Mt 11:6--And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
John the Baptist was faithful in all that God had asked him to do. He ushered in the power ministry of Jesus. However, John wound up in prison for honoring God and His Word and eventually lost his life. He was in an unGodly and unrighteous situation and was obviously upset that Jesus didn't set things straight. In the natural, Jesus couldn't even set His own life straight. The same unGodly rulers took His life also. But, Jesus remained focused ONLY on the business that His Father had for Him to do. He realized that, as he trusted His Father, every situation would work together the very way that His Father planned it. That included His torture and His death which provided deliverance for the world.
Jesus sent a message to John that we all need to find a way to be at peace with. Blessed and happy are those who are not offended in Him. Bad things happen to good people and some bad things last longer than others. Just like the cross, is there some purpose that God has in mind for us to go through the ugly that we are forced to live with? If we look at the cross of Jesus Christ we have to say, 'Yes'. Jesus said that if we didn't take up our cross instead of trying to avoid it, we could not be His disciples. The term disciples indicates someone who learns.
Under your cross today, there is something you need to learn, not something you should be offended by. Millions of people have received deliverance because of the unrighteous cross that Jesus suffered on and was not offended by. How many can we reach in the same manner?
Endure with grace today, Beloved.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Believe, Receive, Have
Mark 11:24--Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
This was Jesus' lifestyle and this is what He taught. Let's break it down into the original Greek.
Believe--pisteuo-to think to be true, to be persuaded of
Receive--lambano-to take with the hand, lay hold of
Have--esomai-"I will be." This Greek word is the future first person plural of 'to be.'
What Jesus is literally saying here is, When you pray, be persuaded that I will give you the things you are asking for, take ownership of them in your heart and that's where I will be.
How deep is that promise? In verse 23, He declared to His disciples that even if they were to command a mountain to be cast into the sea, it would happen. Does that sound far-fetched? Let's see.
Like a lot of other folks, I get paid twice a month. Today is July 22, 2012. I am scheduled to get paid on the last day of this month. Technically, that's nine days away. We believe that the company we work for is truthful and even though we do not physically have the money in our hands, we have laid hold of that event in our hearts, souls and minds. We go a step further. We have already planned and settled into our hearts what we will do with those funds when the 31st gets here. And, you do the same thing. We lay hold of something on the inside and we are convinced of something before it manifests. The more often it happens, the stronger our faith in the fact.
Jesus says that answered prayer is the same way. You become persuaded that it is yours, you lay hold of the future fact-------then did you notice what He said?
He said, when you are persuaded of and lay hold of the promise----THAT IS WHERE I WILL BE. Jesus, Himself takes charge of the outcome.
As this promise takes hold of us, let us rise like a mighty army and TAKE BACK our families, our communities and a lost world. Let us take back our finances and the future of our children. Let us take back our well bodies and the health of anyone we pray for.
Be persuaded, lay hold and know where Jesus is. He said He would be right in the middle of our answer.
That's good stuff. Pass it on.
This was Jesus' lifestyle and this is what He taught. Let's break it down into the original Greek.
Believe--pisteuo-to think to be true, to be persuaded of
Receive--lambano-to take with the hand, lay hold of
Have--esomai-"I will be." This Greek word is the future first person plural of 'to be.'
What Jesus is literally saying here is, When you pray, be persuaded that I will give you the things you are asking for, take ownership of them in your heart and that's where I will be.
How deep is that promise? In verse 23, He declared to His disciples that even if they were to command a mountain to be cast into the sea, it would happen. Does that sound far-fetched? Let's see.
Like a lot of other folks, I get paid twice a month. Today is July 22, 2012. I am scheduled to get paid on the last day of this month. Technically, that's nine days away. We believe that the company we work for is truthful and even though we do not physically have the money in our hands, we have laid hold of that event in our hearts, souls and minds. We go a step further. We have already planned and settled into our hearts what we will do with those funds when the 31st gets here. And, you do the same thing. We lay hold of something on the inside and we are convinced of something before it manifests. The more often it happens, the stronger our faith in the fact.
Jesus says that answered prayer is the same way. You become persuaded that it is yours, you lay hold of the future fact-------then did you notice what He said?
He said, when you are persuaded of and lay hold of the promise----THAT IS WHERE I WILL BE. Jesus, Himself takes charge of the outcome.
As this promise takes hold of us, let us rise like a mighty army and TAKE BACK our families, our communities and a lost world. Let us take back our finances and the future of our children. Let us take back our well bodies and the health of anyone we pray for.
Be persuaded, lay hold and know where Jesus is. He said He would be right in the middle of our answer.
That's good stuff. Pass it on.
Friday, July 20, 2012
What Was The Key To Jesus' Miracles?
I guess you could say that we're still talking about Phil 2:1 and Heb 12:2. If you would take a good look at the Author and Finisher of our faith, you would see that He spent a good deal of His time talking about the goodness of His Father and the extreme value of His Father's Word. He never praised the devil, He never complained of His circumstances and He always knew the right thing to do. The only thing that angered and/or exasperated Jesus was when people refused to believe His Father's Word and when they taught other's to do the same by their actions.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, if you desire to fellowship with the Spirit, then you should talk about the things He wants to talk about. You already do this in your daily life. If you really, really want someone to take up some time with you, you begin a conversation about something they have a passion for. Everybody has 'hot' buttons. For some it would be football, for some it may be cooking, for some it could be fishing, but everyone has a 'hot' button. Me? If you want to bring a smile to my face and desire a spirited conversation, ask me something about the books I write. I love my characters, I love the Godly meaning that is instilled in the stories and I love the outcome of the book I am writing now. Just ask me one question and a thirty minute conversation comes blurting out of my heart. BECAUSE IT'S MY PASSION.
Read about God's passion in Dt. 6. He says something that He promises will make us live a long time and give us a mighty increase. His passion is to bless man in every way possible. As you read through the chapter He says things like, "give thee great and goodly cities," " houses full of good things," and "when thou shalt have eaten and be full." That sounds like someone who is excited about blessing you, doesn't it?
What does God say will bring these things. One is to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and strength. The other it to talk about His Word and not your circumstances. This is why Jesus was able to overcome oppressive forces, work miracles and bless so many lives. His Father's passion became His. He talked about His Father's passion when He prayed. He talked about His Father's passion when He talked to the disciples. He talked about His Father's passion to the crowds. And, He showed His Father's passion when He healed and delivered the multitudes.
Sharing God's passion with Him in fellowship increases the love bond between you. As you continue to fellowship with Him and His Word, the love bond becomes a part of Your lifestyle. That love bond begins to come out in your home life for your children to see. That love bond comes alive where you work, you shop and you worship. Through fellowship with Him, His love begins to manifest through you in healings both physical and emotional.
