Sunday, May 23, 2010
Secrets of The Vine by Bruce Wilkinson
So many times I have seen myself in Peter, with his spontaneous reactions so full of self. But not as much as in the moment when he plunged into the waters of grace, the waters of selfless abandon, the waters of remarkable abundance! He had three days to be consumed in the hopelessness he felt, consumed in his shame of betrayal and consumed with the heartbreak and loss of his adored companion. So when Christ stood on the bank of the Galilee to display yet another example of what the abundance in Christ looks like, Peter knew His savior immediately and launched himself overboard into a future "as big as God's love". Can you imagine the elation he felt as he plunged beneath the cleansing water that day, emerging from an ocean of mercies!! This day brought about the revelation of the abundance that is the destiny of every believer. In John 15, we are able to see the face of the Vinedresser up close, as He "steps in to lift us away from our own destructive and unfruitful pursuits." We are able to see the seasons of fruit bearing in a new way, and it's purpose is greater abundance for His glory! In the end, "what remains in your grip is one passion, one goal, one unhindered opportunity: to bear more fruit". The goal is much fruit!!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Right With God by Ron Mehl
Loving Instruction From the Father's Heart
This little book describes the Ten Commandments "as a love letter from the hand of God". As God tells his people that they will be a treasure to Him above all people and reminds them of how He bore them on eagle's wings, He presents them with the commands they should follow. His purpose in these commands weren't to be harsh, but He knew what would "provide blessing, strength, a future, and a hope". As Christians, we should love His commands because they are what keep us from disaster, because it is only in Him that we will find true satisfaction, and because it provides a foundation for our lives. This book will allow you to see and understand each commandment intimately.
Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
My soul breaks with longing
For Your judgments at all times.
You rebuke the proud—the cursed,
Who stray from Your commandments.
Remove from me reproach and contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
Princes also sit and speak against me,
But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
Psalms 119:17-24
This little book describes the Ten Commandments "as a love letter from the hand of God". As God tells his people that they will be a treasure to Him above all people and reminds them of how He bore them on eagle's wings, He presents them with the commands they should follow. His purpose in these commands weren't to be harsh, but He knew what would "provide blessing, strength, a future, and a hope". As Christians, we should love His commands because they are what keep us from disaster, because it is only in Him that we will find true satisfaction, and because it provides a foundation for our lives. This book will allow you to see and understand each commandment intimately.
Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
My soul breaks with longing
For Your judgments at all times.
You rebuke the proud—the cursed,
Who stray from Your commandments.
Remove from me reproach and contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
Princes also sit and speak against me,
But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
Psalms 119:17-24
The Power of Crying Out by Bill Gothard
When Prayer Becomes Mighty
God longs to be there for us when we cry out to Him. He delights in showing Himself strong to us in the midst of impossible situations. When we come before Him in utter dependence with a life that is beyond our abilities, we find His overwhelming love. The posture of a broken heart and soul before God captures His tender mercies, and He stoops down to be near to us when we are powerless. It is in this time He desires to give us His power, it is then that prayer becomes mighty.
I Cry Out
Cries flow from my lips, to His ears like
a flood,
Into His sanctuary, covered by Christ's
blood.
Before a listening God, an outflow
of love,
Patiently I wait for Him, my redeemer
from above.
Stooping close to hear me, He hideth not
his face.
I quencheth not the Spirit, prompted by
His grace.
To all who call upon Him, the promise to
be near.
In my times of trouble, He answers "I
Am here".
Every sigh and gasp and whisper or in the
slightest groan,
Each cry of desperation falls before
His throne.
In harmony it echoes, in mercy
intercedes,
The loving voice of Christ, appeals my
every need.
I find in Him delight, with brokenness
of soul,
For it's His greatest pleasure, His blessings
to bestow.
It's not what my will would be, but only His
I pray.
For His purpose glorify, The life, The truth,
The way.
Amy Rainey
5/2010
God longs to be there for us when we cry out to Him. He delights in showing Himself strong to us in the midst of impossible situations. When we come before Him in utter dependence with a life that is beyond our abilities, we find His overwhelming love. The posture of a broken heart and soul before God captures His tender mercies, and He stoops down to be near to us when we are powerless. It is in this time He desires to give us His power, it is then that prayer becomes mighty.
I Cry Out
Cries flow from my lips, to His ears like
a flood,
Into His sanctuary, covered by Christ's
blood.
Before a listening God, an outflow
of love,
Patiently I wait for Him, my redeemer
from above.
Stooping close to hear me, He hideth not
his face.
I quencheth not the Spirit, prompted by
His grace.
To all who call upon Him, the promise to
be near.
In my times of trouble, He answers "I
Am here".
Every sigh and gasp and whisper or in the
slightest groan,
Each cry of desperation falls before
His throne.
In harmony it echoes, in mercy
intercedes,
The loving voice of Christ, appeals my
every need.
I find in Him delight, with brokenness
of soul,
For it's His greatest pleasure, His blessings
to bestow.
It's not what my will would be, but only His
I pray.
For His purpose glorify, The life, The truth,
The way.
