THINKING through the Scriptures devotionals

THINKING THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES
(Devotional videos published after May 7, 2020)

This Present Peace (YouTube video)
We live in the present, but God inhabits eternity, looking simultaneously on the past, the present, and the future! So how are we to understand such a mind-boggling situation? This study dives into the amazing truth with some practical suggestions that will encourage us and point us towards living in the wonderful peace God extends to all who believe.
(Nov 13, 2021; TTTS#41)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/1113211631587826

Foolish Exaggerations (YouTube video)
Have you ever exaggerated when talking to God? In this conversation between Joshua and the Lord we see how this kind of speech plays itself out and are encouraged to be careful with our attitudes when things don’t go as we expected they would.
(Oct 28, 2021; TTTS#40)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/102821193005315

A Time for Silence (YouTube video)
Perhaps one of the most difficult chores we have is knowing when to speak and when to be quiet. We all tend to err on one side or the other, so we need wisdom from God to discern the right response for every occasion. In this devotional we look at the matter through the lens of the Jericho conquest.
(Sept 24, 2021; TTTS#39)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/925211050281204

No Useless Errands (YouTube video)
The two spies had no idea how important their mission was. They thought the job was just to gather military intel; but no, God was doing much more than they could have imagined. He was creating another masterpiece of grace. And that’s the way it always is. He is always doing far more than we think, even though our little lives and actions may seem to us, to be of no significance. What a God we serve!
(July 24, 2021; TTTS#38)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/72921948417532

The Rock (YouTube video)
The rock imagery is a favorite one for several Biblical heroes, with beautiful teaching about the faithfulness of God, His power and stability, the protection afforded by His presence, His being the source of living water, and even the divinity of Christ. When is the last time we looked up in praise to the Rock of our salvation? Maybe it’s been too long!
(June 14, 2021; TTTS#37)
Sermonaudio: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermon/614211836357198

The Heavenly Masterpiece (YouTube video)
God has wrapped the vast and starry space all around the planet, so that it can be enjoyed free of charge by anybody, from anywhere! But sadly, it didn’t take long at all, after creation, for man’s skewed nature to throw common sense out the window, and turn the spectacular show in the sky into an excuse for idolatry. As believers, if we don’t pay attention to the Scriptures, we too can fail to properly admire and appreciate the amazing privilege we have floating above our heads.
(April 9, 2021; TTTS#36)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/49211936554583

The Laver and the Basin (YouTube video)
Because the Holy Scriptures are of divine origin, we should not be surprised to discover marvelous harmony underneath the surface and between items that seemingly have nothing to do with each other. What an amazing Book! What an amazing God!
(March 26, 2021; TTTS#35)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/326211117282260

Two Royal Birthdays (YouTube video)
VERY DIFFERENT DEATHS. Why do some godly people die young and in pain while others live to a ripe old age and pass on peacefully? Maybe you have had family members or friends in either category, or both. It is wonderful to see that our God does not sidestep the issue nor is it unimportant to Him.
(March 12, 2021; TTTS#34)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/311211859162210

Beyond Expectations (YouTube video)
Have you ever wondered if God, or anyone else, knew or cared about the difficult circumstances you were in? Have you been faithful to the Lord in some tiny, little, obscure corner and asked yourself if it was worth it? Then this Biblical story is for you and can bring tremendous encouragement in the truth of God’s character.
(February 25, 2021; TTTS#33)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/22521101481124

Eden’s Centerpiece (YouTube video)
Why was the prohibited tree smack in the middle of Eden? Why are we surrounded even today by so many easy options to sin? These are powerful questions that only God knows the full answer to. However, with some thought we can discern reasons that make sense, and will help us understand a little better the nature of our challenges.
(February 10, 2021; TTTS#32)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/21021153254946

Dream Killers (YouTube video)
Have you ever believed God had spoken to you about a ministry, or project, or goal, only to run into crazy opposition or obstacles? We can learn some of the dynamics and get helpful insight about these real life dramas by looking at the example of one the Bible’s favorite heroes.
(January 29, 2021; TTTS#31)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/129211734356208

