Lessons 4 and 5 in Colossians were overflowing in their description of Jesus. Colossians 1:15-20 describes him in poetic form that gradually builds to a crescendo in verse 20. He is: The image-bearer of the invisible GodFirstborn of all creationCreator of ALL thingsBefore all thingsThe One who holds all things togetherHead of the body (the …
Living Prayerfully
Today we welcome Cheryl from our Sunday Morning class with her reflections on this week's study: By Cheryl Hansen Week 3 of the Colossians study “Living Jesus” begins with Paul’s prayer for the new believers and the church in Colossae. His prayer is a reminder of the qualities of God and how he has not ceased …
Sovereign Father
During this fall session, we will be hearing from various members of our Sunday or Tuesday morning classes about our study in Colossians. I hope our reflections on what we’ve learned about the character of God will be of value to all, whether you are taking the class or not. Our study of the book …
Equip Her Classes are Underway
Our Equip Her bible study classes began this week. What a blessing to be back together again in person on both Sunday and Tuesday mornings! Our study in Colossians began with this reminder of why we study scripture: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.9 “As the heavens are higher than …
Classes Start this Month!
It's September, and you know what that means! EquipHer Bible studies begin again. I can't wait to get started. This fall's class will be offered on both Sunday and Tuesday mornings. Join us for Living Jesus: Field Notes for Colossians. Field notes are observations made by someone engaged in a field of study. "All field …
And God Appointed a Squirrel
By Mary Wenzl I have the privilege of wrapping up this summer’s blog series on exploring the concepts of how our God restores, revives, and renews. The other bloggers this month have explored various ways one can define “renew.” For me, the word means two things: “resume (an activity) after an interruption,” and "replace (something …
Renewal Notice
By Katie Kafka A pink postcard arrived in the mail for me the other day with large, bold letters at the top exclaiming RENEWAL NOTICE. Thankful for the reminder, I realized it is that time again. There is no way I would have remembered on my own if this relevant postcard had not arrived. My …
The High Cost of Renewal
Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 At what point is a person past all hope of redemption? That question has been the center of a controversy I’ve been observing within my fiction-writing community these past few weeks. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that …
Renew with Strength and Courage
By Sheryl Murray "Be strong and courageous . . . only be strong and courageous."Joshua 1 As Joshua was getting ready to lead God’s people into the Promise Land, God tells him to be strong and courageous--four times in chapter one alone! The people of Israel were finally ready to enter the land that God …
A Word of Encouragement
For those of you who are struggling to revive what seems dead, or lost, or broken in your life, I hope this classic prayer will be an encouragement. We can do the impossible through Christ’s love. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where …
