Some of my favorite commentaries and study guides are:
1. The Bible exposition commentary By W. W. Wiersbe, (this covers the New Testament) Or the Warren Wiersbe’s Old Testament “Be” Series Or the "Be Commentary Series" by Wiersbe, in which you can buy each book of the bible separately.
2. The MacArthur study Bible
3. The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures
I
just LOVE Wiersbe's Be series of commentaries as I said before. He
brings every single book alive and makes it very personal. It really
helps you grow a lot! As it's more
expensive (at first) to buy the whole New or Old testament series, I
also wanted to list the individual titles of the entire Be series as it
can be a lot easier to buy them one at a time that way.
Here's the Old Testament ones:
- Be Basic: Genesis 1-11
- Be Obedient: Genesis 12-25
- Be Authentic: Genesis 25-50
- Be Delivered: Exodus
- Be Holy: Leviticus
- Be Counted: Numbers
- Be Equipped: Deuteronomy
- Be Strong: Joshua
- Be Available: Judges
- Be Committed: Ruth & Esther
- Be Successful: 1 Samuel
- Be Restored: 2 Samuel & 1 Chronicles
- Be Responsible: 1 Kings
- Be Distinct: 2 Kings & 2 Chronicles
- Be Determined: Nehemiah
- Be Patient: Job
- Be Worshipful: Psalms Vol. 1
- Be Exultant: Psalms Vol. 2
- Be Skillful: Proverbs
- Be Satisfied: Ecclesiastes
- Be Comforted: Isaiah
- Be Decisive: Jeremiah
- Be Reverent: Ezekiel
- Be Resolute: Daniel
- Be Concerned: Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Zephaniah
- Be Heroic: Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra
- Be Amazed: Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Malachi
Here's the New Testament ones:
- Be Loyal: Matthew
- Be Diligent: Mark
- Be Compassionate: Luke 1-13
- Be Courageous: Luke 14-24
- Be Alive: John 1-12
- Be Transformed: John 13-21
- Be Dynamic: Acts 1-12
- Be Daring: Acts 13-28
- Be Right: Romans
- Be Wise: 1 Corinthians
- Be Encouraged: 2 Corinthians
- Be Free: Galatians
- Be Rich: Ephesians
- Be Joyful: Philippians
- Be Complete: Colossians
- Be Ready: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- Be Faithful: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
- Be Confident: Hebrews
- Be Mature: James
- Be Hopeful: 1 Peter
- Be Alert: 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude
- Be Real: 1 John
- Be Victorious: Revelation
Another very good one that I recommend for a fantastic study of the gospels is:
The Life of Christ: A Study Guide to the Gospel Record by M. S. Mills
It
can be hard to find but if you keep watch on amazon they have had it
once in awhile for a decent price. Honestly though, it's priceless, it's
so good! Having studied it, I'd recommend any study you can find by
him.
As I was studying this morning it reminded me of something my 5 year old grandson did the other day that everyone thought was amusing, but it taught me something important and I wanted to share it with you. First what happened with Elijah:
My daughter and her family were visiting an uncle at the hospital who had had a heart attack. Gracie who is 2 was climbing on an empty bed playing on it and started to fall off head first unseen by her parents. Elijah who was nearby, reached out and grabbed her leg and held on to her without saying a word. Gracie wasn’t yelling because she knew Elijah had her and she was safe, but then her parents saw what was happening and her Daddy ran and grabbed hold of her. At that moment, still without saying a word, Elijah let go of Gracie and just continued to try and pay attention to the person they were visiting. My daughter was so shocked that he had done that, she asked him why he let go and why he didn’t say something. He said, “I knew Daddy had her”.
What really struck me was his absolute total trust that his daddy had Gracie and that she was OK and Gracie’s absolute trust that she was OK because Elijah and then Daddy had her. Elijah did what he felt he had to do, he grabbed Gracie to keep her from getting hurt. It didn’t occur to him to worry that someone wouldn’t come and help him and that he wouldn’t be able to hold on to her very long. He “knew” his daddy would be there and would help. There was no fear, no doubt, nothing. Just trust. Gracie didn’t get scared because almost the same instant that she began to fall, she felt her brothers hand close on her leg and hold on so she wouldn’t get hurt. It didn’t occur to her to cry because she knew she was safe. It didn’t occur to her to wonder how long Elijah could hold on, or what she should do or what would happen to her if he let go, because she “knew” he wouldn’t let go till she was safe. So there was no worry or fear, just trust.
As I pondered that, I thought of what a wonderful illustration of how we should be with our Lord. Many times we reach a point in our lives where we just can’t take anymore and we cry out to Him for help. It can be because we can’t take any more physical pain or it could be emotional pain or any number of things. I’ve reached that place several times this past month which is probably why the Lord pointed this out to me.
The more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized that each time that I’ve cried out to the Lord saying “I just can’t take anymore”, He already had hold of me. I may have felt like I was dangling off a high cliff, but He had hold of my leg already, I just wasn’t paying attention. He had to calm me down first before I recognized that I was safe in His arms and everything was OK.
I hadn’t realized how my cries for help were showing a lack of faith until the Lord showed me this. I realize anew now that I need never fear or feel alone or feel that He isn’t aware of my situation. I also realize that when I got to that point it should have been a red flag showing me that I was relying on myself instead of relying on Him.
I want to grow up to be like my grandchildren. I want to trust my Lord so much that I don’t ever have to scream or call out for help, because I’ll already know that He’s there and I’m safe in His arms.
