tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74291771266632669512012-01-13T17:01:44.907-08:00Join me in my journey of faith as I study God's Wordotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.comBlogger571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-76041492388656317622012-01-13T17:01:00.001-08:002012-01-13T17:01:44.921-08:00

21ST ANNUAL WRITER’S WEEKEND AT THE BEACH . . . a gathering of writers, photojournalists and poets March 2 - 4, 2012 Ocean Park, Washington Registration ______$199.00 (Full registration before February 17, 2012) • Includes entire workshop • Two-nights in the main lodge • All meals, including Friday evening snack, three meals Saturday, and Sunday Brunch) • A $50.00 non-refundable

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-91378377910152331062011-10-04T11:46:00.000-07:002011-10-04T11:46:08.825-07:00

I wonder... would life's interruptions count as opposition? I honestly don't believe my connection with God has been interrupted - I've been learning some things during this break from posting. In the interest of consistency, I'll pick up where we left off reading through Philippians with parenting in mind. Philippians 3:3-6 Paul defines the opposition as those who put confidence in outward

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-58678452252735206112011-09-20T08:44:00.000-07:002011-09-20T08:44:39.093-07:00

Philippians 3:1-2 Paul summarizes what he wrote in chapter two, saying finally, rejoice. In chapter four he says it again, rejoice. As we work to serve God in His purposes and build connections with fellow believers, we will have joy. Paul says he doesn't mind writing them the same things again. His encouragement, teaching, reminders, and admonitions serve as protection against false teaching

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-86387552628040439742011-09-19T09:09:00.000-07:002011-09-19T09:09:01.995-07:00

Philippians 2:25-30 Paul encourages and builds quite a network of believers through his correspondence. He wants to send Timothy to Philippi and he wants to see his friends himself. Paul says he will send Epaphroditus to the Philippians because they heard and were concerned about his welfare. We can support this same fellowship and sense of camaraderie among parents in our community. As I

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-19395476461686854042011-09-15T10:12:00.000-07:002011-09-15T10:12:55.906-07:00

Philippians 2:19-24 This passage reminds me of verse four, chapter one in which Paul thanks God whenever he remembers his fellow workers. He hopes to send one of his close friends to Philippi. He values Timothy's concern for others. Paul mentions again the human tendency for selfish behavior, with people looking out only for their own interests. Timothy's life is an example of the servant's

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-33590297827989697292011-09-14T08:53:00.000-07:002011-09-14T08:53:37.334-07:00

Philippians 2:14-18 If we are aware of God's purposes in our lives, we will be able to do that which He calls us to do--joyfully. Our lives will shine as we give God's Word--the truth--to those around us, in word or deed. Our faith in God's plan and His work enables us to sacrifice and serve with a willing heart. These are important concepts for our children. People often complain and argue,

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-40443625560510078152011-09-12T10:10:00.000-07:002011-09-12T10:10:38.656-07:00

Philippians 2:12-13 One thing I appreciate about Philippians is its simplicity. Paul repeats the same concepts again and again. In these first two chapters he writes about obedience and God's purposes. As we read through Philippians and discussed our situation, we kept coming back to these same themes. We realized God wanted us to be about His business, working to accomplish His purposes. To

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-67431005300372924692011-09-10T09:48:00.000-07:002011-09-10T09:48:23.740-07:00

Philippians 2:5-11 Jesus is our best example of a servant's attitude. He willingly set Himself aside in complete obedience to God. When I read this, Hebrews 5:8 comes to mind. Jesus "learned obedience from what He suffered." Our goal is to serve God by serving others, regardless of the cost to us or how those around us behave. Even while "eating dirt" we learn we are where God wants us, doing

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-91487364166265720482011-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:002011-09-09T10:59:36.196-07:00

Philippians 2:3-4 Parenting is not about us, it is a sacrificial endeavor. Parents spend much time and do many things in their childrens' interests rather than their own. The attitude Paul describes leads to an environment of cooperation, not competition. Each person looks after the interests of the others with the goal of assisting the growth of all, rather than one person seeking to become

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-91683676794379413112011-09-08T11:21:00.000-07:002011-09-08T11:21:01.030-07:00

Philippians 2:1-2 At the time we started reading this part of Paul's letter, we were also working with the children concerning their attitudes. We talked with them about treating one another as Jesus would. Paul reminds us of all we receive from Christ. We have encouragement, someone standing alongside to help, someone who gives us the strength and courage to love those around us. As we walk

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-19244198448530969472011-09-06T12:43:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:43:34.674-07:00