It is so vital that we learn how to fellowship with Him correctly. This world desperately needs to be taught about the real Jesus in a real way. That comes through constant correct fellowship with Him.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, if you desire to fellowship with the Spirit, then you should talk about the things He wants to talk about. You already do this in your daily life. If you really, really want someone to take up some time with you, you begin a conversation about something they have a passion for. Everybody has 'hot' buttons. For some it would be football, for some it may be cooking, for some it could be fishing, but everyone has a 'hot' button. Me? If you want to bring a smile to my face and desire a spirited conversation, ask me something about the books I write. I love my characters, I love the Godly meaning that is instilled in the stories and I love the outcome of the book I am writing now. Just ask me one question and a thirty minute conversation comes blurting out of my heart. BECAUSE IT'S MY PASSION.
Read about God's passion in Dt. 6. He says something that He promises will make us live a long time and give us a mighty increase. His passion is to bless man in every way possible. As you read through the chapter He says things like, "give thee great and goodly cities," " houses full of good things," and "when thou shalt have eaten and be full." That sounds like someone who is excited about blessing you, doesn't it?
What does God say will bring these things. One is to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and strength. The other it to talk about His Word and not your circumstances. This is why Jesus was able to overcome oppressive forces, work miracles and bless so many lives. His Father's passion became His. He talked about His Father's passion when He prayed. He talked about His Father's passion when He talked to the disciples. He talked about His Father's passion to the crowds. And, He showed His Father's passion when He healed and delivered the multitudes.
Sharing God's passion with Him in fellowship increases the love bond between you. As you continue to fellowship with Him and His Word, the love bond becomes a part of Your lifestyle. That love bond begins to come out in your home life for your children to see. That love bond comes alive where you work, you shop and you worship. Through fellowship with Him, His love begins to manifest through you in healings both physical and emotional.
It is so vital that we learn how to fellowship with Him correctly. This world desperately needs to be taught about the real Jesus in a real way. That comes through constant correct fellowship with Him.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Jesus Talk
I'm still on the subject of fellowship with the Spirit from Phil 2:1.
What we talk about constantly is an indicator of what we have been thinking about. So before you go opening your big mouth again....well let me say it like this. When someone ELSE shoots off their mouth, NOW you'll know EXACTLY what they have been thinking about. Notice what people say when they are put under a little bit of pressure. Uh-huh. You'll know where the phrase 'Open mouth insert foot' comes from. The mouth is just the overflow of your thought life. Change your thought life and you change your mouth and actions.
Heb. 12:2, let's look at Jesus. He talked some kind of talk, but He also walked some kind of walk. That's because 'the words of His mouth and the meditations of His heart' were acceptable to God. Jesus gave satan His life plan when satan tempted Him in the wilderness. The Henry version of what Jesus told him is this, "I am going to live by every Word that comes out of my Father's mouth, unlike what you did you loser."
It is evident satan chose to meditate on and act in disobedience to God's Word. Look what it got him. Don't you know that Jesus' words were a dig into satan's soul. And very well they should have.
Long story short, when Jesus had fellowship with the Father, He always brought up the death, burial and resurrection. On the mount of transfiguration, He talked to Moses and Elijah about his resurrection. Very early in His ministry, He began to teach the disciples about His death, His burial and His resurrection. What did Jesus wind up with? He was crucified, just like His Father said. He died and He was buried just like His Father said. He rose from the dead just like His father said. There's a message there somewhere.
Psalm 19:14--David must have had a clue to fellowship with the Father when he wrote, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." When David QUIT thinking in line with God's Word and STARTED meditating on things he shouldn't have---POOF--there was Bathsheba.
'Nuff said. But, saints, we have NOT been vigilant enough in meditating and walking in the Word. That is what we have in common with the Holy Spirit. Fellowship with Him in accordance to God's Word strengthens our relationship with Him and one another. It also straightens our path.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I Paid For That With My Hard Earned Money
That's generally the statement that will come out of our mouths when one of our children breaks a window or dents the car. We'll be the first to tell them in no uncertain terms that they have broken something that they did not have to pay for. And, true enough, children often learn a big lesson about responsibility when they have to work to buy their own possessions.
When we fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and begin whining about what we don't have and what we desperately need, Jesus has every right to step in and say, "I bought that with my very own blood." If you'll pause and think about His Word, He has declared that every need is met according to His riches in glory. Remember a few blogs ago when I made mention that to fellowship with the Spirit, you had to have something in common to talk about? That should be one of the first and foremost of the 'talking points.'
Whatever you need has already been bought by His blood. The blood from the crown of thorns, the lashes that ripped his back apart, the nails that held him to the cross and that flowed out of his side. You will have to admit, dying on a cross was not the easiest thing in the world to do.
Before you begin bringing your petitions to the Lord, spend some time meditating on the price He has already paid for your needs. As the thought of His shed blood becomes a reality in your heart, you'll approach the throne of grace with more boldness knowing that your need has already been bought and paid for.
Think about it.
When we fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and begin whining about what we don't have and what we desperately need, Jesus has every right to step in and say, "I bought that with my very own blood." If you'll pause and think about His Word, He has declared that every need is met according to His riches in glory. Remember a few blogs ago when I made mention that to fellowship with the Spirit, you had to have something in common to talk about? That should be one of the first and foremost of the 'talking points.'
Whatever you need has already been bought by His blood. The blood from the crown of thorns, the lashes that ripped his back apart, the nails that held him to the cross and that flowed out of his side. You will have to admit, dying on a cross was not the easiest thing in the world to do.
Before you begin bringing your petitions to the Lord, spend some time meditating on the price He has already paid for your needs. As the thought of His shed blood becomes a reality in your heart, you'll approach the throne of grace with more boldness knowing that your need has already been bought and paid for.
Think about it.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
You Would Want To Marry Somebody Like That
We're still on the subject of 'Fellowship of the Spirit.' Today, let's take a look at Phil 2:1 and break it down phrase by phrase.
If there be any consolation in Christ
The Greek word for consolation actually means:
A calling near, encouragement, that which affords comfort or refreshment.
Wouldn't you want your lover to be one who is always wanting to be near you and was constantly encouraging you? What if every time you were around your lover every care went away and your strength and joy were renewed? You'd want to marry somebody like that.
If any comfort of love
The Greek word for comfort actually means:
Persuasive address
Does that sound strange? How many of you have had a lover that you changed your habits for simply because they asked you to? The love that had DEVELOPED between the two of you caused you to do that. Chances are, you married someone like that.
