Just keep reading! Press on to know our Lord better and don’t listen to lies of the enemy that you’ve “failed” to check a box. :)
Dear Dr Tenpenny. Yes! Add that Judah married a Canaanite woman, so all his descendants are mixed from the get-go, and the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth, is none other than Rahab the-had-been prostitute from Jericho. David a womanizer. Manasseh a murderer of children. It’s interesting and helpful to consult Matthew and Luke’s genealogies while reading the OT. Christ has always been for the Nations and it becomes (almost painfully obvious) that “no one is righteous” AT. ALL. He is the only perfect spotless King. The Jewish people are so chosen and precious but it’s clear that God leaves no room for pride there, only a humble gratitude on Israel’s part that God would choose them (not for their greatness) that many had a hard time acknowledging. David came close but God showed him even he had hidden pride - revealed in his very public adultery and attempted (disastrous) coverup. What a merciful Father Savior and Lord. May he show mercy now to Israel and this world.
I think one of the big takeaways from the story of Ruth and David and Solomon is that God ends up using a lot of imperfect people to accomplish his will. Which is great news for you and me. It means that as messed up as I am, he’s bigger and able to deal with that. And as you say, it also means that Jesus’s lineage is a bit of a mess. He has prostitutes (Rahab), murderers (David), incestuous relationships, etc. You name it, it’s in there. And yet, God uses it. Now think what he can do with you.
Thank you so much for sharing this, I also have tried reading the Bible in a year and have failed. I have such a hard time understanding sometimes. I will share this with friends. Continued prayers for you Dr Tenpenny.
Try compliment your reading by using different versions. The KJV is incredibly boring. But the Bible came alive for me when I started using the NIV & NLT. Go to parallel plus (thebible.org) and you can fit up to 7 versions on one screen. The Bible will come alive for you.
Dear Dr T, Yes, I’m a most certainly an imperfect man. As many of God’s children, who also struggle to stay close to the Lord. So many times in my life, He has saved me from certain death. Saying to me, “Don’t pass” If I had pulled out to pass, instant death. “Don’t leave your knife.” As a serial killer stood in front of me, and wanted to take my life. “Go home now!” When my car was set up to catch on fire as I drove on the road. “If you go back there, you’ll never leave.” A meeting on a blind date with some one who turned out to be a black witch. And so much more over the years of seeking Him with my whole heart. God’s children should seek to have an adventure and when we walk with God and Christ, adventures can be very enlightening to say the least. That’s what we read in the Bible. Adventures! Are we willing to be stretched and molded to what He has for us each and every day of lives? Phillip, was transported after he came out of the water with a eunuch. Did Phillip even consider disappearing and reappearing in another place? David was constantly guided by God, for victory to victory in supernatural fashion. Though, David because of all his exploits in battle was denied the honor of building the Temple. Now, we are the Temple of God with His Holy Spirit living within us. We already have the Victory, we just need to remember that all important truth. We have the Victory and nothing, either in spirit or flesh can take that from us. And the struggles we are in, should cause us to come closer to the great I AM, living within each of God’s children. Blessings and blessings upon each and every one of us as we march into these days of conflict told to us so long ago. For we know the end and where we will arrive as the trumpet sounds and we are whisked to Glory.
Amen, Dr. Tenpenny!! We need to repent as a Nation and turn back to God with all of our hearts!! We must continue to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and continue to call people everywhere to Repentance!! God bless you and your family!! 🙏❤️
2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
I’d like to expound a little more on going on adventures with Jesus. Many years ago, (as I’m getting older, so many things happened years ago) the Lord impressed upon me to call my nephew David. Instead, his brother, Ralph answered the phone. Asked Ralph if he’d like to ask Jesus into his life? “Yes” After he asked Jesus into his life, asked Ralph to put his brother on the line. “David, your brother just asked Jesus into his life.” There was joy coming from David, just silence. “David, you should be full of joy for your brother.” “I’ve got a terrible headache.” “Would you put Ralph back on the phone.” “ Ralph, I want you do some thing for me. We are going pray for your brother. When he’s on the phone, put one hand on his shoulder and raise your other in the air. We’re going to pray healing over him.” “David, I’m going to pray for you.” “Okay.” (Come to find out, David didn’t believe in healing.) I made my prayer quick and to the point. “David, how do you feel?” “Ah, I don’t know.” Would you hand the phone back to Ralph?” When Ralph came back on line, in the background, David said in a loud voice, “I do feel better?!” “Ralph, how long have been saved by Jesus, five minutes? Within that time, you asked Jesus into your life and your brother was supernaturally healed by Jesus. This is what it can like when we follow the Lord.” Adventures can be big or small. To tell some one about Jesus can be thrilling and when they yes, it’s like frosting on a cake. Or to help our brothers and sisters through tough times with words of love and encouragement. Or to face a demon possessed person ready to kill you and God talks you out of danger. Adventures, small and large are the spice to our lives when we follow Jesus.