Philippians 1:27-30 Paul goes over the same concepts again and again, in much the same way we tell our children things many times. Perhaps, having experienced what it is like to remind somone of something numerous times, we will be more willing to listen to God's repeated words to us. We will face opposition of various kinds in our areas of influence and ministry. Our children or their friends

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-52449975245405119122011-09-04T14:46:00.000-07:002011-09-04T14:47:18.714-07:00

Philippians 1:22-26 Your children may have learned songs in church or at summer camp about heaven and salvation. What a wonderful opportunity to talk with them about our hope. As we meet with others, we can encourage one another with the knowledge that we serve exactly where God has placed us. I hope you discover the joy of being in the place God has for you, knowing He has placed your children

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-58949238423821523232011-09-02T15:09:00.000-07:002011-09-02T15:09:15.822-07:00

Philippians 1:19-21 Paul realized the power of prayer in various situations. He experienced firsthand the promise of Jesus and he can see the possibilities available through God. Even if he is not set free physiclly, his faith allows him to be free from the fear and frustration of imprisonment. He prays that God will be exalted in his life. To exalt means to honor, to praise, and to glorify.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-71666601158449610452011-09-01T10:07:00.000-07:002011-09-01T10:07:47.822-07:00

Philippians 1:15-18 During our morning meetings, we continued to discuss the concept of "eating dirt," specifically in relation to our children or their friends offending us. Certainly some children--regardless of their background--will always seek to stir up trouble. Whether at school, children's church classes, or youth groups, not every child will participate with a proper attitude and right

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-13368353056784267682011-08-31T09:32:00.000-07:002011-08-31T09:32:06.038-07:00

Philippians 1:12-14 At this point in our reading, one of the other group members who worked with middle school age children came in talking about "eating dirt." When others offend us, it speaks loudly of our testimony if we silently swallow our pride and react only with love. We truly are "in chains" for Christ. Paul refers to himself as a bond servant (Romans 1:1), a slave who has been freed

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-5684382561643827502011-08-30T14:40:00.000-07:002011-08-30T14:40:36.372-07:00

Philippians 1:9-11 We prayed often at the beginning of our devotional study that God would guide us to accomplish His purposes. As my days and concerns get caught up in many things I want to ask for His best, what God wants in the current situation. Paul says if our love abounds in knowledge and insight, we will know what is best. This is agape love, a giving love that overflows based on who

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-16020123449697037622011-08-24T11:02:00.000-07:002011-08-24T11:02:57.681-07:00

Philippians 1:7-8 Paul's partnership with the Philippians begins with his love and care for them. He reminds them of his affection and says that it is right for him to have confidence that God will work in their lives since he has these believers in his heart. We hold our children in our hearts; we are concerned about them and their needs--spiritual, academic, social, and emotional. We share

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-34860423869579690882011-08-23T15:58:00.000-07:002011-08-23T15:58:59.667-07:00

Philippians 1:3-6 As parents we partner together to bring the gospel--God's good news of unconditional love--to our children. We have confidence that what we start God will be faithful to complete. We entrust our children to His care. We work together, seeking to accomplish His purposes. You may be in a situation in which you feel you cannot talk about God. There may not be others in your

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-3057121531137702972011-08-21T13:13:00.000-07:002011-08-21T13:13:57.100-07:00

Philippians 1:1-3 That first Tuesday morning when I started this devotional study with friends and co-workers who were also fellow parents, I could look around the table and honestly say with Paul, "I thank my God every time I remember you." As parents, we support each other in many ways. We pray for each other during our devotional times. We encourage one another, sharing parenting ideas and

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-29546881824687111502011-08-19T16:26:00.000-07:002011-08-20T14:28:45.561-07:00

In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to feel isolated. Yet we all long for community. Once we accept Christ’s love and sacrifice for us and decide to follow Him, He calls us to serve Him by serving one another within the context of community. The first place we practice living out our faith is at home, with our families. Over the next month or so, I'll be posting devotional thoughts for

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-83133402723407082272009-10-22T14:59:00.000-07:002009-10-22T15:09:17.257-07:00

God is pounding a message into my life - and I need to sit still and hear. We've been hearing about Nehemiah the last two weeks. When I sit down on Monday to write the curriculum for the mid-week kids' program, I think about it again. Nehemiah built a wall - and it was a positive thing. While he waited to be able to return to Jerusalm, he prayed. He prayed for God to open doors and bring

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-63558585609396716382009-09-29T08:24:00.000-07:002009-09-29T08:34:20.680-07:00

