Bible Studies – Amanda Tero Books

10 Minutes in the Word, John | Book Review

Published on May 11, 2019 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

This is the third “10 Minutes in the Word” book that I’ve reviewed and I love this series!! The devotionals are solid but short, so they are a good addition to whatever Bible plan you’re already doing. I like that you can use your preferred translation for this study, as they assign the reading instead of printing the reading on the page. There is also very applicable insight in the prayers and questions at the end of each entry. The one thing I did notice, though, is that if you follow their reading plan to go along with the devotionals, you will skip some verses in John. This may not be a big deal to some people, but if I am to study through a book, I kind of like to hit all the verses.

As with the others I’ve revied, I love the format and compact style. It is cute and easy to read.

*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

Purchase your copy here

Countdown to Release: 1 Day! Who is Leviathan?

Published on June 7, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Tomorrow is release day! Already, I have been blessed by the feedback I’ve received from “Quest for Leviathan’s” reviewers. It never ceases to amaze me how God will give an idea, give me wisdom and time to see that idea to completion, and then use it to help others in their Christian walk. What an honor to be writing for Him!

One of the highlights of my story is writing about Leviathan, this terrible fire-breathing sea creature. I know that I’m not the only one fascinated with Leviathan, because many other readers have mentioned their allurement to him. He is such a unique and captivating creature! But just who is this Leviathan?

I personally believe that the leviathan was a literal dragon (sea monster, whatever you want to call him). For the sake of the story, I made his (or her, I suppose) name a proper noun, Leviathan, and will probably continue to as I talk of this creature. My prime source of research was Job 41 (I read the King James Version of the Bible, so everything I reference is from there). From this passage, we discover a few facts about this creature:

– He was a big creature, not something men would just go fishing for (“Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?” Job 41:1-2

– His scales were pretty tough, a seal to his body, and impenetrable (“Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?” Job 41:7 … “His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. One is so near to another, that no air can come between them. They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.” Job 41:15-17 … “The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved.” Job 41:23)

– He really wasn’t a creature that men messed with (“None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before Me?” Job 41:10 … “When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.” Job 41:25)

– He had terrible teeth (“Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.” Job 41:14)

– He was fire-breathing! (“By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.” Job 41:18-21)

– Weapons were useless against him (“The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble. Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.” Job 41:26-29)

– His movement churned the water fiercely (“He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.” Job 41:31)

Some have said that the leviathan was likely a creature like the elephant (I don’t quite get that image from the text above…), giant croc, or some dinosaur skeletons that have been found. I will admit that I really don’t know the exact image of Leviathan and my illustrator just guessed the best she could (consciously creating a larger-than-life image), but I firmly believe that Leviathan was a real animal that really lived in the sea and really did harm and damage upon men and their ships. A creature I’d definitely prefer to not meet in person!

Affliction

Published on May 25, 2016 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

As I recently read through Psalm 119, I noticed a lot about afflictions and God’s Word, so I decided to hone in on those verses. In doing so, I discovered that there are two definitions for the words of “affliction” used.

The first is from the Hebrew word, ‘oniy, meaning, “depression, misery.”

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Ps 119:50)

Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. (Ps 119:92)

Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. (Ps 119:153)

This affliction is not brought on by our sin, necessarily, but is when we get low in spirits in daily living. The beauty is that, in these situations, we can turn to Christ and His Word for comfort and deliverance, knowing that focusing on Him will keep us from perishing in these afflictions.

The second definition for “affliction” is slightly different. It is from the Hebrew word, ‘anah, and gives the impression of browbeating, depression.

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (Ps 119:67)

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (Ps 119:71)

I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. (Ps 119:75)

I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. (Ps 119:107)

This type of affliction lends the idea of affliction as punishment (directly linked to our wandering from God). Affliction like this, from God, is used to get our attention so that we can better keep God’s Word. The answer is not found in soothing ourselves with promises from God’s Word, but in checking our obedience to the Scripture (because God’s promises are usually contingent on our obedience).

