Psalms gives voice to human emotion. This is not a book of catechism or doctrine; it is, for the most part, a book of prayer and praise. It speaks to God in prayer and of God in praise and professions of faith and trust. Think of the Psalms as entries in a diary, reflecting people's most intimate dealings with God. You will find comfort and strength here when you identify with the Old Testament saints who wrote these prayers and songs.

  The book of Job is named for its main character, a righteous man who is very rich. Even after losing everything he owns and suffering from a terrible sickness, Job still professes his trust in God. This book provides a profound statement on God's justice in light of human suffering. As you read this book, remember that even though you do not have all the answers to questions about suffering, God is still in control.

  The book of Esther is named after its leading character, a beautiful Jewish girl whom King Xerxes of Persia chose to be his queen. It records the great deliverance of the Jewish people during the reign of Xerxes. Although the name of God does not appear in the book, God's care for his chosen people is clearly shown. Be assured that he is at work in your life today as well.

  The book of Nehemiah continues the history of the Jews who return from exile in Babylon. Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem in 445 B.C. and leads the people in repairing the walls. Along with Ezra, he provides leadership for the people. A recurring theme of this book is the importance of prayer. As you read this book, learn from Nehemiah's example of balancing spirituality with down-to-earth action.

 Ezra tells of the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon and also of the rebuilding of the temple. The people complete and dedicate the temple in 516 B.C. after being delayed for 18 years by their enemies from the north. As you read this book take comfort in the story of ordinary people restored by God, and rejoice in the God who always gives you a second chance to trust and follow him.

  The book of II Chronicles continues the history of David's royal line. This book, like I Chronicles, teaches that the people's relationship to God is crucial to their daily living. Notice that when the author writes about the kings, he measures them on the basis of their faithfulness to God. The reigns of evil kings are reported by the author briefly, while the reigns of good kings are described in more detail.

  The Book of I Chronicles is written for the exiles who have returned to Israel after the Babylonian captivity. It reminds them that they are still God's chosen people. The burning issue is the question of continuity with the past: Is God still interested in them? Are his covenants still in force? Do they still fit into his plan? Be encouraged by God's affirmation that his people belong to him, and then respond to him with worship and thanksgiving.

  The book of II Kings continues the history of Israel and Judah begun in I Kings. It includes the fascinating stories of the great prophets Elijah and Elisha. Look for the prophets' warnings that God will punish the people if they do not repent of their sins, and note the terrible losses God's people endure because of their sin.

  The book of I and II Kings were originally one literary work, called "Kings." Beginning with Solomon's reign, I Kings records the history of Israel through the divided kingdom to the death of King Ahab. In general, I and II Kings describe the history of the kings of Israel and Judah in light of God's covenants. As you read the accounts, note the positive examples to follow and the mistakes to avoid as you seek to serve God in your life.

  This book tells the story of David's reign over Israel. Although God called David a man after his own heart (Acts 13:22), David knew sin and failure. The book of II Samuel tells the story of David's adultery and his repentant spirit and testifies to the power of God's faithfulness and forgiving love. Look for God's hand at work as the nation prospers under David's rule. Take comfort that as you lay your sins before God, he will forgive you and use you once again in his service.

  The book of  I Samuel records the lives of Samuel and Saul and much of the life of David. Here you will find the story of Israel's first king, Saul. But Saul disobeys God, who in turn rejects him as king. The prophet Samuel secretly anoints David to take Saul's place. The rest of the book records the struggles between Saul and David. As you read this book, note how God protects and blesses those who follow him obediently and how those who disregard him inevitably face difficulties.

  This book tells the story of Ruth, a young Moabite woman and great-grandmother of King David. Set in the time of the judges, the book of Ruth gives a series of intimate glimpses into the private lives of the members of an Israelite family and presents a delightful account of true faith and piety. In this powerful story of love and devotion, look for God at work to bring fullness in the lives of those who feel empty.