We're discussing 'Fellowship of the Spirit.'
If any bowels and mercies
The Greek words for bowels and mercies mean that His whole heart is filled with kindness, benevolence, compassion, tender mercies and affections.
Again, you would jump at the chance to marry someone like that.
That's who Jesus is. The reason you don't know Him like this is because you haven't stopped long enough to fellowship with Him. You spend two or three minutes, or even an hour pouring out your heart to Him. But, you have never given Him a chance to speak to you. He doesn't come down with a big booming voice, or write you a message on your living room wall. Just like any lover, He desires to spend some quality time with you and you alone. His desire is to show by experience how much He loves you and not by words only.
Fellowship of the Spirit. Paul knew the advantages of living in His love. He had to to be able to go through what God's will brought him to.
Spend some time with the One who is your Lover as well as your Lord. You'll find that He's one you would want to spend the rest of your life with.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Fellowship of The Spirit--Love Who You Are Talking To
When you think of fellowship, you think of talking, you think of laughing, you think of exchanging ideas, you think of interaction, and you think of coming away from a time of fellowship feeling great.
You never think of talking to a washing machine, overheated car, telephone poll or your tomato bush as fellowship. Why? Because they don't and can't interact with you. When somebody just sits there and listens to you, you don't call that fellowship.
Meaningful and enjoyable fellowship is a two-way conversation. Do you rush to have fellowship with someone you do not enjoy talking to? No. When you and your spouse were just dating, did you go through your day with a pep in your step as you anticipated a meaningful and enjoyable time of fellowship later on that day? Of course you did.
Paul is saying in Phil 2:1 that he found some enjoyable and relaxing time in conversing with the Holy Spirit. Am I saying that we should be sitting around listening for some mystical voice? Of course not. You see, God has already started the conversation thousands of years ago. He has told us that He loves us. He has already said that He would meet our needs. He has already said that He would be with us.
Back when you were dating, and the conversation lagged, invariably one would say, "I love you" and the other would answer, "I love you, too." Since He has already told us of His love, why not get to your quiet place and start a time of fellowship with Him by relaxing and saying, "I love you, too." Say it enough that you start enjoying His presence and the rest of the conversation will take care of itself.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Fellowship of The Spirit-What Are You Talking About?
Phil 2:1 mentions the phrase 'fellowship of the Spirit.' That began to roll around inside of my spirit as I was working today. When I came home and looked it up, I found several blogs worth of stuff. So, right now, let me just deal with one aspect--communication.
Fellowship between two people involves conversation, among other things. But, if we tried to converse with someone of a different nation, we would come to exasperation pretty quickly. Neither of us would understand what the other was trying to say. Therefore the fellowship would be short and unproductive.
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit is the same. The Holy Spirit knows only ONE language, and that language is identified in the Word of God. When we start thinking or talking in ways that are contrary to God's Word, the Holy Spirit is unable to fellowship with us.
Here's a surefire way of proving the point. Sit still and start thinking about all of the things that have hurt you, irritated you or drove you to distraction this week. After a few minutes, do you sense His presence? Obviously not.
Now take a few minutes and meditate on how much He loves you, what He has done for you on the cross and how much He means to you. It won't take too long before you know that you have His attention and that the two of you are sharing a conversation.
A relationship between two humans builds during pleasant conversation. The same with God. The more you talk His language, the more your relationship with Him will deepen. The more time you take to spend with Him in fellowship and worship, the stronger your faith in Him will grow. It all starts by speaking his language.
Fellowship between two people involves conversation, among other things. But, if we tried to converse with someone of a different nation, we would come to exasperation pretty quickly. Neither of us would understand what the other was trying to say. Therefore the fellowship would be short and unproductive.
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit is the same. The Holy Spirit knows only ONE language, and that language is identified in the Word of God. When we start thinking or talking in ways that are contrary to God's Word, the Holy Spirit is unable to fellowship with us.
Here's a surefire way of proving the point. Sit still and start thinking about all of the things that have hurt you, irritated you or drove you to distraction this week. After a few minutes, do you sense His presence? Obviously not.
Now take a few minutes and meditate on how much He loves you, what He has done for you on the cross and how much He means to you. It won't take too long before you know that you have His attention and that the two of you are sharing a conversation.
A relationship between two humans builds during pleasant conversation. The same with God. The more you talk His language, the more your relationship with Him will deepen. The more time you take to spend with Him in fellowship and worship, the stronger your faith in Him will grow. It all starts by speaking his language.
Fuel Your Faith More Than You Fuel Your Doubts
Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join in all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
I hope this is one of your favorites as it is mine. The title to today's blog has been going through my heart all week. You will have to agree that we are 'prisoners' of our thoughts. Our thoughts govern the course of our actions just like the steering wheel on a car. Too often, wrong thoughts lead to serious and hurtful accidents.
When we dwell on the past hurts, mistakes, jealousies, and anger we are actually trying to steer our lives while driving in reverse. We are constantly looking at our past, mulling over who did what, when and how. It's no wonder we wind up going nowhere or getting to our desired destination so slowly. Instead of thinking about where we are going, our minds 'eyes' are locked on things that happen 40 years ago, if you're that old---or maybe just 5 or 10.
Do you realize that the words to this great hymn are enjoyed by unbelievers and ungodly just as much as they are by the 'saints.' Maybe even more so. Take, for example this hot summer weather. Saint and sinner alike can be heard to say, "I can't wait until the fall brings cooler weather." And, in the winter, we say, "I can't wait for warmer weather." They are actually praising and believing God in THINKING about His great faithfulness.
What are we as Christians, real "Bible believers" doing? Are we fueling our faith more than we are fueling our doubts. Bad stuff happens alright but God said in Jer. 29:11 that He is planning on doing something good. When we dwell on our past, we are fueling our doubts and are not looking 'forward' to anything else but continued failure.
Hot weather doesn't stay and cold weather doesn't last forever. I have already got plans for what I want to do in my flower garden when October and November get here to have a prettier spring. You probably do, too. God promised us that we did not have to build a home in the valley of the shadow of death. He said He would be with us as we go THROUGH it.
Think about how much time you spend looking backwards. Turn your faith car around and fuel you faith more than you fuel your doubts.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join in all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
I hope this is one of your favorites as it is mine. The title to today's blog has been going through my heart all week. You will have to agree that we are 'prisoners' of our thoughts. Our thoughts govern the course of our actions just like the steering wheel on a car. Too often, wrong thoughts lead to serious and hurtful accidents.
