Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Philippians 1:3-5....JOY


Scripture:
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now
(all Scripture quotations are from the NASB unless otherwise noted.)


Observations:

-Paul is thankful for the saints in Philippi, and filled with joy whenever he prays for them.

-he is joyful because of their "participation in the gospel" from the very first day he met with them and shared the Good News of Jesus life, death, and resurrection.
Picture
Application:
Joy.  Paul uses the word joy six times in Philippians, more times than in any other book.  It seems to be a theme.  Paul uses the word gospel nine times in Philippians.  Do you think there could be a connection?  I most certainly do.
Remember that Paul is in prison as he writes this letter.  It is not prison like we think of today.  He was basically under house arrest in quarters he rented in Rome.  He could not leave the house to preach the gospel, but was allowed to have visitors with whom he could freely share.  He was also chained to a member of the Roman guard and I can't help thinking "talk about a captive audience."  How many guards must have heard Paul share the gospel!
Paul was in prison awaiting the decision of whether he would be set free or sentenced to death.  And yet he had found joy. To read more click here

Monday, February 18, 2013

Study in Philippians

I am so excited to share that I have begun a new study on the book of Philippians on the new website.  I hope you will come and join me over there...

Philippians: By Way of Introduction  They may just be two small verses that introduce us to the author and recipients of this Epistle, but there is a lot packed into them if we take the time to consider.

Blessings!
Deb

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Announcing new Bible study

It;s the big reveal on my new blog today...

It is kind of a misty, drizzly day here in Texas this morning. We need all the moisture we can get so I am not complaining. It just does not make for a bright and cheery photo from the backyard. Except for the oleander in the foreground there is not a hint of green, of life. I know some of us are feeling much like that. We struggle with pain, both physical and emotional. We have hearts that are bruised, wounded one way or another. Maybe life looks bleak because we are out of work, or alone. Personally I am in the grip of grief over the loss of one who was very special to me. Tears are so near the surface and my mind is filled with memories of a precious friend and mentor. But I press on... Click here to read more...


Monday, February 11, 2013

Things are Changing

Hello dear blog friends.  Well, it has been quite awhile since I last wrote- technology is not always easy and it has taken me this long to finally gain access to my blog again to be able to write.  In the meantime I have been setting up a new website and blog.  It is still in the building process, but I think in the long run it will be the way to go- besides I have exceeded my free photo storage limit on blogger, who knew? Now it will costs me a monthly fee to keep posting photos, and that will only go up as I continue to share with you.  So the switch is on, and I hope you will join me over at Tuning My Heart (same name, just a slightly different URL)  I soon hope to have subscription options available there as well, but I cannot just press a button, I actually have to figure out codes and things, which is good for keeping the old brain active, right?

Today I am sharing my Laundry Room Re-Do that houses that wonderful laundry soap I made, which I still love by the way.

Blessings to all, and I hope to hear from you at the new place real soon,
Deb