Matthew 8:24–26, Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 14:29–31, “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
I have learned yet more about my body recently. I'd started to let stuff get to me the other day, so Tuesday night I asked Bruce to take over the cooking for me for a few days at least. I could tell that I needed to really concentrate on resting in order to prevent a bad flare up from the RA/Sjögren's. Well, I was a day late and a dollar short as the saying goes. By the time I woke up yesterday it had hit with a vengeance. Of course that made me feel even more down and the worse I felt mentally/emotionally, the worse the pain got. It was like I was getting a crash course on seeing exactly how my body reacted to stress and my emotions. So I spent a lot of time with the Lord and that calmed me down, but the damage was already done. I'll have to just deal with this flare up, but I've learned a lot from what the Lord showed me concerning it.
I now know for absolute sure that the only chance I have of preventing the pain and being comfortable, is if I keep myself totally stress free. This is going to be a very interesting experiment for the next few months because although we can control our reactions and emotions, we can't control what happens to us. What the Lord showed me was that both can cause the flare ups and or just extra pain. We can't change it when we or a loved one has money problems, gets sick or dies, loses their job, or what the government does, etc. The only thing we can control is how we react to them, our emotions and feelings. I was thinking that since we can't control what happens, and that by itself is stress, then it was a lost cause, but I realize now that it's really not!
If I can really do what Paul did, (be content in any circumstances) and be strong enough in my faith, then I'll no longer have to even consider how I respond to events in my life. Before, I always looked at it as though the circumstance happened, Paul saw it and dealt with it by being content. But that's not it, that's only half of it. Paul's saying he's already content and he stays content even when the "event" happens. So while I was being content, then interrupted by the event and then going back to being content, I was opening myself up to these flare ups. See what I mean? The problem was/is that although I know that God is sovereign, that He loves me and that all will work out for my good, there's always a part of me that has reacted to "bad" things by thinking, "yeah, but I don't like what He's allowing to happen." With the next thoughts generally being along the lines of "is He mad at me, have I done something wrong, etc.". All of which I know is bologna, and although they're no longer generally conscious thoughts, I can tell they're still there subconsciously. That tells me that somewhere deep inside, I'm doubting His love and goodness.
Taking my thoughts and feelings afterward is certainly the scriptural remedy, but it looks like the Lord is taking me beyond that now and wants me to get down to the root of it all. He's asking me to really trust Him - with ALL my heart, mind, and strength, and not just part of it. 95% isn't enough. It's got to be 100%.
When I can do that, then life will be like it was when I was a small child. I didn't worry about if the lights would turn on when I flicked a switch, or if there's be something to eat when I was hungry, or if my parents would be there tomorrow, or how I would get to grandma's house that week. I knew my parents had it all under control and it simply never occurred to me to worry about anything. Well, unless it was a selfish thing like which flavor of ice cream we had. I knew the ice cream would be there, but would it be the kind I wanted that day? 
I wish I could say I didn't have that problem anymore, but I do, so that's another thing I'll have to continue to work on too. But, back then, if the lights didn't come on, I figured my parents planned it that way and it was a great adventure, a new game. I didn't see it as a bad thing. I knew everything would be fine no matter what happened.
Of course as I grew up, I learned differently, that my parents weren't in control of everything and bad things did happen. We all learn that. That's the part I have to overcome now though, and go back to being that simple little child that totally trusts my Daddy. Nothing "bad" is going to happen to me, because He simply won't allow it to. Therefore, anything that does happen, isn't really bad, regardless of what it looks like to the world. Kind of a combination of living by faith and not by sight, and being like a little child. When I can really do that, then nothing will be able to shake me. Of course I can't possibly do it on my own, so I'll have to ask the Lord to help me. Thankfully, as He said, His strength is made perfect in my weakness, so I know that together we can pull it off!
2 Corinthians 5:7–8 —We live by faith, not by sight. *We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. *
2 Corinthians 12:9 —But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. *
Mark 10:15 —I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” *
Matthew 19:14 —Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” *
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My reflection on Psalm 23
Psalm 23:1–6 —The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. *He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, *he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. *Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. *You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. *Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. *
The Lord is my Shepherd, (That's relationship!)
The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, “my.” He does not say, “The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock.” If He is a shepherd to no one else, He is a shepherd to me. He cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. Whatever be the believer’s position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. Amazing grace
"The Lord is my shepherd...what's the next line?...I shall not want." Is that your testimony? Is that the testimony of your heart? The Lord is my shepherd, I have no needs, I have enough. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Christian people really gave that kind of testimony to the watching world? That we had found in our God and in the salvation that He provides and in the spiritual resources at our disposal total satisfaction, that we were absolutely content. A satisfied heart should be the experience of every single Christian. And contentment is a spiritual virtue and discontent is a sin. We should be content, we should be satisfied, we should be saying I have enough, nothing more is needed, nothing more is desired. Seven Keys to Contented Living
True religion resides in being able to say with David:‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ It is a matter of that personal pronoun ‘my’—saying to God ‘my Lord’ and having the assurance that he says in return ‘my child’. Opening up Psalms
I shall not want, (That's supply!)
