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Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, winter 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded, there are floods in India, earthquake and tsunami in Samoa. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 3 of the book of Phi...

The Poetical Books Some of the most powerfully life-changing Scripture I have encountered is found in these books.   There is a Psalm for every situation you could ever need to pray about.   The wisdom found in the book of Proverbs is timeless.   Song of Songs is a beautiful depiction of love. I actually missed the class at church for this lesson, but I found the video online and played it on my television.   That is one thing I love about technology: you can find almost anything on YouTube!   This was an incredible lesson. From the teaching on Job, I learned that I want to be like Elihu.   He was an intercessor and an encourager and a truth-teller, unlike Job’s “friends” who judged him.   I also learned that Satan has a dangerous arsenal of tools at his disposal to trip us up, but he can’t do anything without God’s permission.   That is such a comfort!   Also, did you know the book of Job talks about dinosaurs?   Check out ...

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is: Tracy L. Higley and the book: So Shines the Night Thomas Nelson (March 12, 2013) ***Special thanks to Tracy L. Higley for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and Isle of Shadows. Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancie...

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, winter 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded, there are floods in India, earthquake and tsunami in Samoa. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 2 of the book of Phi...

The Monarchy More fascinating information that will change how I see and study Scripture from now on was presented this evening.   I used to think that the monarchy of Israel was God’s response to the people’s desire to have a king rule over them.   Not anymore.   What I learned tonight was that God always intended to install the monarchy…with David!   Israel was impatient, though, so the Lord gave them Saul.   WOW!!! Did you ever wonder why David picked up five stones when he went to face Goliath?   According to Dr. Missler, Goliath had four other family members that David might have needed to face.   Cool, but I’m still checking this claim out.   Check it out for yourself:   2 Sam 21:18-21. We are the temple of God.   Human architecture (heart, soul, mind, strength) corresponds with the architecture of the temple.   This is an incredible study that is not to be missed.   We also touch on the leadership of Solomon...

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Regina Jennings and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Love in the Balance" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.   “Love in the Balance” by Regina Jennings is an emotionally charged romance.   Molly Lovelace is crazy about Bailey Garner.   Unfortunately, Bailey is not a rich man and Molly’s parents are influencing her to marry for money.   I wonder how many young women found themselves in a similar predicament as Molly – historically and in modern times. Molly is railroaded into the arms of another man , but this relationship doesn’t work out exactly as she planned.   And now life for Molly and her parents and Bailey will never be the same.   This book casts a bright light on the ugliness of judgment and the beauty of grace and mercy. Regina Jennings is a...

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, winter 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded, there are floods in India, earthquake and tsunami in Samoa. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 1 of the book of Phi...

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Mary Connealy and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Swept Away" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me. Mary Connealy’s latest novel, “Swept Away”, is the fabulous beginning of her brand new Trouble in Texas series of novels.   Luke Stone is on his way home to Broken Wheel, Texas to claim the ranch that was stolen from his murdered father.   On the way, he stumbles across Ruthy MacNeil, who was swept away from her “family” by a flood.   Now it seems that Luke is about to be swept away by Ruthy.   You can see the future books in the series being developed within the storyline that Mary Connealy has beautifully crafted.  I cannot wait to read Dare's story! I love that this book has ties to the Kincaid Brides series!   It makes me want to read those novels...

In the Land This week’s study was a rather eclectic mix of war, leadership and love.   I never really thought about the vested interest that Joshua had in that first Passover 40 years previous.   He was the eldest son of Nun.   I guess that means there was blood on the door of their home.   Joshua fought the battle of Jericho and Ai and Beth-Horon.   This book is for soldiers.   And isn’t that what we are? One of the most fascinating discussion subjects concerned Jonathan Swift and his work “Gulliver’s Travels” where he detailed the size, revolutions and orbits of the two moons of Mars 151 years before they were even discovered by astronomers!   That can only be the work of the Holy Spirit!!! The parallels between the books of Joshua and Ephesians were fascinating.   Both books are about entering and possessing an inheritance!   There are also parallels identified between Joshua and Revelation.   First the names Joshua and J...

About Tracy : Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and Isle of Shadows. Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures. See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com Interview with Tracy Higley : 1. You have gone on so many amazing travels. What was one of your favorite things about visiting Ephesus? I think it was the sense of being somewhere “where Paul walked.” Sitting in the theater, looking down over the Harbor Street where he was likely kept prisoner at times, I had this amazing moment of “I can’t believe I’m here” – the kind of moment that gives you chills and makes you feel connected to something larger than yourself. 2. What's one thing you learned about Ephesus and its importance to Christia...

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of James, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 5 of the book of James. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be s...

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to MaryLu Tyndall and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Forsaken Dreams" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.   MaryLu Tyndall’s latest adventure casts a group of Confederates onto the high seas in search of a place to call home where the South can rise again after the Civil War.   Eliza Crawford, a war widow and nurse, signed on to the ship bound for Brazil for a fresh start.   Because she is the widow of a Union Officer, her Southern family wants nothing to do with her but this Rebel doesn’t belong among the Yankees, either.   She’s just hoping she can keep her secret.   Colonel Blake Wallace is accused of fighting for the North.   But this Confederate officer bears the scars created by Yankee guns and swords.   He hates everything having to do with the No...

The Birth of the Nation Hour 5 reminds me of my first year in BSF where we studied The Life of Moses.   And, as I am different today than I was when I last studied these books, I have learned a few more tidbits.   One of which is the Levitical symbolism of the burning bush:   the bush is an acacia thorn bush that is burning but isn’t consumed.   Thorns represent sin, the fire represents judgment and the translation of the visual is as follows:   God judges sin but doesn’t consume the repentant sinner. Probably the most breath-stealing truth I learned this week was about Egypt.   As a “type” of the World, Egypt was rich in material wealth and power.   It was ruled by a despotic prince, a “type” of Satan.   Egypt was steeped in fleshly wisdom and false religion.   It was organized on force, ambition and pleasure.   Egypt’s people persecuted the people of God.   Egypt was overthrown by divine judgment.   Let this soak in...

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of James, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 4 of the book of James. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be s...