Tag: Bible Study (Page 1 of 3)

A Thorough Evaluation

July 6, 2026 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3, KJV)

House flipping has become quite a lucrative enterprise in today’s real estate market. Anyone with a few basic skills and a little management savvy can buy an older or distressed house, make the needed repairs, then resell it at a handsome profit. The key to making this a successful business, though, begins with a thorough evaluation of the prospective house’s condition. Cleaning and painting might make for a quick resale, but if the house isn’t structurally sound, the new homeowner will be extremely disappointed and may take legal action against you. A prudent house flipper will hire a licensed inspector to investigate and report the home’s condition from the ground up.

Nehemiah understood this concept as he accepted his calling to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. When word reached him concerning the ruin of his homeland, he knew that a superficial patch-up wouldn’t suffice. As we study the book of Nehemiah, we can see God’s blueprint for rebuilding the broken walls and burned gates in our own lives.

The Condition: Assessing the Brokenness

While we may not be required to rebuild an ancient city, we are often called to rebuild broken relationships in our lives, broken lives due to some tragedy, or maybe even broken churches. Brokenness has a way of exposing the fragility of our own strength.

The first step in any restoration project is facing the damage honestly. Nehemiah did not minimize the report he received; he allowed the weight of Jerusalem’s condition to drive him to his knees. Before we can begin rebuilding, we must be willing to look directly at the rubble of our circumstances without pretending everything is fine.

The Inspection: Evaluating by the Word

Our first step in rebuilding the brokenness should always include a thorough evaluation in the light of God’s Word. Scripture serves as our divine inspector, revealing the hidden faults, compromised foundations, and structural weaknesses that we might otherwise overlook.

When we hold our broken situations up to the mirror of God’s truth, we are no longer guessing at how to fix them. The Word provides the exact measurements, standards, and wisdom required to construct something lasting. A thorough evaluation allows us to see where we have drifted from God’s design so we can begin the intentional work of structural alignment.

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

True restoration is never an overnight cosmetic job. It requires patience, obedience, and a lifelong commitment to God’s structural process. Do not let discouragement tempt you to settle for a quick, surface-level cover-up of deep-seated issues.

Stand firm in the knowledge that the Lord is the Master Builder. If you will allow Him to inspect your heart and lead the reconstruction, He will take what has been ruined by fire and transform it into a lasting testimony of His faithfulness.

Seed for Thought: What area of your life—whether a relationship, a personal habit, or a spiritual discipline—is currently experiencing brokenness? Take a moment right now to present this area before the Lord, asking Him to begin a thorough evaluation through His Word.

Reflect and Respond

Assessing the Condition: When faced with a crisis or a broken relationship, do you tend to rush into quick, cosmetic fixes, or do you take the time for an honest evaluation? Consider how acknowledging the true state of your circumstances is essential for genuine healing.
The Divine Standard: How often do you allow God’s Word to serve as the structural inspector of your heart? Reflect on how aligning your personal evaluation with Scripture changes your approach to rebuilding broken areas.
A Sound Foundation: Are you trying to rebuild a part of your life using your own management savvy, or are you relying on the ground-up restoration that only the Holy Spirit can provide? Commit today to building a spiritual foundation that will stand strong against the storms of life.

Praying in Confidence

May 2, 2026 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1 John 5:14-15, KJV)

There is a specific kind of weight that settles on the heart when we carry a burden for a loved one, a neighbor, or a colleague who has yet to experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We often find ourselves at a loss for words, wondering if our prayers are making a difference or if our Father even hears us.

However, the Apostle John provides us with a certainty for our prayer life. The word confidence used here means an assured boldness. He doesn’t suggest that we pray with a “hope so” attitude; he commands us to pray with a “know so” confidence.

The Method: Praying According to His Will

The first step in praying for the lost is aligning our petitions with the heart of the Father. When we pray for someone’s salvation, we aren’t guessing at God’s desires. We know that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

When you name that specific person in your quiet time, you are standing on the bedrock of God’s revealed will. The method is simple but significant: take the name of the lost and bind it to the promise of the Word. Paul expressed this same method in Romans 10:1: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Your specific desire for their soul is a reflection of God’s own heart.