The imagery is that of the shepherd leading his sheep. The initiative is with the shepherd. He is the one who determines the watering places and guides the flock as he thinks best. As our shepherd, God has committed Himself to guiding us in the ways that He knows to be best for us. God sovereignly guides our lives, so that we do indeed live out in our daily experiences all the days ordained for us. We think so much about our responsibility to discover God’s will in a situation or to make wise decisions in life’s choices, but the biblical emphasis seems to be on God’s guiding us. Trusting God
How astonishing it is to find the words ‘Lord’ & ‘shepherd’ in such proximity! David is asserting that the Sovereign Ruler of the universe has taken up the menial task of shepherding him! We could not dare believe this if the Lord himself had not revealed himself in this way Gen. 49:24. Christians cannot read David’s words without having their thoughts immediately rise to these words from the Lord Jesus Christ: ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep’ John 10:11.Through his redeeming death on the cross, Christ purchased his sheep. The wrath of God was hurtling towards them & Jesus stepped between them & the wrath & absorbed it on their behalf. Having purchased his sheep on the cross, the Lord Jesus now lovingly tends them along the lines described in this psalm. Opening up Psalms
He makes me lie down in green pastures (That's Rest!)
The imagery of the shepherd and sheep in this poem reflects our total dependence on God. A shepherd’s chief concern is to do everything to insure the well-being of his flock. The emphasis of this psalm is trust in God to meet our needs (see Phil. 4:19). As the Good Shepherd, God provides for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being (see John 10:7–18). He provides refreshment in the difficult experiences of life. His “rod” and “staff” lovingly guide, protect, and discipline His sheep. God’s “mercy” describes His steadfast love. Woman's study Bible
“I shall not want” for: rest and refreshment. Wiersbe's
God’s people of every generation do not lack: FOOD
They do not lack food because they are made to lie down in green pastures. This has to do with finding rest in the Word of God. The ‘green pastures’ represent food to the sheep. The lying down represents leisure or time. By the grace of the Lord, then, his people spend time meditating on the food which he has prepared for them, which is the Word of God.Opening up Psalms.
As a shepherd leads sheep to fresh grass for feeding, so the Lord leads His people. One who follows the Lord does not lack any spiritual nourishment. Food for the soul is the Word of God. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
He leads me beside still waters (That's Refreshment!)
guidance; What I want to do is draw our attention to God’s initiative and God’s faithfulness in guiding us, so that we do fulfill the plan He has ordained for us. We think so much about our responsibility to discover God’s will in a situation or to make wise decisions in life’s choices, but the biblical emphasis seems to be on God’s guiding us. Trusting God
Jehovah-Shalom, “The Lord our peace” (Jud. 6:24);
Still waters denotes the calm water necessary for sheep to drink. Believer's Study Bible
He restores my soul (That's healing!)
All God’s people have been given rest from the guilt of sin and the fear of condemnation through the redeeming work of Christ. They are God’s people by virtue of that. But they still need rest from hunger, from annoying parasites and from conflict. We find these as we look to the green pastures in the Word of God. We are either grazing in those pastures or we are straying from our shepherd. Opening up Psalms.
Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord will heal or restore” (Ex. 15:26);
A second blessing that comes from the Lord’s leading is spiritual restoration. As a shepherd leads his sheep to placid waters for rest and cleansing, so the Lord restores or refreshes the soul. Here the spiritual lesson is clear: the Lord provides forgiveness and peace for those who follow Him. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
“I shall not want” for: restoration and righteousness. Wiersbe's
He leads me in the paths of righteousness (That's Guidance!)
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord our righteousness,” (Jer. 23:6);
DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE They do not lack direction and guidance because they are led in paths of righteousness. Christians often vex themselves with the question of whether they are ‘finding the Lord’s will’ for their lives. What consolation we have in this part of the Lord’s shepherdly care! The Lord has promised to lead his people. We should not concern ourselves so much, then, with finding the Lord’s will as with walking close to the Lord. Our problem is not really one of guidance, it is one of closeness to God. It is important to notice that the Lord always leads his people in ‘paths of righteousness’, that is, in conformity with what God has revealed in his Word. This verse will not allow us to claim the Lord’s leadership for any action that is opposed to the Word of God. Opening up Psalms.
The third blessing that comes from the Lord’s leading is guidance in the right way (paths of righteousness). A good shepherd knows the right paths on which to bring the sheep home safely. So too the Lord loses none of His sheep, but guides them in the right way. The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
For His name sake (That's purpose!)
“I shall not want” for: purpose. Wiersbe's
The fact that the Lord leads his people ‘For his name’s sake’ means that he guides them according to all that his name represents. His guidance is, then, in keeping with his holiness, his love, his faithfulness, his wisdom and all that he has revealed himself to be. Opening up Psalms.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of death (That's testing!)
testing, trials; It's only the "shadow of death" not the valley of death!
The sheep never need worry when they follow the shepherd, for he will protect them and provide for them. Even when they go through a dangerous valley (v. 4), the shepherd is beside them, and beyond the valley is the house of rest. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines
I will fear no evil (That's protection!)
“I shall not want” for: protection in trouble. Wiersbe's
Believers are never in situations the Lord is not aware of, for He never leaves or forsakes His people (cf. Heb. 13:5). Bible Knowledge Commentary
But how is it that we do not fear evil? Previously, the psalmist referred to God as he; now he refers to Him with a more intimate thou. For thou art with me. The intimacy of the statement The LORD is my shepherd is now seen in his direct address to the God of heaven. When we come to know God personally through His Son Jesus Christ, the death barrier is shattered. All who have trusted in Christ as Saviour are not only free from want, but have freedom from the fear of death as well. KJV Bible Commentary.