Honoring the Elderly (YouTube video)
Often overlooked by society and even by brothers and sisters in Christ, veteran saints are not forgotten by God. One good example of this happened at the Temple, when the Lord took special steps to honor and use two of his faithful warriors, a couple of godly saints whom many of the religious establishment may not have even noticed.
(January 16, 2021; TTTS#30)
Sermonaudio: sermonaudio.com/sermon/1152117696213

Simeon’s Light (YouTube video)
This Christmas story is about the amazing encounter of an elderly gentleman, a young married couple, and their first baby boy. It is full of mystery and wisdom, faith and hope, patience and happiness!
(December 19, 2020; TTTS#29)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/42572996

An Almighty Lesson (YouTube video)
In this lesson from the life of Jacob, we see how vital the truth of God’s omnipotence is, and its power to change the outlook and attitude of one who after a century of horrible choices, was the very definition of misery. It is a message of hope and encouragement for all of us, who to one degree or another, have failed to live up to the high calling we have in Christ.
(December 3, 2020; TTTS#28)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/42298601

Our Shield (YouTube video)
When we think of shields we often think of ancient weaponry, for protection, and in the Bible that is the context. But the concept itself is timeless and very relevant, quite often a serious source of anxiety or peace, depending on your worldview.
(November 17, 2020: TTTS#27)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/42024024

Not a Thread (YouTube video)
Have you ever been offered a fortune that for ethical reasons you could not accept? Not me. What an interesting predicament. But this is exactly what happened to Abram.
(November 10, 2020; TTTS#26)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41921023

Building a Name (YouTube video)
Millions are voting and the world is watching. Even here in Spain, the headlines are all about the elections in the USA. So many projects, so many plans, and so many dreams are on the table. This week’s devotional is about the decision of multitudes at Babel and that of one man in Ur of the Chaldees. There are important and relevant lessons we can learn for today, even from these events that took place thousands of years ago.
(November 3, 2020; TTTS#25)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41775936

The Everlasting Bow (YouTube video)
Everyone enjoys seeing a rainbow. There’s just something about it that grabs and keeps our attention. And the believer is Christ should delight in an extraordinary way because we understand its origen as well as its eternal significance.
(October 27, 2020; TTTS#24)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41666379

The Despicable Three (YouTube video)
Opening comments/intro: Child training can be a touchy subject. It’s pretty easy to offend parents if you start giving advice in that area, unless of course, they’ve asked you for it. But interestingly, God jumps right into the matter with the very first family in the world. That in itself would seem to make it an issue of top priority. Let’s look at a trio of very clear and nasty enemies of family peace.
(October 20, 2020; TTTS#23)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41554959

Walking with God (YouTube video)
Have you known a godly Christian who was suddenly taken home to glory, with no opportunity for earthly goodbyes? Walking with God is the greatest experience available to man, but sometimes the Lord’s ways are mysterious and impossible to entirely understand.
(October 7, 2020; TTTS#22)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41344386

The Spouse Chooser (YouTube video)
How should you find a wife or husband? There are many books, theories, and opinions on the subject! Here I would simply like to highlight a Biblical model -- the very first one.
(September 30, 2020; TTTS#21)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41240877

Good Ignorance (YouTube video)
Is it good to be ignorant? That’s a loaded question! The answer is, “At times, yes!”
(September 22, 2020; TTTS#20)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41099932

The First Obedience (YouTube video)
Who or what was the first to obey in the Bible? Was it the light? Was it nothing? Haha! The question may not seem to make much sense, but it does serve to think about an important aspect of the creating and commanding voice of God and our obedience.
(September 16, 2020; TTTS#19)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40938844

The Range of Grace (YouTube video)
Have you been praying for someone for a long time, asking God to bring them to repentance, and the cross, and eternal life? Maybe this thought will encourage you to never, ever give up!
(September 9, 2020: TTTS#18)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40801424

Behind the Bread (YouTube video)
Almost all of us love and eat bread. It has been part of man’s diet for thousands of years. In fact, it was mentioned as far back as the Garden of Eden. But there was one very special kind of bread that showed up only for a small window of time and was made in heaven. It was manna, the bread with a message behind it.
(September 1, 2020; TTTS#17)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40638410