Yesterday my son called with questions about what his friends were saying. He asked what he should do if one friend was asking another friend their opinion of him. It started to sound almost as if they were gossiping - saying things behind his back and others' backs about people - although in a Christian setting. The Bible has an answer for that, too. John reminds us to walk in the light and not

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-27912783278626737862009-09-16T12:30:00.001-07:002009-09-16T12:32:48.805-07:00

I've read the same thing in 2 or more places - that usually means I'd better take notice and listen. The gist of it is to seek what God wants us to do, rather than doing what we want and asking Him to bless it. That means more trusting, less fretting and scrambling. Sounds like a good plan, if I could just "get out of the way" (M. L'Engle) and do it.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-84529594163962491312009-09-15T15:31:00.000-07:002009-09-15T15:35:22.572-07:00

It's amazing to me how God answers the smallest of thoughts. We read just last Sunday in a Psalm that David called on God and God answered him. Why does it surprise us to receive answers? Last week I prayed that God would give family members wisdom. That day I read James 3:17, after reading James 1:2-6 a few days earlier. It says right there that the "wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-48803509814651484522009-09-06T12:00:00.001-07:002009-09-06T12:01:32.129-07:00

The last couple of weeks after I do "my part" I've been trying to put things on "God's desk." It's really taking pressure off! It still feels like there are numerous piles on my desk, though - some of the work I just have to do, I guess.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-85380804913546431622009-09-01T14:38:00.000-07:002009-09-15T15:31:28.114-07:00

It seems to me God does much more waiting on us than we do on Him. I passed a reader board yesterday at a local church with this message, "We need to talk. (signed) God." At the end of a hectic 3 or 4 days, I had to agree with the sign. Those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-76357522621170749222008-07-14T14:09:00.000-07:002008-07-14T14:14:22.061-07:00

Sometimes when our faith isn't growing in great leaps, we just walk step by step through each day, asking God to guide our steps. That will have to be enough, until we slow down, stop, and make Him a priority. As we heard from Haggai yesterday in church, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"I read an encouragement to make God a

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-44320010701100296432008-07-11T15:55:00.001-07:002008-07-11T15:57:54.766-07:00

I love the creative process and being able to write and develop curriculum at home, but I also enjoy Bible study. Lately it seems that curriculum writing is the way I "earn a living," and Bible study/writing is on the side. I'd like to find a way to balance the two better, so I can make more time for "Christian" writing. Is anyone else trying to balance Bible study with writing in the secular

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-36568341331600419142008-07-10T12:41:00.000-07:002008-07-10T13:26:11.824-07:00

Today I looked up the verse about becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The next verse or two, now that's the clincher.Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-7186951445029916192008-07-09T16:04:00.000-07:002008-07-09T16:06:36.010-07:00

I'm reminded today as I look over this blog that sometimes our journey of faith is like a blog. We may not see or feel there is any action, yet we are learning and growing and reading in our relationship with God, even if nothing shows. Our modern-day pace of life is too hectic -- we often don't have time for contemplation, we just read, pray, attend a church service, but rarely assimilate our

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-78255402191705258082008-06-19T11:01:00.000-07:002008-06-19T11:03:31.812-07:00

We're talking quite a bit about serving in our small groups, wondering what it will look like and how to get others on board to join in service. In the meantime, I decided to read Philippians again. (I wouldn't want it to lose the life it has!) I'm waiting (?) for the writing muse to strike, I guess, to actually write a Malachi study now that most of the research is done. Maybe I just need a

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-36436714126361651932008-06-05T12:27:00.000-07:002008-06-05T12:29:52.733-07:00

I spent a fair amount of time last year in Philippians, and determined one of Paul's major themes was service. With our church's emphasis on service this summer, I'd like to keep Philippians current in my thinking. Right now I'm working on a study in Malachi. Last night I noticed it seems to have a theme of "how not to serve." I'll have to give that some more thought, and see if that concept is

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-10630829680669433392008-06-04T10:52:00.000-07:002008-06-04T10:59:46.238-07:00

We talked about service yesterday at our women's ministry lunch. We agree "service," or ministry, or reaching out to others, is a good thing, something that should be part of our Christian life. As I considered how to get others on board with this idea of service, I took a quick look to see what Jesus said about it."Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-51398994328464301782008-06-03T10:16:00.000-07:002008-06-03T10:21:30.278-07:00

Over the weekend I read The Shack. It presents a different perspective of God, but I felt it brings God to life. I found myself thinking, I want to read parts of this book again, I don't want to forget some of these ideas. I can see why the book is controversial, but as I read, often it reminded me of specific places in Scripture, enough so that I feel that it lines up with the Bible, for the