For Thou art with me (That's faithfulness!)
faithfulness; Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is there,” (Ezek. 48:35);
“I shall not want” for: companionship, fellowship.
Many a shepherd interposed himself between wild beasts and his sheep, and at night the shepherd lay down and slept in the single doorway to his sheepfold. Any enemy would have to pass him to attack his flock. How marvelous then for us whom Scripture sees as sheep that God presents Himself as our shepherd. He leads us, protects us, and because He is always with us, we fear no evil. The Bible reader’s companion
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (That's Discipline!)
He provides refreshment in the difficult experiences of life. His “rod” and “staff” lovingly guide, protect, and discipline His sheep. God’s “mercy” describes His steadfast love. Woman's study Bible
protection, direction and guidance; support; one of the elect;
Where rod and staff respectively are used figuratively of divine protection and guidance; cf. Mi. 7:14). A support carried by shepherds; Passing under a rod or staff was a shepherd’s way of counting his sheep. New Bible dictionary
The rod and staff in verse 4 represent God’s defense and guidance. The rod or club was used to drive off wild animals and enemies. The staff was used to give guidance to the flock and to lift them back on the pathway when they fell. The rod and staff in the hands of God comfort or give assurance to the psalmist. The teacher's Bible commentary
comfort, nacham; Strong’s #5162: To comfort, console, extend compassion, sigh with one who is grieving; to repent. Nacham originally may have meant “to breathe intensely because of deep emotion.” In some references, the word is translated “repent,” the idea being that regret causes deep sighing. In its sense of comfort, nacham does not describe casual sympathy, but rather deep empathy. It is like “weeping with those who weep,” or actually “sighing with those who sigh.” Spirit filled life study Bible.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies (That's hope!)
hope; provision; “The Lord our banner” (Ex. 17:8–15);
This symbolizes God’s protective care over His children in the midst of a wicked and antagonistic world (cf. Phil. 2:15). Believer's Study Bible.
“I shall not want” for: provision in the wilderness. Wiersbe's
As the Host, God has made complete provision for our every need. in the presence of my enemies: The sheep/Shepherd imagery cannot convey all that needs to be said about God’s grace and mercy to His people. The Near Eastern host who would lay down his life for the guest adds the deeper dimension. The Open Bible
Thou annointest my head with oil (That's Consecration!)
blessing; Anointing was a means of investing someone with power, to signify divine sanctification and approval; also signifies the consecration of someone or something for a holy purpose. Harper's Bible dictionary
The anointed head and the overflowing cup symbolize the abundance of God’s care (v. 5). The teacher's Bible commentary.
It was customary in those days to receive a guest by anointing him with fragrant perfume and with a cup filled with a choice wine. In this way, the host indicated that nothing was to be considered too good for his guest. Opening up Psalms.
My cup runneth over (That's Abundance!)
cup (which represents abundance)—are prepared for the child of God, who may feast in spite of his enemies, confident that this favor will ever attend him. Commentary Critical and Explanatory
abundance; supply;
David declares that God’s care surpasses even this. His head had been anointed, and his cup was overflowing. Opening up Psalms.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (That's Blessing!)
love, mercy, goodness, caring; So certain is the psalmist that these twin graces will follow him that he begins his summary statement with a heavenly “verily” or surely. Goodness and mercy will not simply follow, but will pursue him. The verb used here is used elsewhere in a predominantly hostile sense. That it is given a benevolent sense here makes its usage even more striking. These graces actively seek us out when we walk with the Good Shepherd. They are present with us in times of feasting, as well as times of fasting all the days of my life. KJV Bible Commentary.
Mercy (Hebrew chesed ) is the unfailing, steadfast covenant love of God. This lovingkindness is similar to the NT word “grace” (John 1:16, 17). Spirit filled life study Bible.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord (That's Security!)
“I shall not want” for: a home to go to at the end of the day. Wiersbe's
The house of the LORD does not indicate a temple or church, but rather communion with God. The fact that we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever indicates sonship, for a servant never abides in the house. As a child of God who walks in the path of the Good Shepherd, I am always at home with God. This is the fifth of the five freedoms: freedom from desertion. The Shepherd has promised me, “… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5); and whether through the green pastures, the still waters, through the valley of death, or in the presence of mine enemies, I know He is always there. KJV Bible Commentary.
Forever (That's Eternity!)
ETERNITY — infinite or unlimited time; time without beginning or end. Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary.
In Scripture eternity is not an abstraction but limitless time, over which God is totally sovereign. Dictionary of Bible Themes
Eternity—time without end. Nelson's
Face it, the Lord is crazy about you!
Conclusion:
Jehovah is with (v. 1) under (v. 2) beside (v. 2) after (v. 6) before (v. 5) and ahead of (v. 6) all His trusting children.
They shall not want for food (v. 2) drink (v. 2) strength (v. 3) guidance (v. 3) comfort (v. 4) satisfaction (v. 5) or life (v. 6).
Striking Facts: The shepherd psalm follows the psalm of the cross. We must by experience know the value of the blood shed on Calvary’s cross and see the sword awakened against the Shepherd before we can truly know the sweetness of the Good Shepherd’s care. Summarized Bible:
“I shall not want” is the theme of Ps. 23. Hebrews 13:20–21 informs us that today Jesus is the Great Shepherd who cares for the sheep. We are His sheep, and as we follow Him He ministers to us. Christ did not simply die for us; He rose again and lives for us. He is the Great Shepherd, the Great High Priest.
