Bucket Full of Grace

  Moses is one of the most towering figures in all of Scripture — a stuttering shepherd turned deliverer, a failed murderer turned lawgiver, a man God knew face to face. His life is a breathtaking study in how God uses broken, reluctant people to accomplish extraordinary things. There is a detail tucked near the end of Deuteronomy that stops me every time I read it. Moses has just finished his final sermon. He has delivered three speeches, a song, and a blessing. He has poured out everything he has left — all his passion, all his wisdom, all his love for this stubborn, beloved people he has shepherded for forty years. And then God says: go up to the mountain and look at the land. You will see it. But you will not go in. So Moses climbs Mount Nebo. God shows him the whole land — north to south, east to west — the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And then Moses dies. Right there on the mountain. In full view of everything he has worked toward his entire life, but never ...

Jeremiah: A Study in Calling, Perseverance, and Faithfulness in Suffering Scripture Focus Jeremiah 1–52 Lamentations 1–5 1. Background & Setting Jeremiah (meaning “The Lord Exalts” or “The Lord Appoints”) was a prophet called during the final years of Judah before the Babylonian exile. He ministered through the reigns of several kings during a time of deep spiritual decline, political instability, and coming judgment. He was called as a young man and appointed as a prophet to the nations. His ministry was marked by warnings of judgment, calls to repentance, and messages of future restoration. Despite his faithfulness, he faced rejection, persecution, and deep personal sorrow. Key Verse: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1:5) 2. Character Profile What we see from Jeremiah’s life: He was called by God from a young age He was emotionally expressive and deeply compassionate He remained faithful despite rejection He carried a h...

Dinah: A Study in Vulnerability, Consequences, and Misguided Responses Scripture Focus Genesis 34 1. Background & Setting Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah, growing up in a large and complex family as part of the covenant lineage. Her story takes place after Jacob and his family returned to the land of Canaan, settling near the city of Shechem. Dinah went out to visit the women of the land, and during that time, she was violated by Shechem, the son of the local ruler. What followed was not only personal tragedy but a chain reaction of deceit, revenge, and violence involving her family. Key Verse: “When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped her.” (Genesis 34:2) 2. Character Profile What we see from Dinah’s life: She was young and curious about the surrounding culture She became a victim of violence and exploitation Her voice is largely absent in the narrative Her situation became the center of conflict between families 3. Stre...

Jacob: A Study in Transformation, Struggle, and God’s Faithfulness Scripture Focus Genesis 25–35 Genesis 37 (legacy through his sons) Hebrews 11:21 1. Background & Setting Jacob (meaning “Heel-grabber” or “Supplanter”) was the younger twin of Esau, born to Isaac and Rebekah. Before his birth, God declared that “the older will serve the younger,” establishing that Jacob would carry the covenant promise. Jacob’s life is marked by struggle—both with people and with God. He began as a deceiver, manipulating circumstances to gain blessing, but over time was transformed through hardship, discipline, and divine encounters. His story unfolds across key locations—Canaan, Bethel, Haran, and back again—reflecting both physical and spiritual journeys. Key Verse: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26) 2. Character Profile What we see from Jacob’s life: He was ambitious and determined. He used deception early in life. He deeply desired God’s blessing. He was transformed thr...

Isaac: A Study in Promise, Submission, and Quiet Faith Scripture Focus Genesis 17–28 Hebrews 11:17–20 1. Background & Setting Isaac was the long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, born as the fulfillment of God’s promise in their old age. His life unfolds during the patriarchal period, where God was establishing His covenant with Abraham’s descendants. Isaac grew up as the child of promise—the one through whom God would continue His covenant. Unlike Abraham or Jacob, Isaac’s life was more quiet and steady, yet deeply significant in preserving and passing on God’s promises. Key Verse: “The Lord did for Sarah what He had promised.” (Genesis 21:1) 2. Character Profile What we see from Isaac’s life: He was the child of promise and covenant. He demonstrated submission and trust. He lived a peaceful and steady life. He carried forward the legacy of Abraham. 3. Strengths (Observed Abilities) Even in a quieter life, Isaac demonstrated important strengths: Obedience – He submitted during th...

Delilah: A Study in Influence, Compromise, and Hidden Motives Scripture Focus Judges 16:4–22 1. Background & Setting Delilah appears during the time of the Judges—a spiritually chaotic period in Israel’s history. She lived in the Valley of Sorek, near Philistine territory, and became romantically involved with Samson, a judge chosen by God to deliver Israel. The Philistine rulers approached her with a plan, offering a large sum of money if she could discover the secret of Samson’s strength. Key Verse: “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength…” (Judges 16:5) 2. Character Profile What we see from Delilah’s life: She had close relational access to Samson She was persistent and persuasive She was motivated by financial gain She was willing to betray trust for personal benefit 3. Strengths (Observed Abilities) Even though her actions were wrong, she demonstrated certain abilities: Influence – She had Samson’s emotional trust Persistence – She pressed hi...

Scripture References 1 Samuel 17 1 Samuel 21:9 2 Samuel 21:19 (related references to giants of Gath) First Impression and Observations Goliath of Gath was a Philistine warrior described as a giant, over nine feet tall (according to the Masoretic text; some manuscripts suggest slightly shorter). He wore heavy bronze armor, carried a massive spear, and had a shield bearer going before him. His appearance alone inspired fear. For forty days, morning and evening, Goliath challenged the armies of Israel to send a champion to fight him in single combat. His defiance was not merely against Israel but against the living God. He mocked their faith and cursed them by his gods. Goliath appeared unbeatable—strong, experienced, intimidating. Yet his confidence rested in physical strength and human skill. His downfall came not from superior weaponry, but from a shepherd boy who trusted in the Lord. Outline of Life Goliath was a warrior from Gath, a Philistine city. He was known for his extraordinary...

Character Study Challenge Studying the lives of bible characters can be a great way to add method to the madness of bible study.  I will be reteaching a class on Bible Study Methods at my church starting next month and I love a good challenge.  As part of my personal bible study over the next few months, I want to learn about biblical characters and apply what I learn... so I say go big or go home.  I plan to do 133 biblical biographical character studies and we'll see how long that will take... posted here for your reading and commenting pleasure.  I've done many word studies in the past and am continuing to do so with my fruits of the spirit study .  I've also studied the biblical context of praise and worship songs in a 30 day challenge. Subscribe to the follow by email over on the side of the page and it will send new posts to your email whenever I write them.  If you would like to study along with me, here is the order I will be researching the charact...