Musing – What am I thinking while reading my Bible slowly?

 Hebraic Musing – What am I thinking while reading my Bible slowly?

My usual routine is to read the Bible with the goal of finishing a chapter or a book.  However, sometimes I feel called by the Holy Spirit to read slowly and cogitate.  What happens?  What’s going through my mind?  For example, when reading the book of James (NIV) slowly, what am I thinking?  What questions pop-up?

James 1:1   James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, -- What do I hear?  I wonder what being a “bondservant” really involves?  Do I really want to be one?!?!   Who is James writing to?   
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.  –  I wonder if I might have somehow become part of the 12 tribes throughout the world that James is trying to reach! 

v2   Profiting from Trials - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, -- That doesn’t sound logical.  I’ve learned to avoid trials, but God’s Word tells me I will gain!  I wonder how that works?

v3   knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. – Lord, you know I am not patient by nature.  I want it now!!!  Especially “faith”; I need it now!

v4   But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – I like the “lacking nothing” part, but how much patience will it take to become “perfect and complete”?  Is it attainable?

v5  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – I like the idea of getting more wisdom, but will God really give it to me “liberally”?  There’s got to be a catch!  You say all I need to do is “ask” and I will receive!?  Do I have enough faith to believe that!

v6   But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. – Sounds like I need perfect faith, but I doubt it will work.  Yes, my faith is tossed about by the winds of life.  I’m not capable of perfection.  I wish I were!

v7   For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; -- But I think I have faith that I will receive something from the Lord.  Can’t believe He’ll not answer by requests, just because I doubted?

v8   he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – Maybe to some extent I am the “double-minded man”?  These ways of thinking have got me thinking… so let’s go on.

v9   The Perspective of Rich and Poor – Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. – But that doesn’t sound fair, that the rich loses even more!  I thought money wouldn’t count.  Got to think about this a little more.  What’s God’s point here?

v11   For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. – So all my striving for the various forms of riches is for naught!  Now I think I understand!  But that’s not the way I was brought up!!!

Conclusion – I wonder what I will have to resolve if I read the rest of these groups of God’s Word in James Chapter 1, or in the rest of God’s Word, or if I read the rest of my Bible slowly and thoughtfully:
   Loving God Under Trials – vs12-18           – Why does a loving God let me go through trials?  
   Qualities Needed in Trials – v.19               – Sounds like God thinks I need some “qualities”!
   Doers—Not Hearers Only – vs.21-27         – You mean it’s for me to do!?!?  Not the other guy!

Points to ponder

Does your mind also drift while reading God’s Word?  About what?

How fast should we read God’s Word?

Should we pay more attention when the LORD of the Universe is speaking to us?

Do we really let God’s perfect, true and loving Word sink in?

Am I the only one who thinks like this when listening to My Lord speaking to me?

“Only one life ‘twill soon be past.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              July 21, 2026 

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Hebraic Musing – What is His Prosperity Message for Us?

 Hebraic Musing – What is His Prosperity Message for Us?

Are we entitled to prosperity just because we are Christians?  The Torah portion Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:9 is called Ki Tavo or "when you come."   G-d instructs His people that when they receive the promise He has given them, that they should not forget from whence it came.  That’s preachable, especially since we have received phase one of His promise, we’ll be entering the promised land!  In Chapter 26 & 27 Moses sets requirements on His people regarding first-fruit offerings; and the curses for disobedience.  Then chapter 28 starts with “If…”

Note the ‘if, then’ conditions in Chapt.28!  All too often the quotes of phrases/sentences from this passage are taken out of context.  Rarely do I hear mention of the ‘if, then’ conditions on the blessings, as well as ‘if, then’ consequences/curses resulting from not obeying.  Chapter 28 needs to be understood in its entirety.  Try reading without picking and choosing!   And note the frequent mention of “if”!

Deut.28:1-14 NIV “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.   All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:  You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.  The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock  . . .   Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.   You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.    The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.   The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.  The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands …   The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity …   The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.    The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”    Wow – Let’s seek those blessings.   But let’s keep reading…

Dt.28:15…   “However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: …”   (Note that there were 13 verses of ‘blessings’ while the next 54 verses (v15 to v68) define the curses!

Too often preachers promise blessings available to their flock based on phrases in the first 14 verses.  Words such as "You shall be the head and not the tail;" or "Blessed shall you be as you go in and bless shall you be as you go out" are readily applied to our friends and our prayer partners.  But, unless we walk in obedience to God's instruction, to His Torah, the Lord has NOT promised those blessings.

God asks us to bring the first fruit of your produce to Him and in addition we are to feed those "Baby Christians" and those who are still growing in their walk with Him.  Feeding means more than just paying your tithe and giving an offering; it means giving your life in the work of raising up Believers so that all may become strong enough to feed others.  What did Yeshua tell Peter, in red letters? “Feed my lambs.” “Take care of my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.”  What might that be telling us what to do?  Although this was spoken to His Chosen People, might it also apply to us Gentile Believers who are grafted in?

His atoning sacrifice on the cross was not to relieve us from obedience requirements.  If anything, we should be more desirous of obedient living because of what He did for us.  The final words of Moses to Israel are recorded in the final words of His Covenant; and His words to them are the best advise for you and for me today.  He closed his instructions by saying, "Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do." Deut.29:9 NKJV

Points to ponder

God’s love may be unconditional; but are His blessings conditional?

God’s blessings are based on “If we obey”; but If Jesus is our LORD, shouldn’t we want to obey?