Each of the OT names for God is seen in this psalm: Jehovah-Jireh, “The Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:13–14); Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord will heal or restore”(Ex. 15:26); Jehovah-Shalom, “The Lord our peace”(Jud. 6:24); Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord our righteousness,”(Jer. 23:6); Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is there,” (Ezek. 48:35); Jehovah-Nissi, “The Lord our banner” (Ex. 17:8–15); and Jehovah-Raah, “The Lord my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1). In other words, Jesus Christ is to His sheep all that they ever need. As the little child said when misquoting this psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd—what more shall I want?” Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament
If you can say, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” you can also say, “I shall not want.” With the Word Bible Commentary
Hebrews 13:20–21 —May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, *equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. *
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Wiersbe
So many of us are going through such difficult times, including me, so I thought maybe I'd share what I'd studied about the following verses with everyone by sharing what Wiersbe says about it and the notes I've written on them. I'll also include some other encouraging scriptures at the end.
Philippians 4:11–13 —I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. *I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. *I can do everything through him who gives me strength. *
As he wrote Phil 4:11–12, every movement of his hand clanked the chain with which he was linked to a soldier. The pillars of Christian character
Paul is quick to let his friends know that he is not complaining! His happiness does not depend on circumstances or things; his joy comes from something deeper, something apart from either poverty or prosperity. Most of us have learned how to “be abased,” because when difficulties come we immediately run to the Lord! But few have learned how “to abound.” Prosperity has done more damage to believers than has adversity. “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17).
The word “instructed” in Philippians 4:12 is not the same as “learned” in Philippians 4:11. “Instructed” means “initiated into the secret.” This word was used by the pagan religions with reference to their “inner secrets.” Through trial and testing, Paul was “initiated” into the wonderful secret of contentment in spite of poverty or prosperity. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). It was the power of Christ within him that gave him spiritual contentment.
Fog had moved into O’Hare Field, the airport that serves Chicago, and my departure had been delayed. I was sitting in the terminal reading a book and quietly asking God to work out His plans for the trip. Near me was a gentleman waiting for the same plane, but he was pacing up and down like a caged lion, and the language he was using to describe the fog was making the atmosphere more dense! I thought to myself, “Here is a man without any inner resources.” Later, he asked me how I could be so calm when the planes were all late, and I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with him.
While flying back to Chicago from upper New York via New York City, we had to stay in our holding pattern over Kennedy Airport for more than an hour. When the stewardess announced that we would be landing an hour late, a man across the aisle shouted, “Bring out the booze!” This was his only resource when things were going against him.
All of nature depends on hidden resources. The great trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. Rivers have their sources in the snow-capped mountains. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life (see Phil. 1:6, 21; 2:12–13; 3:10). “I can—through Christ!” was Paul’s motto, and it can be our motto too.
“I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me,” is the way J.B. Phillips translates Philippians 4:13. The Living Bible puts it this way: “I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” No matter which translation you prefer, they all say the same thing: the Christian has all the power within that he needs to be adequate for the demands of life. We need only release this power by faith.
Jesus teaches this same lesson in the sermon on the vine and branches in John 15. He is the Vine; we are the branches. A branch is good only for bearing fruit; otherwise you may as well burn it. The branch does not bear fruit through its own self-effort, but by drawing on the life of the Vine. “Without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As the believer maintains his communion with Christ, the power of God is there to see him through. “I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency” (Phil. 4:13, AMP).
The overruling providence of God and the unfailing power of God are two spiritual resources on which we can draw that we might be adequate for the tasks of life. But there is a third resource-The Unchanging Promise of God (Phil. 4:14–20).
Contentment comes from adequate resources. Our resources are the providence of God, the power of God, and the promises of God. These resources made Paul sufficient for every demand of life, and they can make us sufficient too. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Php 4:11–13).