Perfect Memory (YouTube video)
Honoring Margaret Allen
It has to be a scary thing to lose your memory. Pretty much everything we are today is built on the memories of the past. If those go, we can no longer function. Fortunately, God’s memory is perfect. Everything we have been, are, or will be, depends more on His memory than our own. For the believer, this truth is a powerful source of comfort and peace.
(August 25, 2020; TTTS#16)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40498198

Divine Jealousy (YouTube video)
An excellent way to arouse God's jealousy is to have a lousy memory. But what exactly is this jealousy and what does my memory have to do with it? Since the Bible reveals this part of God’s character, it is important to understand it and then know how to respond properly.
(August 19, 2020; TTTS#15)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40384575

A Prickly Moment (YouTube video)
If you have ever tangled with a thick patch of briars, you probably came away with a few temporary scars. That’s what usually happens when we mess with these living, barbed wire plants. The emotional charge of the moment usually makes the memory a lasting one, which is probably why God chose briars and thorns as a part of an illustration of a spiritual danger we all will face at one time or another.
(August 13, 2020; TTTS#14)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40293521

God’s Garden (YouTube video)
Have you ever thought of yourself as a garden plot? Probably not! But God once made that comparison with His children so it is profitable to give it some thought. And the illustration is richer than you might think at first!
(August 7, 2020; TTTS#13)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40187811

Different (YouTube video)
Do you like being the one who is different? The oddball who doesn’t connect with the majority? It’s often an uncomfortable position, a lonely one, and just plain isn’t fun. But sometimes it’s exactly who we need to be. And in the Bible we find that the call to be different goes all the way back to the beginning.
(July 23, 2020; WT65, TTTS#12)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/39905159

Grasshopper Faith (YouTube video)
¿Do you consider yourself strong in faith?
That’s a complicated kind of question, isn’t it? At the same time, it’s pretty important, because much of our life’s course and destiny hinge on exactly this, our faith. In this devotional we will think through a classic example of faith and unbelief.
(July 15, 2020; WT64, TTTS#11)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/39783047

The Leviticus offer (YouTube video)
Do I have to read Leviticus?
Many times you have thought like this, right? It is so crammed with sacrifice details, law, rules, purification procedures, numbers, dietary regulations, and feast descriptions! Sometimes we look up and say, “Lord, really? Why?”
But there is a tiny little verse in the next to last chapter that opens a huge window to the heart of this collection of seemingly unnecessary details. I hope this devotional will encourage you and help you value the book a bit more next time you read it!
(July 8, 2020; WT63, TTTS #10)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/37557865

Wisdom! (YouTube video)
Am I wise? Maybe so, maybe no. Or maybe I’m not as much as I think I am. At any rate, in this devotional we’ll explore the theme some, since it is extremely important. The difference between being wise or not is life or death, even for believers.
(July 1, 2020; WT62, TTTS #9)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/35214822

Divine Delays (YouTube video)
Waiting on God is so important that examples and teaching on it are all through the Bible, and we as Christians face continual episodes of it our entire lives. Why? Because it is one of the Lord’s choice instruments in growing our faith and character.
(June 24, 2020; WT61, TTTS #8)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/32870800

Enjoy the Wait (YouTube video)
Don’t you just love to wait?! Especially when there seems to be no good reason for it. If there is one experience common to Christians, it is sometimes being forced to watch the days go by without any apparent progress. It happens to everyone!
(June 18, 2020; WT60, TTTS #7)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/31456845

Helping Hands (YouTube video)
Where would we be without friends? Not where we are, for sure. I cannot imagine how spiritually poor and fragile I would be if it weren’t for a myriad of friends God has brought to my life. My immediate family members have, of course, had the greatest impact on me. But the exact number of godly people who have invested in me, or in the ministry with me, is impossible to calculate. And I have the idea that you would say the same thing. In this area alone, most of us can consider ourselves extremely rich.
This passage in Exodus provides a beautiful example of this principle and shows how the helping hands of friends is something God has orchestrated for His children since the beginning. We are all greatly blessed!
(June 11, 2020; WT58, TTTS #6)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/30244100