“if you do not obey … and do not carefully follow all his commands…, all these curses will come upon you”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 14, 2026  (Update of October 6, 2009 Hebraic Insight)
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Evangelism - is it work or fun?

 Hebraic Musing – Evangelism - is it work or fun?

And the best one-word answer is “rewarding.”  So, let’s find out why.

Let’s get personal.  Where were you when you got saved?   Church service; Revival service; Vacation BS; Church camp; home; personal evangelism (not parents)?    There’s an interesting assortment of answers, so maybe it can happen anywhere!  And it doesn’t have to happen at a church service?!?!   Who planted the seeds?

A challenging question to get the attention of the congregation:  “How many of you have led someone to the Lord in the past 6 months?  Year?  5 years?   (Attention getter!?!?)

Why do we struggle with the challenge of leading someone to the Lord?  Here’s some reasons or excuses; and what’s wrong with these excuses.
1.    Lack of opportunity                                 How many people do we meet in a day?
2.    Fear of man                                              The Bible tells us to Love our neighbor, not fear them!
3.    Don’t know what to say                           Just ask questions AND listen!
4.    Personal life doesn’t match the gospel    Maybe your sins demonstrate your qualifications to share! *  
5.    Doesn’t feel the burden                           What did Jesus mean when He told us to go into all the world…

What does the Bible tell us about these two evangelism opportunities in which Jesus exposed their sin?
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler.  “Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”  So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”  He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’  ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”  The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”  Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matt. 19:16-22 NKJV    Problem -- The Rich young Ruler was unwilling to acknowledge his sinfulness!   
The Samaritan Women at the well recognized her sins, and she recognized Jesus for who He is and “The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, ‘Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’”  John 4:28-29     
Key Takeaways – Both people had ‘spiritual’ backgrounds; Jesus cared about them both; Jesus treated them each uniquely; Jesus let them talk.  Not everyone is ready to acknowledge Jesus!  The Rich Young Ruler was unwilling; but the Samaritan Woman took the words to heart.

Keys to successful evangelism:

1.   Who has God has laid on your heart; begin praying for them; and don’t limit yourself to just those people.

2.  Care about people, this isn’t a scorecard.

3.  Remember, you are saved because someone shared the gospel with you.

4.  Start the conversation but let them talk…and you just listen. 

5.  See the Appendix ** for examples of opening questions, starters!

Points to ponder

Make sure you are saved!

What lesson did we learn in Kindergarten?    A - Sharing!

Who do you know that needs Jesus?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              July 7, 2026 
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Message/musing inspired by Pastor Chris Cooper’s Sunday School lesson July 5, 2026

*  Ray Comfort is an evangelical Christian minister and author, known for street preaching, using the Ten Commandments to highlight sin before sharing the gospel.

** APPENDIX – Opening question options:

1.            So, what do you believe about God?

2.            Do you have a Bible translation you enjoy reading?

3.            What religion were you raised?

4.            What do you think about heaven and hell?

5.            Follow up ‘spiritual’ conversations with, “do you know what the Bible teaches about that?”

6.            If you died today, do you think you would go to heaven or hell?  Why?

7.            Do what Jesus did, take them to ‘the problem’. Sin, righteousness, and Judgement (John 16:8)

8.            Ask questions and let them talk.

9.            You are fishing. If the bobber goes under, set the hook…if not, that’s ok. You are chumming the waters:
  There were probably several people and instances in your life that God used to open your eyes.
  Some plant, some water, God makes it grow.   1 Cor. 3:5-9

10.           Leave open the opportunity to have another conversation in the future and pray fervently for them.

 

NOTES

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Personal evangelism

Where were you saved?

-church service

-revival service

-vbs

-church camp

-home

-personal evangelism (outside of parents)

 

How many of you have led someone to the Lord in the past 6 months?

 

Reasons people struggle (answer as we go)

    1.    Lack of opportunity

    2.    Fear of man

    3.    Don’t know what to say

    4.    Personal life doesn’t match the gospel

    5.    Doesn’t feel the burden

 

Way of the Master

2 accounts

    1.    Rich young ruler (Matt 19:16-22)

    2.    Samaritan woman  (John 4:4-34)

 

Both instances Jesus showed them their sin

One encounter was “successful”

Both people had ‘spiritual’ backgrounds

Jesus cared about both of them

Jesus treated them each uniquely

Jesus let them talk

 

Steps to evangelism

    1.    Make sure you are saved

    2.    Listen to who God has laid on your hear and begin praying for them, but don’t limit yourself to just those people

    3.    Care about people, this isn’t a scorecard

    4.    Remember, you are saved because someone shared the gospel with you

    5.    Start the conversation, but let them talk…and you should listen

    1.    So, what do you believe about God

    2.    Do you have a Bible translation you enjoy reading

    3.    What religion were you raised

    4.    What do you think about heaven and hell?

    6.    Follow up lose ‘spiritual’ conversations with, “do you know what the Bible teaches about that?” And let them answer

    7.    If you died today, do you think you would go to heaven or hell? Why?

    8.    Do what Jesus did, take them to ‘the problem’. Sin, righteousness, and Judgement (John 16:8)

    9.    Ask questions and let them sit quiet or talk

    10.    If the bobber goes under, set the hook…if not, that’s ok. You are chumming the waters

    1.    There were probably several people and instances in your life that God used to open your eyes.

    2.    1 Cor. 3:5-9

    3.    Open up opportunity to have another conversation in the future and pray fervently for them