Amy Rainey
5/2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Destiny and Deliverance
Spiritual Insights From The Life of Moses
Referring to the Dreamworks production of The Prince of Egypt with insights from authors: Philip Yancey, Max Lucado, John C. Maxwell, Jack Hayford, Joni Eareckson Tada, Tommy Barnett, Kenneth Boa, and Thelma Wells
As a Sovereign God, the cries of the Children of Israel, under the oppression of the Egyptians came at no surprise to Him. At the time His children's voices rose to heaven and He saw their sorrows, His plan for deliverance was already eighty years in motion. From the basket in the bullrushes to the burning bush at the back of the desert, God in His grace was fashioning the Father of the Prophets for the destiny of deliverance. The story of Moses reveals the heart of a God that refuses to leave His people in deserted places but desires to come to us at the point of our failures and show us forgiveness. Moses' story "is a story of God's power showing up best and most beautifully through weak people". For Moses knew well the wonders of becoming a vessel God could use despite his stubbornness. Moses was drawn to an irresistable God whose nature was just but merciful. Though Moses was only able to behold the Promised Land from the heights of Pisgah, on the Eastern shore of the Jordan, he believed his reward awaited him when he met the Lord face to face. "Since then, no prophet has risen like Moses", yet he stood with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration, in the light of Heaven's Splendor!
Referring to the Dreamworks production of The Prince of Egypt with insights from authors: Philip Yancey, Max Lucado, John C. Maxwell, Jack Hayford, Joni Eareckson Tada, Tommy Barnett, Kenneth Boa, and Thelma Wells
As a Sovereign God, the cries of the Children of Israel, under the oppression of the Egyptians came at no surprise to Him. At the time His children's voices rose to heaven and He saw their sorrows, His plan for deliverance was already eighty years in motion. From the basket in the bullrushes to the burning bush at the back of the desert, God in His grace was fashioning the Father of the Prophets for the destiny of deliverance. The story of Moses reveals the heart of a God that refuses to leave His people in deserted places but desires to come to us at the point of our failures and show us forgiveness. Moses' story "is a story of God's power showing up best and most beautifully through weak people". For Moses knew well the wonders of becoming a vessel God could use despite his stubbornness. Moses was drawn to an irresistable God whose nature was just but merciful. Though Moses was only able to behold the Promised Land from the heights of Pisgah, on the Eastern shore of the Jordan, he believed his reward awaited him when he met the Lord face to face. "Since then, no prophet has risen like Moses", yet he stood with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration, in the light of Heaven's Splendor!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Red Sea Rules by Robert Morgan
The Same God Who Led You In Will Lead You Out
How often do we find ourselves standing before our struggles and sorrow, looking into a sea of hopelessness? It is in these times that we wish someone would give us some guidelines to follow...someone would give us some instructions on what our next step should be. Because of our inability to see hope in the storm, we miss the place where all these instructions may be found. God's Word is all the guidance we need in every circumstance of our lives. From the Red Sea to the Promise Land, God desires to reveal His mighty power to work in the lives of those who cry out to Him. Whether we cry out in dependence or utter desperation, God desires to rescue and restore us. And when He does, His glory is magnified through our lives. So when the waves lap at our feet, and the dust rises behind us, step out in faith and walk on "dry ground through the midst of the sea".
The Red Sea Rules
Rule #1- Realize that God means for you to be where you are. (Ex. 14:1-2). The same God who led you in will lead you out.
Rule#2- Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief. (Exodus 14:3-4) The next time you are overwhelmed, instead of asking "How can I get out of this mess?", try asking, "How can God be glorified in this situation?". God deliberately orchestrated the Exodus events as an occassion for demonstrating the power He yields over His enemies and the elements.
Rule #3- Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. (Exodus 14:5-9) Whenever we choose character over convenience, faithfulness over ease, or honesty over deceit, we bring honor to the Lord Himself. When we serve Him with watertight obedience even in small things, God is glorified, just as at the Red Sea.
Rule #4: Pray! (Exodus 14:10). When we can't press forward, move sideward, or step backward, it's time to look upward and to ask God to make a way. "Faith is to prayer what the feather is to the arrow; it feathers the arrow of prayer, and makes it fly swifter, and pierce the throne of grace". - Thomas Watson
Rule #5- Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. (Exodus 14:13-14). He alone can storm the impregnable, devise the improbale, and perform the impossible. He alone can part the waters.
Rule #6- When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. (Exodus 14:15) "God never gives guidance for two steps at a time. I must take one step, and then I get light for the next. This keeps the heart in abiding dependence upon God".
-C.H.Mackintosh
Rule #7- Envision God's enveloping presence. (Exodus 14:19-20). When you find yourself between sword and sea, remember that difficult times can sensitize us to God's nearness. He's never so close as when we're shipwrecked on omnipotence and driven by despair into His chambers where we find Him "a very present help in trouble". (Ps. 46:1)
Rule #8- Trust God to deliver in His own unique way. (Exodus 14:21-22). In the unfolding of His providence, burdens become blessings, tears lead to triumph, and the redemptive grace of God overcomes the undercurrents of life in the experiences of His children.
Rule #9- View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. (Exodus 14:30-31). We don't always know why God allows problems, but we know He intends to use them to heighten our maturity and deepen our faith. Trials and troubles are dumbbells and treadmills for the soul. They develop strength and stamina.
