“There is no substitute for personally reading the scripture. Hearing the Word is beneficial, but reading the text for yourself, looking at the words, seeing the passage, observing the structure, feeling the narrative; this is so foundational to a life-long practice of absorbing the truth of God’s Word. Sermons will assist you in your growth.…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
Getting a Head Start
Our new summer Bible study series, BE STRONG and VERY COURAGEOUS, will begin officially in just 18 days – June 14. You can join us in one of 2 ways: 1) By doing the study each week. Follow Joshua’s advice and “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from you, meditate on it…… Continue Reading
Be Strong and Very Courageous
How do you handle life when feelings of inadequacy or uncertainty creep into your mind and spirit? What do you do when you sense that you are incompetent or unqualified for the challenges that you have? When the quiet voices on the inside or from the outside are telling you that you are too weak and inept to do what God is asking you to do, where do you go for help?… Continue Reading
Sharing an Insight – Lesson 6
To be comforted is to be put at ease, to be relieved of the pain, agitation, or stress that is causing discomfort. That is why Peter wrote to these believers. Yes, he wanted to instruct them on how to live, but it is his words of comfort and hope that would help them to…… Continue Reading
Lesson 6 – Intro – May 17 – May 24 Comforted by HOPE
Comfort comes from many different sources, doesn’t it? The smile of a child or a note from a friend. An encouraging word from a stranger or the lyrics of a song. The silent beauty of a flower or the pounding sound of the ocean waves. The recollection of answered prayer or the assurance of…… Continue Reading
Sharing An Insight – Lesson 5
At the conclusion of a very helpful sermon about the relationship of faith and hope, John Piper prayed the following prayer. It has been an encouragement to me and so I send it on to you. “Lord Jesus, I believe in my heart that you were raised from the dead, and that this guarantees…… Continue Reading
Lesson 5 – Intro – May 10 – May 17 Encouraged Through HOPE
Promises. Promises. It is often said that “they are only as good as the people who make them”. While that may be true, there are certainly other reasons that a promise may be broken. There are circumstantial and unexpected events that can make it hard or even impossible for people with the best intentions…… Continue Reading
Sharing An Insight – Lesson 4 – Secure in HOPE
What do you picture when you hear the word “secure”? The first scene that comes to my mind is a sweet little baby, wrapped in a soft blanket, resting contentedly in the tender arms of his/her mother. Perhaps you pictured a family safe in their underground shelter waiting for the tornado warnings to pass…… Continue Reading
Lesson 4 – Intro – May 3 – May 10 Secure in HOPE
What makes you feel safe and secure? We have bank accounts, IRA’s, insurance policies, and retirement plans in the hopes that there will be enough money for our retirement years. We have medical tests, pills, and regular checkups with doctors and dentists so that we can avoid at least some health problems and take…… Continue Reading
Sharing An Insight – Blessed By Hope – Lesson 3
Why is it that when we hear the word blessings, we are so prone to think about our money, health, protection, and success? In fact, the dictionary defines that word as “anything promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity; a boon.” It seems to me that the apostle Paul’s definition might be quite…… Continue Reading