"All of life is business with God…" John Calvin
Our study this week covers the third chapter of Ephesians. Paul opens this chapter by reminding his readers that he is in prison for preaching the gospel to them, “I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles” (vs. 1). Later, in verse 13 he asks them “not to lose heart over … Continue reading Living the Promises
(Originally posted July 14, 2011) This thought has returned to me recently concerning my writing. I'm also struggling to re-establish a running routine, so I'm engaged with that mental battle as well. I am now 51years old, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. I am also a writer. My primary identity, however, is Child of God. This is … Continue reading Just Who Do I Think I Am?!
In this week’s study of Ephesians chapter 2, we are first plunged to the depths of the darkness of human nature before being raised by the grace and mercy of the Father into the light of his love by two of the simplest, yet most profound words of the gospel: ‘But God.’ In this we … Continue reading Made Alive and One in Christ
(Originally published March 13, 2017) This week we begin our study of the book of Ephesians with a hard gallop through the entire first chapter. Hopefully the truths in this precious chapter will be written large enough to read as we pass by. There are deep wells of doctrine and encouragement to be found here, … Continue reading To The Praise of His Glory
(Originally published March 3, 2017) We have come, at last, to the final chapter of the book of Joshua. What a journey it has been! We have walked alongside Joshua as he has followed the Lord in leading the people of Israel into their promised inheritance. There have been many battles along the way, most … Continue reading Covenant Renewal
(Originally published February 22, 2017) Joshua chapter 23 is Joshua’s “farewell address” to Israel. By some estimates there has been a twenty to twenty-three-year interval between the end of the previous chapter and this speech by Joshua. The conquest is long over and the people of Israel have settled into their new homes and lands. … Continue reading Joshua Exhorts the Israelites
(Originally published February 17, 2017) Chapter 22 of Joshua opens with an air of solemnity. The conquest is won, the allotment of lands is complete, and now the time is come for the warriors from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to return to their families and possessions on the East … Continue reading Going Home
(Originally published February 10, 2017) This week’s lesson explores Joshua chapter 21 and the allotment of the Levitical cities. Choosing cities for the Levites was the final allotment, and it involved cities and land that had already been apportioned to the various tribes. Before we consider the allotment, we must first go back to see … Continue reading Every Promise Fulfilled
(Originally published February 2, 2017) In last week’s study, we followed along as Joshua and the Israelites began dividing the promised land between the tribes of Israel. This week we will see them finish the process. As we re-join them in chapter 18, it seems that the seven remaining tribes have lost their momentum and … Continue reading Division of the Rest of the Land