Three Powerful Words (TTTS #5) (YouTube video)
Sometimes we can say a lot with just a very few words. “I love you”, “Be careful”, or “I’ll be back”, can be said lightly or loaded with meaning, depending on the context. But with God, since He never wastes words nor uses them flippantly, we should always be paying attention. And yet, there are times when what He says is so rich and powerful, that it merits a really close look. One such phrase is the one He spoke to Jacob many years ago: I AM GOD.
It is a fantastic statement, and for the believer, it is full of comfort and hope.
(June 4, 2020; WT58)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/29260159

Your Shield (TTTS #4) (YouTube video)
Masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and social distancing! All of these are very real terms today, way more so than just a few months ago. And they all have to do with protection, with guarding ourselves from something evil and painful. But really, protecting our lives and things is nothing new. For many years, we have done so with alarms, locks, contracts, and insurance policies. And God has much to say about the subject.
(May 28, 2020; WR57)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/28473761

A Happy Dad (TTTS #3) (YouTube video)
“If mommy isn’t happy, nobody is happy” is a humorous statement we hear, and it’s probably quite true! But a happy dad is also a remarkably healthy thought, and God gives us a very good example of one in Joseph. We should not, however, be content just to enjoy his story and praise the Lord for him, but rather, to learn about the key ingredients to real, lasting, happiness.
(May 20, 2020; WT57)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/27878081

Dream Killers (TTTS #2) (YouTube video)
Have you ever started out on what you were sure was God’s will, only to have someone else push back on it and try their best to stop your progress? It happens, pretty much in every Christian’s life, at one time or another. Dream killers are an ancient tribe and very good at setting up stumbling blocks in front of those who want to please God. Joseph met them face to face and had a long and difficult struggle before finally seeing the the Lord’s glorious plan come to be. We can learn a lot from his example.
(May 13, 2020; WT56)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/27311921

Subtle Evidence (TTTS#1) (YouTube video)
Teaser: Subtle evidence can be just as powerful of an argument for authenticity as overt and clearly expressed propositions, especially when there are many biased opinions in play. In this devotional I’d like to share a subtle but beautiful bit of evidence for the deity of Jesus.
(May 7, 2020; WT55)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/26870267

THINKING INSIDE THE QUARANTINE series
March 11 - May 1, 2020

Jesus (2) tempted (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #38) (YouTube video)
There are so many angles and levels from which to study the triple temptations of our Lord by Satan, that it is a chore to know where to start. This study is hopefully simple and practical enough to be helpful in understanding some of the dynamics that go into being tempted and being ready to withstand the temptations.
(May 1, 2020; WT55)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/26502668

Paul (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #37) (YouTube video)
In some ways the Roman imprisonments of Paul are quite the puzzle. The Holy Spirit does not give us all the pieces either, but enough to have some idea of his philosophy and attitude towards being confined in the most powerful city in the world. His focus was unwaveringly on Christ and His work, and we can safely say that no matter how slight the opportunity he had, Paul gave it his best, by faith. At the end he was both tired and satisfied, ready for the ultimate rest and reward he knew was waiting for Him from the Lord he had faithfully served. What an example!
(Apri 30, 2020; WT54)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/26430444

Jeremiah (2) in the Pit (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #36) (YouTube video)
The focus of this devotional is actually more on Jeremiah’s “Good Samaritan”, than himself. Ebed-melech had had his share of trials and humiliation in his lifetime, but he heard Jeremiah’s prophecies, believed them, ended up respecting and loving him, and was ready to come to his aid when the need arose. What an excellent example we get from who is sort of the secondary figure in this story.
(April 29, 2020; WT53)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/26353174

Manasseh (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #35) (YouTube video)
The story of Manasseh sort of catches us all by surprise. He comes from a relatively good home, rejects his father’s faith, and goes on to become one of the most wicked and cruelest kings of Israel’s history. He is then humiliated by enemy kings and taken captive. Finally, and against all logic, he repents and dies in peace. Now this is definitely an abridged version of the story, but it is still true, and quite the amazing example of divine grace.
(April 28, 2020; WT52)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/26283580

