Amy Miller is a stay-at-home mom and homeschools her two children, 12-year-old Tony and 10-year-old Lexi. She is the coordinator for High Tower Home School Ministries, a thriving homeschool group based in Southern Oregon. Amy is co-owner of The Writer's Friend, a writing and editing firm that provides pre-publication services for individuals and small businesses. Amy is also a second-year Bible college student and hosts a weekly women's fellowship in her home. Amy enjoys cooking, crocheting, researching and studying Biblical and historical information, and reading expositional books by Christian authors. Amy desires to have a positive impact on the lives of others by supporting and encouraging other homeschooling moms, and living her passion for God and His Word.
|
A Traditional Labor Day Weekend in America
|
Mom and Dad go to bed for the night, knowing that the school bus will come all too early in the morning. But for now, they rejoice in knowing that the restless and bored children will finally be going back to school. And such is the end of a traditional Labor Day weekend in America.
|
|
Abigail Submits to Her King
|
Near the end of the book of First Samuel, a story immerges, a beautiful one of submission and deliverance. Abigail is a lesser-known hero in the Bible, a humble woman who was married to a wealthy scoundrel. She combined her wisdom with her wealth to appear before an approaching enemy to plead for the safety of her husband's household.
|
|
About the Bible Part 2
|
The Bible can be divided into seven distinct sections, with each section building on the truths and developments of the previous. While some theologians may have differing opinions as to the names of the divisions, they include book of psalms, books of prophecy, books of gospels, books of poetry, books of the law, books of the epistles and books of history.
|
|
About the Bible Part I
|
The Bible is made up of 66 individual books, written by 40 different writers, over a 1600 year period, all with one Author, God Himself. Each book has a distinct Messianic undercurrent, often in surprising locations.
|
|
Achieve Excellence in Your Christian Message
|
When it comes to a Christian message, there is no substitute for excellence. Excellence should involve every aspect of both design and content of church marketing materials.
|
|
Adjusting the Food Budget
|
the goal is to have a healthy perspective of saving money where money can be saved. This is part of being a good steward of the resources God provides, whether it is little or much.
|
|
An Introduction to Budgeting Tips
|
This series on Budget Cutting Tips is simply meant to be an opportunity for readers to survey the ground of their finances and determine if there is preparation that needs to be made in order to overcome the looming economic crisis. It also is meant to be a faith-building journey; a reminder that the God who caused Isaac to reap a hundredfold during a time of famine is the same God who can supernaturally supply for the needs of every believer today.
|
|
Angels According to Hebrews
|
The book of Hebrews has some of the most straightforward teachings on angels in the Bible. Every Christian should read and apply the correct perspectives when it comes to angelic beings to avoid holding them at a higher heavenly level than they should be.
|
|
Angels in the Gospels
|
Since the spiritual condition of humankind hinged on the life and ministry of Jesus, God took great care in announcing through an angel the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus' ministry.
|
|
Ascension from Bethany
|
The Ascension of Jesus not only closed the chapter of his ministry on earth, it also welcomed in the kingdom of God. The work that Jesus accomplished on the cross assures Christians today that the price for sin has been paid.
|
|
Avoid Impulsive Buying
|
For believers, it is just as important, if not more so, to manage one's finances with accountability and frugality. This is a Biblical principle of being good stewards.
|
|
Badminton for Youth Groups
|
Although it may have its challenges, badminton is a fun and energetic sport that will attract youth of all ages, as well as some adults. And organizing a tournament is easy. Much of the behind-the-scenes preparation for a badminton tournament is similar to that of a volleyball tournament.
|
|
Bathsheba Experiences God's Restoration
|
Though Bathsheba participated in adultery with King David, God restored her because of her humble and submissive heart. As a result, she saw her son Solomon established on the throne.
|
|
Becoming a Homeschool Parent
|
The foundation of a successful homeschool parent comes from a servant's heart and a passion to see their child thrive in Christ. If a parent can read, they can teach. The most successful homeschool parents are those who understand where they are going, and who they are in Christ.
