What do you call it when you pray before a meal? In your mind is it “saying grace”, “giving thanks” or a “blessing”? Is it a spontaneous or a memorized prayer, a song, or simply a time to bow silently and individually before the Lord? In the Christian tradition a grace is explained as “a…… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Lessons
IN ANTICIPATION . . .
As we look forward to the new study on prayer this fall, here are some thoughts from an “unnamed old preacher” who Spurgeon quoted in one of his sermons. “Remember, the Lord will not hear you, because of the arithmetic of your prayers; He does not count their numbers. He will not hear…… Continue Reading
ANNOUNCING – OUR NEW FALL STUDY
“WHEN YOU PRAY . . .” When do YOU pray? Why do YOU pray? What difference does it make? As we look at the prayers of 10 different men and women in the Old Testament, you’ll not only discover some answers to these questions, but you will find your desire to talk with and listen to…… Continue Reading
READY or NOT? – Intro Lesson 6 – July 30 – August 6
If only we knew when the earthquake was coming, the burglar would arrive, the accident would happen, the financial crisis would begin, or the heart attack would strike, we could be so much better prepared. We could gather in our supplies, buy the right kind of insurance, avoid going to certain places, keep our money…… Continue Reading
LOOKING FOR AN “EXTREME MAKEOVER”? Introduction Lesson 4 – July 16 – 23
Did you ever watch the TV program “Extreme Makeover”? It’s absolutely surprising what a crew of planners and professionals can do to totally renovate a home and garden in one week. They race against the clock inorder to remodel or reconstruct every room in the house so that a deserving family will have a home…… Continue Reading
WHO LIKES SUBMISSION? – Intro Lesson 5 – July 23 – 30
Would you agree that some children just seem to be born with a very strong will? They’re determined to have their own way no matter the cost. Many books have been written to help the parents of “strong-willed, spirited or powerful” children. While they may be enormously challenging as they are growing up, the good…… Continue Reading
CHOOSING ADOPTION – Intro Lesson 3 – July 9 – 16
Why do people choose to adopt a child? Probably the most common reason is that a couple finds they can’t have one of their own, so adoption becomes the sole means by which they can have the joy of parenting. Others adopt children because they want to provide a safe and loving environment for little…… Continue Reading
EXTRAVAGENT MERCY – Intro Lesson 2 – July 2 – 9
What comes to your mind when you think of the idea of mercy? A judge? A teacher? A parent? A humanitarian or philanthropist? Webster’s dictionary says that mercy is “the kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly. It is kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad…… Continue Reading
HOW RICH ARE YOU? – Intro Lesson 1
What is it that makes someone feel that he or she is rich? Is it the size of their bank account or their investments? Is it their possessions or their positions or their sense of entitlement? Or could it be that it is simply how they view life? One research center claims that 54% of…… Continue Reading
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The news that a very interesting and encouraging letter had just arrived from their dear friend and teacher, Paul, would have spread very quickly throughout the region around Ephesus. They no doubt had heard about his imprisonment in Rome and would have been very concerned about his safety and well-being. Can you imagine what it…… Continue Reading