The Attitude: The Quietness of Certainty

The scripture tells us that if we ask according to His will, “he heareth us.” This isn’t just about auditory perception; it’s about divine attention. The moment the name of that lost soul leaves your lips in faith, the ear of the Almighty is inclined toward you.

John goes a step further: “And if we know that he heareth us… we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” This is the attitude of the expectant intercessor. We do not need to wait for the outward signs of change to believe that God is at work. We can rest in the “knowing” that the petition has been granted in the spiritual realm.

Sowing the Seed of Prayer

Do not let “spiritual drift” or discouragement silence your intercession. If you have been praying for a child, a spouse, or a friend for years, remember that the “confidence” mentioned in 1 John is not based on the speed of the result, but on the character of the Hearer.

Continue to ask. Continue to seek. Stand in the gap with the assurance that your prayers are not in vain, for He who promised is faithful.

Seed for Thought: Who is the one person God has laid on your heart today? Take a moment right now to present their name before the throne, knowing that you are asking exactly what He desires to give.

Reflect and Respond

Aligning the Will: When you intercede for the lost, do you approach God with a “hope so” attitude, or do you stand on the certainty that it is His revealed will for all to come to repentance? Consider how 2 Peter 3:9 provides a “bedrock” of confidence for your specific request.
The Hearing of God: Does the knowledge that God grants “divine attention” to your prayers change the way you handle periods of silence? Reflect on the “quietness of certainty” that comes from knowing He hears you the moment a name leaves your lips in faith.
Persistent Sowing: Are you currently binding the names of your loved ones to the promises of the Word, or have you allowed “spiritual drift” to discourage your intercession? Remember that your confidence is anchored in the character of the Hearer rather than the speed of the result.

Stopping the Spiritual Drift

March 18, 2026 / Jeff Foster / 4 Comments

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:1-3)

In the rush of our daily routines, it is incredibly easy to find ourselves drifting. Hebrews 2:1 gives us a sobering nudge: we must give “earnest heed” to the truths we’ve heard, lest we let them slip. Think of a vessel with a tiny, unnoticed crack; it doesn’t empty all at once, but drop by drop, the living water escapes until the jar is dry. Our spiritual lives often follow a similar path. We don’t usually decide to abandon our faith in one giant leap; rather, we slowly lose our grip on the Word through simple inattention. When we stop prioritizing our time at the feet of Jesus, the vibrant truths of the Gospel begin to leak out of our hearts, leaving us vulnerable to the currents of the world around us.

This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a vital safeguard for our souls. The writer of Hebrews asks a piercing question: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Notice that the warning isn’t directed at those who reject Christ, but those who neglect Him. You don’t have to actively fight against God to lose your way; you only have to do nothing. This salvation was spoken by the Lord Himself and is far too precious to be treated as a background thought or a Sunday-only ritual. Today, let’s choose to tighten our grip on His promises. Let’s stop the drift by anchoring our hearts once again in the “so great” love that rescued us, making sure His Word isn’t just something we’ve heard, but something we are actively holding onto.

A Prayer for an Anchored Heart

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the “so great salvation” You have poured into my life through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve treated Your grace as a background noise rather than the very air I breathe. Lord, I don’t want to be a drifter. I don’t want to let the precious truths of Your Word slip through the cracks of a busy schedule or a distracted mind. Today, I ask for the grace to give “earnest heed” to Your voice. Anchor my soul in Your promises so that no matter how hard the winds of life blow, I remain tethered to You. Keep my heart soft, my eyes open, and my spirit attentive to Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cultivating the Heart: Reflection Questions

In the spirit of “Seed Sowing,” use these questions to examine the current state of your spiritual garden.