I'm currently reading John Mcarthur's Bible in a year on Kindle and haven't missed a day. It's the first thing I do in the morning. I'm really looking forward to Dec 31st. 😆 Lovely summary Dr T. I too find that the OT can try my patience. Prayers for your health.
Reading the Bible regularly is indeed vitally important to understanding it and, interestingly, what you read will not always quite match up with what you may have been taught to believe that it says and/or doesn't say. I think it is especially important to understand how deeply rooted the NT is in the OT.
I don't find fixed reading plans to be very helpful. Reading chapter-by-chapter provides a good framework for a reading practice, and dividing the work of reading into more than one cycle can be useful (OT/NT being the simplest division), but I am finding that too many active cycles at once can interfere with understanding and remembering, so I pause some of my cycles at a given time to focus more closely on the remaining ones, reading more than one chapter at a time when there's time. Right now I am coming to appreciate Isaiah like I never did before, expanding my list of "favorite prophets", and I've barely started this reading. And I don't know how many times I've read it before; I lost count.
Complicating the picture are group studies, not to mention Substack devotionals. I have two group studies, presently, and I am presently leading one of them. They take time away from personal study, but they provides opportunities for teaching, which leads to greater understanding. There doesn't seem to be any single practice that works best all the time. So I adjust from time to time according to what works best.
Two things to me sets David up as being a man after GODS own heart. One he never turned to idol worship, and the other when he had the chance, and was encouraged to do so, refused to kill Saul, GODS anointed king.
For sure, find what works best for you to keep you reading & learning. January 3, 2023 husband & I started Bible in 365. Each days’ readings are organized so well with some OT, NT & a Psalms or Proverbs. You can definitely see the OT roots in the NT when read this way. After each chapter you have the opportunity to “dig deeper” to help in your understanding. It takes more time but well worth it -
And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.
(11). For I have stayed on God's paths.
I have followed His ways and not turned aside.
(12). I have not departed from His commands
but have treasured His words more than daily food.
(13). But once He has made his decision, who can change His mind?
Whatever He wants to do, He does.
(14). So, He will do to me whatever He has planned.
He controls my destiny."
The "TESTING of our FAITH"
Job 23:10-14 NLT
(10) "But He knows where I am going.
And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold."
Our future, our destiny, what lies ahead, that which is coming to all of us, the body of Christ, His Family, our faith is being tested beforehand, refining us, cutting away the things that restrict us, the obstacles holding us back from what the LORD is calling each one of us to do. Testing our faith makes us stronger and better able to persevere during perilous times. "We do this by keeping our eyes on JESUS, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne."
Stay the course, STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD.
Job 23:11 "For I have stayed on God's paths.
I have followed his ways and not turned aside."
This is the time to turn to GOD. This is the time to call out to the LORD. This is the time to stay on His path and not turn aside. This is the time to pay attention, listen to the alarm, and stay close to the LORD.
Jeremiah 6:16-17 NLT "This is what the LORD says: "Stop at the crossroads and look around.
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, 'No, that's not the road we want!'
I posted watchmen over you, who said,
'Listen for the sound of the alarm.
But you replied,
'No! We won't pay attention!"
STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD.
Job 23:12 "I have not departed from His commands
but have treasured His words more than daily food."
Keep your eyes on the LORD. He will be with us and "will not depart from us." He will lead and guide us through the trials that are coming upon us. We are to live by faith, not by fear, and because of this, we will stand firm. He will protect us, nor will He slumber or sleep. Not in our weakness will we persevere, but in his faithful promises will we endure. The LORD is on our side. "He will not depart from us." Watch and see Him at work in our lives. Take notice!