When we dwell on the past hurts, mistakes, jealousies, and anger we are actually trying to steer our lives while driving in reverse. We are constantly looking at our past, mulling over who did what, when and how. It's no wonder we wind up going nowhere or getting to our desired destination so slowly. Instead of thinking about where we are going, our minds 'eyes' are locked on things that happen 40 years ago, if you're that old---or maybe just 5 or 10.
Do you realize that the words to this great hymn are enjoyed by unbelievers and ungodly just as much as they are by the 'saints.' Maybe even more so. Take, for example this hot summer weather. Saint and sinner alike can be heard to say, "I can't wait until the fall brings cooler weather." And, in the winter, we say, "I can't wait for warmer weather." They are actually praising and believing God in THINKING about His great faithfulness.
What are we as Christians, real "Bible believers" doing? Are we fueling our faith more than we are fueling our doubts. Bad stuff happens alright but God said in Jer. 29:11 that He is planning on doing something good. When we dwell on our past, we are fueling our doubts and are not looking 'forward' to anything else but continued failure.
Hot weather doesn't stay and cold weather doesn't last forever. I have already got plans for what I want to do in my flower garden when October and November get here to have a prettier spring. You probably do, too. God promised us that we did not have to build a home in the valley of the shadow of death. He said He would be with us as we go THROUGH it.
Think about how much time you spend looking backwards. Turn your faith car around and fuel you faith more than you fuel your doubts.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
That Is Totally Uncalled For
I know that everyone has had things that have happened to them that we could classify as TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR. Friends have wronged us. Relatives have wronged us. Life itself by it's very sinful nature is going to wrong us time and time again.
I've been in one of those funks for several months. You've probably been there, yourself. As hard as I try, either present 'uncalled fors' or a myriad of past 'uncalled fors' come buzzing around to tear my mind up. For all of you grammar buffs I know that I just wrote a no-no twice. But, folks when doo-doo is thrown on you, you step in it and can't shake it off and you have to smell it while others around you smell good, you could care less about correct grammar. Can I get a witness?
During my worship time this morning, I was listening to Jeremy Camp sing 'Overcome.' I began to think about the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us. The rejection, the envy, the hatred, His arrest, the crown of thorns, the lashes, and the cross were totally uncalled for. Or were they?
Yes, they were called for. My sins called for His blood to be shed. He didn't deserve to die, I did. He did the hard part. He took all the disrespect and pain that the world could ever inflict for one reason, to free a sinful world of everything that was totally uncalled for.
The answer is in the Word of God repeated several times in that song. "We shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony." You know, He did the hard part and left us the easy part to do. We can ALL overcome by the word of our testimony. Let His Word and not our worry be on our lips. Let His Word change whatever is wrong in our lives today. It really is the easiest part.
I've been in one of those funks for several months. You've probably been there, yourself. As hard as I try, either present 'uncalled fors' or a myriad of past 'uncalled fors' come buzzing around to tear my mind up. For all of you grammar buffs I know that I just wrote a no-no twice. But, folks when doo-doo is thrown on you, you step in it and can't shake it off and you have to smell it while others around you smell good, you could care less about correct grammar. Can I get a witness?
During my worship time this morning, I was listening to Jeremy Camp sing 'Overcome.' I began to think about the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us. The rejection, the envy, the hatred, His arrest, the crown of thorns, the lashes, and the cross were totally uncalled for. Or were they?
Yes, they were called for. My sins called for His blood to be shed. He didn't deserve to die, I did. He did the hard part. He took all the disrespect and pain that the world could ever inflict for one reason, to free a sinful world of everything that was totally uncalled for.
The answer is in the Word of God repeated several times in that song. "We shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony." You know, He did the hard part and left us the easy part to do. We can ALL overcome by the word of our testimony. Let His Word and not our worry be on our lips. Let His Word change whatever is wrong in our lives today. It really is the easiest part.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Jesus, Be More Real To Me Than What I'm Going Through
Jesus, be more real to me than my problems.
Jesus, be more real to me than my doubts and fears.
Help me to find more to praise You about than to complain about.
Help me to be more concerned about lost souls than what someone else has done to me.
Help me to learn the lessons You are teaching me.
Help me not to teach others what anger and doubt are all about.
Jesus, help me sing Your praises more than I feel sorry for myself.
Help me to give people more of Your love and less of my mind.
Let folks see more of Your beauty and less of my ugly.
Be glorified in all I do. In Jesus name, Amen
Jesus, be more real to me than my doubts and fears.
Help me to find more to praise You about than to complain about.
Help me to be more concerned about lost souls than what someone else has done to me.
Help me to learn the lessons You are teaching me.
Help me not to teach others what anger and doubt are all about.
Jesus, help me sing Your praises more than I feel sorry for myself.
Help me to give people more of Your love and less of my mind.
Let folks see more of Your beauty and less of my ugly.
Be glorified in all I do. In Jesus name, Amen
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Don't Balk at Your Lessons. Learn to Finish Them
Gal 4:1--Now I say [that] the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,
2--but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.
It is true that out of all Jacob's sons, Joseph was unfairly persecuted by his brothers. Other than being a typical, overzealous younger brother and his father's favorite, there was nothing that he did to deserve the junk he had to endure for years. But, as we look to what Joseph was called by God to do, we realize that what he went through was just a training ground for him. God had a purpose for everything Joseph went through. He was under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the Father.
Think of it like this. None of the other brothers had to go through what he did. I dare say that no one in Egypt had to go through it either. HOWEVER, because Joseph remained faithful to God in ungodly circumstances, none of his brothers got the great blessing that he got, neither were they allowed to share in Joseph's prestige. They got to stay in a land that God had prepared for them alright. BUT, they didn't share in his position in the country or his continuous wealth. Joseph got the girl, the power, the castle AND he got to see his father until Jacob died.
Everybody forsook Jesus and left Him to suffer and die alone. Yes, this was prophesied. But, as Jesus remained an obedient Son under ungodly tutors and governors as well as to His Father, He received a resurrection no one else could share.
Think about it for a minute. When it seems like no one else shares the burdens you are under, no one else will share the glory of His blessings on you, either.
What about the time? Paul, who also suffered greatly, declared from experience that the Father's time was an appointment. You know, like your doctor's appointment at 10:30. It is our Father's appointed time that he has set aside just to bless you like He's not going to bless anyone else around you? Why not? Because, nobody else has had to go through what you are going through right now.
Live in His Grace, my friend.
2--but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.
It is true that out of all Jacob's sons, Joseph was unfairly persecuted by his brothers. Other than being a typical, overzealous younger brother and his father's favorite, there was nothing that he did to deserve the junk he had to endure for years. But, as we look to what Joseph was called by God to do, we realize that what he went through was just a training ground for him. God had a purpose for everything Joseph went through. He was under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the Father.
