Studies in Old Testament Prophets
The posts listed here are studies in the Old Testament books of the prophets. It covers the books from Isaiah through Malachi.
- Isaiah - Thoughts from the book of Isaiah
- Lord, Here I Am. Send Me! – Isaiah 6:8 - May 20, 2020 - When God called for a volunteer to go, Isaiah did not hesitate. He jumped up and said, "Here I am. Send me!"
- Stand Firm in Your Faith – Isaiah 7:9 - August 22, 2022 - All of us face challenges. As well as options for providing security. But the only real security we can have is to stand firm in…
- The Virgin Will Conceive and Give Birth to a Son – Isaiah 7:14 - December 23, 2020 - The virgin will conceive! What a marvelous sign that God has given to us. This child born to Mary over 2000 years ago is 'God…
- Conspiracy Theories Abound – Isaiah 8:12 - April 21, 2021 - Conspiracy theories abound in the world today. But as believers, we should trust in God rather than get caught up in fear over these theories.
- For to Us a Child Is Born – Isaiah 9:1-7 - December 25, 2019 - For to us, a child is born. And that child is Jesus, God himself, wrapped in flesh. Come and adore him this Christmas.
- For to Us, a Child Is Born – Isaiah 9:6-7 - December 25, 2020 - Wishing you a very joyous Christmas as you celebrate that child born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God.
- The Sovereignty God Uses Even the Ungodly – Isaiah 10:12 - April 14, 2021 - It is comforting to know that the sovereign God uses the ungodly for his purposes, even while holding them accountable for their actions.
- God is my Salvation. I Will Not Be Afraid – Isaiah 12:2 - April 22, 2021 - God is my salvation. He is my strength and defense. No matter what this world may bring against me, I am secure in God and…
- Kept in Perfect Peace – Isaiah 26:3 - July 1, 2020 - In the midst of uncertain and troubling times, trust in the Lord. He will keep in perfect peace all those whose hope is in him.
- Giving Lip Service to God – Isaiah 29:13 - March 31, 2021 - How much of my 'Christian' life is merely external activity? Do I only honor God with my lips? Or with my heart as well?
- The Potter and the Clay – Isaiah 29:16 - September 12, 2022 - There is much that goes on that I do not understand. But I trust that God is the master potter who is shaping the clay…
- Fear of the Lord Is Key to a Strong Foundation – Isaiah 33:6 - October 28, 2020 - There are many sources that our world turns to for salvation, wisdom and knowledge. But the fear of the Lord is the only true source.
- What If You Knew How Long You Had? – Isaiah 38:5 - September 21, 2022 - What if you knew how much longer you had to live? Would it change how you lived your life? How much time would you waste…
- An Expression of God’s Sovereignty – Isaiah 40:21-24 - September 23, 2022 - This passage from Isaiah is a wonderful expression of the sovereignty of God. He sits enthroned above the earth, and we are as grasshoppers.
- Soaring On Wings Like Eagles – Isaiah 40:28-31 - June 3, 2020 - In challenging times, it can be easy to think that God doesn't care. But trust him. He can renew your strength so you can soar…
- When You Walk Through the Fire – Isaiah 43:1-2 - September 27, 2022 - We will face many challenges in this life. But as God's children, we can be assured that when we walk through the fire, he is…
- Trust God to Carry You – Isaiah 46:4 - September 30, 2022 - There are many things in this world that we trust in. But only God can be trusted to carry us through whatever may come our…
- By His Wounds We Are Healed – Isaiah 53:5-6 - April 19, 2019 - Take time today to read this song, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, and meditate on its words. Remember it is by Jesus' wounds that we are healed.
- Come, All Who Are Thirsty – Isaiah 55:1-2 - October 11, 2022 - This invitation is made to all who hunger and thirst for something more than this world can offer. Come to the Lord's table and be…
- God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways – Isaiah 55:8-9 - March 13, 2019 - God reminds us through Isaiah that his thoughts are not our thoughts, and God's ways are not our ways. This is an important reminder.
