Live the Word Bible Studies

Welcome to Live the Word

I'm happy you have visited this site, where my goal since 2001 has been to help people all over the world understand and then apply the word of God in their lives. If you look on the right hand side of this blog site, you will see the name of each book in the New Testament, where you will find what I call a devotional commentary for every verse in those books. My goal was not to do a technical study, but rather a practical one that presented not only insights, but also questions and recommendations to help you apply or live the word. I have now published those studies in book form, but it's time to expand my work with something new (pictured here are two of my commentary covers, and they are all available in paper or Kindle format through Amazon).

Once I completed the New Testament, I wanted to continue my Live the Word series but wasn't sure how. For several years, I had the idea to develop a Purpose Study Bible, similar to others on the market like The Spirit-Filled Bible, The Leadership Bible, The African Bible, and The Student Bible. Each one of those incorporates insights about a particular topic right in the Bible itself, providing a convenient and easy-to-use commentary. I have been teaching on the topics of purpose, creativity, goal setting, time management, and faith since 1991, and have gained insight and often taught about or written about those topics from a biblical perspective.

For the remainder of my days, I want to share what I have learned with my readers on these five topics I have labeled the five Gold Mine Principles, and this format seems like an economical way to do so (since I'm not ready to undertake publishing a Bible) and a good next step for the Live the Word series. This particular study began with Genesis and is moving in an orderly fashion through the rest of the Old Testament. Should I live long enough, I'll finish the Old Testament and then move on to the New.

I also want to learn from my readers, so I invite you to post comments to supplement, adjust, or augment what I have written. My goal, however, isn't to make us all experts on what the Bible has to say about purpose or creativity or goals or faith, but rather to help us become people of purpose, for as Jesus said, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:17). That's why my commentaries are called Live the Word, for that is what we are expected to do once we know it.

I hope you enjoy reading these studies as much as I enjoy writing them, and I hope you will be an active participant by sharing your own insight and testimonies. Thank you, and may the Lord bless the reading and study of His word!

Purpose Study Bible 259: One Person

After the people came into the Land and Joshua died, God was with them until they decided to no longer be loyal or obedient to Him:

After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals (Judges 2:10-11).

When the people strayed, God gave them into the hands of their local enemies. Yet God had promised to help His people even when they wandered, and He kept His promise.

Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders (Judges 2:16).

God raised up men and women called judges to lead and deliver the people. Not just anyone could fulfill this role but only those who God "raised up." This indicates that one person and only that person can make a difference according to their God-assigned purpose, just like those judges did. Therefore, it matters who does and says what, for their actions and words are empowered and sanctioned through God's presence. One person can make a difference.

That's the reason it's important for you to be who God made you to be and do what He wants you to do. No one else can take your place. If you don't create it, it won't be created. If you don't start it, it won't get started. What is your unique purpose? What creative gifts do you have? Do you take them seriously or consider them something you will get around to expressing one day?

This is no time to be passive or to think that it doesn't matter if you don't do something that's in your heart to do. It does and you do—matter and make a difference. So get busy taking the place only you can take in the plan and economy of God. People's welfare, edification, and even salvation are depending on it.

Purpose Study Bible 258: God Is With You Too

In this entry, we begin a new series in another book of the Old Testament, the book of Judges. We read in the opening chapter,

The Lord was with the men of Judah. They took possession of the hill country. ... Now the tribes of Joseph attacked Bethel, and the Lord was with them (Judges 1:19, 22).

Joshua was gone and so the tribes began a whole new chapter in their history. We learn in the first chapter that they were still busy taking the land God had given them and ran into many obstacles and opponents along the way.

You too need to be busy doing the purpose work God has given you to do. There is no rest or retirement from purpose or creativity for there are always new things to learn and master. The good news is you're not alone as you work and battle, for God is with you and that should make a significant difference in your life's work and the results you obtain. It makes me think of what the Lord said to His people centuries later:

I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand'" (Isaiah 41:9-10).

What difference is God's presence making in your life? Can you list specific instances where His power enabled you to do certain things? What were those things? How do you measure them? Where are you not tapping into the active partnership you have with the Lord? What more can you do, or rather, can the two of you do?

Purpose Study Bible 257: The End

This is the final verse in the book of Joshua and it wasn't even about Joshua himself:

And Eleazar son of Aaron died and was buried at Gibeah, which had been allotted to his son Phinehas in the hill country of Ephraim (Joshua 24:33).

