If there is one word that does not fit into the description of Paul, the author of the letter to the Philippians, it is the word apathetic. He easily could have been. He could have simply been satisfied with his achievements of the past and “rested on his laurels”. He could have been discouraged and/or…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
HOW JOY-FULL ARE YOU? Intro Lesson 6 – July 22-29
Do you think there is a difference between happiness and joy? What makes you happy? What gives you joy? Do you use the words interchangeably or do you make a distinction between the two of them in your mind and conversation? Webster’s dictionary indicates that happiness is characterized by luck, good fortune or prosperity, while…… Continue Reading
DISCOVERING THE HUGE DIFFERENCE – Introduction Lesson 5 – July 15 – 22
If someone asked you to explain one of the major differences between Christianity and other religions, what ideas would come to your mind? It’s a big question, isn’t it? The answers are multiple, but Paul touches on one of the most important ones when he says to the Philippians, “continue to work out your salvation…… Continue Reading
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL? Intro Lesson 4 – July 8 – 15
There is an old hymn which was written in the late 1800’s by a prolific songwriter, Fanny Crosby. Blind from birth, her grandmother, who raised her, purposed to become her eyes. She filled her imagination with colorful descriptions of her environment and filled her mind with the truths of God’s great love for her. Because…… Continue Reading
HOW DO YOU MEASURE PROGRESS? – Intro Lesson 3 – July 1 – 8
It is very satisfying when you are actually able to see and measure progress, isn’t it? Whether it is an assignment at work, cleaning out your closet, or simply a knitting project, there is something about watching the changes that brings a sense of accomplishment. The process of moving toward the completion of a project…… Continue Reading
WHAT REALLY MATTERS! – Intro Lesson 2 – June 24 – July 1
Do you have a spiritual mentor? Someone who first introduced you to the Good News about Christ or someone who has loved you and consistently cared about your journey of faith. Perhaps you have a mature friend who faithfully challenges you to make an attitude adjustment or helps you in a crisis decision. If you…… Continue Reading
THE BIG PICTURE – Intro Lesson 1 – June 17 to 24
It really doesn’t matter whether it is the Eiffel Tower, a rose garden, or an elephant. Standing back far enough to see the whole object is a very important thing to do. The Eiffel tower is far more than an amazing amount of iron lattice work or a stair case, isn’t it? While a rose…… Continue Reading
WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY . . .
What an amazing journey! It all started because of a vision Paul had one night when he saw a man standing and begging him to “Come over to Macedonia (presently called Greece) and help them.” He and his traveling companions, Silas and Timothy, immediately concluded that they were to go and preach the good news…… Continue Reading
HOW DO YOU MEASURE PROGRESS?
Progress! It’s a positive idea, isn’t it? Setting a goal and then moving toward the realization of that dream or desire brings us satisfaction. Sometimes progress is slow and we need many intermediate, short-term markers to help us know that we are making headway. At other times, we need a friend who will come along…… Continue Reading
SCHEDULED or SPONTANEOUS?
When it comes to making time for Bible study, there is no “one size fits all”, is there? Some people need to look realistically at their schedules and make a commitment to block out a regular and disciplined time for study each week. Keeping those “appointments” diligently will enable them to accomplish their goals week…… Continue Reading