These words show us that contentment isn't a natural propensity of man. Covetousness, discontent, & murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles & brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth: & so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. Paul says, “I have learned … to be content;” as much as to say, he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mystery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, & then broke down. Don't indulge the notion that you can be contented with learning, or learn without discipline. It's not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a science to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Hush that murmur, natural though it be, (take that thought captive!) & continue a diligent pupil in the College of Content. Morning and evening
Discontent & ingratitude will steal your joy. True joy is God’s gift to every believer, & yet many Christians seem to lack it. As with peace, assurance, & other benefits of salvation, joy can be forfeited for many reasons. Willful sin, prayerlessness, fear, self-centeredness, focusing on circumstances, & lack of forgiveness are the main culprits. Two of the most common joy-thieves are dissatisfaction & ingratitude. Paul made no demands on God but simply trusted in His gracious provision. Whether he received little or much made no difference to him. In either case he was satisfied & thankful. Don’t be victimized by the spirit of our age. See God’s blessings for what they are, & continually praise Him for His goodness. In doing so you will guard your heart from dissatisfaction & ingratitude. More important, you will bring joy to the One who is worthy of all praise. Drawing Near—
The words I have learned the secret was a technical term meaning “to initiate into the mysteries.” Paul used it here to suggest a kind of initiation by his experiences into being content when either well fed or hungry, & either in plenty or in want. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Existentialism, the dominant mindset of contemporary psychology implies that every man has the right to do whatever makes him feel good. Wrong thinking like that stems from self–centered pride. Some deceive themselves by thinking their sin doesn’t hurt anyone, but sin always ends up hurting. In contrast to self–love, Scripture says we’re to be humble & unselfish, love those who mistreat us, & extend mercy toward those who stumble repeatedly. Those qualities enabled Paul to be content in any circumstances. In contrast, some take all that they hear & see & filter it to see if it wounds them in any way, which will result in instability & anxiety. When others mistreat you, humility will help you keep your balance. Truth for today
"The Lord's my shepherd...I shall not want." Is that the testimony of your heart? The Lord's my shepherd, I have no needs, I have enough. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Christian people really gave that kind of testimony to the watching world? That we'd found in our God & in the salvation that He provides & in the spiritual resources at our disposal total satisfaction, that we were absolutely content. A satisfied heart should be the experience of every single Christian. Contentment is a spiritual virtue & discontent is a sin. Instead of manifesting to the world satisfaction & contentment that shows our true trust in God & our true heavenly perspective, we get all caught up in the materialistic surge of our society. 7 Keys to Contented Living
“My self–sufficiency, my level of contentment, lies in the sufficiency of Christ to meet my every need. I can endure rain or shine, darkness or light, sorrow or joy, because through Him, I am equipped and sustained.” Despite circumstances, you can enjoy true contentment when you accept the truth that Christ is adequate for your every need—in good times and bad. Help me be content despite the circumstances of my life. O God, my sufficiency is in Your ability to meet my needs. In You, I am equipped to face the challenges of this day. Enter His gates
The word content does not mean “complacent.” Paul was anything but complacent! Contentment is actually containment—having the spiritual resources within to face life courageously & handle it successfully. Contentment is divine adequacy. Contentment is having that spiritual artesian well within so that you don’t have to run to the broken cisterns of the world to get what you need. The power of Christ in the inner man is all we need for the demands of life. Resources on the outside, such as friends, counselors & encouragements, are only helpful as they strengthen our resources on the inside.
We fight change & rob ourselves of the contentment God can give us if we'll but yield to Him. Those difficulties that you're fighting, & complaining about, may be the very tools God wants to use to give you inner peace & sufficiency. Stop fighting; yield to Christ & you'll learn how to be content. Paul knew that real joy doesn't come from comfortable circumstances on the outside, but from spiritual adequacy on the inside. How does this inner contentment reveal itself? We have a peace that keeps us from falling apart & doing impulsive things; a patience that sustains us when all around us seems to be disintegrating. There's an inner peace & poise that makes us master of the situation—victors, not victims. The bumps are what you climb on.
Apart from Him we can do nothing. While we're abiding in Him nothing's impossible. The 1 purpose of our life should be to remain in living & intense union with Christ, guarding against everything that would break it, employing every means of cementing & enlarging it.. In proportion as we do so, we'll find His strength flowing into us for every possible emergency. We may not feel its presence; but we'll find it present whenever we begin to draw on it. There's no temptation we can't master; no privation we can't patiently bear; no difficulty we can't cope with; no work we can't perform; no confession or testimony we can't make, if our souls are living in healthy union with Christ; for as our day or hour, so shall our strength be. Thoughts for the quiet hour
He will not impose upon you one needless burden. He will not exact more than He knows your strength will bear. He will ask no Peter to come to Him on the water, unless He impart at the same time strength and support on the unstable waves. He will not ask you to draw water if the well is too deep, or to withdraw the stone if too heavy. But neither at the same time will He admit as an impossibility that which, as a free and responsible agent, it is in your power to avert. He will not regard as your misfortune what is your crime. Macduff Thoughts for the quiet hour.
The Gr. word for strengthen means “to put power in.” Because believers are in Christ (Gal 2:20), He infuses them with His strength to sustain them until they receive some provision (Eph 3:16–20; 2Co 12:10). The MacArthur study Bible
Ephesians 3:14–21 —For this reason I kneel before the Father, *from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. *I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, *so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, *may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, *and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. *Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, *to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. *
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 —To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. *Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. *But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. *That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. *
Philippians 1:6 —being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. *
Philippians 2:12–13 —Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, *for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. *
John 15:5 —“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. *
Philippians 4:19 —And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. *
Psalm 68:19 —Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah *
Psalm 31:19 —How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. *
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Please read part 1 first.
I saw a lot of this for awhile at a church I used to attend. There was one group of people that were always "prophesying" over others. It always looked like a circus to me when they did this and always disrupted the service. What was disconcerting to me about it was that it really seemed like these folks loved the Lord and tried to live their faith, but then they'd break out prophesying, and seemed to be able to turn it on at will, whenever they wanted to. I was a fairly new Christian at the time, so didn't know God's Word any where near as well as I know it now, but something just seemed very wrong with it all. These same folks were also very much into "healing" and didn't seem to think there was any reason that anyone should ever be sick. It seemed like a personal affront to them if someone wasn't healed instantly, yet no one ever was.
At first I'd listen to their prophesies very carefully and they were often quite specific. They'd tell people things like: "God is going to see to it that you come into a lot of money very soon so you can start a TV station that will honor Him and bring many into the Kingdom". That one really floored me and I waited expectantly to see it happen. Of course it never did and it's been over 15 years now.
