From the DSN Newswire Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy Height - the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans.  Ever since she was denied entrance to college because the incoming class had already met its quota of two African American women, Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality. She led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement - witnessing every march and milestone along the way. And even in the final weeks of her life – a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest – Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Dr. Height – and all those whose lives she touched.

BY BIBLELESSONCONNECTION.COM Inspiring Bible Characters Paul and Silas In this week’s study of inspiring bible characters, we look at Paul and Silas. As you probably already know, Paul was a champion in the ministry of Jesus Christ. He and Silas are trying to do the work of the Lord and they find themselves in a bad predicament because they have sought to do something that is good. In their story, we see how the Lord is able to sustain us during the difficulty we experience in life. Read this weeks entire lesson at BibleLessonConnection.com Paul and Silas on a Mission Acts 16: 9-12 Paul is convinced through a vision that the Macedonians need help. Paul, feeling as though the Lord had called him to preach to them, leaves for Macedonia immediately. Paul has a vision that the Macedonians need help. Instead of money, food, water, supplies or protection from an enemy, Paul assumes that the help they need is to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Life Lesson: Sometimes, the best help you can offer to someone in need is to give them the Word of God. The Word of God will nourish a person for a lifetime. Paul and Silas meet Lydia Acts 16: 13-15 Lydia was worshipping God. Her heart ...

By BibleLessonConnection.com In our study of inspiring bible characters, we examine The Wife of Noble Character. Because of the difficult state of many marriages today, it is necessary that we say something that might inspire both husband and wife. While this particular passage of scripture we will study focuses on the role of the wife, we shall also look briefly at instructions the Bible offers for the husband. Click here for Flash version or here for PDF of this week's lesson. The Wife of Noble Character •Proverbs 31: 10-12 –The Bible is telling us that it is difficult to find a wife of noble character and that if found, she is worth far more than rubies. –Her husband has full confidence in her. He knows she has dedicated herself to him and no other man. He believes in her and he lacks nothing of value because she makes sure he is taken care of. – She brings him good, not harm. The noble wife is good for her husband. She is of help to him and he benefits from her presence in his life. She is respected and praised… •Proverbs 31: 28-31 –Her children and husband respect and praise her because of her character and work ethic. –She fears the ...

By BibleLessonConnection.com Click here to read the entire lesson Philip was one of seven men chosen by the (Jewish People) to handle certain leadership duties while the twelve disciples focused on spreading the Gospel (Acts 6: 3-4). Philip and his counterparts were full of the Spirit and had great wisdom (Acts 6: 5). In this lesson of inspiring bible characters, we will see how one man can have a great impact on the lives of others. Hopefully, through Philip, we will see how we, too, can do something powerful in the name of God. Philip spreads the Gospel •Acts 8: 4-8 –The Bible says that Philip proclaimed Christ. Philip’s dedication to Christ and His Word is an example for us to follow. Do you proclaim Christ to others? What are some ways that you can personally spread the news of Jesus Christ to those you come in contact with? –Philip ministered to the needs of the people and they were healed. We all know people who are hurting and in need. We have frequent opportunities to assist those who need our help. You can be a listening ear to someone who is dealing with a life crisis, give Godly advice to a loved one, or pray for ...

BY BIBLELESSONCONNECTION.COM As we continue our study of inspiring bible characters, we meet King Solomon. Solomon, the son of King David, is known throughout the Word of God for his wisdom. In fact, the Lord asked him what he wanted most and Solomon requested that he be given a discerning heart to govern and distinguish between right and wrong (I Kings 3: 9). Solomon, in effect, was asking God for wisdom. To read this entire lesson, click here. The Bible tells us that Solomon is the author of the Book of Proverbs. Because the Book of Ecclesiastes follows a theme of wisdom and insight, King Solomon is widely believed to be the author of this Book of the Bible as well. Let us be inspired by the words of Solomon. A Time for Everything Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 –  Solomon acknowledges that life goes through various phases. There will be a time in our life for everything. He seems to be saying that we should not be surprised when we encounter different “times” in our lives. It is to be expected that our lives will have different “seasons”. –What season is it in your life? You can be sure that whatever the season is, good or bad, that another ...

I'd like to welcome BibleLessonConnection.com, Dallas South Community Supporter who will sponsor a weekly Bible Study session here on the blog. Founder and editor Carl Carey talked with me about the site, how it started, and how the Dallas South Family can get the most out of the bible lessons that will be featured here. Listen to the interview with Carl Carey below. [audio:Carl Carey Interview.mp3] BY BIBLECONNECTION.COM Seeking a Breakthrough… Welcome to our new bible series entitled, Inspiring Bible Characters. Our goal for the next eight weeks is to gain inspiration from several men and women who we meet in scripture. To set up this series of lessons, I want us to first examine our own lives. While we have much to be thankful for, most of us are still grappling with things that cause us unrest. For our first lesson, I want to study what it means to arrive at a place of being at peace about whatever has been distressing you. Overcoming that personal distress is commonly referred to as having a breakthrough. I truly hope that as you identify the changes you want to make in your life that you will then be inspired by our bible characters; and ultimately have a ...