• Identifying the Leak: If you feel “dry” spiritually, look at your daily routine. What are the “cracks” (distractions, habits, or anxieties) that are causing the living water of the Word to leak out of your heart?
• The Difference Between Hearing and Heeding: We often hear a sermon or read a verse and then immediately move on. What is one specific truth from Hebrews 2 that you can move from your head to your hands—acting on it today rather than just thinking about it?
• Defining “Neglect”: Neglect isn’t usually a loud rebellion; it’s a quiet forgetting. Is there a part of your relationship with God—like prayer, fellowship, or study—that has become a “Sunday-only” ritual? How can you move it back to the center of your Monday-through-Saturday life?
• The Weight of the Gift: Spend a few minutes meditating on the phrase “so great salvation.” If you truly viewed your salvation as the most valuable treasure you owned, how would your “earnest heed” change this week?

Keep On Praying

September 27, 2025 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (Matthew 7:7)

Ask. A simple three letter word that sets things in motion. It’s how we get the things we want. We ask the waitress to bring our food selection from the menu. We ask our coworker to help us lift a heavy object and move it where it needs to be. We ask the pretty girl to go out on a date. Without the ask, we can be assured none of those things we want will happen. We go hungry because the waitress never brings us food. We get reprimanded when we don’t get the job done at work. We never get the opportunity to kiss the girl.

Jesus teaches us in our verse today that it works the same way with our heavenly Father. We must ask for the things we want. God’s storehouse is overflowing with gifts for His children. But He waits for us to come to Him in prayer and ask for the desires of our heart. Yes, sometimes He will drop a surprise in our lap, just like our earthly fathers sometimes give us gifts we aren’t expecting. And while our Father knows all that we have need of, He desires the intimacy of a conversation with us. He wants us to come to Him and ask.

Seek. Many times though, especially early in our Christian growth, our Father will say no when ask him for something. God always knows what’s best for us. He sees the future that we can’t. The answer of no then prompts the question, “why not?”. Our ask must always be according to God’s will. That’s why Jesus tells us to seek. We must search God’s word, meditate on it in prayer, and eventually the Holy Spirit will reveal the answer to us. Seeking is how we develop deeper conversations with our Father. In that deeper connection we begin to understand God’s character and will for our life. It’s there we learn what to ask for that will be pleasing to our Father. We must continuously seek God’s will.

Knock. God rewards our seeking with wisdom which gives us understanding, confidence, and assurance. With that in hand we must be persistent. Maintaining enthusiasm while working on any project is key to successfully accomplishing the task set before us. Keep knocking until the ask is answered. Not only does our persistence show our Father that we trust Him, but it also motivates the faith of those watching us in our day to day Christian walk.

Keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Keep on knocking. Keep on PRAYING!!

Purpose

August 8, 2025 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Dan 1:8)

The young Daniel we read about here has been taken into captivity in Babylon. Like Daniel, we are held captive to this world. While we cannot change this circumstance, we can set ourselves apart from our captor. Daniel chose to hold on to his faith in God rather than conform to his ungodly environment. As Christians, we are to follow Daniel’s example by living our life with intention to please God, not men.

God rewarded Daniel for his faith by elevating his status in the eyes of his captors. While he was severely tested at times, he held the favor of the king of Babylon for most of his life. We are not promised the same treatment in our captivity. However, when we purpose in our heart to be faithful Jesus our Savior, we are promised that one day the chains that hold us captive to this world will be broken. The world holds no power over the promises of God. Simply trusting in Jesus assures us according to His word that nothing can pluck us out of His hand.

Today, let’s reaffirm our purpose; follow God; allow Him to transform us to His will rather than conform to this world.

Wait Upon the LORD

May 13, 2024 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

The phrase “wait upon” means to eagerly look for or linger in expectation. Waiting on the Lord renews our strength by compelling us to rely on God’s power. In the haste of life, we can often neglect time with God. We fill our schedules, rushing from one task to the next, yet we wonder why we feel drained, weary, and disconnected from God.

What we need is to slow down, wait on the Lord, and spend time with Him in prayer. When we wait on God, we open our hearts to receive His strength and peace. As we meditate on His Word, we are refreshed and renewed. Our minds are no longer cluttered with the cares of this world. We experience the presence of God as we surrender our agendas to Him.