|
|
Betrayal of a Friend -- Old Testament Prophecies of the Messiah
|
Jesus was fully aware of His purpose, to fulfill the whole of the Scriptures. This included subjecting Himself to the same pain that David experienced in betrayal. Isaiah spoke well when he stated in Isaiah 53:3 that the Messiah would be despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 Chronicles
|
Many readers who make it through the books of Samuel and Kings find the accounts in First Chronicles to be redundant. While it does duplicate much of the text, hidden truths are found in this book and it offers a unique perspective not found elsewhere. In short, the book of First Chronicles is God's perspective of Israel.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 Corinthians
|
Believers were expected to conduct themselves in a way that identified them with Jesus Christ, not with the pagan culture surrounding them. These things were important to the survival and growth of the Corinthian church, which Paul included in the letter.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 John
|
John, in several places throughout his letter, emphasized love as the confirmation of abiding in Him. The believers were not to love the world or anything in it, but instead were to love their Christian brothers and sisters.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 Kings
|
The events recorded in 1 Kings cover a span of about 120 years of Israel's history. The book is divided into two obvious sections: the unified kingdom under the reign of Solomon recorded in chapters 1-11, and the divided kingdom under the reign of many different kings recorded from chapter 12 to the end of the book.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 Peter
|
Christians are a chosen people who had been called out of darkness. As such, they were to follow the example of Christ in love, obedience and forgiveness.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 Samuel
|
The book of 1 Samuel recounts the ministry of the prophet Samuel during the rise and fall of Israel's first king. In an age when everyone did what was right in their own eyes, God raised up Samuel, a boy who became a powerful man and helped guide the wayward king, thus protecting the entire nation of Israel from utter spiritual ruin. First Samuel is a story of God's merciful provision for rebellious people who rejected Him as their true King.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 Thessalonians
|
Even with tremendous opposition and persecution, Christians in Thessalonica were able to stand strong in their faith, bringing joy and peace to Paul, their spiritual father.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 1 Timothy
|
According to 1 Timothy, personal integrity is a greater responsibility for those who desire to be a leader. And only those who have proven themselves faithful over time are to be selected for such a role.<
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 Chronicles
|
Like 1 Chronicles, this book is made up of two distinct sections. The first covers the reign of Solomon, and the second covers the rise and fall of the remaining kings of Judah. Altogether, 2 Chronicles reveals God's heart toward His people: though they were a rebellious nation who continually rejected Him as their King, He still continued to watch over them, and fulfill His plan of redemption through them.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 Corinthians
|
Paul was providing the Corinthian church an example of Godly restoration when it comes to church discipline. Just as he had reassured them of his love and concern after rebuking them for their behavior, they, too, were to show forgiveness and love so that a fallen brother could be restored back into fellowship with them.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 John
|
Home fellowships were a significant and intimate part of their daily Christian walk. John did not want any open door for the lies of the enemy to come in and deceive God's people.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 Kings
|
The book of Second Kings is like the tragic ending of a movie. The nation of Israel had deteriorated to the point of no return. What began as a promise to Abraham took shape as a unified nation that God rescued from the hands of Egypt with mighty signs and wonders. But it ended when divided and rebellious people were too prideful to seek the one true God who gave them every opportunity to repent.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 Peter
|
Peter's desire as an apostle and follower of Jesus Christ was to not only strengthen the faith of the believers, but to warn them of the sheep in wolves' clothing that were coming in to destroy the flock.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 Samuel
|
The book of 2 Samuel follows the life and reign of David. God used David to bring Israel back to Himself, and to set the standard for the reign of future kings. Many kings after David were judged by whether they had done what was right in the sight of the Lord according to their father David. But more importantly, 2 Samuel records the personal covenant God made with David for an everlasting kingdom.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 Thessalonians
|
Paul's heart was fixed on the spiritual growth of the Thessalonians, as well as their accuracy in Christian doctrine. So in a brief letter, he took the time to clarify that indeed the Lord's Day had not come yet, and that there were events, or signs, which had to occur before that day.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 2 Timothy
|
Timothy came from a long line of believers. His grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, were both Christians. They passed down their spiritual heritage to Timothy, who embraced the faith with incredible tenacity.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - 3 John
|