When I feel myself in affliction, I need to do a quick evaluation: is this affliction because of my disobedience to God? or is this affliction just part of life? God’s Word has the answer to both afflictions, but I need to search my heart and be sure I’m applying His Word correctly to my life.

What is something that you have noticed from God’s Word recently?

Nigh to God

Published on April 18, 2016 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

One day, in my Bible reading, I came across Hebrew 7:19, about drawing nigh to God. This verse made me curious about other references to drawing nigh to God. I was surprised that there weren’t many references. But, the verses that there are have a powerful message!

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? Deuteronomy 4:7

Before and after this verse in Deuteronomy 4 is a reminder to keep God’s laws. For Israel, the nearness of God was contingent on their obedience to Him. If they kept His laws, He was nigh to them.

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:19

For New Testament believers, we can draw nigh unto God because of the “bringing in of a better hope.” This verse alone explains that the law, given in the Old Testament, given to Israel, was never able to make the doer perfect. However, this “better hope” (which, in context of this passage, is Jesus Christ) is able to make one perfect. This “better hope” is what draws us nigh to God, not our ability to keep His laws.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8

The two verses prior help us to get the full picture of this verse: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:6-7)

We are given the promise, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” But how does one draw nigh to God? I believe that Hebrews 7:19, linked with James 4:6-8, gives us the answer:

1) We can draw nigh only through Jesus Christ and His cleansing

2) We can draw nigh only through humility–acknowledging that I cannot do it by my own works and ability

3) We can draw nigh only through submission–realizing that I can only draw nigh by the process which God has placed before me

Drawing nigh to God is not based on the works that I do (the more good works I do, the closer I’ll draw nigh). Rather, drawing nigh to God is based on submitting to His way of drawing nigh: through humility, acknowledging that I cannot, of my own self, draw nigh to God. Through submission, realizing that I must come under Christ’s blood to draw nigh to God.

Elizabeth George Bible Studies

Published on March 4, 2016 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

This year, I have been doing some Bible studies by Elizabeth George. I do not read all of the Bible studies out there, because one has to be careful and discerning. Going through Mrs. George’s studies though, I have found them to line up with Scripture plus be challenging and encouraging in my Christian walk. Here’s my review for two of them.

Experiencing God’s Peace
My Review
This is the second Elizabeth George devotional book that I have worked through, and I greatly appreciated them both!

Each lesson usually takes about 10-15 minutes to read through and provides soul-searching questions based on the text. Also included are eye-opening testimonies of men and women who faithfully followed God as He led.

I personally prefer KJV, which this book does not use, but it was not an issue to simply pull out my Bible and read the texts.

Cultivating a Life of Character

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed going through this study! It was probably the most depth I have gotten into Judges–as I usually try to make heads and tails of this time when man did that which was right in his own eyes. Mrs. George identified patterns throughout the book of Judges, brought out strong points in the judges–or how, in their weakness, God made them strong.

Verses from the NT were used to encourage in developing a godly character. (I appreciated by the verses from the New Testament he used, which reminded me of the Lord’s strength for my everyday life)

I especially appreciated how Mrs. George viewed the life of Deborah in comparison with the other Scriptures. She did not use it as an opportunity to promote feminism, but used Titus and 1 Timothy to remind women of their duty to their husbands and home.

Just one of the quotes I found helpful:
“The ultimate test of character is not where you start, but where you finish.”

Biblially Speaking – adultery (whoredom, remarriage after defilement)

Published on December 14, 2015 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Part 6 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God’s Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word “abomination,” but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

The Hire of a Whore

Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

God will not accept a monetary offering from funds gained by adultery.

Remarriage after Defilement

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

For a woman to be divorced, remarried, divorced again, then come back to her first husband, is abomination in God’s eyes.