They seemed to know the pastor well and often prophesied over him or his wife. I remember once they told her that God was going to give her her own ministry and how great it was going to be. I knew that the pastors wife was already busier then any two women usually were, so I wondered how He was going to make any more time for her to do something else. That one was difficult to determine if it came true or not. As far as they were concerned it did, but I wasn't so sure. She did later start a women's ministry, or rather she got it going for others anyway. But she'd done that many times in the past and I knew she'd continue to do it in the future, so it wasn't anything new and it certainly wasn't what their entire prophecy had seemed to indicate. That particular ministry fizzled out after a short time anyway. I noticed that when these people did give a prophesy, it was always something spectacularly good for the person and often involved the person getting money which of course they always said was to be used for something that would bring glory to God. But then according to the things they'd say, anything could bring glory to Him, including just paying your bills. Which is true I suppose, but it just didn't sit right with me. These folks also spoke in tongues and often preceded their prophecy by speaking in tongues or would prophecy in tongues first and then they'd interpret it for us. What I thought was strange was that no one else could ever interpret anything one of them said in tongues, only the person who spoke it could. Nor was there ever anyone who could or would stand up in agreement or disagreement with anything they prophesied.
There were others besides this core group of course. Over the years there always seemed to be a few folks that were really into this kind of thing.
Of course I asked the Lord about it and He had me study all the times a prophet spoke in the NT and then the OT. What I found interesting was that the vast majority of times, the prophecy wasn't nice, it wasn't something anyone would necessarily want to hear. Like when the prophet told (and demonstrated) how Paul was going to be arrested and put in chains; another common thing for the prophets to prophesy was to tell the person or persons that they were sinning and not doing God's Will. I just couldn't find anywhere where a prophet had spoke words anything like what these folks did regularly. Having been saved out of the New Age and Occult garbage, I was very aware of psychics and what they did.Just as the article above pointed out, that's exactly what these people reminded me of. Thankfully I've never heard of seen of any of them giving prophetic "readings" around here though. I'm afraid I've have to speak a few words to them if so. But then the Lord shocked me by giving me what I later came to understand were sometimes called either "words of knowledge" or "words of wisdom". Well, at least that's the closest thing I could come to for what He told me. Don't worry. He never told me things like "so and so's going to come into a lot of money" 
But what He would do regularly is ask me to pray for people, sometimes people I didn't even know. So I would, even when I wasn't sure what to pray about for them. Then, one day, He revealed things that He specifically wanted me to pray about for a person. I was acquainted with the person, but not well. Still, I was pretty shocked by what He'd put in my mind to pray about. I was being discipled by one of the elders at my church at the time, so I did ask them about it without telling them who I was praying for or what the Lord had told me to pray about. I just asked if that was "normal" for God They told me it was, and warned me to never tell anyone what the Lord had told me, unless He specifically told me to or gave me permission. I was very grateful for their warning and kept everything He told me close to my heart, and prayed as He directed. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when the Lord would give me information to pray about. Sometimes I'd have to pray not knowing anything at all about "why" I'd been told to pray. Other times I'd be praying as usual, only to be interrupted and given information to pray about something else for them. After a few months, I discovered, much to my surprise, that it was much easier for me to pray for someone I didn't know, then for those I did know. When I knew someone well, I tended to make assumptions about what they needed prayer for and discovered that I was more often wrong then right, because the Lord would interrupt me and tell me what they needed prayer for.
Anyway, after more then a year, the Lord finally gave me confirmation that showed me for absolute sure that I'd been hearing from Him and been doing His Will. At first various people that I'd been praying for would come up to me and say things in conversation that would confirm that I'd been praying for the right things. It was always a shocker to everyone, even me, even though I'd been praying for them about it. For instance a woman who I had always thought had a wonderful marriage and family, and who'd never given any indication that anything was wrong, announced that she had filed for divorce several months before but was now reconciled with her husband. 
After that happened any number of times, I felt amazed that the Lord had allowed me to be a part of all of it. Then after yet more years went by, He went further. A woman registered on FH and sent me a PM before she ever posted. She told me this horror story of all that had happened to her, ending with that they'd been going to take their own life. They felt so alone especially because they didn't even know anyone who they could ask to pray for them. For some reason though, at that moment, they'd suddenly felt the Lord all around them, loving them! It was an amazing testimony! It gave me goosebumps too because some of the particulars they'd told about, were the very same things I'd been praying about for a person I didn't know and had been praying for for over a year. I even knew what night that had happened on because I'd been awakened during the night to pray for them! So I wrote back and asked them if they knew what night it had happened. The replied and confirmed what I already knew in my heart, it was that very same night and the very same time that the Lord had woke me up! Of course I immediately, for the first time, asked the Lord for permission to share that there had in fact been someone praying for them, and He gave it. I still remember writing that reply to them. I had tears streaming down my face. I told them the whole story of how the Lord had asked me to pray for them and how I had been doing so and for how long; and how He'd awakened me that particular night at that time, telling me to pray and pray hard! So I prayed and I kept praying until I felt completely at peace and knew I could stop. Needless to say, they too were astounded at just how much God loved them. It still astounds me too, as I too had a time in my life when I thought no one cared about me enough to pray for me and I desperately needed prayer. I have no doubt in my mind though, that God made sure I was covered in prayer then, just as He did for this person. I know He does it for all of His children, because He loves us so.
So now you can see that while I don't for a moment believe any of those other people were speaking for God, I do believe that God speaks to us and even gives us insight and wisdom we need to do His Will. It's not something to be used to show off and look important to others, and not to interrupt a service with. Nor is it to tell people that "everything's going to be ok, that they'll get the money they need, their relationships will be repaired, etc. No. It's only to do His Will and help His children and to build up the body of Christ. So please, beware of those who have "words of knowledge or wisdom" for you, or who prophesize over you. Test them against the Word of God, and if it's not there, then the Word isn't from God. 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Cor 14:26–28; 1 Cor 14:29–30; 1 Cor 14:32–33;
Someone gave me a prophetic word/prophesied over me. What is the interpretation?