Rule #10- Don't forget to praise Him. (Exodus 15:1-2). If wisdom is seeing things from God's point of view, praise is the natural reaction to that viewpoint. It's our typical expression of joyful confidence and triumphant thanksgiving at what God has done, is doing, and is going to do.
So whether you are on the upper side or underside of the storm, whether you are on the east bank or west bank of the Red Sea, God will make a way. And as He does, don't forget to praise Him.
About the Author: Rob J. Morgan: Author, Expositor, Speaker, Pastor. He is the pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has served for 29 years. He served as a staff writer for Dr. David Jeremiah and Turning Points Magazine, and has many articles published in other leading Christian periodicals.He worked with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. His wife Katrina is battling Multiple Sclerosis, he has 3 children and ten grandchildren.
How often do we find ourselves standing before our struggles and sorrow, looking into a sea of hopelessness? It is in these times that we wish someone would give us some guidelines to follow...someone would give us some instructions on what our next step should be. Because of our inability to see hope in the storm, we miss the place where all these instructions may be found. God's Word is all the guidance we need in every circumstance of our lives. From the Red Sea to the Promise Land, God desires to reveal His mighty power to work in the lives of those who cry out to Him. Whether we cry out in dependence or utter desperation, God desires to rescue and restore us. And when He does, His glory is magnified through our lives. So when the waves lap at our feet, and the dust rises behind us, step out in faith and walk on "dry ground through the midst of the sea".
The Red Sea Rules
Rule #1- Realize that God means for you to be where you are. (Ex. 14:1-2). The same God who led you in will lead you out.
Rule#2- Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief. (Exodus 14:3-4) The next time you are overwhelmed, instead of asking "How can I get out of this mess?", try asking, "How can God be glorified in this situation?". God deliberately orchestrated the Exodus events as an occassion for demonstrating the power He yields over His enemies and the elements.
Rule #3- Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. (Exodus 14:5-9) Whenever we choose character over convenience, faithfulness over ease, or honesty over deceit, we bring honor to the Lord Himself. When we serve Him with watertight obedience even in small things, God is glorified, just as at the Red Sea.
Rule #4: Pray! (Exodus 14:10). When we can't press forward, move sideward, or step backward, it's time to look upward and to ask God to make a way. "Faith is to prayer what the feather is to the arrow; it feathers the arrow of prayer, and makes it fly swifter, and pierce the throne of grace". - Thomas Watson
Rule #5- Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. (Exodus 14:13-14). He alone can storm the impregnable, devise the improbale, and perform the impossible. He alone can part the waters.
Rule #6- When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. (Exodus 14:15) "God never gives guidance for two steps at a time. I must take one step, and then I get light for the next. This keeps the heart in abiding dependence upon God".
-C.H.Mackintosh
Rule #7- Envision God's enveloping presence. (Exodus 14:19-20). When you find yourself between sword and sea, remember that difficult times can sensitize us to God's nearness. He's never so close as when we're shipwrecked on omnipotence and driven by despair into His chambers where we find Him "a very present help in trouble". (Ps. 46:1)
Rule #8- Trust God to deliver in His own unique way. (Exodus 14:21-22). In the unfolding of His providence, burdens become blessings, tears lead to triumph, and the redemptive grace of God overcomes the undercurrents of life in the experiences of His children.
Rule #9- View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. (Exodus 14:30-31). We don't always know why God allows problems, but we know He intends to use them to heighten our maturity and deepen our faith. Trials and troubles are dumbbells and treadmills for the soul. They develop strength and stamina.
Rule #10- Don't forget to praise Him. (Exodus 15:1-2). If wisdom is seeing things from God's point of view, praise is the natural reaction to that viewpoint. It's our typical expression of joyful confidence and triumphant thanksgiving at what God has done, is doing, and is going to do.
So whether you are on the upper side or underside of the storm, whether you are on the east bank or west bank of the Red Sea, God will make a way. And as He does, don't forget to praise Him.
About the Author: Rob J. Morgan: Author, Expositor, Speaker, Pastor. He is the pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has served for 29 years. He served as a staff writer for Dr. David Jeremiah and Turning Points Magazine, and has many articles published in other leading Christian periodicals.He worked with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. His wife Katrina is battling Multiple Sclerosis, he has 3 children and ten grandchildren.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Taking Back The Gospel by Bailey Smith
The Perils of a User-Friendly Faith
The Christians of this age must feel the urgency to proclaim the gospel to a world void of conscience. In a time when the local church is becoming illiterate to the doctrines in God's Word, we need true gospel now more than ever. In the church's desire to be "user-friendly", we have "dumbed-down the message" and " lightened up the requirements". "Today's gospel lite is hardly worth living for and certainly not worth dying for". We have presented a gospel that fails to convict sin and lead to true repentance. The failure to address sin not only neglects to bring unbelievers to repentance, but leads true believers to not see sin as being that harmful. When Christians begin to look like the world, it weakens their witness. So what is the church to do?
This book discusses the responsibility of the church, the pastor, church staff and the layperson.
