Wahoo! So thrilled you’re joining us for week one of Overcomer. Watch the Facebook Live teaching by clicking here. (You’ll need to be sure you “like” my Facebook page to receive access and future notifications). Now let’s dive in to week 1:
We tend to have books we prefer to read—whether snuggling down with a great biography, savoring a collection of poetry, or enjoying a mind-bending mystery novel.
But have you ever considered that what you read affects how you read?
A stellar whodunit makes you flip the pages faster with every cliffhanger moment, while a rich, layered poem slows your pace, inviting you to reread and reflect with each passing line.
If you’re sitting down to light summer fiction, you might be carried away in the story—even choosing to read it in an afternoon or few days.
But if you’re about to crack open a 700-plus-page biography, you can expect the book to be neither short nor light. You’re committing to dive deep into a person’s life and topic, pay attention to crucial details, and learn with each passing page.
What you read affects how you read.
In the same way, understanding the different genres or writing styles of the Bible enables us to receive more out of the Scriptures every time we read them.
The Bible is literature.
When we know something about the background, purpose, and writing style, we can learn to appreciate God’s message more.
Books of the Bible that may have appeared hard to read or disconnected from our modern world come alive with vibrancy.
Along the way, we begin to lay ahold of depth and delight in God’s Living Word—not just as ancient writings, but as a book that’s more relevant, alive, and active in our daily lives than we ever imagined.
As we dive into Overcomer: 4-weeks in the Book of Philippians during our summer Bible study that kicked off Saturday, June 17, we need to remember this is a letter.
We don’t have any indication that when Paul penned his words that he ever thought it was going to be published…
let alone become holy Scripture.
That’s a gift if we’ll lean in.
Because it gives us this beautiful insight between the writer and the reader.
As we explore Philippians we’re going to see that relationship, the tenderness, the affection Paul has for these people again and again. And that tenderness will draw us closer to Christ and each other as we learn to be overcomers.
It’s not too late to join us…
In Overcomer: 4 Weeks in the Book of Philippians, you’ll find the entire Book of Philippians divided into 20 readings. This provides 5 days of homework—or what I prefer to call playwork—per week.
You’ll read a handful of verses. Use the Color Method to focus and find texture and hue within the text. You’ll enjoy a short devotional to read. Then 7 discussion questions designed for individual or group discussion and reflection.
You can order your copy of Overcomer here.
I’ll be sharing for four weeks in a row—for 10-20 minutes—on Saturdays at NOON Eastern.
June 17—Noon Eastern, Facebook LIVE | CLICK HERE TO WATCH RECORDING
June 24—Noon Eastern, Facebook LIVE
July 1—Noon Eastern, Facebook LIVE
July 8—Noon Eastern, Facebook LIVE
Your homework this week:
- Watch the Facebook live teaching, here.
- Complete playwork from Day 1-5 of Overcomer including devotional, discussion questions, and coloring the Scripture for rich insights.
- Invite someone to join you in the Overcomer study.
- Enjoy a scoop of ice cream, sorbet, or frozen fruit and celebrate summer with someone.
Together, let’s find joy and delight in God’s Word as we learn to know the Overcomer and become overcomers.
Much love,
Margaret
how long will the facebook live events be available to watch if we can not watch during the actual event?
Great question Renee- We have no plans to take them down at this time. They will remain on my page.
Margaret,
You are a treasure to all of us! I watched the FB live recording on Sunday. It encouraged me that what I do as a breast cancer nurse navigator matters.
Would it be possible to post the video on YouTube? My Bible study group is doing the study and I can play a YouTube video on my TV.
Hugs,
Janie Metsker
Janie- Thank you for your kind words. You are welcome to e-mail in at hello@margaretfeinberg.com for help to play the video to your group. I apologize we do not have the youtube option at this time. You can replay the video through the link above in the blog.
I’ve order the study, missed the Facebook live event and when I click on the link to view – it’s not available to me. Please explain how I receive access.
Kathy- thank you for writing in. You may want to like my facebook page at facebook.com/margaretfeinberg this will help you go straight to the video which is pinned at the top of this page.
So blessed by you and thankful for your sweet energetic spirit as you teach. I have seen you at the Women of Joy conference in Branson Mo., many times and am excited to do this Bible study! Thanks for your transparency in your spiritual journey, as it is so encouraging and genuine!!
Danette- Thank you for the kind words. I am excited for you to join us!
Margaret, you’re adorable! My friends and I did your Organic God bible study a few years back and really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the Overcomer Bible study. Thank you for being you.
God bless, Beth Zeto
Fantastic, Beth! Looking forward to the rest of the study!
Good morning Margaret. I love your energy as I listen to you. I have seen you at Extraordinary Women Conference a couple times and have really enjoyed hearing you. You are such an inspiration. I am really looking forward to this study. Philippians is also one of my favorites. Can’t wait to get another perspective.
Margaret,
We started our small group last night and you need to know smiles, laughter, and joy filled every crevice of the room watching your FB video. You are as natural as it gets…more live video of you in the future please!!! How about a weekly stream in general?Good. Glad you said yes. We also shared some amazing stories about overcomers. One I’d like to mention is a young man, 18 years old, from my hometown who was just killed tragically in a car accident two weeks after graduation. The thing is, every time I saw and interacted with him, he was the most upbeat, joyful, kind, outgoing, friendly kid. After his death I found out he was bullied in school for years and had a rough time which made no sense to me because of his demeanor. His mom hung his college application essay on a board at the wake. In it, this amazing young man shared his journey of being bullied and how one day he made a conscious choice to spend the rest of his days making sure no one else around him experienced the same pain. He committed to bringing smiles, joy, and laughter to those around him no matter what. And boy did he ever. It seemed like the entire school showed up to pay their respects. The love was palpable, the grief haunting. I’ll never understand why God called him home at such a young age, but his legacy of love and “overcoming” will live on forever in my heart and in thousands of others.