1 Kings Bible Sketch

Pray for Wisdom

How do we wrap our head around what is going on and figure out what to do?

Guidelines, schedules, rules, governing strategies, relationships, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and all the mysteries of life—from conception until death—we wonder about how to handle it all. How do we discover what the will of God is?

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV

Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil… 1 Kings 3:9a ESV Bible verse sketch doodle.

Wisdom isn’t only knowing facts—it is the ability to apply knowledge in a practical manner that flows from a heart of compassion

In every relationship—personally with God and between individuals in group settings of two or more—what could be more important than to humbly go before God and ask Him to give an understanding mind and the ability to discern between good and evil?

Our enemies are Satan, the sinful world, and our own evil desires. Scripture says they prowl around like a roaring lion and are like a wolf hidden in sheep’s clothing. That means these could sneak up at any time, show up in the least expected places and it is possible we might not even realize they are attacking us, especially if we aren’t spending time in God’s Word. Encountering enemies might happen within:

• our own thoughts
• community
• workplaces
• educational settings
• friendships
• church
• family

Understanding doesn’t come from imagination within ourselves, apart from Christ; it comes from outside of us—only from God who gives it in the Word and Sacraments

Can we get it perfectly? No, we can’t comprehend everything about God. The Good News is that our Heavenly Father, without disappointment or disapproval of us, is pleased we ask Him for discernment and graciously gives us a meek servant heart to see clearly through faith that trusts Jesus. Christ did for us what we cannot do and we can entrust ourselves into His hands when we are afraid.

Resisting temptations and making reasonable decisions is more than using what has been gained through research, books, classrooms or what mom and dad told us. God designed humans with a high degree of complexity. He offers us a Savior and gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide us to accurately discern between good and evil. We are given freedom to either receive or reject Christ.

We should ask God for understanding in everything! We hear His answers by trusting the power of Baptism. God wants all to receive wisdom and make the best of all the faculties He created within us. He provides all we need and wants us to live healthfully.

Scripture

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Prayer

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:9-15 ESV

Counsel

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:26-27 ESV

Friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 ESV

Education

All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 ESV

Intuition

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 ESV

Brain

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 ESV

Soul

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, Luke 1:46 ESV

Example

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:17 ESV

Compassion

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13 ESV

Observation

Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 4:6 ESV

Experience

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. Job 12:12 ESV

Reason

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

Attitude

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

Maturity

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 ESV  

Time

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV

Trials

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 ESV

Testing

Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food? Job 12:11 ESV

Promise of hope in Christ

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV

Wisdom is all about Jesus revealed in the Bible 

When we think we know-it-all and can’t be wrong, we are only fooling ourselves. When tempted to criticize and condemn other people, we should look in the mirror.

“For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

The only thing that matters is the fear of God—to seek and receive Jesus who saves us from our own foolish ways and makes all things possible.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-17 ESV

Wisdom recognizes we need help. All good things are gifts from God who accomplishes His goals and good purposes for those who love Him. God does not approve of evil, yet He sometimes allows it and can use worldly situations and consequences of sin to draw us to Himself. By faith, we understand this may embody

• bringing us to see our sins, turn away from them, and live in Christ
• experiences of learning the hard way
  
  • from our own mistakes
  • watching others mess up
• acting on Spirit-led motivation to share the Word we have received with all who will listen
  
  • some refuse to listen
  • not everyone who hears will believe
  • when someone hears and believes, this is the work of the Holy Spirit
• asking for help
• forgiving
• waiting
• trusting Jesus
• acknowledging God is in control

Check out these inspiring links…

• Listen or read a sermon: The Good King’s Wisdom
• Watch video overview: The book of 1-2 Kings explained with illustrations
• Listen or read a devotion: The Wisdom of Discernment
• Worship and learn about the false religions of moralism, philosophy, mysticism in contrast to the The Only Way to redemption and life—Christianity—Jesus is full of Grace and Truth.
• Pray for wisdom, then read or listen to the book of Proverbs (31 chapters)

2 Samuel Bible Sketch

Light in dark places changes everything

More powerful than darkness is the Light that delivers from gloom

“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22:29 ESV hand lettering sketch doodle.

Our mighty God is our deliverer and shield

God cares for us so much to offer Holy Light in His Word to expose our darkness and create faith which allows us to 

• honestly see and admit our sinful nature
• constantly work on changing sinful ways
• fight to resist temptation
• know that God’s own Son was born to bear our sins on the cross
• pray and be heard
• take refuge in our Lord above all else
• live joyfully by grace
• have a clear conscience through Baptism into Christ
• care about the welfare of others

Our Creator designed us for perfection, yet—because sin entered the world after the fall—we all lack it. Even faithful people cannot follow His good and loving commands. Coronavirus and other hardships create havoc and doubt.  

Spirit-given faith trusts God’s Word which reveals the one thing we need for our rescue—mercy given through the birth and unjust suffering of our perfectly pure, humble Lord who never did, said, or thought anything wrong, ever. Jesus did the work necessary to save the world from sin, evil, and death—this victory for us is finished. The promise is true. Grace is available for all to receive faith until He returns for His faithful when His glory will be obvious to everyone at the time all will be judged by their faith or absence of faith.