Got Questions Ministries is leery of prophetic words and personal prophecy in general. While God certainly can give someone insight into another's life, that is not the usual way He communicates with His people. The completed Bible tells us how we should live our lives. While believers can offer one another perspective and discernment, and exhortation/encouragement is a spiritual gift (Romans 12:8), we believe that a direct prophecy from God is a very rare occurrence. For more information, please see our article on personal prophecy.
Got Questions Ministries is unable to interpret personal prophecy. One reason is that the act of giving a prophetic word is greatly abused and misunderstood in modern Christian culture. Further, we have no way of knowing the integrity or the intent of the person "prophesying." As with many things in the Christian life, we recommend that the recipient of a supposed prophetic word start with 1 John 4:1, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." From there, James 1:5 will give the guidance believers need: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." And always bear in mind that, if the prophecy in any way goes against God's Word, it should be dismissed completely.
Recommended Resources: The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley and Logos Bible Software.
Posted with permission: http://www.gotquestions.org/propheti...#ixzz2sN90Mqp9
Is the personal prophecy concept biblical?
There are some within the Christian faith, predominantly in Charismatic/Pentecostal churches, who view/practice the gift of prophecy as giving personal advice with a “thus says the Lord” presentation. Sadly, those who practice personal prophecy in this manner are often not any different than those who portray themselves as psychics. In fact, there are prophetic hotlines as “Christian” alternatives to psychic hotlines. Some in the personal prophecy movement advertise with statements such as “come get your prophetic reading,” again, very similar to the terminology psychics employ. This understanding and practice of the gift of prophecy is completely unbiblical.
Biblically speaking, the gift of prophecy is the Spirit-empowered ability to declare revelation from God (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28). Prophecy sometimes, but not always, involves proclaiming revelation from God in regards to the future. In both the Old and New Testaments, God used prophets and/or the gift of prophecy to reveal truth to people. Prophecy is proclaiming the truth of God, it is special revelation, truth that cannot be discerned by any other means. Through a prophet, God would reveal truth that the people needed to know, and sometimes, that truth would be recorded in written form. This, ultimately, resulted in the Bible, the Word of God, the ultimate special revelation from God.
The completion of the Bible impacts the nature of the gift of prophecy. The Bible contains all the revelation we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As a result, the gift of prophecy transitioned from primarily being a declaration of new revelation from God, to primarily (or exclusively) being a declaration of what God has already revealed, as recorded in His Word.
This is not to say that God would never give one person a message to deliver to another person. God can, will, and does use people in whatever ways He sees fit. But, the fact that the Word of God is perfect and complete means that we are to rely on it for guidance. We are not to rely on prophets, prophetic hotlines, and prophetic readings. God’s Word contains the truth we need to know. God’s Word presents the wisdom we need to know to properly apply His truth. Beyond that, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and teach us (John 14:16, 26). Using the concept of personal prophecy to gain influence over people and making them dependent on “prophetic guidance,” is a blatant distortion of the biblical gift of prophecy. Any time people trust the fallible words of men instead of the infallible Word of God, it is a travesty.
I just have to share about a fantastic book I read recently!
When God Intervenes
She'll never make it through the night: An extraordinary story of faith, hope, and the power of prayer.
by Dabney Hedegard
2013. Tyndale.
When Dabney Hedegard was 25 years old, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after doctors discovered an 8-inch tumor embedded in her lungs. Six weeks pregnant, Dabney opted to forego chemotherapy until she had safely delivered the baby. This decision marked the beginning of a 10-year battle against cancer, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse, pulmonary embolism, acute pneumonia, kidney failure, respiratory failure, and heart failure. In each instance, Dabney was given less than a 30-percent chance of surviving, and twice, doctors told her husband, “She’ll never make it through the night.” But just when the medical community had given up hope, God intervened, miraculously snatching Dabney from death’s doorstep—nine times. Part medical drama, part divine intervention, Dabney’s extraordinary story is not only a fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster that will have you crying one moment and cheering the next, but it is also an indisputable testament to the sometimes mysterious—and always miraculous—power of prayer.
Even at times when the Holy Ghost is moving and miracles are happening, godly men are not immune from sickness. We serve a God who heals. But we also serve a God who—as Elisha experienced, as Hezekiah experienced, as Paul makes reference to—sometimes uses sickness for his glory.
—JON COURSON
The life of Dabney Hedegard is a testimony to the remarkable power of prayer. Dabney has experienced multiple life-threatening medical emergencies, family crisis and financial loss and watched God provide every time. Her story will inspire your faith in a God who hears and answers no matter what the odds! MOODY RADIO
There's 107 five star reviews of it on Amazon, plus 6 four star and 1 three star review! I've never seen a book with reviews that great!
From Amazon: $9.39
http://www.amazon.com/When-God-Inter...God+Intervenes
From Vryso: $9.09
https://vyrso.com/product/28775/when-god-intervenes
If you get it from Vryso, make sure you can read it on your tablet or whatever you use... Check here:
https://vyrso.com/download
I couldn't put this book down. I cried and laughed and prayed and praised God all the way through it!