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-89902529379598610372008-05-15T09:41:00.000-07:002008-05-15T09:47:40.650-07:00

The question came up in Bible study the other day why a loving God would allow people to go to hell. We talked about how He loves us so much He gives us freedom of choice. I like to think of it as I would give my children a choice--to make the wrong choice--because I love them and I want the best for them, and part of that "best" is allowing them to grow and become their own person. The other way

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-66108070623451028862008-05-09T09:54:00.000-07:002008-05-09T09:59:43.548-07:00

A little tidbit came up in our discussion on 1 Cor. 14 last week -- in the midst of a discussion on gifts, and serving others in love, we also talked about focusing on God with the goal/result of meaningful worship. At the time I was also working at home putting together a study on Malachi, and the same concept came up in both places: God desires our heart and soul to be in our worship. We talked

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-76495325078104921572008-04-29T15:20:00.000-07:002008-04-29T15:23:30.848-07:00

When we can't do anything else, as we and people we care about, go through difficult times, we can pray!! When we can't do anything else, and we really want to do something to "fix" asituation, God gives us the gift, allows us, to pray. And that makes all the difference--between how Christians go through trials and how the world faces hard times.Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-65280009318087329312008-04-21T19:16:00.000-07:002008-04-21T19:18:14.823-07:00

Well, God has closed one door and I'm watching to see what windows He will open next. All I know is that I will keep writing--curriculum, Bible study, whatever He places on my desk. And I'll have to keep trusting Him to provide. I'm reminded of the wilderness wanderings... what God most wanted was for the Israelites to trust Him to provide for their every need.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-4395946908821154112008-04-11T10:41:00.000-07:002008-04-11T10:42:54.105-07:00

I think God has His hands full keeping all of us in different churches balanced between prayer and Bible study and everything else! We easily get distracted and off track and focused on worldly things. So... have I found a time to put more of His focus in my life the next few days? Not yet, but I'll to give it some thought!

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-8519253894568341132008-04-03T14:56:00.001-07:002008-04-03T15:00:05.602-07:00

This doesn't relate to Bible study, specifically, but a blog is a good place to note a word of praise. I enjoy what I'm doing so much -- writing, reading, helping and sending resources to those in education and writing as I find come across things in my own research, hearing how God is working in the lives of others -- it's all good! I'm also very thankful for how God provides and takes care of

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-59802062444696539342008-04-01T12:04:00.000-07:002008-04-01T12:05:27.554-07:00

I'm currently reading parts of Jesus' sermon as recorded in Luke. My next link will be to research and find examples of how Jesus lived out His preaching -- a challenge, I think. Any thoughts?

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-26667869684812674642008-03-25T15:34:00.001-07:002008-03-25T15:44:59.380-07:00

In these days following Easter I'm reading The Scribe by Francine Rivers, about Silas and others in the early church. During hard times they clung to their knowledge and memory of seeing Jesus Christ risen. Yet Jesus says "... blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Our faith in His resurrection gives us hope and strength regardless of current circumstances.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-62368602446509251472008-03-21T12:35:00.001-07:002008-03-21T13:04:17.480-07:00

Between Good Friday and Easter I am always reminded of Robert Benson's thoughts in his book, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True. He says that celebrations of Easter have much more meaning when one has come close to death. I think this is true, especially in the spiritual sense. Once we realize our death, separation from God, because we "were dead in transgressions and sins" (Ephesians 2:1),

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-27603162391752404542008-03-19T11:21:00.001-07:002008-03-19T11:23:04.438-07:00

I'm finding that in Bible study, as in so many things, a bit of focus is necessary for learning to take place. So, I've decided to set Amos aside for now and focus on Luke. I'll be able to go more indepth with the study, rather than skimming the surface. Ultimately, I think that's what God wants, for us to interact with His Word on a deeper level.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-64668020623510078672008-03-17T18:25:00.000-07:002008-03-17T18:26:58.062-07:00

"Holy Week" seems to get more an more unholy each year, as we become more pressed for time, more focused on the immediacy of life around us, and less willing to take time apart not only to read and study God's Word, but to truly reflect on it. I find myself far more likely to do the "reading for the day" than to take time to really interact with it and reflect on it.