Jochebed (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #34) (YouTube video)
I see Jochebed as an almost anonymous heroine of the Bible, mentioned only in an accidental kind of way, in two priestly genealogies. But God makes a point of honoring her, both in mentioning her faith and in blessing her three children, Miriam, Aaron, and Moses, in a remarkable way. Even in our modern setting, there is much we can learn from her, though we know relatively little about her.
(April 27, 2020; WT51)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/26210683

Peter (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #33) (YouTube video)
Who can make sense of what has happened when one who is faithful and true to God is taken in early death while another one lives on to old age? This is a tough question, but there are answers in the Scriptures. God is both transparent and honest about the matter, and gives examples and explanations that by His grace can help soothe the hurting heart.
(April 23, 2020; WT50)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25962736

Lazarus (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #32) (YouTube video)
If the miracles of Jesus could be classified by degrees of difficulty, this one would have to be somewhere near the top! A human corpse, heavily into decomposition after four days, is brought back to life. Lazarus is back among the living, fully himself and full of life. What a powerful conclusion to the series of seven miracles John gives us in his gospel.
(April 22, 2020; WT49)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25898305

Samuel (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #31) (YouTube video)
Samuel’s growing up at the tabernacle has to be one of the most unusual childhood stories in the Bible! It is imposible to consider the facts without realizing the intense emotion that had to fill the hearts of both mother and son, as they looked forward each year to the one time they could be together. And yet, as high as the probabilities of failure might have been, with a young boy living amongst corrupt religious leaders, God’s grace turned him into a spiritual giant.
(April 21, 2020; WT48)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25842503

Israel (2) Passover (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #30) (YouTube video)
The meal in confinement, just before the Exodus, was undoubtedly one of the most important ones in all of Israel’s history, and has been commemorated for millennia by millions of Jews since that time. As another beautiful example of the mysterious and amazing nature of Biblical prophecy, it is loaded with significance concerning events that would not take place for another 1,400 years.
(April 20, 2020; WT47)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25802951

Esther (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #29) (YouTube video)
This book generated a certain amount of controversy in the early stages of when the Old Testament canon was being recognized, but God has made sure that its story settled solidly into the hearts of His people as a great source of spiritual teaching and example. It is, in fact, an excellent fountain of inspiration for those who live in times when the Lord’s mighty hand and will are less openly visible.
(April 17, 2020; WT46)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25644722

Elijah (2) at the cave (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #28) (YouTube video)
Few in history have personally seen the powerful work of God like Elijah. And yet, one day he was disappointed, discouraged, and depressed. His story is a classic one, given to us by the Holy Spirit because it is so relevant, so needy for believers of every age.
(April 16, 2020; WT45)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25606735

Naaman’s young maid (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #27) (YouTube video)
My, how God loves to surprise us in His Word! Who would have thought that He would pay attention to a young Jewish girl who was kidnapped and made a slave of a powerful foreign military man? Surely it was specifically because many of us are very tiny participants in the great work of God, but He wants to encourage us to be faithful, no matter what little corner we are in. This girl is an anonymous heroine of the faith, and has been an inspiration for millions who have served the Lord faithfully and happily in whatever place He put them.
(April 15, 2020; WT44)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25531165

Israel in the desert (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #26) (YouTube video)
The desert wanderings of Israel make up one of the most peculiar trips in the Bible, because of how long it took, why it was extended by so many years, and who started and finished it. And though it is crammed with sad stories of rebellion and unbelief, it is also full of wonderful works of God and beautiful spiritual instruction and imagery. In fact, many New Testament lessons would be very difficult to understand if we didn’t know about these dramatic events recorded primarily in Exodus and Numbers.
(April 14, 2020; WT43)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25495705

Jesus and the Tomb (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #25) (YouTube video)
It is quite impossible to give more importance to some parts of the Lord’s earthly experience over others, but this three day/three night tomb event is definitely close to the top of any list! In this devotional I trace the different tomb details though the four Gospels, in the order in which they appear in our Bibles. There are always inspirational observations and conclusions to be drawn from this chapter of the Lord’s life!
(April 12, 2020; WT42)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25353186

Jacob (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #24) (YouTube video)
Sometimes God takes dramatic steps to get our attention, and that is what He did in Jacob’s life. After almost a century of cheating his way through life, God interrupts his conniving plans and brings him face to face with the only solution that can ultimately break him of his bad habits. It all happen one night by a river named Jabbok.
(April 10, 2020; WT41)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25231741