Think of it like this. None of the other brothers had to go through what he did. I dare say that no one in Egypt had to go through it either. HOWEVER, because Joseph remained faithful to God in ungodly circumstances, none of his brothers got the great blessing that he got, neither were they allowed to share in Joseph's prestige. They got to stay in a land that God had prepared for them alright. BUT, they didn't share in his position in the country or his continuous wealth. Joseph got the girl, the power, the castle AND he got to see his father until Jacob died.
Everybody forsook Jesus and left Him to suffer and die alone. Yes, this was prophesied. But, as Jesus remained an obedient Son under ungodly tutors and governors as well as to His Father, He received a resurrection no one else could share.
Think about it for a minute. When it seems like no one else shares the burdens you are under, no one else will share the glory of His blessings on you, either.
What about the time? Paul, who also suffered greatly, declared from experience that the Father's time was an appointment. You know, like your doctor's appointment at 10:30. It is our Father's appointed time that he has set aside just to bless you like He's not going to bless anyone else around you? Why not? Because, nobody else has had to go through what you are going through right now.
Live in His Grace, my friend.
Friday, June 29, 2012
You're Not Here to Feel Sorry for Yourself
One of the other cornerstone scriptures of my life is Phil 3:12b.NKJV
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He "lays hold" of us. He calls us to His work. As we begin our walk, He brings us along a path that is designed to 'perfect' or mature our 'calling.' More often than not, this path could be akin to 'boot camp' for a soldier, which in essence we are.
Ah, boot camp, I remember it well. I will tell on myself to illustrate my point. Those of you who have never been to boot camp in any branch of the service will think I am nuts. Just ask someone who has been and they could probably confirm what I was thinking. In the Air Force, the basic training was for six weeks. The sergeant was yelling, regulations for everything and pandemonium was the rule of the day. It was all so mind-boggling that I was in my third week of training when it dawned on me, "Hey, I only have three more weeks of this harassment and then this confusion will be over." I instantly relaxed and just endured with the happy thought of being finished in a short while.
The situations that Jesus leads us through are often that way. Our mind gets boggled with the frustration of it all. We tend to zone out that He is the 'finisher' of our faith and that this problem WILL end.
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jericho. His mind was on the pain and suffering that He knew awaited Him. However, He was not so preoccupied with His anguish that He couldn't hear the blind man calling after Him as He passed by. Jesus took time to bless, minister and bring joy to another life. He was not passing through Jericho to feel sorry for Himself. He was on a divine appointment to do what God had 'laid hold of Him for.'
There are divine appointments for us today, also. Let's not get distracted by our 'boot camp' that we miss an opportunity with our loved ones or those we 'pass by' to be the blessing that God has 'laid hold of us' for.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He "lays hold" of us. He calls us to His work. As we begin our walk, He brings us along a path that is designed to 'perfect' or mature our 'calling.' More often than not, this path could be akin to 'boot camp' for a soldier, which in essence we are.
Ah, boot camp, I remember it well. I will tell on myself to illustrate my point. Those of you who have never been to boot camp in any branch of the service will think I am nuts. Just ask someone who has been and they could probably confirm what I was thinking. In the Air Force, the basic training was for six weeks. The sergeant was yelling, regulations for everything and pandemonium was the rule of the day. It was all so mind-boggling that I was in my third week of training when it dawned on me, "Hey, I only have three more weeks of this harassment and then this confusion will be over." I instantly relaxed and just endured with the happy thought of being finished in a short while.
The situations that Jesus leads us through are often that way. Our mind gets boggled with the frustration of it all. We tend to zone out that He is the 'finisher' of our faith and that this problem WILL end.
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jericho. His mind was on the pain and suffering that He knew awaited Him. However, He was not so preoccupied with His anguish that He couldn't hear the blind man calling after Him as He passed by. Jesus took time to bless, minister and bring joy to another life. He was not passing through Jericho to feel sorry for Himself. He was on a divine appointment to do what God had 'laid hold of Him for.'
There are divine appointments for us today, also. Let's not get distracted by our 'boot camp' that we miss an opportunity with our loved ones or those we 'pass by' to be the blessing that God has 'laid hold of us' for.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Dwell on Your Joy Not Your Cross
Heb 12:2 tells us that Jesus found joy in facing and enduring the cross. The joy that sustained Him was not the looking forward to the pain and the shame. His joy was in the faithfulness and love of His Father. He lived His life on earth KNOWING He would face a cross some day. He also lived His life on earth KNOWING that He would rise again. He KNEW that He would not stay in the grave. He KNEW that through His death, burial and resurrection, millions of lives would be set free from the ravages of sin, sickness and poverty. He KNEW that our enemy would be COMPLETELY destroyed because of His shed blood.
Nehemiah taught the impoverished Hebrews that "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Jerusalem was in shambles. Their lives were in shambles. The enemy could come through the broken walls and steal anything they had. However, Nehemiah encouraged them with that statement as they endeavored to rebuild the wall. With one hand they rebuilt and with one hand they held their sword in case the enemy tried to come in. As they looked toward the finished product in their minds, they found the strength and fortitude to endure their temporary hardship.
Whatever ravages of the enemy you are facing right now, child of God, is only temporary. Get the promise of God firmly fixed in your mind and soul. Don't dwell on the problem. As you keep your heart fixed on His promises, you'll find His joy beginning to well up in you. It is the joy of the Father to see you prosper in all you do. Let His joy become your joy and the valley will get shorter and shorter and shorter.
Nehemiah taught the impoverished Hebrews that "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Jerusalem was in shambles. Their lives were in shambles. The enemy could come through the broken walls and steal anything they had. However, Nehemiah encouraged them with that statement as they endeavored to rebuild the wall. With one hand they rebuilt and with one hand they held their sword in case the enemy tried to come in. As they looked toward the finished product in their minds, they found the strength and fortitude to endure their temporary hardship.
Whatever ravages of the enemy you are facing right now, child of God, is only temporary. Get the promise of God firmly fixed in your mind and soul. Don't dwell on the problem. As you keep your heart fixed on His promises, you'll find His joy beginning to well up in you. It is the joy of the Father to see you prosper in all you do. Let His joy become your joy and the valley will get shorter and shorter and shorter.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wait Til God Picks Up The Pencil
From Heb 12:2-The Author and Finisher of our Faith
For years, the pencil was in the hands of the Egyptians. On day, God took the pencil out of their hands and began writing a new chapter in the lives of the Hebrews. It began with the Exodus.
