Genesis 2 : 5

This mention of no shrub yet growing seems to contradict the previous chapter where the shrubs grew on the third day. It would seem that this second chapter is a separate account of creation distinct from that in the first chapter, perhaps from a different source. The events in this chapter would have taken place during the six days of creation. The trees were created and the garden was planted on the third day, and Eve formed along with Adam on the sixth day.

The area at the confluence of two of the rivers mentioned in this chapter, the Euphrates and Tigris, was originally settled by the Sumerians and in their language Eden meant plain and it is possible that this is the original meaning of Eden so it was not the garden that was not called Eden but was the area that was called Eden. In Hebrew Eden means pleasure so it could be that it is the Garden of Delight, and not a place name at all. However it could has also been suggested that Eden was the valley plain between the Euphrates and the Tigris and after the Sumerians were driven from the land there was a longing to return to Eden.

Genesis 1 : 1 and 26

Right at the beginning of the Bible we see God, Elohim, expressed as a plural, which seems a bit odd: In the beginning the gods? This does not seem to agree with the sense that he is the one and only God, however it has been suggested that this is an obscure reference to the trinity at work in creation. On the other hand, Elohim is used frequently in the book of Genesis to refer to Jehovah Yahweh and therefore behaves as a singular noun, even though Elohim can mean gods. It has been suggested that since the accompanying verb is singular then Elohim is singular and instead refers to greatness. Not many gods but a great God.

However, in verse 26 we see plurality again as God now consults with himself before his final act of creation, with all three parts of the trinity active in the creation of man just as they were in the creation of the universe.
Please note that the account of creation in this chapter is neither scientific or myth; it is God's revelation of his work of creation. There are two purposes to the chapter: to show God as the originator of creation, and man as the ultimate goal of creation.

Psalm 121:1

The first two verses of this Psalm are on a plaque at a viewpoint in the Lake District looking towards Derwent Water and the Lakeland Fells beyond. They often come to my mind when I am amongst mountains. When I am amongst such stunning scenery my mind naturally goes to the creator and this verse echoes that sentiment. To the Psalmist the mountains in question would have been those around Jerusalem as the pilgrims made their way towards the temple for the regular gatherings. Their eyes would be lifted up to the hills that were often positions of strength and defensible, but our eyes should be lifted even higher, to the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 119:83

This verse from the longest Psalm and chapter in the Bible contains the delightful simile, "like a wineskin in the smoke", or as the Authorised puts it: "like a bottle in the smoke." This phrase relates to the practice of hanging up a wineskin in the smoky rafters of the building. Over time in this smoky atmosphere the wineskin became withered, cracked and useless. The Psalmist is saying though he is old and withered like an old wineskin, yet he has not forgotten the statutes or decrees of the Word of God. It is important to study the Bible so we can understand what it says and, most importantly, put it into practice. Then when you are old and wrinkled like a wineskin you will know for whom your trust is in.

1 Samuel 28:12

There have been many theories about Samuel's appearance. Was it real or was it a demon? A neat explanation is that the woman was a fraud, as most mediums are, and at best they communicate with a demon who gives her the words to say. This time, however, it wasn't her familiar demon who appeared and she wasn't making it up either as Samuel himself came to her. When he appeared she was so astonished she cried out in fear realising she had been tricked. God had decided to finally respond to Saul by bringing Samuel up to pronounce his doom. Note that Saul saw nothing and everything that Samuel said came out of the woman's lips.

1 Corinthians 12:1

Most Christian denominations teach that the spiritual, supernatural gifts were just for the early church.  Commentaries try to come up with reasons why they don’t see spiritual gifts now. They say "they were needed at first in the Church: (1) as a pledge to Christians themselves who had just passed over from Judaism or heathendom, that God was in the Church; (2) for the propagation of Christianity in the world; (3) for the edification of the Church. Now that we have the whole written New Testament (which they had not) and Christianity established as the result of the miracles, we need no further miracle to attest the truth" (Jamieson  Fausset & Brown's Commentary).
However, having spent all my life in a Pentecostal Church I see spiritual gifts in action every Sunday and I can see that all the reasons given above still apply today. We live in a world that is looking for the spiritual everywhere and when they don't see it in the church they look elsewhere. Spiritual gifts are needed in the church today just as they were in the early church.

1 Corinthians 2:3

Note that Paul here claims he wasn’t an eloquent speaker, maybe comparing himself with Apollos, and claimed people were being won over not by his powerful, persuasive talking but the power of God working through miracles and the convicting power of the Spirit. Was Paul really not a great speaker or was Paul simply being modest? Or perhaps this shows how the gospel should be preached? Not by persuasion but by demonstration.
It is amazing to realise that even the great Paul was nervous and unsure of himself when preaching. He just gave the message clearly and plainly in the most simplistic way. He didn’t do anything magnificent. It is thought that Paul may have been a very quiet preacher who never drew attention to himself, only to the message. We should be like that in whatever we are doing. Put God first. Tell the message plainly and simply so that God’s Spirit and power can do it’s work. People will then respond to the Spirit and not to your great sermon.