Hey Friends! I need your help. I’m working on a new book idea that is a 5 minute Bible Study/Devotional called Bite of Bread: Daily Soul Nourishment One Bite at a Time.
Bite of Bread is made up of 52 topical reading plans. The daily devotions incorporate a Hebrew or Greek word-study from the day’s verse. A short devotion will work those new meanings into the scripture much like I do on Word Wednesdays. Here’s a sample. Let me know what you think and if you’d buy it. I couldn’t format it as it would be in a book, but the definitions would be to the side rather than before the devotion.
Day 1
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. ~Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Word Study (This will be in a sidebar next to the devotion.)
LORD: (Notice all caps.) Yehova: A noun meaning God. The word refers to the proper name of the God of Israel, particularly the name by which he revealed himself to Moses (Ex. 6: 2,3). The divine name has traditionally not been pronounced, primarily out of respect for its sacredness (cf. Ex. 20:7; Dt. 28:58). Until the Renaissance, it was written without vowels in the Hebrew text of the OT, being rendered YWHW.
God: Elohiym: A masculine plural noun meaning God, gods, judges, angels . . . . When the word is used in the generic designation of God, it conveys in Scripture that God is the Creator (Ge 5:1).
Quiet: Charash: A primitive root; to scratch, that is (by implication) to engrave, plough: figuratively to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone. . . . be quiet, rest, practice secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker.
Singing: Rinnah: properly a creaking (or shrill sound), that is shout for joy or grief): cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing (-ing), triumph.
Today’s Bite
I LOVE THE NAMES OF GOD. Elohiym, the creator, and YWHW, the unpronounceable name that can only be breathed, resonate in my soul. But Elohiym is more than a great name. He is also YWHW, the God who freed his people from slavery. With the knowledge of the Hebrew words and definitions, I wonder if rather than his love “quieting” me, it “marks” me. I am marked by his love— his love engraved on my heart.
And rather than him singing over me, though that would be amazing, I picture him wailing as a parent thrilled to hold his child who was lost and now is found. It’s a joyous cry, yet its shrill sound cuts to my heart. What kind of God does that?
Our God does.
[bctt tweet=”Chewing on . . . the thought of being marked by God’s love and his joyful cry over us.” username=”wordsbyandylee”]
Thank you for being my test-audience. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Praying you are having a great week and standing of the promises of God! I’m missing ya’ll on my Periscope! I’ll try to get on either this morning (Wednesday) around 8:20 ET or tomorrow. Remember, you are marked.
Finding Purpose in knowing God loves us,
andy
[…] will be working on a proposal for my next project–a daily devotional called the Bite of Bread. I shared it with you last week, and you all responded with enthusiasm! Thank you for the encouragement. Due to time limits and the […]
[…] months I will be working on my next project–a daily devotional called the Bite of Bread. I shared it with you last week, and you all responded with enthusiasm! Thank you for the encouragement. Due to time limits and the […]
Since I just finished your Book of Ruth study, I have been wondering what I was going to do with my time! Absolutely loved that study and I’m sure I will love this one as well. Can’t wait to see it.
Thanks Christine! Loved doing that online study with ya’ll. So excited you like this new idea. It’s gonna be awhile before we ever get to hold it, so, if you need something to read, try A Mary Like Me: Flawed Yet Called. I plan to do an online study with the Mary book in June. Blessings!
Awesome! I would buy it.
Touched me deeply.
Love, Annette
Thanks Annette! It’s a powerful verse isn’t it! Thanks for letting me know!
I think this is an inspired idea. Readers who are new to the Bible will gain some depth. Readers who are seasoned readers of the Bible will delight in bites of new understanding. And hearts will be changed individually as the Holy Spirit guides. Go for it, my friend.
Thank you Patricia. Love you lots. I am!
Absolutely love it! (Have you pitched it yet?) Can’t wait to hear about the conference.
Thanks Sandy! No bites yet. Looking forward to telling you all about it over coffee. 😊
I love this idea Andy! I think it would be absolutely wonderful! You’re on a roll girl! Keep listening and obeying…many are blessed because of it. 💖
Thank you Debbie! That’s my hope, that many will be blessed.
I would most definitely buy this! I love it! It would be a great asset to me. Please keep it in consideration. I’ll be praying for you because I’m sure it’s no easy feat. Missing you too on periscope my work schedule has been crazy but I’m off for the summer starting tomorrow. So, hopefully I’m back regularly starting Monday!!
Hey April! You must work in the school system? I’ve missed Periscope this week. Looking forward to next week. Blessings!
Love this concept! I am a very visual person.
Yay! Thanks for the feedback my sweet Janice! Blessings on your day!