And that's it. No conclusion, no summary, no final words. We are simply told that first Joshua died, then Joseph's remains were buried in his tribe's land, and then Eleazar died.

When you think of it, your life isn't very long when compared to the rest of creation. The rocks that were here in Abraham's time are still here. The water of the oceans has been recycled again and again from their inception. And then for contrast there are people, and James described our tenure on earth as follows: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14).

While it is good to plan and have goals, it's also good to keep them in perspective. One day, they will come to an end as will you. So what's it all about? It's about making a difference while you're here and then passing on to your existence in the next life.

Do you live like your days are numbered (because they are)? Are you making the most of your days? You must have a purpose for you're still here but one day, like Eleazar and Joshua and Joseph, you won't be. Are you maximizing your time and impact? The good news is that while the book of Joshua ends rather unceremoniously, the narrative continues and the people move on as we learn in the first verses of the next book:

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands" (Judges 1:1-2).

Determine to make a difference in the days you have left, but also be ready to face your own mortality, having left a purposeful mark in the days God has given you.

Purpose Study Bible 256: Helping Others

As the people were about to enter their land under Joshua's leadership, the Lord directed them not to focus just on themselves and their well-being:

"You are to help them [the other tribes] until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them" (Joshua 1:14-15).

The tribes were to help and support one another until everyone came into the inheritance God had for them. The same is true today. From my experience, when someone finds their purpose, they often want to share their journey with others. If they are creative and enjoy what they do, then doors will open for them to share, teach, and encourage others.

When I was a pastor, I started a monthly creativity encouragement group and it met for nine years! When I embraced my creativity instead of running from it, I not only created but I taught and about creativity to help others express theirs. I have done the same with my purpose insight through books, coaching, and seminars.

What can you do to help others be more purposeful and creativity? How can others hear about your faith stories so they can be inspired? Are you managing your time so that you have opportunities to help others find creative purpose? The tribes were to help everyone find their place after they each had found theirs. That was good advice then and it's still good advice now.

Purpose Study Bible 255: One Day

When Joseph died in Egypt, he requested that his bones be taken back to his homeland when his people returned. This was a statement of faith that God would be faithful to restore His people to their Promised Land.

Two hundred years later, Joseph's descendants complied with his request. Finally, Joseph was home on the land his father had purchased and from where Joseph had been sold by his brothers into slavery. This meant that they had to remember his dying request, take his bones with them as they left, transport those bones through the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and then deposit his remains in his family's land:

The body of Joseph, which the people of Israel had brought from Egypt, was buried at Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, for a hundred pieces of silver. This land was inherited by Joseph's descendants (Joshua 24:32).

His family had to make this legacy a priority. By doing so, some family members were inconvenienced by having to administer Joseph's wish through all kinds of weather, desert travel conditions, wars, and family funerals. What faith projects are you working on that could affect your family's future in a good way? What faith declarations are you making about your purpose and its role for posterity?

You could do this by starting a business or ministry that can carry on into the next generation. You could write a book or craft a last will and testament that includes your testimony. Give some prayerful thought to something you can do that can outlive you and perhaps God will energize it like he did when Joseph simply requested that they take his bones home ... one day.

Purpose Study Bible 254: Present Yourself

Once again, we see that Joshua called the people together for what we now know were his last words to them:

Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God (Joshua 24:1)

There's something unique about presenting yourself to the Lord as they did in this verse. I realize we live in His presence, but I get the picture of a military assembly or even a church meeting where God's people are gathered for an inspection and further instructions.

In Joshua's meeting, they went over their history as God's people, then reviewed the terms of the covenant. He gave them a chance to recommit to obey the covenant, and then erected a memorial to commemorate their recommitment. This was the second such assembly that Joshua had called, which tells me he was concerned that the people would drift away from their love of God. It is reminiscent of what Jesus said to the Ephesian church:

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place" (Revelation 2:4-5).

Perhaps it's time to present yourself to the Lord to review why you are doing what you do? Are you expressing your purpose and creativity to earn a living or to serve and further God's kingdom? Are you ready to "re up" and re-enlist for another term of service in God's army? As God inspects your work and heart, is He addressing any deficiency or complacency?

You're not just serving your family, company, or church. You're serving God and He's watching. Who better to show you how you're doing and receive an adjustment or commendation? Take time to present yourself to the Lord and then listen for what He says.