Waiting on God through prayer deepens our relationship with Him. It realigns our priorities to what matters most – connecting with our Creator. When we regularly devote time to seek God’s face, we are transformed and our spiritual strength is renewed.

Let’s determine to build our prayer life through daily quiet times with God. Whether it’s 20 minutes in the morning, an hour walk with Him in the evening, or breath prayers throughout the day, time with God nourishes our soul. As we wait on Him, God renews us to walk faithfully with Him.

Lord, we desire to know You more. Teach us to regularly wait on You, to be still before You in prayer. Renew our strength as we seek Your face. Help us prioritize time with You, for apart from You we can do nothing. Fill us with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Still

December 18, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

When external forces suddenly shift the ground under our feet, stillness sounds dangerously counterintuitive. As life unravels unexpectedly, instinct demands grabbing control rather than releasing outcomes to God’s care. We rely on restless striving, vainly attempting to steady the crumbling landscape surrounding us instead of trusting the Solid Rock who upholds all things through raging storms.

Yet God commands His children oppositely in tumultuous times: Be still. Cease striving. Surrender thwarted plans and don’t demand answers or solutions on your timeline. For stillness stabilizes perspective. Stillness imparts opportunity to behold the Almighty One reigning unthreatened over human frailties and furies. Our still reflection should mirror back the unshakable God dwarfing disruption and chaos rampant on earth.

The faithful behold the Ancient of Days steady despite the undulations of passing ages and fashions. “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6) Shall we not also know with utmost certainty that though old orders may pass away abruptly; His love withstands resiliently upholding His beloved?

What raging storms tempt reactionary responses today? Pause and ponder instead God’s track record proving almighty faithfulness through history’s stormy eons. Fix your eyes on His immutable character. He alone calms the billows with a word. No foaming tide overflows the boundaries He establishes. Be still in this eternal assurance: The Lord God Most High transcends every threat. He shall receive glory displaying timeless salvation.

Lord, we admit our propensity to plaster over erupting instability with busy striving. Teach us the power unleashed through stillness anchored securely in who You are, not what swirls around us. May we behold You today—unthreatened Majesty calming storms with one whisper, who “laughs at the tempest and rides upon the storm.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Fostering a Grateful Character

October 18, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Scripture Text: Psalm 118:1-29

Key Verse: Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 should be committed to our memory and be our first thought before our feet hit the floor every morning. It is a beautiful reminder that every day is a gift from God, and we should cherish it and make the most of it. While we can never adequately repay our Lord for the day, we should strive to be good stewards of our allotted time. As we go about our day, we need to keep our eyes and ears open, watching and listening for opportunities to serve God.

It can be easy to get frustrated with the stresses and worries of life, but we must remember that God is in control and is always with us. When a moment seems too much to bear, we can reflect on how God has helped us in the past, drawing encouragement from His presence during those times. We can trust in Him and find joy in each moment, even during difficult circumstances.

Let us take a moment to pause and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. Even in situations that may seem hopeless, we can always find something to be thankful for. The people we love, the opportunities we have, the beauty of nature around us. Let us give thanks to God for all these things and more.

And as we go about our day, let us strive to be a light to those around us. Let us show kindness and compassion, sharing the love of Christ with those we encounter. May our actions and words reflect the joy we have in our hearts because of our faith in God.

Dear Lord, we thank you for this day and for all the blessings You have given us. Help us to remember to rejoice and be glad in every moment, and to trust in Your plan for our lives. Cultivate our minds Lord, guiding us to live each day with grateful hearts. May we always be a light to those around us and share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Benefits of Reading the Bible Consistently

August 30, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

What are the benefits of reading the Bible consistently?

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105 KJV)

Consistently reading the Bible can have a profound impact on our lives, leading to spiritual growth and an abundance of benefits.

Firstly, the Bible is a wellspring of wisdom. Its timeless teachings provide guidance for navigating life’s challenges and making wise decisions. By immersing ourselves in its pages, we gain valuable insights that can shape our perspectives and actions.