Daniel (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #23) (YouTube video)
We have so few events from the life of Daniel — I’m sure a full biography would be fascinating. But we’ll have to wait until heaven for that. Meanwhile, our responsibility is to learn, to learn from a man who could not have been perfect, but was nonetheless a giant of the faith. So let’s do it!
(April 9, 2020; WT40)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/25136340

Naomi (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #22) (YouTube video)
The Book of Ruth, with its story of Naomi, may be small, but it contains a huge and multifaceted package of truth. The doctrines of redemption, repentance, and the sovereignty of God, mix with examples of fulfilled prophecy and pure mercy, in such a marvelous way, they can only be attributed to the divine and eternal mind of its Author: The Holy Spirit.
(April 8, 2020; WT39)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24987873

Job (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #21) (YouTube video)
Neither Job nor any of his friends had the slightest idea about the conversation that had taken place between God and Satan. I think they would have spoken very differently if they had. So, considering Job did not have that privileged information, his reactions and attitudes were still quite remarkable. We, as readers who do know what was going on, can learn much from it and are more responsible to respond correctly when suffering comes our way or to those we love.
(April 7, 2020; WT38)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24929169

Jeremiah (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #20) (YouTube video)
Normally, when your city is about to be conquered by a foreign army you don’t buy real estate in it. But that’s exactly what God told Jeremiah to do, as He set the stage for more prophecy, including one of the most famous and beloved Bible promises.
(April 6, 2020; WT37)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24887279

Rahab (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #19) (YouTube video)
On the wall of a pagan city destined for destruction lived a prostitute. Rahab would have remained anonymous in history had it not been that Jehovah knew her heart and saw they she had faith and a desire to leave her sinful life and love the true God. The chances of that happening would seem to have been as remote a her visiting the moon, but for God. He had Moses send the two spies to Jericho to gather intel and made sure they ended up checking in at her hostal for the night. What follows is one of the most beautiful stories of grace in all of the Old Testament.
(April 3, 2020; WT36)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24782142

The Gadarene (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #18) (YouTube video)
Few people would appear less likely to believe in Christ than this man who was confined to a life among the tombs and caves of Gadara. His looks, his lifestyle, and his attitudes all would seem to indicate a person completely antagonistic to the truth. However, when from a distance he saw the Lord, he ran to worship Him. His testimony is spectacular and it is powerful proof that even though a human heart is enslaved to evil, it can still desire to be free and clean.
(April 2, 2020; WT35)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24745154

Joseph (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #17) (YouTube video)
With the possible exception of Daniel, it is hard to find in all of the Old Testament, a better example of Christian faith than Joseph. His discipline, his priorities, his purity, and his faithfulness, made a powerful impression everywhere he went. Through his life, the Lord shows us that we can not only survive the strongest of trials, but also overcome them in such a way that we can come out like gold. This devotional highlights a few of his virtues and analyzes some of God’s methodology in testing His children.
(April 1, 2020; WT34)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24717339

Jonah (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #16) (YouTube video)
Who would have thought that God would include a story like Jonah’s in His Word? But as so often happens, God surprises us with His infinite wisdom and marvelous creativity. And so, though this book may be a tiny one within the Holy Scriptures, it nonetheless adds a wealth of spiritual teaching to the Bible. We find in it unflattering realities about the human heart, illustrations of the sovereignty of God, and even some insight into the deep and mysterious nature of divine prophecy.
(March 31, 2020; WT33)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24677736

The Leper (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #15) (YouTube video)
Ten lepers had enough faith to be healed at the word of Jesus, but only one had a heart that sought for God. How do we know that? We can tell by the reaction the Samaritan leper had when he realized that indeed, his serious skin disease had disappeared and we was completely clean. The first thing that came out from his heart was gratitude and he immediately returned to the Lord to give thanks. His example was so important and so appreciated by God that He immortalized it through the hand of Luke in his Gospel.
(March 30, 2020; WT32)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24640515

IBEV service/abbreviated in English (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #14) (YouTube video)
This has a few songs from our online service (in Spanish) and then the message, in English.
(March 28, 2020; WT31)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24546186