Our gentle Heavenly Father’s sacrificial Love cleanses us from the filthy sin He hates. Christ rose on the third day and ascended to our Heavenly Father where Jesus intercedes on behalf of prayerfully repentant faithful people. Our Creator’s grace flows to us through Christ who completely understands suffering injustice and consequences of sin. He covers

• wrongs we confess
• things of which we are guilty, unaware
• inadequacies
• sins committed against us
• death from COVID-19 and every other cause

All goodness flows through Christ who compassionately heals the wounds and sickness of brokenhearted people. Those adopted by the Holy Spirit receive

• power to discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect
• ability to both receive and give people compassion and grace
• the gift to forgive people just as we receive forgiveness in Christ
• strength to suffer
• patience to wait for joy that follows weeping
• constant growth and development of character
• a healthy heart and soul which trusts the Lord to carry and lead us during difficulties and sorrow
• hope of the glorious heaven prepared for all adopted into faith
• peaceful rest

Two options

1. Receive faith—live truthfully, humbly trusting the transforming Light. 
2. Reject faith—live secretly, remaining arrogantly stuck in darkness.

In Christ, the faithful believer is

• beloved
• holy
• blameless
• pure
• trained for war
• equipped for battle
• strengthened
• great
• guiltless
• delivered from strife
• exalted above the haughty
• delivered from men of violence
• fast, able to leap over a wall
• secure in heights
• protected in a wide open place
• rewarded with eternal life

Be inspired

• Watch an illustrated video
• Listen to a lively discussion
• Hear a tenderhearted sermon
• Read about contempt (opposite of honor and respect) 
• Church Worship and sing to our Marvelous Light
• Bible study …in the darkness of this world, His Light shines all the brighter!

Pray in Jesus’ Name

O Holy Spirit, Light our paths with Your Word. Only in You can we fight against the the darkness of worldly life. Remind us when we fail in thought, word, and deed that Jesus was born to forgive us for slipping. We praise You for the faith You give in Baptism and ask that You draw us to crave Your wisdom in Scripture. How wonderful it is to be sure You are walking with us, picking us up, and mercifully carrying us as You lead us in Truth to receive Your grace. Use our difficult experiences and sufferings to remind us of our connection to the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. Comfort and inspire us to recognize opportunities to shine, unconditionally love, and encourage all those around us who haven’t yet heard, are gloomy, or are lost. Amen.

Judges Bible Sketch

Seek Truth. Expose, fight, flee the mean, ugly, emotionally painful, physically harmful evil which stems from lies and temptations to sin.

Creation is impacted by the ugly effects of sin which surround us—corona virus pandemic, natural disaster, fear, broken relationships, doubt, guilt, sadness and more…

• Sin caused death
• What is sin?

People have or may become sick, sadly, many will die even though we wash hands, honor six-feet, use masks, develop treatments and vaccines to battle the corona virus COVOD-19.

Spiritually, we prepare for our earthly death because in the long-term big-picture, our story is not over then. Safe are people who are cleansed in Christ who took our punishment. In quarantine, midst this pandemic nontraditional Holy Week, let’s self-reflect on our lowest state. May we receive an overwhelming awareness of our own individual failures, weaknesses, need for our Creator’s provision for us—daily repent, take refuge in our Savior; then, last but not least, give thanks to Him in all circumstances!

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:5 ESV Bible verse sketch—an artistic rendition: portrait of the state of humanity since the original fall into sin.

“The Lord provides for the tribe of Levi, and with that, the author proclaims with praise that that the Lord has kept all of His promises. We are not to become attached to the things of this world as though they have lasting value. The Lord provided the Levites with earthy cities that anticipated a better city, a heavenly one (Heb 11:16). Likewise, He promises that as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness through Christ, He will grant us what we need for this life (Mt 6:33). • Heavenly Father, release us from worries and undue attachment to earthly things, so we might find our true joy in You and the enduring city awaiting us through Christ. Amen.” Luther’s Study Bible, CPH (learn more)

Our spirit may be willing to put God and others first, yet in reality, we are too weak to make it happen. 

• Sins may be
  
  • unrealized
  • known
  • subtle
  • obvious
  • physical
  • mental
  • emotional
  • spiritual
• Sins are deeply damaging to
  
  • ourselves
  • those we love
  • people we don’t know
• No one is immune to
  
  • sinning
  • sins committed against them
  • the effects of all sin
• Sin is difficult to
  
  • own up to
  • confess
  • ask to be forgiven
  • turn from
  • expose
  • correct
  • prevent
  • forgive
  • forget

Arrogance and pride make us blind and deaf to

• to have compassion for others’
  
  • weaknesses
  • needs
  • innocence
  • voice
  • emotions
• our need to take responsibility for our faults, but rather
  
  • blame-shift
  • make excuses
• our need to forgive people, preferring to
  
  • hold grudge
  • stop communicating
  • stop listening
  • isolate self
• the seriousness of
  
  • our own flaws
  • our need for personal confession
• the fact that
  
  • redemption in Christ is necessary
  • earning our own redemption isn’t possible
• blessings available in
  
  • Bible study
  • mental health counsel
  • help for substance abuse
  • receiving forgiveness 

It is possible to blatantly reject God without sorrow.