For years, the high priest and religious bigots belittled the good that Jesus did. Then the Romans picked up the pencil. At the crucifixion, God picked up the pencil and changed history.
One day God will get tired of what hurtful people are writing into our lives. One day, the God of all Comfort will politely take that pencil from their hands. No longer will He tolerate their brashness, hatred, envy and cutting remarks. He will write our history before their very eyes. The Psalmist David said it like this in the 23rd Psalm. Even tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. (Here we go) Thou preparest a table before me------IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES---
Didn't realize that was there, did you?
For years, the pencil was in the hands of the Egyptians. On day, God took the pencil out of their hands and began writing a new chapter in the lives of the Hebrews. It began with the Exodus.
For years, the high priest and religious bigots belittled the good that Jesus did. Then the Romans picked up the pencil. At the crucifixion, God picked up the pencil and changed history.
One day God will get tired of what hurtful people are writing into our lives. One day, the God of all Comfort will politely take that pencil from their hands. No longer will He tolerate their brashness, hatred, envy and cutting remarks. He will write our history before their very eyes. The Psalmist David said it like this in the 23rd Psalm. Even tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. (Here we go) Thou preparest a table before me------IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES---
Didn't realize that was there, did you?
The Author and Finisher of Your Faith
Hebrews 12:2 tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus and not our circumstances. It describes Him as the Author and the Finisher of our faith.
Number one: If He is the author of our faith, then He allowed the junk that we are going through right now because He is 'writing' something new into our faith.
He will BEGIN this chapter and then hand the pen over to someone else to write into our lives, just like God allowed the high priests and Pilate to write into Jesus' life.
Number two: As the finisher of our faith, there WILL come a day when He takes the pen out of our oppressors hands and writes the end of the chapter. According to Jer. 29:11, God is planning on doing something good for me. Therefore, I need to rejoice in everything because my challenged faith is anxiously awaiting the end of the chapter.
This has finally dawned on me while writing my books. Due to time constraints, I sometimes have to leave a chapter before it is finished. If you read only what was in the chapter at that point, it would be confusing to you. I have in my mind how I want to finish the chapter as well as how I want to finish the book. I now understand that the obnoxious that I am going through is not the end of the chapter and is certainly not the end of the book until Jer. 29:11 happens.
My faith looks to the Author until He takes the pen and Finishes what He started. And that is to do me good. Live strong today, saints.
Number one: If He is the author of our faith, then He allowed the junk that we are going through right now because He is 'writing' something new into our faith.
He will BEGIN this chapter and then hand the pen over to someone else to write into our lives, just like God allowed the high priests and Pilate to write into Jesus' life.
Number two: As the finisher of our faith, there WILL come a day when He takes the pen out of our oppressors hands and writes the end of the chapter. According to Jer. 29:11, God is planning on doing something good for me. Therefore, I need to rejoice in everything because my challenged faith is anxiously awaiting the end of the chapter.
This has finally dawned on me while writing my books. Due to time constraints, I sometimes have to leave a chapter before it is finished. If you read only what was in the chapter at that point, it would be confusing to you. I have in my mind how I want to finish the chapter as well as how I want to finish the book. I now understand that the obnoxious that I am going through is not the end of the chapter and is certainly not the end of the book until Jer. 29:11 happens.
My faith looks to the Author until He takes the pen and Finishes what He started. And that is to do me good. Live strong today, saints.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Book Review-God's Unlikely Path To Success
God’s Unlikely Path To Success
By Tony Evans
I should have known that anything by Tony Evans would be good. I have heard him speak on several occasions and was blessed. However, I had never heard a sermon or read a book that brought out so much of what my heart really needed to hear.
My Bible has been my morning companion for many years. I have no idea how many times I have read it through. Since reading Tony’s book, several of the stories have taken on new meaning. Instead of just reading through them as usual, his book has taught me to stop and become more reflective on the heart of God.
Tony took his time in bringing out character flaws in several of the Bible’s heroes. I know that it is not the normal that someone would try their best to bring out the ‘ugly’ in people we have normally had in high esteem. However, Tony masterfully brings out their character traits in a way that made the seem to be more ‘human,’ if you will.
Suffice it to say, in each one of the Bible characters he chose to expose, I found a little bit of myself in them. His book was a real mirror to me. I could see myself in a lot of their actions. I guess you could say that Tony made these characters come more alive to me. Very graciously, Tony was, also, able to show God’s Grace and His Mercy as He dealt with them all. That was probably the best part of his book. After seeing their faults and failures and how God relentlessly kept after them, I realized that God was still passionately in love with me. Gratefully, I have been able to pass His heart on to others that I meet.
I would highly recommend this book to each and every Christian. You life might not have received as many hard knocks as mine has, but you will glean a lot of insight in how to witness to your fellow man. You’ll, also, find ways of being more tolerant with him as you patiently wait for the Father to finish dealing with him.
Harvest House Publishing furnished me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review. I am very grateful for that opportunity.
By Tony Evans
I should have known that anything by Tony Evans would be good. I have heard him speak on several occasions and was blessed. However, I had never heard a sermon or read a book that brought out so much of what my heart really needed to hear.
My Bible has been my morning companion for many years. I have no idea how many times I have read it through. Since reading Tony’s book, several of the stories have taken on new meaning. Instead of just reading through them as usual, his book has taught me to stop and become more reflective on the heart of God.
Tony took his time in bringing out character flaws in several of the Bible’s heroes. I know that it is not the normal that someone would try their best to bring out the ‘ugly’ in people we have normally had in high esteem. However, Tony masterfully brings out their character traits in a way that made the seem to be more ‘human,’ if you will.
Suffice it to say, in each one of the Bible characters he chose to expose, I found a little bit of myself in them. His book was a real mirror to me. I could see myself in a lot of their actions. I guess you could say that Tony made these characters come more alive to me. Very graciously, Tony was, also, able to show God’s Grace and His Mercy as He dealt with them all. That was probably the best part of his book. After seeing their faults and failures and how God relentlessly kept after them, I realized that God was still passionately in love with me. Gratefully, I have been able to pass His heart on to others that I meet.
I would highly recommend this book to each and every Christian. You life might not have received as many hard knocks as mine has, but you will glean a lot of insight in how to witness to your fellow man. You’ll, also, find ways of being more tolerant with him as you patiently wait for the Father to finish dealing with him.
Harvest House Publishing furnished me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review. I am very grateful for that opportunity.
Friday, April 6, 2012
It Is More Important To Know Him
I had a very interesting discussion yesterday, with our UPS driver. We are both ministers and our conversations generally turn to God and His Word. He posed a situation to me. He and his wife have the admirable habit of getting up early enough in the morning to pray and study the Bible together. At this moment in time, they are working their way through the book of Isaiah. Of course, some of the passages are harder to understand than others. His question, what do we do about understanding them? Should they dig and wrestle until they understand, or just continue reading through?