"I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven." Psalm 123:1 NLT
STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD.
Job 23:13 "But once He has made His decision, who can change His mind?
Whatever He wants to do, He does."
Be reminded the LORD's plans are perfect. They were all made in absolute detail before He created anything. We are already assured that all things will work together for our good. So, we don't need to worry. We need to stay close to the LORD.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NLT
The LORD is Sovereign over all things.
Job 23:14 "So He will do to me whatever He has planned.
He controls my destiny."
Has not the LORD promised to keep us all in His hand, saying no one can pluck us out of it? Has not the LORD promised us eternal life, to live in His Kingdom with Him forever? Are not His promises to us faithful and true? "Yes," they are, so stay close to the LORD.
"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23 NLT
NOW STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD. ALL HIS PROMISES ARE FAITHFUL AND TRUE.
"Yes, and the LORD will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18 NLT
Let us pray. . . . Our Father in Heaven, we know that perilous times are here, and more are up ahead in our future. We know because You are testing our faith, we will be made stronger and better able to persevere. Help us all to be strong witnesses of Your faithful promises and love for all humanity and continue to believe that there is always hope only found in You alone.
We know our faith in You is all we need to make sense of everything. LORD, give us the faith to stay close to You and believe You will never leave or forsake us. LORD, help us be the people who honor You with our words and deeds and a people who have simple faith in our GOD and His plan for us. In JESUS Name, we pray. Amen
Dear Everyone.
Just keep reading! Press on to know our Lord better and don’t listen to lies of the enemy that you’ve “failed” to check a box. :)
Dear Dr Tenpenny. Yes! Add that Judah married a Canaanite woman, so all his descendants are mixed from the get-go, and the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth, is none other than Rahab the-had-been prostitute from Jericho. David a womanizer. Manasseh a murderer of children. It’s interesting and helpful to consult Matthew and Luke’s genealogies while reading the OT. Christ has always been for the Nations and it becomes (almost painfully obvious) that “no one is righteous” AT. ALL. He is the only perfect spotless King. The Jewish people are so chosen and precious but it’s clear that God leaves no room for pride there, only a humble gratitude on Israel’s part that God would choose them (not for their greatness) that many had a hard time acknowledging. David came close but God showed him even he had hidden pride - revealed in his very public adultery and attempted (disastrous) coverup. What a merciful Father Savior and Lord. May he show mercy now to Israel and this world.
"What a merciful Father Savior and Lord. May he show mercy now to Israel and this world." Amen. Thank you for your comments.
Thank you for sharing! I too am digging in to the Holy Bible. I found a summary in the very back of
My Bible on all the books. Since Christ himself states verily, verily, to the Pharisees it’s in your own book, when making points.
I realized how little I know.
Christ emphasized Deuteronomy 6.5
And Leviticus 19:18
For our own understanding and path it seems to be a wise reminder to read and study the Old and New
Testament.
Amen💗💯🙏☝️well written!!!
I think one of the big takeaways from the story of Ruth and David and Solomon is that God ends up using a lot of imperfect people to accomplish his will. Which is great news for you and me. It means that as messed up as I am, he’s bigger and able to deal with that. And as you say, it also means that Jesus’s lineage is a bit of a mess. He has prostitutes (Rahab), murderers (David), incestuous relationships, etc. You name it, it’s in there. And yet, God uses it. Now think what he can do with you.
Thank you so much for sharing this, I also have tried reading the Bible in a year and have failed. I have such a hard time understanding sometimes. I will share this with friends. Continued prayers for you Dr Tenpenny.
Try compliment your reading by using different versions. The KJV is incredibly boring. But the Bible came alive for me when I started using the NIV & NLT. Go to parallel plus (thebible.org) and you can fit up to 7 versions on one screen. The Bible will come alive for you.
I use https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/ - it allows 5 versions at a time.
