1 Samuel Bible Sketch

Having great love for all people, God guards His faithful

Despite human evil, we can trust that God’s purpose is to oppose the proud and elevate the humble.

“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.” 1 Samuel 2:9 ESV Bible verse hand lettering sketch.

Arrogance is wickedly blinding. 

Pride and other sin left unchecked may cause

• false confidence in knowledge, good works, charity
• denial or ignorance of one’s own sinfulness
• grudge bearing
• blame-shifting
• unhealthy sense of entitlement
• insensitivity to everyone else’s thoughts, opinions, desires, and needs
• tendency to hurl rude insults
• distortion of truth
• misleading self and others
• tempting people
• refusal to forgive people who’ve genuinely apologized
• inability to receive forgiveness which others desire to offer
• mental, physical, emotional and spiritual harm to self and those near
• death

Scary, right? Can everyone identify guilt of something on this list, to a degree, perhaps if only in thought? Death is inevitable to even seemingly pious men and women.

The ungodly can take comfort in our Rock of Escape. God, to save us from His wrath, gave His Son to be crucified to atone for the sin of the world. In our sinful nature, we receive this by faith.

• God’s Word provides faith in our Savior who, for our redemption, perfectly—without one single sin of His own, but because of our sin—faced all kinds of temptations, pain, suffering, took an unfair penalty of death on the cross, was bodily raised on the third day, ascended to Our Father in heaven, and lives now in the hearts of all who believe this and are baptized. 
• The Holy Spirit works trust to believe we can take refuge in Christ’s victory over sin, death and betrayal and provides encouragement to live as people loved by God.
• Scripture shows us God’s good design for creation and how He wants us to live. The Word doesn’t make us able to live to the perfection of this design; yet, it provides necessary faith which humbles us to admit failures, wrong actions, thoughts, inadequacies and teaches us to do our very best to turn away from repeating these.
• Only Christ delivers us from death. No one one saves themselves or others from the entanglement of idols (putting self, other people, activities and things higher than love for God). Doubt weakens believers who constantly need to reach out for help through
  
  • prayer for strength and wisdom to trust and share the Gospel
  • worship and staying in the Word in a variety of ways
  • nourishment at the Lord’s Table (for now, during corona virus restrictions, we patiently wait and focus on our need to be saved by the body and blood of Christ)
  • safe environments to grow and preserve our faith in the company of caring, respectful Christians
• Brokenhearted, repentant people of faith
  • have certain hope in anticipation of glory to come in the next life
  • find joy in life, even in suffering because it prepares for the future
  • cling to the Lord who, in mercy, understands the needs of all people and provides all good things for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being
  • thankfully, seek to help and forgive others just as Christ helps and forgives them
  • are spared, protected and delivered from sin, evil, and death
  • have patient confidence that God is using for His good purposes, even what Satan intends for evil
  • worship God in light—His power of spirit and truth 

We all face (or will face) troubles in this life. Now, we live in a state of grace until the Last Day when life as we know it ends and each person will be in one of two final and eternal destinations:

1. the faithful have tears wiped away, gloriously at home with Jesus in heaven
2. unbelievers cut off in darkness with Satan, the father of lies, in hell

Check out these video, audio and art files

• Overview: 1 Samuel
• Running Scared? Trust the LORD
• Lord Save Me From My Friends

Pray in the Name of Jesus

Dear Lord, you know my need before I even ask. Guard me in Your forgiveness and keep me in faith. Amen.

Ruth Bible Sketch

Family, work, future

 

“The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Ruth 2:12 ESV Bible verse sketch hand lettering with blue sky and barley.

Ruth

Ruth is my mom’s name. She was full of love, joy and strength—these flowed from her faith which trusted God’s mercy and grace to save us. Our Creator gifted Mom with valuable talents and a peaceful, generous, meek, patient and kind personality. Because of sin in this world, tears and difficulties were mixed into the happy times of her life. I don’t doubt that she prayed often about my wandering ways. She inspired our family and others. Her work was important. She was the spiritual leader of our home where she prepared us physically, mentally and emotionally to spread our wings and fly toward our Lord in the direction He calls each of us to follow Him. Dad was a godly man of integrity and Mom worked closely with him in the crop production and seed cleaning business on the farm where God supplied our daily bread. Just as all repentant sinners who trust the Word are promised an eternal future together with Jesus who is alive, the Holy Spirit kept Mom in faith until our Heavenly Father took her Home to live with Him!