I relayed to him that I had been through those struggles many times myself. There have been times when I have read three chapters and couldn't remember anything that just leaped off the page at me. There have been other times when I would get stuck on the feast of one or two verses for a couple of weeks.
Here is my suggestion to him and to all of my readers. Don't get frustrated with your lack of knowledge of God's Word. It is important to read it on a daily basis and do your best to memorize it. However, it is more important to come to know the Author in a more personal way than it is to know His Word. Why? Because He wrote it, silly.
There are times when I read His Word and come up empty. However, I always strive to enter His presence and love on Him and let Him love on me. That's when He is able to bring His Word to me in a more personal way. My morning devotions become a greater success. Try it. You'll like it.
I relayed to him that I had been through those struggles many times myself. There have been times when I have read three chapters and couldn't remember anything that just leaped off the page at me. There have been other times when I would get stuck on the feast of one or two verses for a couple of weeks.
Here is my suggestion to him and to all of my readers. Don't get frustrated with your lack of knowledge of God's Word. It is important to read it on a daily basis and do your best to memorize it. However, it is more important to come to know the Author in a more personal way than it is to know His Word. Why? Because He wrote it, silly.
There are times when I read His Word and come up empty. However, I always strive to enter His presence and love on Him and let Him love on me. That's when He is able to bring His Word to me in a more personal way. My morning devotions become a greater success. Try it. You'll like it.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Prayer---Al Qaedo Vows to Return New York City
Join me in praying for God's intervention in terrorist attacks.
Father, we boldly declare that Jesus is Lord. No human, no kingdom, and no demonic force is lord over our lives or this earth. In accordance to Your Word, we bind those ungodly forces that would seek to destroy mankind now matter where they are. We plead Your precious blood over this world and ask for Your divine intervention against those whose hearts are set to evil. We pray for wisdom and understanding for those who have promised to protect us. Reveal the plots and the hiding places of our enemies. Bring their evil to nothing. More than anything, set people in their paths that could lead them to a relationship with You before it's too late. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Father, we boldly declare that Jesus is Lord. No human, no kingdom, and no demonic force is lord over our lives or this earth. In accordance to Your Word, we bind those ungodly forces that would seek to destroy mankind now matter where they are. We plead Your precious blood over this world and ask for Your divine intervention against those whose hearts are set to evil. We pray for wisdom and understanding for those who have promised to protect us. Reveal the plots and the hiding places of our enemies. Bring their evil to nothing. More than anything, set people in their paths that could lead them to a relationship with You before it's too late. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Let Him Turn the Page
In Matthew's gospel, the eleventh chapter, we find John the Baptist sending a message to his cousin, Jesus. He asked Him, "Are You really the Deliverer that was promised? If You are, why haven't You gotten me out of this jail. After all, I thought You were the Messiah, the One who was going to restore the glory to Israel and rid us of all of our enemies. I thought You were going to restore the Kingdom of God. I had so many high hopes for Your coming. I told everybody that You were the Lamb of God. Was I wrong?" (Henry Givens translation.)
But, really that's us isn't it? We come to a place in our walk with God where His presence isn't as real as it once was. We are bound up in circumstances that tie us to problems that seem to have no answer. We pray and pray and God seems distant and not near.
John the Baptist was probably holding to the old Jewish idea that the King's appearance would immediately throw off the powers that held Israel as slaves. He was thinking of the physical and not the spiritual.
Jesus did come to destroy the enemy's chains, but He started with the inner chains before He worked on the outer chains. What God was doing was turning the page of history and that was going to take a while.
Like John the Baptist, we judge God's righteousness by what we see happening. What we fail to hear from Him saying to us, "Sh-h-h-h! I'm just turning the page and it's taking a little time." Like little children, we should snuggle closer to our Father's chest as we sit in His lap. Let Him turn the page. And, then let our enemies beware and take flight as our Father begins to read again.
But, really that's us isn't it? We come to a place in our walk with God where His presence isn't as real as it once was. We are bound up in circumstances that tie us to problems that seem to have no answer. We pray and pray and God seems distant and not near.
John the Baptist was probably holding to the old Jewish idea that the King's appearance would immediately throw off the powers that held Israel as slaves. He was thinking of the physical and not the spiritual.
Jesus did come to destroy the enemy's chains, but He started with the inner chains before He worked on the outer chains. What God was doing was turning the page of history and that was going to take a while.
Like John the Baptist, we judge God's righteousness by what we see happening. What we fail to hear from Him saying to us, "Sh-h-h-h! I'm just turning the page and it's taking a little time." Like little children, we should snuggle closer to our Father's chest as we sit in His lap. Let Him turn the page. And, then let our enemies beware and take flight as our Father begins to read again.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tim Tebow Worried?
There is talk that Peyton Manning might sign a contract with the Denver Broncos. Will Tim Tebow become second string, be traded, who will get him? All these thoughts are probably making him pace up and down and down and up, right?
Well, let's see. While the newspapers are spreading the donkey fodder and hype about the endless possibilities, Tim Tebow has been busy. He paid the way for Preston Winslow and his family to come to Tampa. Preston Winslow is 4, and has leukemia. The doctors have said that his body has stopped responding to treatment. Tim invited Preston to play some football with him at the D1 training facility. Some things are more important than being quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Also in Tampa, there was a fundraiser for a wounded Army Ranger, Romy Comargo. Tim Tebow came in unannounced and surprised the wounded warrior. There are some things that are more important than being quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
One day Jesus was going through Jericho and a publican named Zacchaeus had climbed a sycamore tree to see him. Jesus stopped the procession and invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house to eat. That day eternal life was imparted to a sinner.
On another occasion, Jesus was passing through Jericho and blind Bartemaeus cried out to Him. Jesus was on His last trip through Jericho. He was headed to Jerusalem where He knew He would be crucified. He had a lot of things on His mind. But, when He heard the plea of a desperate man, He stopped what He was doing and change His original plan to include healing a blind man.
A lot of things come along in life that seem to eat up our time and our patience. A lot of things hurt. A lot of things make us angry. In today's economy and the election just around the corner, our minds can be filled with all kinds of questions. Yet, into our lives, every day, there are opportunities presented to us. If we make Jesus Christ to be TRULY our Lord, we'll set other things aside for the joy of helping those that He places in our paths to bless.
