WORD up!

I excitedly got all my homework done – even reading the book of Revelation in one sitting on a Sunday afternoon.   I did my homiletics.   It wasn’t part of the homework, but I want to really, thoroughly study this book.   I’m even reviewing a commentary on Revelation!   So I’m prepped, and psyched to dive into the meat of this prophecy. Revelation is the unveiling of Christ.   Blessing is promised to the reader and the hearer of the words of this prophecy.   It is penned by the apostle John on the Island of Patmos in 95ish AD.   He was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day at the start of his vision.   The Lord’s day is believed to refer not to the Sabbath, but to the eschatological term referring to the end of the world and Judgment Day.   John saw a vision of the risen Christ and describes Him for us in all His glory.   Hallelujah! This vision is that “which thou hast seen” as referenced in Revelation 1:19.   The “things which...

It’s exciting to begin another Bible study with the intensity that Chuck Missler brings to the teaching.   I love that he constantly reminds his audience to pour over the Scriptures, themselves, rather than believing what he tells them.   In fact, I do the same in my own teaching ministry.   He did provide some instruction on how to research the Scriptures.   He mentioned different resources like commentaries and concordances, and if you don’t know how to use them, you can check with a pastor or Bible teacher. So, the book of Revelation (singular, not plural) is a treasure hunt.   It is in a code that touches virtually every other book of the Bible.   It’s the only book that promises a blessing to those who read it and those who hear the words of this prophecy. Dr. Missler gives an overview of the author and a mini-lesson on eschatology (they study of last things) to set the stage for what is to come.   He begins what promises to be an exhaus...

As a member of MaryLu’s Motley Crew, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to my Captain for sending me a copy of "The Ransom" in exchange for an honest review. I am truly grateful for the privilege of supporting a wonderful author who loves Christ and doesn’t shy away from presenting Him in her books!   Huzzah! “The Ransom” by MaryLu Tyndall is a luminous treasure!   Overflowing with rich plot twists, sparkling humor, exotic settings and brilliantly crafted characters, this crown jewel of a novel is the long-awaited fourth offering in the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series.   “The Ransom” reads beautifully as a stand-alone novel.   The other books in the series (The Redemption, The Reliance and The Restitution) are wonderful, and I highly recommend them as well. Miss Juliana Dutton is living a lie!   Following in her deceased mother’s footsteps, she has a heart for the less fortunate of Port Royal, Jamaica and frequently cares for their ...

The Promise of Pirouetting Livestock (Malachi 3:13-4:6) This week’s study asked the question:   How does Christ’s second coming influence my daily perspective? Do you resemble your Heavenly Father?   I don’t always look like Him.   Where are your struggles?   Are you bringing those struggles to Him?   Are you asking Him to reveal the root causes of those struggles so you can pray for His help when they surface?   I need to work on these things, too.   At least we have a starting point, now. This hasn’t been my favorite study.   I feel like I’ve read Scripture from everywhere BUT the book of Malachi.   Not that I think it’s bad to study multiple Scriptures when concentrating on a book, but I feel like I’ve only studied Malachi conceptually .   Still valuable, but I wanted to know Malachi better than I do. This week’s activity involved planning a reunion with your small group within the next month.   But I ask you to p...

God's Miraculous Return on Our Meager Investments (Malachi 3:6-12)   This week’s study asked the question:   How can I give God more of myself? I’ve had a few favorite teachers in my academic career.   I would like to have a living mentor for my spiritual walk.   Maybe one day God will bless me with one.   In the meantime, He is my Mentor.   If this is truly the case, should I want a flesh-and-blood guide?   I think not.   I’ll stick with Him!   In this capacity, I have to meet with Him often, giving Him more of myself.   The true benefit of this, though, is that I receive the reward of getting more of Him.   Isn’t it wonderful how He blesses? This week’s activity called for celebration while preparing your tithe in a private place.   I may have to remember to do this one more often.

First, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Denise Hunter and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Dancing with Fireflies" 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. “Dancing with Fireflies” by Denise Hunter is a thoughtful and touching romance that brings home the truth of God’s love and acceptance in spite of heart-wrenching circumstances.   Jade McKinley has just returned home to Chapel Springs from Chicago, needing the love and strength of family for the upcoming season of her life.   Daniel Dawson is getting ready to throw his hat into a larger political arena at the promptings of his parents, but he’s torn about remaining the Mayor of Chapel Springs where he feels he can really help the people.   It doesn’t hurt that staying at home would also keep him close to Jade, whom he’s been crazy about for as long as he can remember. ...

First, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Pam Hillman and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Claiming Mariah" 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. After the death of her father, Mariah Malone writes a letter seeking forgiveness for his past regrets.  What she doesn’t expect is for the sons of the letter’s recipient to show up on her porch claiming her land!  Even more farfetched is the idea that she could fall in love with Slade Donovan, the bitter man who wants to take her home. “Claiming Mariah” by Pam Hillman is an engaging historical western romance.  With a solid plot and likable characters, this book is an enjoyable weekend read.  There were a couple of moments where a character’s inner monologue seemed to come out of left field just to create more conflict, but overall this is a good book – romantic and suspenseful ...

When Divine Grace Masquerades as Discipline (Malachi 2:17-3:6)   This week’s study contained a wonderful story that conveyed the idea that God’s best gifts sometimes come in packaging that makes our hands bleed when we open them.   This is so true!   I’ve been here, myself.   Have you?   This week’s study asked the question:   Why do I resist God’s discipline since I know He disciplines those He loves?   I struggle regularly with the spirit of entitlement that seems to be running rampant in the world today.   I’m sure it’s not a new thing.   I’m just noticing it more often now.   Probably because it’s the shape of the plank in my own eye.   Have you ever noticed that the things we despise in others are part of our own character?   Anyway, this was the first time I ever really thought about it, but entitlement and insecurity really do go hand in hand.   The language lesson this week is on the Gre...