Biblically Speaking – Mixing Garments

Published on December 7, 2015 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Part 5 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Mixing Garments

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

There has been a big debate about this verse. What, for a woman, “pertaineth unto a man?” Should a woman not wear pants? Button-up shirts? T-shirts made for men? Denim? Or does this verse mean that a man is not to try to look like a woman and a woman try to look like a man?

The keyword is “pertaineth unto” which in the Hebrew means, “something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):”

I find it very interesting that the woman is not to wear what pertains to a man (that which, from the Hebrew definition, seems prepared for a man) but the man is simply not to put on (clothe himself with) a woman’s garment.

I do not want to be guilty of “reinterpreting Scripture”–especially to narrow down to “THIS is what God meant He sees is an abomination” as my own interpretation, but I personally believe that this verse lines up with another abomination in God’s eyes–sodomy. He created man to be man and woman to be woman. In the world of clothing, there is a dividing line (which is becoming more faint) of masculine and feminine. For us to try to “mix things up” in appearance is to try to “borrow” the appearance of the opposite gender. This is my personal belief and you can believe differently–that’s fine.

Biblically Speaking – Witchcraft

Published on November 30, 2015 by Amanda Tero13 Comments

Part 4 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Witchcraft

This is probably the harshest one to cover. I know that I am listing things in a straight-forward, blunt manner, but I am not judging Christians who participate in what I list below. I am simply stating what I believe God’s Word says on this issue.

Deuteronomy 18:10-13 – There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.

All that do these things are abominable to God (Hebrew definitions given):

~using divination (oracle)

~observer of times (act covertly, practice magic)

~enchanter (to hiss, whisper a spell, to prognosticate)

~witch (to whisper a spell, enchant or practice magic)

~charmer (a spell)

~consulter with familiar spirits (mumble, necromancer)

~wizard (a knowing one, a conjurer, ghost)

~or necromancer (to pursue, to kill, seek or ask).

Christian, go through the list again and apply it to the movies, games, and books that you accept into your home. I’m not talking about the “obvious” things like Harry Potter. What about some movies…like the Disney cartoon Cinderella with the fairy godmother? Snow White, Fantasia, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, oh…and the big ones of today, Tangled, Frozen? What about games? Clash of Clans? Entertainment has put a happy light to that which God sees as abomination. Will we mesh with the world and accept what God defies?

Biblically Speaking – Idolatry

Published on November 23, 2015 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Part 3 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Idolatry

Idolatry and covetousness — turning from God to other gods and idols:

Deuteronomy 7:25 – The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God.

Deuteronomy 12:30-31 – Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Deuteronomy 13:12-15 – If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.

Deuteronomy 17:2-5 – If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the Lord thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, in transgressing his covenant, And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and inquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel: Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

Deuteronomy 32:16 – They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.

There is so much more said on this matter than on the matter of sodomy. In our culture, it seems almost foreign to think of someone “bowing down” to a graven image. But one of the passages mentions bowing to the “sun, moon, host of heaven.” Pantheism (the belief that God is in everything) is a word the comes to mind–and it is creeping into the modern church. Several “Christian” authors have begun leaning towards this belief (I cannot verify this, but it has been mentioned that Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts, is a pantheist). We cannot ignorantly assume that everything presented under the name of “Christian” lines up with the full council of God’s Word. Beware of idolatrous beliefs that have crept into the church.

Biblically Speaking – Adultery

Published on November 16, 2015 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Part 2 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God’s Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word “abomination,” but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

Adultery

Leviticus 18:26 – Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 18:27 – (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)

Leviticus 18:29 – For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.

Leviticus 18 goes into detail as to what God means by “adultery” in various forms, all of which are abominations in His eyes. Not only does God view this as gross sin, He warns us of the penalty for committing these sins. If the nations before Israel were driven out because of their sin, how much more would God hold His own to this standard of judgment? This truth applies to believers today.