Dear Dr T, Yes, I’m a most certainly an imperfect man. As many of God’s children, who also struggle to stay close to the Lord. So many times in my life, He has saved me from certain death. Saying to me, “Don’t pass” If I had pulled out to pass, instant death. “Don’t leave your knife.” As a serial killer stood in front of me, and wanted to take my life. “Go home now!” When my car was set up to catch on fire as I drove on the road. “If you go back there, you’ll never leave.” A meeting on a blind date with some one who turned out to be a black witch. And so much more over the years of seeking Him with my whole heart. God’s children should seek to have an adventure and when we walk with God and Christ, adventures can be very enlightening to say the least. That’s what we read in the Bible. Adventures! Are we willing to be stretched and molded to what He has for us each and every day of lives? Phillip, was transported after he came out of the water with a eunuch. Did Phillip even consider disappearing and reappearing in another place? David was constantly guided by God, for victory to victory in supernatural fashion. Though, David because of all his exploits in battle was denied the honor of building the Temple. Now, we are the Temple of God with His Holy Spirit living within us. We already have the Victory, we just need to remember that all important truth. We have the Victory and nothing, either in spirit or flesh can take that from us. And the struggles we are in, should cause us to come closer to the great I AM, living within each of God’s children. Blessings and blessings upon each and every one of us as we march into these days of conflict told to us so long ago. For we know the end and where we will arrive as the trumpet sounds and we are whisked to Glory.
exactly my walk-away Brian!!
As a brother in the Faith, Love you Dr T!
Amen, Dr. Tenpenny!! We need to repent as a Nation and turn back to God with all of our hearts!! We must continue to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and continue to call people everywhere to Repentance!! God bless you and your family!! 🙏❤️
2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
I’d like to expound a little more on going on adventures with Jesus. Many years ago, (as I’m getting older, so many things happened years ago) the Lord impressed upon me to call my nephew David. Instead, his brother, Ralph answered the phone. Asked Ralph if he’d like to ask Jesus into his life? “Yes” After he asked Jesus into his life, asked Ralph to put his brother on the line. “David, your brother just asked Jesus into his life.” There was joy coming from David, just silence. “David, you should be full of joy for your brother.” “I’ve got a terrible headache.” “Would you put Ralph back on the phone.” “ Ralph, I want you do some thing for me. We are going pray for your brother. When he’s on the phone, put one hand on his shoulder and raise your other in the air. We’re going to pray healing over him.” “David, I’m going to pray for you.” “Okay.” (Come to find out, David didn’t believe in healing.) I made my prayer quick and to the point. “David, how do you feel?” “Ah, I don’t know.” Would you hand the phone back to Ralph?” When Ralph came back on line, in the background, David said in a loud voice, “I do feel better?!” “Ralph, how long have been saved by Jesus, five minutes? Within that time, you asked Jesus into your life and your brother was supernaturally healed by Jesus. This is what it can like when we follow the Lord.” Adventures can be big or small. To tell some one about Jesus can be thrilling and when they yes, it’s like frosting on a cake. Or to help our brothers and sisters through tough times with words of love and encouragement. Or to face a demon possessed person ready to kill you and God talks you out of danger. Adventures, small and large are the spice to our lives when we follow Jesus.
beautiful. Doesn't always happen like that....
I'm currently reading John Mcarthur's Bible in a year on Kindle and haven't missed a day. It's the first thing I do in the morning. I'm really looking forward to Dec 31st. 😆 Lovely summary Dr T. I too find that the OT can try my patience. Prayers for your health.
God is always faithful no matter what
Reading the Bible regularly is indeed vitally important to understanding it and, interestingly, what you read will not always quite match up with what you may have been taught to believe that it says and/or doesn't say. I think it is especially important to understand how deeply rooted the NT is in the OT.
I don't find fixed reading plans to be very helpful. Reading chapter-by-chapter provides a good framework for a reading practice, and dividing the work of reading into more than one cycle can be useful (OT/NT being the simplest division), but I am finding that too many active cycles at once can interfere with understanding and remembering, so I pause some of my cycles at a given time to focus more closely on the remaining ones, reading more than one chapter at a time when there's time. Right now I am coming to appreciate Isaiah like I never did before, expanding my list of "favorite prophets", and I've barely started this reading. And I don't know how many times I've read it before; I lost count.
Complicating the picture are group studies, not to mention Substack devotionals. I have two group studies, presently, and I am presently leading one of them. They take time away from personal study, but they provides opportunities for teaching, which leads to greater understanding. There doesn't seem to be any single practice that works best all the time. So I adjust from time to time according to what works best.
Two things to me sets David up as being a man after GODS own heart. One he never turned to idol worship, and the other when he had the chance, and was encouraged to do so, refused to kill Saul, GODS anointed king.