Moreover, reading the Bible consistently brings comfort and peace to our hearts. In times of uncertainty or distress, its words offer solace and reassurance. It reminds us of God’s unfailing love and promises, bringing calmness to our souls.

Furthermore, the Bible serves as a source of inspiration for personal growth. Its stories of faith, perseverance, and redemption encourage us to overcome obstacles and strive for greatness in our own lives.

Engaging in regular Bible study deepens our understanding of God’s character and strengthens our relationship with Him. It allows us to connect with His truth on a deeper level, fostering spiritual intimacy.

Lastly, incorporating daily devotionals into our routine helps us stay connected with God throughout the day. It provides an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and meditation on His word. A popular devotional guide is New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Dr. Paul David Tripp. (affiliate link)

In summary, consistent reading of the Bible yields numerous benefits including spiritual growth, wisdom, guidance in decision-making processes, comfort during challenging times, inner peace amidst chaos or uncertainty; it also provides inspiration for personal development while nurturing an intimate relationship with God through regular devotional practice.

Joy in the Trials

August 14, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Amid life’s trials and tribulations, it can be difficult to find joy. But it is in these very moments of affliction that we have the opportunity to experience a profound transformation. God uses our difficult circumstances as a means to teach us patience and strengthen our faith.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:2-3)

God has a way of using our trials to teach us patience and strengthen our faith. It is through these very challenges that we are able to grow and develop into the individuals He has called us to be. Just like a storm that tests the strength of a ship, our trials test the depth of our character. It is through these storms that we learn to navigate the turbulent waters with grace and resilience. In times of sickness or adversity, we are given an opportunity to lean on God’s strength and find solace in His presence.

Our circumstances may seem overwhelming at times, but they are not without purpose. They serve as tests that refine us, molding us into individuals who are steadfast in their faith. It is during these moments that we discover the true depth of our convictions and develop an unwavering trust in God’s plan for our lives. Our tests become testimonies; our afflictions become opportunities for growth. We learn to lean on Him for strength and find solace in His promises. As we navigate through life’s storms, we discover an unwavering joy that surpasses all understanding.

Patience is not easily acquired; it is cultivated through perseverance in the face of adversity. As we endure trials, we learn to wait upon the Lord with hopeful expectation, knowing that He will provide for us in His perfect timing. Our faith grows stronger as we witness His faithfulness even amidst the darkest storms.

So let us embrace our trials with open hearts and minds, knowing that they are opportunities for growth and transformation. Let us hold onto our hope and trust in God’s plan for our lives. In every circumstance, may we find joy – not because of what we are going through but because of who walks beside us every step of the way. Let us find joy in knowing that God uses every circumstance for our ultimate good. May we emerge from these trials with a deeper understanding of ourselves, a strengthened faith, and an unshakable joy that surpasses all understanding.

Tag: Bible Study (Page 1 of 3)

A Thorough Evaluation

The Condition: Assessing the Brokenness

The Inspection: Evaluating by the Word

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Reflect and Respond

Praying in Confidence

The Method: Praying According to His Will

The Attitude: The Quietness of Certainty

Sowing the Seed of Prayer

Reflect and Respond

Stopping the Spiritual Drift

A Prayer for an Anchored Heart

Cultivating the Heart: Reflection Questions

Keep On Praying

Purpose

Wait Upon the LORD

Be Still

Fostering a Grateful Character

Scripture Text: Psalm 118:1-29

Key Verse: Psalm 118:24

Benefits of Reading the Bible Consistently

What are the benefits of reading the Bible consistently?

Joy in the Trials

Recent Posts

Friends of SeedSowing.org

The Condition: Assessing the Brokenness

The Inspection: Evaluating by the Word

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Reflect and Respond

The Method: Praying According to His Will

The Attitude: The Quietness of Certainty

Sowing the Seed of Prayer

Reflect and Respond

A Prayer for an Anchored Heart

Cultivating the Heart: Reflection Questions

Scripture Text: Psalm 118:1-29

Key Verse: Psalm 118:24

What are the benefits of reading the Bible consistently?

Recent Posts

Tags

Friends of SeedSowing.org