face is an opportunity to learn and grow closer to God.
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Is there an extreme heat blowing through or even settling into your life?
How can you humble yourself and cast it to the Lord today?
I encourage you to remember who is in control, who provides, and who cares for you more than you could imagine. Lift your heart, eyes and words up to the Lord and seek Him in all circumstances. Let Him bring you the comfort that only He can provide.
Who wrote the book of Ruth and who did they write it for?
The book of Ruth was likely written by Samuel and was written to the nation of Israel.
When did the events of the book of Ruth happen?
Ruth was written approximately between 1046-1035 BC.
What was the setting of the book of Ruth?
Ruth's story happened in the time of the Judges and would have been in the transition period from Joshua's leadership to Samuels when Israel had no king. This book takes place in Bethlehem with some time in Moab, which was a pagan nation. Moabites were perpetual enemies of Israel and constantly received judgments from the prophets for their sins.
Teaches of the importance of commitment and our willingness to honor God in our relationships
Displays the faithful service and obedience Christians are called to have toward one another, and to the Lord.
Reminds Christians that God comforts and provides for His people, even in unexpected ways.
Reinforces that God's way is always right, even when we don't understand.
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Summary
Naomi had just lost all of her sons as well as her husband and fell into grief. Upon sending her daughters-in-law away, one of them, Ruth, refused to go. The book of Ruth tells of Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi, but goes much further, deeper and wider than just that.
Ruth left her home as well as the culture and religions she'd known all her life to live with Naomi in enemy territory. She also chose to serve the God of Israel and left everything she'd known behind. Life was challenging for Naomi and Ruth upon returning to Naomi's homeland, but Ruth worked hard and displayed how a Christion should respond to work, hardship, grief and so much more.
Ruth obeyed and helped her mother-in-law and committed her life to loving and caring for Naomi. She displayed how we should trust the Lord in times of struggle, judgment and uncertainty. The book of Ruth displays many examples of what a Christian should act like.
Above all, Ruth's story foreshadows the redemption that was to come, and that we are now offered, through Jesus Christ. There is much to learn from Ruth's example, and also from Boaz, her redeemer. This story is not only a foreshadowing of Christ, but also gives us a glimpse at His lineage and how God chose to use a Moabite, gentile woman in the bloodline of our Savior.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Finding comfort in difficult times can feel impossible. In John 16:33, Jesus is speaking and tells His followers that "In the world you will have tribulation." This word "tribulation" in John 16:33 is also translated as "suffering" (CSB) and "trials and sorrows" (NLT). The original Greek word is thlipsis (G2347) which, in context, means oppression, affliction, or distress. This same word is also translated as trouble, anguish, and persecution in other verses throughout scripture.
In this world, we will have tribulation - we will suffer.
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
I love that while Jesus is telling us we will suffer in this world, He sandwiches this painful statement with two additional truths that should be an encouragement to every believer.
Right before Jesus tells His believers that in this world we will have trouble, He begins by telling us that it is in Him we will have peace.
This peace, eirēnē (G1515), is "a state of tranquility; exemption from the rage and havoc of war". Jesus brings us to a state of tranquility, quietness, and rest. This is spiritual peace. While the world rages and life is chaos, the soul rests in Jesus Christ.
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In Jesus, followers of Christ can find spiritual comfort and rest.
This isn't the only encouragement He gives us, though.
Before Jesus tells us we will suffer in this world, He tells us that in Him we will have peace.
After what feels like two contrasting statements, He then tells us to "take heart" because He has "overcome the world".
This right here is vital. We must remember that Jesus Christ died and rose again so that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). He sacrificed Himself so that we could have peace in Him. He conquered this world so that we may come into a relationship with God through Him.
This is the ultimate comfort - that if we trust in Jesus, He will give us spiritual peace in this crazy and painful world which He has already conquered.
Who wrote the Book of Judges and who did they write it for?
Although there is no claim of authorship, Samuel is said to have written the book of Judges to record the Israelites' history from Joshua's death, to Samuel's leadership, to the beginning of the monarchy.
When did the events in the Book of Judges happen?
The events recorded in the book of Judges likely occurred between approximately 1405-1050 BC
What is the setting of the Book of Judges?