“Ruth means…“fullness.” Where God has made empty, He has prepared to make full once again. Even as we confess the God who empties and makes bitter, we confess also the God in Christ who sweetens, fills, and restores.” —read more from the post The Commemoration of Ruth by CPH

“The Book of Ruth relates a beautiful story in the history of King David’s family, illustrating how God guides history for the sake of His people. He works through suffering and redemption to preserve His people and to welcome the nations. These aspects of the Book point to the birth of Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, who descends from Ruth and Boaz. Though the Book of Ruth is not a love story, it beautifully illustrates the Lord’s enduring love for you. As you read Ruth, consider how the Lord calls you to show love and faithfulness to your family and your neighbors, for whom Christ lived and gave His life.” —The Lutheran Study Bible by CPH (highly recommended for insights and devotional commentary which helps to grow in faith and apply God’s Word to life)

• Great stories of the Bible: Ruth (learn more)

Join in for music—voices singing, trumpet, guitar and organ—speak the Word out loud, pray, and listen at my church online to the 14 minute sermon Seeking the Savior for Comfort (at 27 minutes into the video). Replay this one hour service as often as you want, subscribe, and come back often for new content! 

Together, we seek Jesus. The key to life is faith. This gift comes alive though the Bible. Church is a hospital for sinners. When we’re sick, we call a doctor, when we have a toothache, we call a dentist—when we are curious about matters of life and death, we call a pastor. Learn how to receive faith by the work of the Holy Spirit in Baptism—watch videos about Baptism.

1. receive faith
2. repent and return to faith
3. learn and grow in faith
4. go forward in the comfort of faith

While we follow COVID-19 restrictions, we lean on the Triune God in whom we take refuge. 

Until we die or He returns (whichever comes first), He is allowing us to creatively stay connected and participate in this life by trying new things! We can

• pray
• watch worship and Christian education videos
• read daily devotional material out loud to “hear” the Word
• listen to Christian podcasts
• sing along to sacred music

We pray: Lord, Your will be done. Thank you for providing for all our needs as You mysteriously work things, in every situation, together for Your good purpose. Give health, healing, wisdom and guide us through all hardships of life. End the coronavirus that we may return to regularly receive all the benefits of attending church together again to

• learn with friends at classes
• worship as a family of believers
• receive Communion (watch videos about the Lord’s Supper)
• enjoy community activities
  

Links for growth and enjoyment

• Bible
• Bible Project
• Bible Study & Worship
• Daily Devotions
• KFUO Radio
• Sermons & Reflections
• Speaking of Jesus
• Study Bible

If you use a phone to read this blog, look for and tap “view web version” to see the full page which doesn’t show up on the mobile version.

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.

Joshua Bible Sketch

Peace in times of uncertainty, fear, loneliness, failure, anticipation, change, harshness, shame, blame, harm, suffering, exhaustion, pandemic, and death

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV Bible verse sketchbook hand lettering doodle

God commands us to be strong and courageous and promises to be with us! We receive certain hope as we fear, love and trust Him above all.

• Freedom that comes from the fear of God (watch)
• Favorite Bible passage Joshua 1:9 (listen)
• Thy Strong Word talk on Joshua 1 (listen)

The Holy Spirit offers faith through baptism into Christ who provides…

• direction in this life
• care and compassion
• mysterious joy
• transformation and ability to love others
• gentle harmony with each other
• safety and protection
• forgiveness
• healing and comfort 
• grace
• mercy
• peace
• eternal life

God doesn’t hinder the prayers of those who live in an understanding way which honors others. 