Purpose Study Bible 253: Create The Need

Joshua was coming to his end when he took the time to remind the people of an important truth:

“Now my time has come to die. Every one of you knows in his heart and soul that the Lord your God has given you all the good things that he promised. Every promise he made has been kept; not one has failed" (Joshua 23:14, GNT).

God is still in the promise-making and promise-keeping business, and here's one he made through the Apostle Paul:

And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19, GNT).

So if God keeps His promises and if He promised to supply all your needs, then it seems obvious what you are to do: create more need! You're not to try and manipulate God by buying a big house or car and then demanding God "meet your need." But you are to create needs around your purpose and creativity that will help fulfill another promise God made:

"I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do—yes, they will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father's glory will be shown through the Son" (John 14:12-13, GNT).

If you need a equipment to do God's will, ask for it. If you need wisdom, ask for it. If you need some other provision, ask for it. And don't be afraid to create the need for those things by determining to do the greater things Jesus promised you would do. Set big goals and expect God to help you reach them.

What are your greater things that you do or want to do? Where and how do you need to take seriously the promise that you will bear fruit and God will supply what you need to do so? In Joshua's last days, he reaffirmed God's faithfulness and you need to be able to do the same. In order to do that, you should take God at His word today and act accordingly.

Purpose Study Bible 252: The Company You Keep

Joshua assembled all Israel after they had settled in the Land and among other things said this to them:

"Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now" (Joshua 23:7-8).

If you're going to serve the Lord and be a creative person of purpose, your focus has to be singular. You can't share your energy, wealth, gifts, or time where they won't produce a harvest for the Lord. That also includes the company you keep.

Purpose people need to be around other people of purpose. It's the same for creative people. If you give your time to those who don't share your values, commitment, and goals, then you'll become discouraged and lose your creative edge. If you can find a group that will support you and who God made you to be, then become a part of it. If you can't find a group, then start one. The point is that if you hang around unproductive people, you'll be unproductive.

Are you holding fast to the Lord and His will for your life? Or have you allowed your interests to be influenced by those who don't share your zeal or desire to bear fruit? What changes do you need to make in your life to develop a support system and team for your purpose journey? Joshua urged the people to be fully devoted to God and His people as they walked out their obedience. That's still good advice for you today.

Purpose Study Bible 251: Misunderstood Creativity

As the tribes took possession of their land grants from the Lord through Joshua, we read what a few of the tribes did that were in the farthest regions of the Land:

When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan (Joshua 22:10).

When the other tribes heard about this altar, they assumed it was for sacrifice, which would have contradicted the word of the Lord as to where such offerings were to be given. So the ten tribes assembled for war and sent a delegation to the builders seeking an explanation. When they heard that the altar wasn't for worship but rather was a symbol or memorial to remind them of the far-away real altar, they were glad and no longer considered punitive measures against their brethren. The story concludes with this verse:

And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us—that the Lord is God (Joshua 22:34).

The three tribes came up with a creative reminder of their connection to the other tribes, but that creativity was initially misunderstood. In the same way, not everyone is going to "get" your creativity. Don't be offended, for part of your creativity is to teach using what you create, telling your story of why you did what you did and what it means to you.

When your creativity isn't understood, what do you do? Whatever it is, don't be offended, but use the opportunity to share spiritual and life lessons out of that unique expression of your own existence. No one else sees what you do which is why you have to spend some time explaining what you do to those who make inquiry.

Purpose Study Bible 250: He Gives, You Work

Here is a good summary of what we have read so far in the book of Joshua:

So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled (Joshua 21:43-45, emphasis added).

Notice that everything God did for the people was a gift. He gave them land, rest, peace, and His word. He fulfilled every promise He made. In order for that to happen, however, the people had to do their part and take possession of the land by fighting, settling, building, and tending. The same is true for you.

God gives you purpose and creative talents. Those are gifts you didn't ask for and can't earn. Once you discover what they are, it's your duty to be fruitful in their use and expression: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you" (John 15:16). There's another promise from Jesus: God will answer your prayers in the context of bearing fruit.

What is your fruit? What do you do that makes you most productive for the Lord? What promises are you standing on and working toward seeing fulfilled? What more can you do to structure your life to be a good steward of the promises and good things God has given you? Is your prayer life bearing fruit as well?

God has given you a lot but it comes with a warning, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:48). Be mindful today that God is in the giving business but then you must be in the habit of working and developing what He gives you.