The Israelites had been appointed land in Canaan, which was the bridge between Egypt and Mesopotamia. There was a wide variety of people and religions, and there was no real leadership. God appointed judges to rule over His people.
What is the purpose of the Books of Judges?
Israel's continued conquest of the Promised Land (Judges 1)
Reminds all generations of Christians that no matter the choices people make, God is in control and He is sovereign over all of creation throughout all history.
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Summary
The Israelites had been appointed land in Canaan and shortly after Joshua died the Israelites returned to their rebellious ways and turned away from God. The book of Judges is a recording of the honest history of one of the darkest times in Israel's history, where they drove themselves deeper and deeper into the cycle of sin and disobedience against God.
Judges is incredibly important for Christians to read and take to heart because it puts on display the real consequences of continued unfaithfulness. It also puts the faithfulness of God on display and His sovereignty.
The history of the Israelites is packed with ups and downs, and this book gives us a look into what happens when we continue in our sin and allow sin to take root and drive us from our Heavenly Father. We see God's people become darker, more corrupt, more oppressed, and more selfish as their story continued.
The installment of Judges is an important one, teaching all generations of Christians that we need godly leaders in our lives, and also that God calls us to work for Him in all kinds of ways. It also teaches us that God will even use people we don't expect to be leaders of the faith.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more aboutsalvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Lately, I have heard many people ask "if God is good, why is there so much suffering in my life?" Comfort doesn't always seem easy to come by in a world so filled with sorrow.
I asked this same question most of my life as I went through incredible pain for over 20 years. I wondered how God could love me if my life was so painful. Why would a loving God make me suffer so much?
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Just over 7 years ago that question changed. I changed. I recognized God reaching out to me, and I remember the exact moment I grabbed hold and let God pick me up. My life was in shambles, I was a wreck, I was emotionally broken, physically scarred, but God lit a fire in my soul and ignited me in such intense faith in Him I have never been the same.
Matthew 5:4 is a reminder to me of what it felt like to be picked up and plucked out of my despair. I mourned, I struggled to understand the pain I'd endured, and even further, I struggled to comprehend that I'd been pulled out of it. I continued to struggle, but the incredible difference was that this newfound faith in God put me into the arms of my Heavenly Father.
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God is good even when our circumstances are terrible
Through the struggles, pain, and suffering we have an opportunity to grow in faith and relationship with our Heavenly Father and grow in our reliance on Him. We have an opportunity to seek and find comfort in the Lord and trust Him with the pain.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
God is good even when our circumstances are terrible. We have to resist becoming slaves to our circumstances and instead release the pain to God and trust Him to see us through it all as the One who can comfort us through whatever we may experience.
He is not laughing, mocking, or enjoying your mourning, your hurt, or your agony. God is there, ready to comfort you and show you how much He loves you. The Lord is asking you to trust Him and seek your comfort with Him, the only true source of comfort.
I lived most of my life thinking I'd never feel anything but all-consuming darkness and depression and pain. Coming to Christ changed that and now I understand that it is only with Him that it's possible to live in the light, to be truly comforted and healed and blessed. God is good and I know that even though I went through so many years of pain.
My question changed from "if God is good, why is there so much suffering in my life?" to "what does God want to teach me through this pain?"
I have learned to focus on the lesson and how I can grow and become stronger in my faith through all that I experience. What started as the tiniest of tiny faith like a mustard seed has grown over the years into seeing God move mountains I had lived convinced were unmovable.
20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.
I have healed from wounds I never thought would ever heal and have forgiven where I never thought I could forgive. I have trusted God where I never thought I could.
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
In all of this, I have learned that God is for me. God strengthens me, upholds me, and comforts me.
What do you need to give to God and trust Him to handle?
Where do you need to let God comfort you, guide you and teach you?
I pray you will empty yourself of whatever bitterness, hurt, mistrust, and anger you have to our God who understands and is ready with arms wide open for you just like He was with me, and still is even when I continue to miss the mark. We all fall short, but God is there to forgive, fill us up, and comfort us with immeasurable love, peace, and joy.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I am a wife, mom, writer, crafter, and above all, a Child of God. I love to study the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God. I am thrilled to invite you to join me in seeking to satisfy our thirsty souls with the Living Water of Christ, which is what Water On Thirsty Land is here to do.