Elizabeth (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #13) (YouTube video)
The story of Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother, is brief and only in Luke’s Gospel. She was from a good and godly family and enjoyed a long marriage with her husband Zachariah. But almost the first thing we learn about her was that she was by then past the age of child-bearing and had been barren all of her life. Unfortunately, for many in her culture that was a sign of God’s disfavor, and she would have been the object of scorn. However, God had great plans for the couple, and though He took a long time to bring them about, when He was done, the story was a glorious one. In keeping with her deep trust in the Lord, Elizabeth made an interesting personal decision, which is what I focus on in this devotional.
(March 27, 2020; WT30)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24434290

Nebuchadnezzar (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #12) (YouTube video)
This Biblical quarantine has to take the prize, at least in the category of peculiarity! It is simply amazing to see what God did in the life of this powerful, pagan king, leader of the Babylonian world empire. But just as interesting as the details of his very unique experience is the personal response he had to what God brought his way. Again, as in the rest of the devotionals on these Biblical characters, there are very good lessons to learn.
(March 26, 2020; WT29)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24385840

Uzziah (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #11) (YouTube video)
One of the few true quarantines in the Bible happened to this brilliant king and it was directly as a result of his very bad choice. He had so much going for him, and was an exemplary king in a number of ways. But his success got to his head and he came to think he had permission to do whatever he wanted. Uzziah ended his life in isolation, as a leper. We are encouraged to learn from his mistake.
(March 25, 2020; WT28)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24297214

Joash (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #10) (YouTube video)
Today’s Bible character is an example, for sure, but a negative one. As a baby, Joash experienced a kind of quarantine that few have known in all of history. However, during these six years of confinement Joash did enjoy privileges from God, privileges designed and personalized to prepare him to be a great king and servant of Jehovah. But tragically, he entirely squandered his opportunity and ended his life in shame. We can definitely learn from him, but mainly in how not to respond to the blessings of life God gives us.
(March 24, 2020; WT27)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24252292

Moses (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #9) ***From this one on all YouTube links will now be real videos***
Most of us would not normally compare ourselves to Moses, that great leader of Israel who took millions of people on an adventure that stretched a true experience beyond what we could expect even in science fiction. But due to his own personality and choices, this tremendous example of faith had a pretty rough beginning. And for that reason, and in order to work on his character, the Lord sent him into a kind of really long quarantine from the ministry, in which He would prepare Him for service.
(March 23, 2020; WT26)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24211253

John the Baptist (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #7)
John the Baptist is one of the strangest characters in the Bible. And sure enough, before God used him as the preacher and prophet we’ve heard so much about, he spent a long time isolated and away from people. We don’t know much at all about that time, except some odd things about his diet and clothing style. But he obviously learned some valuable life lessons that have been passed on to us in the records of his ministry.
(March 21, 2020; WT25)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24132329

Noah, Genesis 6:7-9 (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #6)
Noah would have no problem sympathizing with those of us who have now been locked down for six days. He was inside the huge wooden box we call the ark for over 350 days! But far more important than the mere facts and numbers of his adventure before and after the flood is the powerful testimony he left behind. There is much we can learn from Noah’s example. These are video/audio links for anyone interested.
(March 20, 2020)
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24091357

John, Revelation 1:9-10 (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #5)
The Apostle John was sent to the tiny Patmos for his Christian testimony. However, though he was forced to stay on the island, he left us an excellent example of how to respond in times of confinement. I hope these thoughts are a challenge and encouragement to you.
(March 19, 2020) WT23
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24056022

Elijah, 1 Kings 17:1-7 (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #4)
God isolated Elijah from the rest of the world, not because of disease or plaque, but to teach him some valuable life lessons, spiritual truths that in spite of the passing of millennia, are still critically important for life in the 21st century.
(March 18, 2020) WT22
ALSO ON SPREAKERS AUDIO: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/24014652

The Blood, Exodus 12:13 (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #2)
The significance of the blood of Jesus Christ in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic.
(March 16, 2020)
ALSO ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2WZNcdCTrRI

