Bible Studies and Devotions
There are many different types of Bible studies and devotions out there. Some focus on specific methods, such as expository studies or teachings which highlight the details of the meaning of a specific text(s) or passage(s) of Scripture.
Some studies just take a Biblical figure, such as in my study of Job, and expound upon them in detail without a detailed outline to the study.
Devotions can also take specific forms and structures. Some are over the course of days or weeks and detail a specific topic.
Others are just one-time devotions that deal with any number of topics from life or from Scripture.
Whatever form they may take, Bible studies and devotions are incredibly helpful in understanding the Word. While they should never replace your own study (after all, if you only ever participate in Bible studies rather than digging in on your own, you will only ever get what other people pull from the Word) they can be great resources, especially for new believers.
The Prophets
In this section on the prophets, we explore the profound and powerful voices of the Nevi’im (Prophets) in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Prophets were divinely appointed messengers who spoke God’s truth to the people of Israel, calling them back to the covenant with their Creator. Their messages were filled with warnings of judgment, yet always tempered with promises of redemption and hope. The words of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others still resonate today, reminding us of God’s unchanging call to righteousness, justice, and compassion.
In Messianic understanding, the prophetic writings are especially significant as they not only addressed the immediate concerns of Israel but also pointed to the coming Messiah. These ancient prophets spoke of a future hope—fulfilled in Yeshua (Jesus)—who would bring ultimate salvation and restoration for Israel and the nations. This section will take you through the timeless wisdom of the Prophets, exploring how their words continue to inspire and challenge us today. Join us as we study their messages, understanding them in light of the Messiah’s mission and the ongoing call to align our lives with God’s will.
Women of the Bible
Our “Women of the Bible” section explores the lives of remarkable women whose stories are woven throughout the scriptures. Each of these women, from matriarchs like Sarah to leaders like Deborah, and from faithful converts like Ruth to the courageous Queen Esther, played pivotal roles in God’s redemptive plan. Their lives exemplify faith, courage, wisdom, and the power of divine purpose working through them, often against the backdrop of societal challenges and cultural expectations.
These stories are not just ancient history; they are spiritual lessons for today. Through the lens of these women’s experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness and the unique ways He calls and equips individuals to fulfill His purposes. This section invites you to explore how their journeys of faith continue to inspire and challenge us, offering timeless insights into how God’s promises are realized through the lives of those who trust in Him, regardless of gender or status.
Bible Study Methods and Tips
Here, you will discover a wealth of resources designed to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures and enhance your personal study practices. Our posts cover a range of topics to support both new and seasoned Bible students in their spiritual journey.
What You’ll Find Here:
Understanding Biblical Context: Explore the historical and cultural settings of biblical texts to gain richer insights into their meanings. Learn how to apply this knowledge to your study of the Torah, Prophets, Writings, and the New Testament.
Different Bible Study Techniques: We provide guidance on various methods such as inductive Bible study, thematic study, and character studies. Each technique offers a unique way to engage with the Scriptures, allowing you to uncover layers of meaning and application for your life.
Practical Tips for Effective Study: Discover practical advice on how to organize your study time, use study tools like concordances and commentaries, and develop a consistent study routine. These tips are designed to help you stay focused and make the most of your study sessions.
Weekly Torah Portions
The “Torah Portions” section offers a weekly exploration of the foundational texts of the Hebrew Bible, guiding us through the Torah—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—one portion at a time. Each portion, or Parashah, is paired with its corresponding Haftarah (a reading from the Prophets) and Besorah (a passage from the Gospels), creating a rich tapestry that connects the entire narrative of God’s covenant with His people.
These studies provide an opportunity to connect with the roots of our faith, examining the rich narratives, laws, and teachings that have shaped Jewish and Messianic thought for millennia. As we journey through the Torah, along with the Haftarah and Besorah, we uncover the deeper meanings within the text and see how each portion points us toward Yeshua, the Messiah, fulfilling the promises of God and guiding us in our daily walk with Him. This section invites you to engage with the Word in a profound way, reflecting on how these ancient scriptures and their connections across the canon speak into our modern lives, encouraging us to live in closer relationship with God.
You can join our Weekly Torah Portions email list below and ensure you are notified when the new portion comes out!
Bible Studies and Devotions: What Value They Add
- They can help you discover new nuggets of wisdom from scripture
- They can aid you in finding God’s truth
- They can help you learn to apply scripture in your daily life
- They can help you through trials and struggles you may go through that leave you feeling alone
- They can help you avoid the usual pitfalls that people find when attempting to study more difficult text
- You can learn the art of rightly interpreting and applying the Word
- It can challenge things that you may have been taught as you see truth revealed in the Word itself
I cannot separate my Jewish identity from what I teach here on Worth Beyond Rubies and I wouldn’t even attempt to try.
A large part of what I teach is the Jewishness of Jesus and here you will learn to study the Bible from the context, not of 21st-century Western society but in the context of when it was written and to whom.
One of my teachers, Rabbi Tony Eaton, says when we read the Epistles, we are reading someone else’s mail. While it has lessons for us today, it was not written by Paul TO us. Those letters were written to real people in real places at real points in history and we need to examine context as well as the content.
So whether you are a Messianic Jew or you are a Christian, you will find that the studies I share here will help you grow your faith in a way that is both challenging and true to the Word and to who you are in keeping with 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, known as Paul’s Rule in All the Churches.
So let’s come together and learn as a community of believers as His Word instructs us.