• Heavenly Father, within your will and timing, we ask for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic; give effective care to those infected or afraid; protect and inspire those providing care, supplies and leadership.
• Creator, thank you for granting us strength and courage when we are weak and scared.
• Forgive us when we fall to temptation, when our vast flaws and inadaquacies—doubtful, negative thoughts, words and actions—misguide our own and others’ focus away from You.
• Move us to let go of arrogance, pride, stubbornness and selfishness. 
• Open our ears to listen to, absorb and grow in the Word. 
• Help us pay attention and really hear others well; then, allow us to reflect Your compassion, forgiveness, humility and grace.
• Remind us that we cannot earn Your forgiveness but You forgive in Christ’s Name. 
• Your ways are above ours—we cannot comprehend your presence, power and knowledge—we are in awe of your great love and mercy!
• Thank you for sacrificing Your perfect Son Jesus, to suffer, die and victoriously rise to intercede for and save us! 
• We sinners repent. We don’t deserve it, yet, we trust Your atonement and gladly rest in your promises of our resurrection and ultimate reunion with all believers together with You in heaven.
• Dear Father, Comforter, and Savior—remind us You are in control of life and death. You desire all to receive the faith You give in Your Word. You, alone, are the final judge of our individual hearts through the lens of Christ. 
• Thanks for being with us during these extraordinary times, here and wherever we go (or don’t go). 
• Guide us to patiently trust You, recognize, enjoy, and thankfully share Your grace, peace and gifts this day.

Amen.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5b NIV

Let the Word sink into your heart and mind

• Bible (read or listen)
• Deeper Bible study (learn more)

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

Numbers Bible Sketch

Our heavenly Father’s blessings of a beginning

Sending us forward in protection, mercy, grace, atonement and peace in Jesus

The Benediction, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 ESV Bible verse hand lettering with sketch of how to make the sign of the cross hand gesture—the oldest symbol of Christianity.

A pastoral blessing

1. is like the shining of the sun bringing joy and brightness,
2. gives peace and security in the wake of life’s tragedy and natural disasters,
3. verbally declares a wishing of God’s wishes,
4. calls Christians to love and bless others even in the midst of horrifying situations, 
5. reminds us of who we are as God’s children in the midst of chaos and adversity, 
6. includes a hand gesture to visualize the blessing’s effectiveness in God’s peacemaking on the cross
7. is spoken Word which forgives and strengthens

(reference and more about the benediction)

Explore to listen, watch, sing along

• The Lord Bless You And Keep You - Lutkin - performed live by Octarium
• The Lord Bless You and Keep You - Nidarosdomens Guttekor
• The Lord Bless You and Keep You - HSU Music High school a capella group Half-Step Up

Printable blessings sign of the cross art is available at FreshRetroGallery, Etsy. Learn how to make cards on the computer: tutorial and inspiration for making artistic notes.

Check out The Lutheran Study Bible with extra helpful study resources and prayers.

Leviticus Bible Sketch

Our Creator is holy

“What does it mean to be holy? … What does God require of us to be considered holy?” (find out what Pastor Mark Schlamann says by clicking here)

Sketch of praying hands under the cross of Christ Jesus, His shed blood, the Holy Spirit’s gift of faith given in the water of Baptism and the Word. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Leviticus 19:2b ESV

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

“…we are part of His family—we are His own children…” (listen or read more from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Two Rivers, WI)

Sketchbook doodle symbolizing the gifts of being washed, cleansed and loved by the our Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The powerful light of God lives in, flows through and shines from all believers throughout the universal Christian Church.

We pray

Dear Father God,
Thank You for giving us saving faith that is ours through the

• working of the Holy Spirit and
• what Christ Jesus has done to fulfill the law

Turn us to your Word to

• show us our sin
• increase our understanding of the gospel
• transform us by the renewal of our minds that by testing we may discern
  • what is Your will
  • what is good and acceptable and perfect
• guide us to humbly live in the holiness of your merciful Truth
• encourage and strengthen us to accomplish things You provide for us to do
• increase reflection that leads us to repent of our wrongdoings
• make us certain of Your presence
• share divine love You stir within us
• motivate us to pray
• move us to be generous
• teach us to gently build others up with encouragement and kindness
• develop our leadership and creative skills which would point others to You
• light our way to care for others with
  • patience
  • forgiveness
  • compassion
• complete our joy in believing and trusting Your gracious invitation that has no end

Give us desire to receive Your gifts. Open our ears, hearts and mouths to receive your honest, holy goodness in worship and The Lord’s Supper. Amen.

The written Word of God

Check out this Bible with helpful extra notes and references: The Lutheran Study Bible