Pestilence Promises, Psalm 91:1-7 (Thinking Inside the Quarantine #1)
Our world is in an uproar over the Coronavirus. There is panic buying in supermarkets, urgent medical research, desperate quarantine measures, and even national lockdowns. And it’s probably just the beginning. The Bible has a bunch to say about pestilences and our 2020 virus can definitely be included in that category. How are we to understand the various promises God gave to His children when threatened by plagues and diseases? Here are a few thoughts that I hope will give perspective and help clarify passages that could generate some confusion.
(March 11, 2020; WT20)
ALSO ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/nPgr0zs1PlY

Devotionals below here are previous to the QUARANTINE series
(These are all audio only)

First the Light, Psalm 27:1, The first verse of Psalm 27 is another masterpiece, of truth, literature, and logic. David proclaims God as his Light, his Salvation, and his Strength. In that order and on purpose! (March 2, 2020; WT19)
ALSO ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LsthVWQ-rVQ

Genesis 50:20, Joseph's Gift. One of the special gifts we Christians can give is that of forgiveness. And why is that? Because we are so good? No, but because we know God and understand how He works. What a wonderful thing that is! (WT17)

Genesis 15:1, Safe, Our society is quite obsessed with personal security, with individuals, families, corporations, and even churches, spending fortunes on protecting themselves from a world of dangers. God's word to Abram suggests a different, better perspective. (WT16)

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Thanksgiving, We go through many circumstances in life where giving thanks to God is not necessarily the first response that comes to mind! But it is exactly what we are supposed to do, so let's think about why for a few minutes. (WT15)

Jeremiah 33:3, Surprises, This promise from God is fascinating, and when properly understood and applied, can open up a world of blessing. (WT14)

Jeremiah 9:23-24, Smarts, Power, Goods, We live in our bodies and minds, and often focus exclusively on our little, personal world. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God directs our attention to the supreme goal of our existence. (WT13)

Psalm 1:2-3, Like a Tree, What is a truly happy person and what does he look like? (WT12)

Daniel 6:10, Daniel’s Habit, As we start a new year and think about resolutions or decisions to improve our walk with God, this example from the life of Daniel is an important one to consider. (WT11)

Joshua 1:6, Courage for the New Year, What is courage? How can I have courage for the new year if I’m not naturally a courageous person? God’s commands and instructions to Joshua give us some insight that should be helpful. (WT10)

Matthew 2:5, In Bethlehem, The Jews had all the right information about the Messiah‘s birthplace, but did not act on it. This is a very common perspective even in our days, and there is something we can do about it. (WT9)

Joshua 1:8, Success This well-known promise God gave the Israelites through Joshua is amazing, given that it guarantees military success without one word of military strategy! (WT8)

Psalm 121:3-4, Never Asleep God made us to sleep about 1/3 of our lives, which is really odd, if you think about it! Kings, presidents, rich, powerful, it doesn't matter. Everyone has to sleep, and be vulnerable. But not God. He doesn't sleep nor even get drowsy. There are huge ramifications to this truth! (WT7)

Psalm 8:1, Our glorious Lord We are surrounded by God's glory and that fact is a powerful argument for praise Him. Not only has the great God of creation given us much to enjoy freely, He is OUR Lord! (WT6)

Psalm 23:1, Rest This amazing verse is like spiritual medicine, given by God to bring peace and calm to the troubled believer's heart. (WT5)

Psalm 27:14, Wait (WT4): https://www.spreaker.com/episode/19914767

Psalm 37:4, Delighting (WT3): https://www.spreaker.com/episode/19871203

Psalm 51:17, A Broken Heart? (WT2): https://www.spreaker.com/user/11696079/psalm-51-17

Psalm 91:1 (WT1): https://www.spreaker.com/user/11696079/bible-talks-1

THINKING THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES(Devotional videos published after May 7, 2020)

THINKING INSIDE THE QUARANTINE seriesMarch 11 - May 1, 2020

Devotionals below here are previous to the QUARANTINE series(These are all audio only)

THINKING THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES
(Devotional videos published after May 7, 2020)

THINKING INSIDE THE QUARANTINE series
March 11 - May 1, 2020

Devotionals below here are previous to the QUARANTINE series
(These are all audio only)