The contrast is striking. Our culture teaches us that “self-confidence” is one of the greatest traits that parents and teachers should build into the lives of children. Counselors spend hours helping people to have a realistic view of their own potential and value. While all of this is very true, it has its limitations. The…… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Lessons
Sharing An Insight – Lesson 8 – James
In your view, does healing mean that someone is restored to their previous state of health and well-being or does it mean something else? Rather recently someone shared with me the idea that real healing is never simply going back to what was, but rather moving forward into a new set of realities – physically,…… Continue Reading
Lesson 8 – Intro – Feb. 28 – March 7 PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
How much of the time do you feel you are “righteous?” Originally that word was translated into English as “rightwiseness,” that is 100% good and right and wise. All of us falter and fail when it comes to controlling our tongue, attitude, and behavior at times. Our sinful nature seems to be alive and well…… Continue Reading
Sharing An Insight – Lesson 7
When we call a young child “strong willed”, it is not necessarily a complimentary description, is it? They are usually quite independent, determined, and focused on the things that they want. Following the wisdom of their parents or considering the welfare of others is not easy for them. The problem lies in the fact that…… Continue Reading
Lesson 7 – Intro – February 21 – 28 – PRAYING EARNESTLY
We seldom use the word “earnestly”, do we? You might think of other words like soberly or fervently when you hear it. It has a very strong word meaning – “determined or passionate, not trivial or petty.” It infers that you are very serious about the subject or concern that you have and that you…… Continue Reading
Sharing an Insight – Lesson 6
It is quite easy to grasp the need to “pray with thanksgiving, with perseverance and hope, and with expectation and humility.” After all we’re asking God to do what He has promised to do for all those who put their faith in Him. But why does Paul suggest that He “prays with joy”? What makes…… Continue Reading
Lesson 6 – Intro – February 14 – 21 – PRAYING WITH JOY
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
Sharing An Insight – Lesson 5 –
No doubt you have noticed that there are some people who just make you feel “at home” when you are invited to their house. There is no pretense or excuses for the way things look and there is a genuine warmth and generosity that pervades the conversation and the silence, the atmosphere and the actions. …… Continue Reading
Lesson 5 – Intro – February 7 – 14 – PRAYING WITH HUMILITY
If you wanted guidance or advice about your prayer life, to whom would you go? You might know a friend or a spiritual director who could give you some helpful insight or ideas. There are certainly excellent books that you could read and find many wonderful suggestions. There is no question, however, that looking at…… Continue Reading
Sharing an Insight – Lesson 4
Do you think of yourself as a skeptic? Someone who is prone to doubt and to question, who tends to be uncertain about the claims that people make. The truth is that probably we are all more skeptical than we realize or want to admit. The reasons are obvious, aren’t they? Sometimes I wonder how…… Continue Reading