Unity among the believers was of utmost importance, and any uncharitable actions disrupted the harmony of the church. It was Gaius' responsibility as a church leader to continue to set the example in love, faithfulness and holiness.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Acts
|
On the Day of Pentecost came the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and it was His power that enabled the disciples to move the Gospel over such a large geographical area in such a short time. This amazing growth of the Church is recorded in the book of Acts.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Amos
|
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Colossians
|
The focus of Paull's letter was to bring the Colossians back to the foundational truth that Christ is the head, and everything and everyone else was to fall in line after Him. Christ was to be a part of every area of their lives, and His presence was to be evidenced by their obedience to His words.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Daniel
|
While well-known Bible stories about Daniel can bring excitement and wonder to young wide-eyed learners, and are illustrations of incredible faith and obedience under pressure, their importance is only secondary to the overall impact that the prophet Daniel had on the society that he lived in.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Deuteronomy
|
The Israelites are now standing at the threshold. The much longed for Promised Land that had been pledged to Abraham more than 400 years earlier, the land flowing with milk and honey, lay just a few miles away. The Israelites were camped in the land of the Moabites, overlooking Jericho and the plain of Jordan, on the eastern border of Canaan.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Ecclesiastes
|
all of the insights that Solomon provides in the book of Ecclesiastes are not so much what the meaning of life is, but rather what it is not. Through a series of deductions, one by one the things that seem important are labeled as nothing but vanity, or empty and fleeting. But in the end, the conclusion that Solomon comes to is simple: Fear God and keep His commandments.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Ephesians
|
Paul unfolds the great mystery of the church like no other letter. God's secret is revealed, that those who are united by the blood of Jesus Christ all make up the Body of Christ, one that expresses the fullness of Christ on earth.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Esther
|
The book of Esther tells the story of how a Jewish girl became a queen, and like a graphic novella describes intriguing people, luxurious places and delicate protocol, mixed with emotions and difficult decisions, all during a turbulent political setting.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Exodus
|
The book of Exodus may be one of the most important books of the Old Testament. In it are the providence and protection for the people of God, whose forefathers moved to Egypt to escape a famine 430 years earlier. Exodus begins where Genesis ends, unfolding one of the greatest stories of deliverance.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Ezekiel
|
The book of Ezekiel portrays a prophet's agony over the waywardness of a people who persistently rejected God as their King. Despite multiple opportunities to repent, Judah remained hard-hearted and ultimately faced devastating consequences. With blunt imagery, Ezekiel accurately describes the adultery of the people of Israel, and the depths of their ruin because of it.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Ezra
|
The book of Ezra records the events involving the return of the captives and reconstruction of the temple.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Galatians
|
Through a concise sequence of spiritual logic, combining both the Law and the teachings of Jesus, Paul brings the Galatians back around to the foundation of their Christian faith, that their salvation was based solely on their faith in Jesus Christ.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Genesis
|
The heartbeat of Genesis is the sinful state of man and his need for a Savior. God created man so that He could have intimate communion and fellowship with him. But the entrance of sin in the Garden of Eden broke that relationship between creation and the Creator. Although Adam and Eve had to pay a painful price, their excommunication from the garden came with a promise: one day Satan will be defeated, and the relationship between God and man will be restored.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Haggai
|
The people of Judah had become discouraged. But God spoke through the prophet Haggai the words that the people needed to hear, "<i>I am with you.</i>"
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Hebrews
|
As for the believers of Hebrews, they had received the salvation that the believers of old had been waiting for. For this reason, the author exhorted them to continue in their Christian faith despite the intense opposition, for to turn back to Judaism was unthinkable.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Hosea
|
Hosea ministered to the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. By outward appearances, Israel was doing well. But just below the surface, spiritual and political unrest and anarchy were brewing.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - Isaiah
|
The book of Isaiah was written during the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, all of whom successively ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. During this time politically, both Israel and Judah had reached incredible wealth and power. Unfortunately, they also had declined spiritually, giving in to division, idolatry and immorality.
|
|
Bible Study Guide - James
|
By putting into practice the things that James wrote in his letter, the believers scattered throughout Judea could experience unity and blessing, and set in motion a godly example for the generations to follow.
|