The Christians of this age must feel the urgency to proclaim the gospel to a world void of conscience. In a time when the local church is becoming illiterate to the doctrines in God's Word, we need true gospel now more than ever. In the church's desire to be "user-friendly", we have "dumbed-down the message" and " lightened up the requirements". "Today's gospel lite is hardly worth living for and certainly not worth dying for". We have presented a gospel that fails to convict sin and lead to true repentance. The failure to address sin not only neglects to bring unbelievers to repentance, but leads true believers to not see sin as being that harmful. When Christians begin to look like the world, it weakens their witness. So what is the church to do?
This book discusses the responsibility of the church, the pastor, church staff and the layperson.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Red Sea Rules by Robert Morgan
10 God-Given Strategies For Difficult Times
The Same God Who Led You In Will Lead You Out
Reading now, with daily postings on Facebook
The Same God Who Led You In Will Lead You Out
Reading now, with daily postings on Facebook
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Overwhelmed By A Relentless God
God's greatest command is, to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". But most often, we go through life giving Him our leftovers. God calls us to a life that is absolute craziness to the world, yet as Christians our lives often make sense to unbelievers. God has an outrageous, crazy love for us, as evidenced by, while we were still sinners, he drained all the resources of heaven to rescue us. God loves us and longs for us to love Him back. He is not satisfied with us "just fitting Him into our lives", He wants everything. It is foolishness to search for fulfillment in anything else. It is frustrating when loving God is so difficult, when our capability to comprehend Him is lacking, but when we constantly run after Christ in all that we do, we will find Him. "God has called us each to live faithful and devoted lives before Him, by the power of His Spirit". Too often we live selfish lives that are forgetful of our God, but his desire for us is to admit we are out of control and reach out to Him for help. When we see ourselves as merely playing a role in a movie about God, then the glory changes from ourselves to the One whom glory is due. If we are in constant pursuit of Christ in our daily lives, then the thorns of this world will not choke out the seeds in the good soil but we will find complete and total satisfaction in Him. Chan states that his "hope and prayer is that you finish this book with hope, believing that part of your responsibility in the body of Christ is to help set the pace for the church by listening and obeying and living Christ". Wow! What a challenge! This is not a new instruction but the command emphatically engrained in the New Testament. The truth is that everything in the body is either living and growing or falling away. May my desire be to live out this Crazy Love everday with everyone I come in contact with until the day I see my God, that I would not be ashamed when He asks, "What did you do with what I gave you?".
Best quote in the book: "Our greatest fear as individuals and as a Church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter". Tim Kizziar
God's greatest command is, to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". But most often, we go through life giving Him our leftovers. God calls us to a life that is absolute craziness to the world, yet as Christians our lives often make sense to unbelievers. God has an outrageous, crazy love for us, as evidenced by, while we were still sinners, he drained all the resources of heaven to rescue us. God loves us and longs for us to love Him back. He is not satisfied with us "just fitting Him into our lives", He wants everything. It is foolishness to search for fulfillment in anything else. It is frustrating when loving God is so difficult, when our capability to comprehend Him is lacking, but when we constantly run after Christ in all that we do, we will find Him. "God has called us each to live faithful and devoted lives before Him, by the power of His Spirit". Too often we live selfish lives that are forgetful of our God, but his desire for us is to admit we are out of control and reach out to Him for help. When we see ourselves as merely playing a role in a movie about God, then the glory changes from ourselves to the One whom glory is due. If we are in constant pursuit of Christ in our daily lives, then the thorns of this world will not choke out the seeds in the good soil but we will find complete and total satisfaction in Him. Chan states that his "hope and prayer is that you finish this book with hope, believing that part of your responsibility in the body of Christ is to help set the pace for the church by listening and obeying and living Christ". Wow! What a challenge! This is not a new instruction but the command emphatically engrained in the New Testament. The truth is that everything in the body is either living and growing or falling away. May my desire be to live out this Crazy Love everday with everyone I come in contact with until the day I see my God, that I would not be ashamed when He asks, "What did you do with what I gave you?".
Best quote in the book: "Our greatest fear as individuals and as a Church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter". Tim Kizziar
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Christ Our Mediator by C. J. Mahaney
In the words of Charles Spurgeon, we are to "abide hard by the cross and search the mystery of His wounds". For it is by doing this that we find "unsearchable riches". The cross should be the center of our attention and the drive of our passion. Many look beyond the cross after the point of salvation in search of more spiritual things. The failure of keeping the cross at the center of our attention, leads us to disregard grace in our everyday life. But when we look to the cross in gratitude for His amazing grace and mercy then we see ourselves totally dependent on the only One who could save us. His work on the cross was an infinite display of His abundant love. If He never bestowed any other blessing on us, the cross would be enough to leave us forever grateful. But in continually looking to the cross we find a Lover of Our Soul who desires to make us like Him. I am able to see myself in that mocking crowd who yelled "Crucify Him!". But thank God I have become one caught in the gaze of a heartbroken Savior that day. He drank the whole cup, all of it....for me, so that I would be free!!