We aren’t robots—we may resist God’s generous desire for all to be saved. Unbelief causes sin to fester into an infection which desensitizes conscience—turns the cold heart hard. Grace and hope abound until the Day of Judgment when those who are apart from Christ enter eternal separation from God (hell) because of their

• defiance of God’s Law and Gospel
• irresponsibility to change bad behavior
• frigid tendency to lie
• stony refusal to confess sin
• rigid resistance of the Holy Spirit

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 ESV

Thankfully, God provides The Way to live forever!

God’s Word in the Bible for us to read or hear reveals His purpose of Christ suffering at the cross unto death, His descent to hell and bodily resurrection by which He successfully washed away the sin of the world and defeated all evil. By grace, our Creator supplies victory—eternal life for all who receive the Holy Spirit’s gift of faith which trusts Truth.

“It all rests on Christ…The babe whose birth we celebrate came to give us grace. And He wants us to be completely certain of it, because it rests totally on Him.” — Pastor Harrison (read the post here)

Healthy living is nurtured by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration for us contained in The Bible. In our struggle against temptations, we can rely on Christ’s Word and Spirit to

• discern truth from lies
• maintain, build, strengthen, grow faith
• identify our sin, confess it and do our best to stay clean (even though we cannot do this perfectly as Christ did)
• receive grace to move forward, forgiven
• constantly pray His Word
• give confidence to share the faith
• discover how to help each other
• lead us to do God’s will
• provide a way out of temptation so we can endure it
• put praise for Him in our mouths
• encourage brothers and sisters in Christ
• be free from false guilt as parents to communicate His anger over children’s disobedience
• encourage us to plant “seeds”and pray unbelievers will receive faith
• work faith to bring us to Christ

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.’” John 8: 42-47 ESV

Mercy and promises in Christ

• the Light in whom all will be judged when He returns on the Last Day for those living in Truth and the believers who have gone before them
• who sees each heart of repentant believers viewing all sin as repulsive, knowing their Savior bled and bore the horrible punishment they deserve
• who protects, defends and delivers us from evil all who take refuge in Him
• whose sacrifice is finished and made us right
• who forgives—declares not guilty all who repent and trust Him
• in whom believers are never separated
• with whom believers will enjoy an eternal paradise

“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.”  Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Give God glory for GRACE—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 ESV

“It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” Luke 13:19 ESV

Dear Heavenly Father, refine and renew us. Help us let go of selfish grumbling, unhealthy controlling and manipulative manners. Forgive us for each and every sin Jesus took upon Himself in His suffering at the cross, paying the price to buy our salvation. Our faith trusts the certain hope that You will eventually destroy all evil and wipe away our tears. As the Holy Spirit trains us to live in Light and frees us to generously see others as You see them, having great value, fill us with your mighty power to care. Equip us with patience, kindness, and confidence to tell others about the relationship you want with everyone. Show us how we may serve You and others in Truth. Amen.

God is faithful to fulfill His promises. Don’t neglect the Holy Spirit’s nudging that would have you cling to Jesus. Peace ✝︎

If you’re using a phone, move down a bit and tap “view web version” to find a list of links for growth & enjoyment and other info that doesn’t show on the mobile version.

Deuteronomy Bible Sketch

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God

Life-changing days of social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 disrupts our lives and causes many of us to focus on our compassionate Lord

• We pray for an end to this pandemic according to God’s will and timing
• We praise God for the unchanging truth of the Bible
• We give thanks to God who provides our needs of body and soul

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV

Peace is in Jesus who bore our sins on the cross.

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 ESV

True love is Christ who is pleading God the Father’s mercy on behalf of sinful believers who confess and repent. Our Heavenly Father sees the work of His Son who died on the cross and rose on the third day for all people. Those who believe are forgiven and granted eternal life on the Last Day. Hearts of Christians are filled with thanksgiving and are moved to fight sin, love others, and share the Gospel. Mighty power of the Holy Spirit is given in faith to trust in the promises of Jesus. Patient endurance in suffering which God allows is worked in believers to help us grow in character and love. Our souls are filled with hope through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism which calls all to live according to God's will, renouncing the devil and all his works and ways, and to confess the faith in the one true Triune God.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20 ESV

Knowledge of the Lord isn’t automatic—it must be learned and organized in high priority.

Church and school cancellations are set-up to protect people from the coronavirus. These changes effect how children and adults worship, learn, teach, and socialize. Like never before, it is important to dedicate time to be in the Bible, listen, browse, and subscribe to resources…

• Quick Tips for New Homeschoolers
• Home Congregation sermons, social links
  —You Tube
  —Facebook
  —Instagram
• Portals of Prayer
• Around the Word
• Worship Anew
• Lutheran Hour Ministries
• Church info and links
• Christian books and study materials

I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 ESV