- A Fast Pleasing To God – Isaiah 58:6-7 - February 20, 2019 - Isaiah tells us what kind of fast is pleasing to God. It is one where I take what I would spend on myself, and share…
- My Sin Has Separated Me from God – Isaiah 59:1-2 - December 2, 2022 - As a believer, when I feel separated from God, it is likely because of my sin. It comes between us and hinders a close relationship.
- My Soul Rejoices In My God – Isaiah 61:10 - October 17, 2022 - Over 50 years ago I surrendered my life to Jesus as my Lord. And my soul rejoices in God and what he has done, is…
- Who Tremble at My Word – Isaiah 66:2 - October 25, 2022 - Does God's word cause you to tremble? Not with fear. But with a listening and responsive heart that seeks to respond in obedience.
- Jeremiah - Studies and devotionals from the book of Jeremiah
- I Am With You and Will Rescue You – Jeremiah 1:19 - July 29, 2020 - God's message to Jeremiah, "I am with you", is especially relevant to us today. Be faithful to God's call in your life, and he will…
- What Do You Take Pride in? – Jeremiah 9:23-24 - December 26, 2022 - What do you take pride in? Your accomplishments and abilities? Or in what God has done, and is doing, in your life?
- A Lesson in Faithful Service – Jeremiah 15:21 - November 9, 2022 - Jeremiah's life is a lesson in faithful service to the Lord. His life seemed to make little difference. But he was faithful to God's call.
- Revealing the Power and Might of God – Jeremiah 16:21 - June 30, 2021 - The power and might of God is displayed in many ways in the Bible. But none more life changing than in the cross of Jesus.
- The Lord Searches Our Hearts and Minds – Jeremiah 17:10 - September 27, 2021 - While our motives may be hidden from most people, the Lord searches the hearts and minds of people, and rewards them accordingly.
- Two Baskets of Figs – Jeremiah 24:4-7 - August 19, 2020 - Jeremiah's vision of two baskets of figs demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and the affairs of this world. God chooses who he will.
- Life As an Exile – Jeremiah 29:4-7 - November 25, 2022 - As believers, we experience life now as exiles, living away from our true home. But we should live productive lives while we are here.
- I Know the Plans I Have for You – Jeremiah 29:11 - June 24, 2020 - I know the plans I have for you. This promise made to Israel applies to believers today. God's plan is to give us a future…
- It’s Never Too Late to Turn to God – Jeremiah 36:3 - August 2, 2021 - No matter where you are in your life, as long as you still have life, it is not too late to turn to God and…
- Lamentations - Studies and devotionals from the book of Lamentations
- False and Misleading Prophets – Lamentations 2:14 - December 15, 2022 - False and misleading prophets abound. Rather than proclaiming God's word, they say what people want to hear so they can collect a following.
- Hope in the Midst of Trouble – Lamentations 3:21-24 - May 29, 2019 - When you find yourself in a time of tribulation and all hope seems gone. Trust in God's love. Let him be your hope in the…
- Ezekiel - Studies and devotionals from the book of Ezekiel
- Whether They Listen or Not – Ezekiel 2:7 - August 16, 2021 - We have been given good news to share with a lost and dying world. And we are responsible to share it, whether or not they…
- Listen Carefully to the Lord’s Words – Ezekiel 3:10 - December 20, 2021 - God speaks to us today through the words of the Bible. And, like Ezekiel, we are called to listen carefully to what God is saying…
- No Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked – Ezekiel 18:23 - July 17, 2019 - Ezekiel is clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, preferring they turn to him. That challenges me to respond likewise.
- A Reason for Unanswered Prayer – Ezekiel 20:31 - January 4, 2023 - There may be many reasons for unanswered prayer. But one of them is sin in our lives. We should not expect God to hear us…
- Then They Will Know that I Am the LORD – Ezekiel 30:26 - January 10, 2023 - Many today deny the sovereignty of God in their lives. But judgment is coming, and then they will know that he is the Lord.
- I Have Made You a Watchman – Ezekiel 33:7-9 - January 12, 2022 - A watchman is one who reports about approaching danger. And that is something that all believers have a responsibility to do.