My Heart's Desire by David Jeremiah
Our heart's desire is to worship something. We were created with a sense of wonder that should drive us to God. Worship opens up the doors of heaven and brings us in the presence of a holy God. The scriptures say "He inhabits the praise of His people". God wants to inhabit every area of our lives as we worship Him in all that we do. He wants us to live every moment in the wonder of worship. Worship was God's idea, made by Him and for Him. It is not a suggestion but a command. When it comes to worship, we are often "more focused on entertainment than sacrifice". But you can not have true worship without true sacrifice. God wants our best.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
What Happens When God's Spirit Invades The Hearts Of His People
New to the faith, I desire to know the power of prayer. To cry out to God from a desperate felt need is where we God uses prayer as His channel of blessing. I may call on the Name of The Lord and approach His throne of grace. For His promise is "Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Ps.50:15. I need The Fresh Wind of God to breathe life in me and The Fresh Fire of the Spirit to be poured out in me, that I may run to the battle and not from it. I repeatedly come before God bankrupt, with nothing to offer pleading for His help and it is there that He meets me. For " God is attracted to weakness". Praise God He "still uses foolish tools in the hands of weak people to build his kingdom". The passion of my soul is driven by a constant state of prayer.
New to the faith, I desire to know the power of prayer. To cry out to God from a desperate felt need is where we God uses prayer as His channel of blessing. I may call on the Name of The Lord and approach His throne of grace. For His promise is "Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Ps.50:15. I need The Fresh Wind of God to breathe life in me and The Fresh Fire of the Spirit to be poured out in me, that I may run to the battle and not from it. I repeatedly come before God bankrupt, with nothing to offer pleading for His help and it is there that He meets me. For " God is attracted to weakness". Praise God He "still uses foolish tools in the hands of weak people to build his kingdom". The passion of my soul is driven by a constant state of prayer.
The Tale of Two Sons by John MacArthur
The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons and a Shocking Murder
This story of the Prodigal Son was told by Jesus in the presence of sinners, tax collectors and a group of self-righteous Pharisees. Though it spoke multitudes to all who had ears to hear, it was intended to speak a word of danger to those Pharisees who refused to rejoice at the redemption of sinners through repentence and grace alone.
I can see myself with the ears of some of the most sin-sick Gentiles listening to this story in anticipation... Searching this storyline for some glimmer of hope, some hope of redemption, a desperation to be delivered from themselves....For the first time feeling the beating of a heart of flesh.....Breathing in the life of the Spirit. For their hearts in repentance and desire for mercy, no longer hid from the Father but was seeking a Savior. In desperation, they did not have to go far to find Him for He saw them when they were yet far off and He ran to them. I found He was seeking me before I knew I was lost.
I saw myself in the place of the Prodigal dishonoring an all-loving gracious Father only to awaken in the midst of the horrid slop of sin.....Sorrowfully returning in broken repentance to a Father that wished to cover me in robes or righteousness, in an effort to protect me from any lingering shame....The recipient of over-flowing, unmerited, undeserved grace and mercy.....With a humbled, Father-pleasing, desire to serve.
I saw myself in the disgusting elder brother. In the putrid state of a self-righteous, self-motivated and self-serving mindset.....Attempting to earn merit, favor and privelege....all the while groping around in pure darkness blinded from the mystery of The way, the truth and the life!!
Though this story in my life was told completely in reverse, I saw myself in each character as they looked upon the only character in the story that was all-loving and all-good. Praise God that though the ending to this story seemed to be a tragic abuse and death, it did not end there....leaving those desperate tax collectors, sinners, disciples, heart-broken for the only love they had ever-known.....For up from the grave He arose!!!! Rising in Glory, to the right-hand of God, to intercede for me, so that another Comforter would come, until that day He will return for His Bride!!
May I submit my mind to the truth of Scripture.
This story of the Prodigal Son was told by Jesus in the presence of sinners, tax collectors and a group of self-righteous Pharisees. Though it spoke multitudes to all who had ears to hear, it was intended to speak a word of danger to those Pharisees who refused to rejoice at the redemption of sinners through repentence and grace alone.
I can see myself with the ears of some of the most sin-sick Gentiles listening to this story in anticipation... Searching this storyline for some glimmer of hope, some hope of redemption, a desperation to be delivered from themselves....For the first time feeling the beating of a heart of flesh.....Breathing in the life of the Spirit. For their hearts in repentance and desire for mercy, no longer hid from the Father but was seeking a Savior. In desperation, they did not have to go far to find Him for He saw them when they were yet far off and He ran to them. I found He was seeking me before I knew I was lost.
I saw myself in the place of the Prodigal dishonoring an all-loving gracious Father only to awaken in the midst of the horrid slop of sin.....Sorrowfully returning in broken repentance to a Father that wished to cover me in robes or righteousness, in an effort to protect me from any lingering shame....The recipient of over-flowing, unmerited, undeserved grace and mercy.....With a humbled, Father-pleasing, desire to serve.
I saw myself in the disgusting elder brother. In the putrid state of a self-righteous, self-motivated and self-serving mindset.....Attempting to earn merit, favor and privelege....all the while groping around in pure darkness blinded from the mystery of The way, the truth and the life!!