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-90254126382586096822008-03-16T16:34:00.000-07:002008-03-16T16:38:59.943-07:00

It is now the week before Easter, and liturgical churches will celebrate "Holy Week." When I taught in a Christian school, we also observed this week by reading, learning, and interacting with the events leading up to the crucifixion and Resurrection. However, as a "writer" and attender of a church that does not very closely follow the church year, I find this week will be quiet until we get to

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-67951240632411604452008-03-16T16:30:00.000-07:002008-03-16T16:34:08.320-07:00

Today Matt picked up where he left off talking about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He noted that Mary and Martha were disappointed in how their "Good Shepherd" chose to handle the death of their brother Lazarus. I remember reading in the fictional account of Amos how shepherds discipline their sheep--sometimes by harming them to keep them from straying--with a view of the "big picture." It looks

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-85928652837133745862008-03-13T12:29:00.001-07:002008-03-13T12:37:08.881-07:00

Our pastor has been going through the book of John and I'm enjoying it very much. Today I found that Tom Fuller, pastor of Calvary Chapel Newberg, has also been studying the book of John. I'm looking forward to reading his notes alongside of the messages I hear each week at our church. At the same time, I'm continuing my reading of Luke, focusing on what Jesus was like: For those God foreknew He

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-55678995123780284892008-03-10T09:56:00.000-07:002008-03-10T09:59:52.507-07:00

Some of you have signed on as a contributor, which means I have sent you an invitation to join, you have responded, and been added as an "author," someone who can write your own posts rather than just commenting to my posts. To make a post, use the back arrow on your Internet browser to return to your "dashboard" and you should see your signin screen, which has the name of the blog and below, on

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-14303859394002939332008-03-10T09:52:00.000-07:002008-03-10T09:56:08.270-07:00

Yesterday Matt talked about John 10 and Jesus as the Good Shepherd. When I read the fictional account of Amos the author included a lot of background information on the life of a shepherd. As I read it, I could see the parallels to Jesus as our Shepherd. Then what we heard yesterday added to it and filled it in some more. One thing that stands out is that we often think of a shepherd following

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-50101406594452693282008-03-07T14:56:00.001-08:002008-03-07T14:57:28.007-08:00

I haven't forgotten Amos. I'm typing his words in as I get time, so that I can print out an expanded copy on which to write study notes. All in good time, when I get "caught up" (if there is such a thing) on the blog book.I wondered if Amos savored the weekend as much as we all do. :-)

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-69678090407428216382008-03-07T14:50:00.000-08:002008-03-07T14:56:18.891-08:00

However, as I tried to decipher the prayer books last night, I determined I truly am logical-sequential, and I would prefer to do my Bible reading in a logical fashion. In the prayer book(s) I would have to turn to Day xx in this part, and the corresponding day in the next part, and for the readings I might read a Psalm and/or a selection from the gospels. All well and good, but it leaves out a

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-1325293843504108412008-03-06T16:15:00.000-08:002008-03-06T16:18:42.374-08:00

Below, a poem I wrote one year for this season.LentGlance for a momentset it asidebits of truthyou dare to hidebeneath a calloused heartLook inside your calloused heartConsider your lifethe mercy and sacrificewhat will you give upto face the truthyou tear apart?tc

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-8568254944972023362008-03-06T16:10:00.000-08:002008-03-06T16:15:49.599-08:00

Today time got away from me and I didn't get to read or study this morning. Breakfast, walk, a few phone calls, prepare for students, teach, and the day was off to a running start. I may yet get to it this afternoon, as things have slowed down. What do you do on those days when time gets away without reading God's Word?As I walked back and forth doing things this morning, I could see the book I

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-70337195464120303872008-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:002008-03-05T19:43:09.086-08:00

Apparently, the way to add people as "authors," which means you can create your own posts, in addition to commenting on posts I make, is for me to type in addresses individually. I read through some blogger help sites, and didn't find any other solutions, at least in this platform. So as you log on to the blog and begin to post, I'll add your name to the authors list. Blogger will generate an "

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-27856846949727693892008-03-05T19:00:00.000-08:002008-03-05T19:01:16.485-08:00

I see now that my very next task will be figuring out how to make it so all of you fine people who participate with me in this project will be able to post your own thoughts, start new theads, besides just those I start. Then we can truly be a community. :-)

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7429177126663266951.post-28771006730990801812008-03-05T15:07:00.000-08:002008-03-05T15:12:12.397-08:00

Monday I finished reading The Prophet, by Francine Rivers, a Biblical novel about the life of Amos. What struck me the most in this ficitonal account was how he prophesied against Israel's neighbors first, then Judah, then Israel. They didn't see that they were as guilty as the other nations until he spelled it out for them. In the story, he also saw his own sin as he spoke judgment against

otterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461402813818806795noreply@blogger.com6