- Hearing God’s Word, but Not Practicing It? – Ezekiel 33:31-32 - June 26, 2019 - As Christians we generally listen to a sermon each week, and regularly read the Bible. But are we faithful to put into practice what we…
- Hearing and Obeying the Word of God – Ezekiel 33:31-32 - January 12, 2023 - Many of us listen to the words of the Bible. But how often do we obey them? We need to hear and then obey the…
- Daniel - Studies and devotionals from the book of Daniel
- Our God Is Able to Deliver Us – Daniel 3:17-18 - January 22, 2023 - Follow the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and refuse to compromise. Trust that our God is able to deliver us from ever any peril.
- When Authorities Conflict – Daniel 6:10 - January 24, 2023 - Human authorities are instituted by God, and I am to submit to them. Until their authority conflicts with God. And then I will submit to…
- One Like A Son of Man – Daniel 7:13-14 - January 23, 2023 - Jesus is that one like a son of man Daniel saw approaching the Ancient of Days. The one who received an eternal throne and kingdom.
- Prayer: Because of His Great Mercy – Daniel 9:18 - December 2, 2020 - Why does God hear and respond to our prayer? It is not because of anything that we are. Rather, it is because of his great…
- Hosea - Studies and devotionals from the book of Hosea
- Joel - Studies and devotionals from the book of Joel
- Amos - Studies and devotionals from the book of Amos
- We Have Been Led Astray by False Gods – Amos 2:4 - August 21, 2019 - God pronounced judgment on the nation of Judah because they had been led astray by false gods. Are we any different now?
- A Famine for Hearing the Word of the Lord – Amos 8:11 - October 14, 2020 - How can we avoid a famine for hearing the word of the Lord in the U.S.? Only when the church repents and faithfully proclaims God's…
- Obadiah - Studies and devotionals from the book of Obadiah
- Jonah - Studies and devotionals from the book of Jonah
- Running from God’s Call to Service – Jonah 1:3 - April 22, 2020 - How much like Jonah are many of God's people today? Running from God's call to service. How much better to obey than end up as…
- Micah - Studies from the prophet Micah
- What Does the Lord Require of You? – Micah 6:6-8 - August 28, 2019 - What does the Lord require? Great personal sacrifice? Church attendance? To tithe? Or to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God?
- What Does God Require? – Micah 6:8 - April 28, 2013 - What does God require of me? Salvation is by faith, not by works. But God does expect me to act justly, love mercy, and walk…
- Nahum - Studies and devotionals from the book of Nahum
- Habakkuk - Studies in the book of Habakkuk
- Why Does God Tolerate Evil? – Habakkuk 1:13 - November 28, 2022 - Why does God tolerate all of the evil in our world? This was Habakkuk's question. And God's answer to him was that judgment was coming.
- No Matter What; Rejoice in the Lord – Habakkuk 3:17-18 - May 6, 2021 - Rejoice in the Lord. Not just when life's circumstances are good. But even when they are rotten. He enables us to stand regardless.
- Zephaniah - Studies and devotionals from the book of Zephaniah
- Haggai - Studies and devotionals from the book of Haggai
- Give Careful Thought to Your Ways – Haggai 1:7-9 - November 11, 2020 - The prophet Haggai challenges us to give careful thought to how we invest our time and resources. The best return is in what is given…
- Zechariah - Studies and devotionals from the book of Zechariah
- A Picture of our Salvation – Zechariah 3:1-4 - December 1, 2021 - The vision Zechariah sawing concern Joshua, the high priest, is a very good picture of our own salvation and what the Lord as done for…
- Show Mercy and Compassion – Zechariah 7:9-12 - November 18, 2020 - Ancient Israel was repeatedly condemned by God, through the prophets for their social injustice. Maybe we should take a hint.
- Malachi - Studies and devotionals from the book of Malachi
- Don’t Show Contempt for the Lord – Malachi 1:6-8 - December 16, 2020 - Do you show contempt for the Lord by offering to him less than your best? Honor God by giving yourself, and all you do, fully…