Though this story in my life was told completely in reverse, I saw myself in each character as they looked upon the only character in the story that was all-loving and all-good. Praise God that though the ending to this story seemed to be a tragic abuse and death, it did not end there....leaving those desperate tax collectors, sinners, disciples, heart-broken for the only love they had ever-known.....For up from the grave He arose!!!! Rising in Glory, to the right-hand of God, to intercede for me, so that another Comforter would come, until that day He will return for His Bride!!
May I submit my mind to the truth of Scripture.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Stop Dating The Church by Joshua Harris
Fall In Love With The Family of God
Many times in this life we fall in and out of love, choose what we love and choose how we show love. It is no wonder we are so confused about what true love is really like!! We measure love and relationships by the pleasure it brings us. In looking at the Bride of Christ, the Church, Christ uses this relationship not only as the manifestation of His great love for us but also of His love working through us to one another. The passion and love developed there, for Him and for our brothers and sisters in Christ, is how He nourishes us, grows us and sustains us. In this love relationship, that is meant to look beyond our personal rewards, is where God transforms us to the image of His Son. A love relationship between Christ and His Bride is what the Heavenly beings look down upon in AMAZEMENT!! To think that angels are in awe of the purest love ever imagined, betweem grace-given sinners and the Holy God-man, takes my breath away! The church pictured as the body, endwelled by the Spirit, joined to the head which is Christ is a perfect image of a Holy union, endorsed and created by God and for God! God's plan for the church and His amazing love for Her should compel those saved by grace to work diligently to display His glory! As Christ was dying on the cross, His mind was on His Bride and His great love for her. May God create in me The Passion for His Bride and the desire to carry out the treasure of His glorious gospel. In my love for my church, I am growing to love Christ more and to know Him more, as I am being transformed into His likeness until the day He comes for His Bride.
Many times in this life we fall in and out of love, choose what we love and choose how we show love. It is no wonder we are so confused about what true love is really like!! We measure love and relationships by the pleasure it brings us. In looking at the Bride of Christ, the Church, Christ uses this relationship not only as the manifestation of His great love for us but also of His love working through us to one another. The passion and love developed there, for Him and for our brothers and sisters in Christ, is how He nourishes us, grows us and sustains us. In this love relationship, that is meant to look beyond our personal rewards, is where God transforms us to the image of His Son. A love relationship between Christ and His Bride is what the Heavenly beings look down upon in AMAZEMENT!! To think that angels are in awe of the purest love ever imagined, betweem grace-given sinners and the Holy God-man, takes my breath away! The church pictured as the body, endwelled by the Spirit, joined to the head which is Christ is a perfect image of a Holy union, endorsed and created by God and for God! God's plan for the church and His amazing love for Her should compel those saved by grace to work diligently to display His glory! As Christ was dying on the cross, His mind was on His Bride and His great love for her. May God create in me The Passion for His Bride and the desire to carry out the treasure of His glorious gospel. In my love for my church, I am growing to love Christ more and to know Him more, as I am being transformed into His likeness until the day He comes for His Bride.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Mind of Christ by T. W. Hunt
The Transforming Power of Thinking His Thoughts....
My desire was to become more like Christ. But I had never heard the phrase "having the mind of Christ". But as I search the scriptures through this book, I see all that He had to say about the mind (often times referred to as the heart) and His instructions on how to transform it. In working hard to be like Christ in words and deeds, I have failed to see the affects my mind has on my spiritual walk. Wow! No wonder, I am left feeling like such a failure! Until my mind has been completely made new, my actions will continue to follow my old way of thinking, for "the mind and conscience are defiled". To learn and see the mind of Christ leaves me wanting more of Him, to think like HIm, to have a mind like Him!!! But though I may think I want it desperately, God is even more anxious for me to have the mind of Christ than I am! He desires to fix my "wanter". The Spirit desires to produce fruit in me, the work is not mine to do but His. It is His will that I be like Christ!! "Seek ye first the kingdom of God", that is the focus.
My desire was to become more like Christ. But I had never heard the phrase "having the mind of Christ". But as I search the scriptures through this book, I see all that He had to say about the mind (often times referred to as the heart) and His instructions on how to transform it. In working hard to be like Christ in words and deeds, I have failed to see the affects my mind has on my spiritual walk. Wow! No wonder, I am left feeling like such a failure! Until my mind has been completely made new, my actions will continue to follow my old way of thinking, for "the mind and conscience are defiled". To learn and see the mind of Christ leaves me wanting more of Him, to think like HIm, to have a mind like Him!!! But though I may think I want it desperately, God is even more anxious for me to have the mind of Christ than I am! He desires to fix my "wanter". The Spirit desires to produce fruit in me, the work is not mine to do but His. It is His will that I be like Christ!! "Seek ye first the kingdom of God", that is the focus.
Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris
What I had previously believed about the Parable of the Two Foundations(Luke 6:46-49) was that one of the builders was a saved man and one was a lost man. After my journey through this book, I see an all too familiar story that continues to enlighten me to a state that so many Christians are in, one that I once knew myself. The first builder is one that has dug down deep and laid his foundation upon the rock. The second builder is one that threw up a house without laying the appropriate foundation. We see this second builder mindset in our daily life as an example of the culture we live in. One day you pass a corner and there is nothing, only to return in what seems like a matter of days and "voila" instant department store, pharmacy or fast food restaraunt. We see this instant character also developing in our churches. So this is the question, have you dug down deep in your faith to study, search and examine what you believe? God is not looking for superficial, self-motivated Christians. But instead, draws by the power of the Spirit and leads us to search the scriptures. By doing so, we get to know a Sovereign, Just, all-powerful, all-loving God and obey Him. Christ described the first builder as one who hears his sayings and does them. This is the one that when the storms blow, his house still stands. Those who focus on God's love and mercy and fail to discover His other characteristics do not know Him at all. The truth in scripture lays the foundation of what we believe. But to study and know doctrine is not enough, the Holy Spirit must make it alive in us. More than anything else, this book left me praying "Lord I just want to know you more! Show yourself to me!". That is exactly the place He wants us to be.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
God Is Up To Something Great by Tony Evans
One of the most moving things about becoming a Child of God is hope! To possess the promise that God is up to something great through my life for His glory is what I call "self-shattering". Taking my eyes off myself and putting them on Christ is where I find hope! "Hope is not passive; it's the most active force in the world because it is derived from the most powerful Being of all: Hope comes from God". God takes "the good, the bad and the ugly" things in our lives and does something great with it. Just like God told the Israelites (Jeremiah 29) during their time of captivity, when things looked their worst, we are to get on with our lives when times are tough. When we don't see God working or understand what He is up to, we are to continue following Him, trusting Him and learning about Him. We have an opportunity in these times to become a blessing to others. In Jeremiah 29:12-14 there is a promise of hope that overwhelms me!!! The promise is, though we may not understand what we are going through, when we look for God......Guess what? There He will be!! We won't get all the answers and we may not understand everything but when we search for Him with all our heart, we will find Him!!! My desire in this Faith Walk is: that I will hold onto the One that says "I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11 Woohoo!!! Praise God!! That's who I'm holding to!!
Hard To Believe by John MacArthur
We have created in this day a people who are looking, first and foremost, to have their needs met. This is what the bible calls "being lovers of self." The church has fallen into the market mentality and is striving to give the consumer what they want. The sad part is, what many churches are giving people is not the gospel at all. They water down the gospel, robbing God of His glory. These strategies take the gospel and attempt to form it into a self-fulfillment, self-help program. The problem is this, "the true gospel is a call to self-denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment.". The gospel was never intended to be a soft, feel-good gospel. The cross was shameful to people of that day and the message was foolish to the wise. God's word to His people was "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise." God's plan was to take the things that are not to shame the things that are. He took a group of nobodies who could not have any glory through themself and chose to glorify Himself. Whether you reject the message or you change it to make it more comfortable to it's listeners, it still leads to hell. The gospel must be presented in a way that followers will understand the commands of deny self, take up the cross and follow Christ. And at whatever cost is necessary, even if it means death! There are too many "Christians" of this day that have been ushered down the "broad way" and will one day find that it lead them straight to hell. For many in that day will say "Lord, Lord" and Christ will say, "I never knew you". Do you know the gospel that's "Hard To Believe"? It is this truth that we are called to proclaim.
If you want to know the gospel that's hard to believe, read this book! Bibline in his writing, Macarthur has dedicated his ministry to speaking truths that are hard but those that lead to salvation.
If you want to know the gospel that's hard to believe, read this book! Bibline in his writing, Macarthur has dedicated his ministry to speaking truths that are hard but those that lead to salvation.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
So Long, Insecurity (you've been a bad friend to us) by Beth Moore
As a people, we desire to be loved and to be noticed. It is these desires that "send us on a search for our Creator". But often times, our weaknesses, feelings and fears become distorted and override our faith. When this happens, the deep roots of insecurity plunge into our lives and we learn to cope instead of heal. God does not take our hurt and pain lightly. He desires to bring us "strength and dignity". He desires for us to live steadfast and to be ready to "discern between the truth and a lie". He desires to show us that "to find yourself, your true, secure self, you must lose yourself in something larger". God wants to be our security, to be our "strength in weakness"!! The Holy Spirit dwells in us. Therefore, we possess "all-surpassing power" in "jars of clay".
In this book, Moore strives to surface or unravel those events or circumstances that breed insecurity in us and bring us to the point where we have had enough and healing can begin. When we learn to recognize what triggers insecurity, "we have the power to chose whether or not it gets to assault our security. When we decide to be strong willed about what God strongly wills, that beloved, is the epitome of empowerment".
As the reader is lead on a petition to God over their insecurities and need for restoration, the soul is overwhelmed with the working of the Holy Spirit. We must chose to wage war on the battlefield of the mind. Only in focusing on the truths of who God declares we are, can we difuse the enemies control over us.
The Lord is your security. he will keep your foot from being caught in
a trap. Proverbs 3:26
He is your constant source of stability. Isaiah 33:6
In this book, Moore strives to surface or unravel those events or circumstances that breed insecurity in us and bring us to the point where we have had enough and healing can begin. When we learn to recognize what triggers insecurity, "we have the power to chose whether or not it gets to assault our security. When we decide to be strong willed about what God strongly wills, that beloved, is the epitome of empowerment".