For sure, find what works best for you to keep you reading & learning. January 3, 2023 husband & I started Bible in 365. Each days’ readings are organized so well with some OT, NT & a Psalms or Proverbs. You can definitely see the OT roots in the NT when read this way. After each chapter you have the opportunity to “dig deeper” to help in your understanding. It takes more time but well worth it -
"We have the Victory and nothing, either in spirit or flesh can take that from us." Thank you for this reminder.
He Knows
Job 23:10-14 NLT
(10). "But He knows where I am going.
And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.
(11). For I have stayed on God's paths.
I have followed His ways and not turned aside.
(12). I have not departed from His commands
but have treasured His words more than daily food.
(13). But once He has made his decision, who can change His mind?
Whatever He wants to do, He does.
(14). So, He will do to me whatever He has planned.
He controls my destiny."
The "TESTING of our FAITH"
Job 23:10-14 NLT
(10) "But He knows where I am going.
And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold."
Our future, our destiny, what lies ahead, that which is coming to all of us, the body of Christ, His Family, our faith is being tested beforehand, refining us, cutting away the things that restrict us, the obstacles holding us back from what the LORD is calling each one of us to do. Testing our faith makes us stronger and better able to persevere during perilous times. "We do this by keeping our eyes on JESUS, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne."
Stay the course, STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD.
Job 23:11 "For I have stayed on God's paths.
I have followed his ways and not turned aside."
This is the time to turn to GOD. This is the time to call out to the LORD. This is the time to stay on His path and not turn aside. This is the time to pay attention, listen to the alarm, and stay close to the LORD.
Jeremiah 6:16-17 NLT "This is what the LORD says: "Stop at the crossroads and look around.
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, 'No, that's not the road we want!'
I posted watchmen over you, who said,
'Listen for the sound of the alarm.
But you replied,
'No! We won't pay attention!"
STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD.
Job 23:12 "I have not departed from His commands
but have treasured His words more than daily food."
Keep your eyes on the LORD. He will be with us and "will not depart from us." He will lead and guide us through the trials that are coming upon us. We are to live by faith, not by fear, and because of this, we will stand firm. He will protect us, nor will He slumber or sleep. Not in our weakness will we persevere, but in his faithful promises will we endure. The LORD is on our side. "He will not depart from us." Watch and see Him at work in our lives. Take notice!
"I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven." Psalm 123:1 NLT
STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD.
Job 23:13 "But once He has made His decision, who can change His mind?
Whatever He wants to do, He does."
Be reminded the LORD's plans are perfect. They were all made in absolute detail before He created anything. We are already assured that all things will work together for our good. So, we don't need to worry. We need to stay close to the LORD.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NLT
The LORD is Sovereign over all things.
Job 23:14 "So He will do to me whatever He has planned.
He controls my destiny."
Has not the LORD promised to keep us all in His hand, saying no one can pluck us out of it? Has not the LORD promised us eternal life, to live in His Kingdom with Him forever? Are not His promises to us faithful and true? "Yes," they are, so stay close to the LORD.
"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23 NLT
NOW STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD. ALL HIS PROMISES ARE FAITHFUL AND TRUE.
"Yes, and the LORD will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18 NLT
Let us pray. . . . Our Father in Heaven, we know that perilous times are here, and more are up ahead in our future. We know because You are testing our faith, we will be made stronger and better able to persevere. Help us all to be strong witnesses of Your faithful promises and love for all humanity and continue to believe that there is always hope only found in You alone.
We know our faith in You is all we need to make sense of everything. LORD, give us the faith to stay close to You and believe You will never leave or forsake us. LORD, help us be the people who honor You with our words and deeds and a people who have simple faith in our GOD and His plan for us. In JESUS Name, we pray. Amen
Thank you, LORD!
"May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his favor
and give you, his peace." Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
"GOD help us." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_pgGgHVxPg
"Speak to the mountains." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn99VPVQDzc
"COME HOME." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5KbOEgc2OI&list=RDGMEMMib4QpREwENw3_jAc0YgNw&start_radio=1&rv=qn99VPVQDzc
Thanks so much for this encouragement. I used the One Year Bible this year. It was very helpful to keep me on track in my daily reading.
I appreciate you Dr. T🥰