The choice is ours. God has already made His choice. He knows your good points and bad points. He knows exactly who you can bless and how you can bless. His desire is for His children to put aside the petty things that can clog up our lives and put Him first. If we open our hearts and spiritual ears to Him, we will find that He has our future laid out for us. What we should be concerned about is----Who has God placed before me today, and how can I be a blessing?
Well, let's see. While the newspapers are spreading the donkey fodder and hype about the endless possibilities, Tim Tebow has been busy. He paid the way for Preston Winslow and his family to come to Tampa. Preston Winslow is 4, and has leukemia. The doctors have said that his body has stopped responding to treatment. Tim invited Preston to play some football with him at the D1 training facility. Some things are more important than being quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Also in Tampa, there was a fundraiser for a wounded Army Ranger, Romy Comargo. Tim Tebow came in unannounced and surprised the wounded warrior. There are some things that are more important than being quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
One day Jesus was going through Jericho and a publican named Zacchaeus had climbed a sycamore tree to see him. Jesus stopped the procession and invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house to eat. That day eternal life was imparted to a sinner.
On another occasion, Jesus was passing through Jericho and blind Bartemaeus cried out to Him. Jesus was on His last trip through Jericho. He was headed to Jerusalem where He knew He would be crucified. He had a lot of things on His mind. But, when He heard the plea of a desperate man, He stopped what He was doing and change His original plan to include healing a blind man.
A lot of things come along in life that seem to eat up our time and our patience. A lot of things hurt. A lot of things make us angry. In today's economy and the election just around the corner, our minds can be filled with all kinds of questions. Yet, into our lives, every day, there are opportunities presented to us. If we make Jesus Christ to be TRULY our Lord, we'll set other things aside for the joy of helping those that He places in our paths to bless.
The choice is ours. God has already made His choice. He knows your good points and bad points. He knows exactly who you can bless and how you can bless. His desire is for His children to put aside the petty things that can clog up our lives and put Him first. If we open our hearts and spiritual ears to Him, we will find that He has our future laid out for us. What we should be concerned about is----Who has God placed before me today, and how can I be a blessing?
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Book Review--Into The Free
Into The Free
By
Julie Cantrell
Millie Reynolds was a loner most of her life. Her rodeo father, Jack, was hardly ever there. When he was, he normally fought with and abused her mother. Her mother, Marie, becomes addicted to pain medication and withdraws from reality most of the time. The only friend she has is an elderly man who lives next door to them on Mr. Sutton’s farm. Her mother’s parents pastor a local church, but refuse to associate with them.
Her mother declares a faith in God, yet never takes her to church. She listens as her mother sings hymns, quotes scriptures and talks about God. However, it seems that God is never around when her parents fight. And, He’s certainly not able to stop her father from beating her mother. How can she even believe in a God like that.
Julie Cantrell does a masterful job of weaving a moving story around the life of Millie Reynolds. She takes you deep inside the hurting soul of a young lady as she struggles to maintain her sanity in an insane world. Heartache, anger and despair seem to be the mainstay of her life.
She desperately needs to know whether or not God is real. However, nothing that she faces on a daily basis can point her in God’s direction. Then, one day, she hears a soul-saving sermon that slowly but surely changes her destiny. However, that sermon doesn’t come from a minister, and she doesn’t hear it inside the confines of a church.
Even though this story is Christian fiction, it portrays the heart of God. God knows how and when to touch a life in a way that will bring that life into communion with Him. The happy ending of the story was not what I figured. But, then again, God’s happy endings don’t necessarily come like we think they should either. It is well worth the read.
David C. Cook publishers furnished me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Book Review-The Grace Effect
THE GRACE EFFECT 
By
Larry Taunton
I just finished reading this book and would absolutely recommend it to all of you. It has opened my eyes to a lot of things.
In his book, The Grace Effect, Larry Taunton describes the joy as well as the horrors of adopting a 10-year-old girl named Sasha. We in the United States would normally think of this as a joyful experience, this story. However, this story takes place in the Ukraine. Yes, I know there were differences in foreign countries. Yes, I know there were inequities in foreign countries. But, Mr. Taunton wrote this story in such a manner that I found it to be a double horror.
The first horror was that there is a present day country so steeped in antiquated, inhuman traditions that it defies the American imagination. Graft and corruption were the norm. Basically, taunting the Ukrainian traditions in the face of an “American” seemed to be the rule of law. Very little value was placed upon the lives of orphans. It seemed that very much value was placed on seeing how much money could be wrenched for the hands of those who sought to adopt. When it wasn’t money they Ukrainian government wanted, it was simply the “let’s make them wait” game that they wanted to play.
Mr. Taunton not only told the story of his trials and tribulations in this matter, he also shared some of the Ukraine’s history. The despotic rulers that prevailed over these people down through the years, created a truly Atheistic lifestyle. As I reflected on their history, their current day actions began to make sense.
The second horror that Mr. Taunton brought to light is how the United States of America could very well be headed in the same direction as the Ukraine and several other European countries. He had made that statement in his book and I wanted to take issue with him about it at first. However, the more he described his trials throughout the adoption process, the more I began to see that his statements were correct. Without intervention from God, the United States is headed in the same general direction.
Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
By
Larry Taunton
I just finished reading this book and would absolutely recommend it to all of you. It has opened my eyes to a lot of things.
In his book, The Grace Effect, Larry Taunton describes the joy as well as the horrors of adopting a 10-year-old girl named Sasha. We in the United States would normally think of this as a joyful experience, this story. However, this story takes place in the Ukraine. Yes, I know there were differences in foreign countries. Yes, I know there were inequities in foreign countries. But, Mr. Taunton wrote this story in such a manner that I found it to be a double horror.
The first horror was that there is a present day country so steeped in antiquated, inhuman traditions that it defies the American imagination. Graft and corruption were the norm. Basically, taunting the Ukrainian traditions in the face of an “American” seemed to be the rule of law. Very little value was placed upon the lives of orphans. It seemed that very much value was placed on seeing how much money could be wrenched for the hands of those who sought to adopt. When it wasn’t money they Ukrainian government wanted, it was simply the “let’s make them wait” game that they wanted to play.
Mr. Taunton not only told the story of his trials and tribulations in this matter, he also shared some of the Ukraine’s history. The despotic rulers that prevailed over these people down through the years, created a truly Atheistic lifestyle. As I reflected on their history, their current day actions began to make sense.
The second horror that Mr. Taunton brought to light is how the United States of America could very well be headed in the same direction as the Ukraine and several other European countries. He had made that statement in his book and I wanted to take issue with him about it at first. However, the more he described his trials throughout the adoption process, the more I began to see that his statements were correct. Without intervention from God, the United States is headed in the same general direction.
Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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