  The book of Judges gives an account of Israel's frequent failure and apostasy, which in turn provoke God's discipline. It also tells of the people's urgent appeals to God in times of crisis, which move him to raise up leaders (judges) through whom he throws off oppression and restores the land to peace. Judges reminds us to let go of our rebellion and find joy in God's firm but loving and forgiving presence.

  Named after its leading character, Joshua, whom God appointed leader of Israel before Moses' death, this book begins with the tribes still camped on the east side of the Jordan River. Joshua tells the story of how, with God's help, the people cross the Jordan River and take possession of the promised land. Joshua reminds the people of God's covenant promises to them and urges them to serve only the Lord.

  After forty years the Israelites are about to enter Canaan. Before they do, Moses reminds them of all that God has done for them and encourages them to keep obeying the laws God has given them. Moses reminds the people of God's goodness to them throughout their journey and through his giving them the land of Canaan. Above all, Moses wants his people to see how much God loves them and how they are to return that love to their powerful God.

  The book of Numbers gets its name from the two numberings, or countings, of the people of Israel during their years of wandering in the desert. Numbers presents an account of that wandering following the establishment of the covenant at Sinai. It tells of the murmuring and rebellion of God's people and of their subsequent judgment. Throughout the years in the desert one thing becomes clear to Israel - God's constant care for them. Not only does he meet their needs but he also loves and continually forgives his people.

  Moses writes Leviticus while the Israelites are in the desert, before they enter the promised land. The book's key thought is stated in Leviticus 11:45 - "be holy, because I am holy." The laws in the book were given to help the Israelites worship and live as God's holy people. Even though the new covenant has freed us from the intricacies of the Levitical law, Leviticus reminds us that every part of our lives is important to God and that we are to love and serve him in holiness.

  In Exodus the author Moses unfolds a revelation of God's name, his attributes, his redemption, his law and his worship. Moses tells exciting stories of how God delivers his people from slavery in Egypt, how he gives them the law at Mount Sinai and how he instructs them to build the tabernacle. The book of Exodus demonstrates not only the depth of God's saving love for his people but also the fact that his holiness demands obedience. The Ten Commandments embody God's concern for our welfare and holiness even today.

  The book of Genesis is about many beginnings - the beginning of the universe, the beginning of the human race, the beginning of sin, and the beginning of God's promises and plan for salvation. Genesis is mainly a story of relationships - between God and his people, between God and nature, and between his people and others. Genesis reminds us of the beautiful ways in which God initiates and enters into covenants with all of his chosen people and how he pledges his love and faithfulness to us.

  You must never worship any God but Jehovah; obey only his commands and cling to him. "The prophet who tries to lead you astray must be executed, for he has attempted to foment rebellion against the Lord your God who brought you out of slavery in the land of Egypt. By executing him you will clear out the evil from among you. If your nearest relative or closest friend, even a brother, son, daughter, or beloved wife whispers to you to come and worship these foreign gods, do not consent or listen, and have no pity: Do not spare that person from the penalty; don't conceal his horrible suggestion. Execute him! Your own hand shall be the first upon him to put him to death, then the hands of all the people. Stone him to death because he has tried to draw you away from the Lord your God who brought you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery. Then all Israel will hear about his evil deed and will fear such wickedness as is among you. "If you ever hear it said about one of the cities of Israel that some worthless rabble have led their fellow citizens astray with the suggestion that they worship foreign gods, first check the facts to see if the rumor is true. If you find that it is, that it is certain that such a horrible thing is happening among you in one of the cities the Lord has given you, you must without fail declare war against that city and utterly destroy all of its inhabitants, and even all of the cattle Deuteronomy 13:4-15.

  In other words, by spiritually killing that spirit, you will clear out the evil from among you. The Bible says to execute it; that means kill it. Kill the thing that is coming against you. Rebuke the spirit in the name of Jesus.

  It also states that the person that is trying to draw you away from the will of God should be rebuked. Disconnect yourself from him/her. You have been a slave too long. You have been in Egypt already too long. You have been already bound up too long. As long as God have kept you, the vengeance you ought to have in your spirit now should be: "I will rebuke any spirit that comes against me, trying to drag me back to slavery!"