As the reader is lead on a petition to God over their insecurities and need for restoration, the soul is overwhelmed with the working of the Holy Spirit. We must chose to wage war on the battlefield of the mind. Only in focusing on the truths of who God declares we are, can we difuse the enemies control over us.
The Lord is your security. he will keep your foot from being caught in
a trap. Proverbs 3:26
He is your constant source of stability. Isaiah 33:6
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Born After Midnight by A. W. Tozer
True Revivals Are Born After Midnight - Spititual Renewal Comes To Those Who Want It Badly Enough
This book brought me to one of those times where you find yourself prone upon your face, and broken before a Sovereign God…. To be suspended in an “Oh!” moment, where no words can express the Holy Spirit's light upon the soul…. “The sacred gift of seeing, the ability to peer beyond the veil and gaze with astonished wonder upon the beauties and mysteries of things holy and eternal”….. The brokenness that allows you to see the sin that has been refined instead of removed… A realization of the wretchedness that continues to reside in the flesh…. To feel the groanings of the Holy Spirit on your behalf…. The overwhelming realization of a Holy God……. Then, the overflowing mercy of a redeeming Savior….that urges me to “press on to perfection” and to allow God to “sanctify the ordinary in my life” that I may live it for His sake.
Tozer describes the times in which we live as being a state of emergency or crisis. Christianity or religion has been so distorted, softened and compromised so as “to play down the difficulties and play up the peace of mind and worldly success enjoyed by those who accept Christ”. The error in the approach of modern day evangelicals, is “it begins with man and his needs and then looks around for God”. As a result of the erotic nature of the world, “Christ is courted with a familiarity that reveals a total ignorance of who He is. It is not the reverent intimacy of the adoring saint but the impudent familiarity of the carnal lover”.
Christ’s work in redemption “is to restore men to the position from which they fell and bring them around again to be admirers and lovers of the Triune God. God saves men to make them worshippers”. The theological approach, to which the sanctification process is related, takes the believer from a state of independent salvation to one of a corporate fellowship of faith. The Holy Spirit continues to sanctify us in the “fellowship of the brethren”. “Next to God Himself we need each other most. We are His sheep and it is our nature to live with the flock….it might be well to remember that should we for a moment lose sight of the Shepherd we only have to go where His flock is to find Him again. The Shepherd always stays with His flock”.
This book brought me to one of those times where you find yourself prone upon your face, and broken before a Sovereign God…. To be suspended in an “Oh!” moment, where no words can express the Holy Spirit's light upon the soul…. “The sacred gift of seeing, the ability to peer beyond the veil and gaze with astonished wonder upon the beauties and mysteries of things holy and eternal”….. The brokenness that allows you to see the sin that has been refined instead of removed… A realization of the wretchedness that continues to reside in the flesh…. To feel the groanings of the Holy Spirit on your behalf…. The overwhelming realization of a Holy God……. Then, the overflowing mercy of a redeeming Savior….that urges me to “press on to perfection” and to allow God to “sanctify the ordinary in my life” that I may live it for His sake.
Tozer describes the times in which we live as being a state of emergency or crisis. Christianity or religion has been so distorted, softened and compromised so as “to play down the difficulties and play up the peace of mind and worldly success enjoyed by those who accept Christ”. The error in the approach of modern day evangelicals, is “it begins with man and his needs and then looks around for God”. As a result of the erotic nature of the world, “Christ is courted with a familiarity that reveals a total ignorance of who He is. It is not the reverent intimacy of the adoring saint but the impudent familiarity of the carnal lover”.
Christ’s work in redemption “is to restore men to the position from which they fell and bring them around again to be admirers and lovers of the Triune God. God saves men to make them worshippers”. The theological approach, to which the sanctification process is related, takes the believer from a state of independent salvation to one of a corporate fellowship of faith. The Holy Spirit continues to sanctify us in the “fellowship of the brethren”. “Next to God Himself we need each other most. We are His sheep and it is our nature to live with the flock….it might be well to remember that should we for a moment lose sight of the Shepherd we only have to go where His flock is to find Him again. The Shepherd always stays with His flock”.
The Blessings of Brokenness by Charles Stanley
Throughout my life, I have desired blessings and avoided brokenness. My drive to have things my own way, required that my will be "saddle-busted"!
For God to deal with the areas in our life that keep us from wholeness in Him, He must bring us to the area of submission to His will. He desires to bring us to a point of total dependance on Him. "Nothing short of complete dependance will suffice". Often times, the areas that we see as strengths in are lives, are where God chooses to bring brokenness. But the purpose in brokenness is always wholeness. The wholeness that God desires for us is that we might bear MUCH fruit. In brokenness, when we "abide in the vine", he grows in us the fruit and character to make us like Christ. In bringing us to the point of spiritual maturity, He empowers us for supernatural ministry. When we allow the "wild shoots" to be pruned away from our lives, the Holy Spirit flourishes into "much fruit". Brokenness is His way to blessing.
"Praise God.....He loves us so much that he never gives up on us, never loses interest in us, and never rejects us. His desire is to live in spiritual intimacy with us forever. He asks only that we trust him to be our God, so that we might be his people and bring him glory."
For God to deal with the areas in our life that keep us from wholeness in Him, He must bring us to the area of submission to His will. He desires to bring us to a point of total dependance on Him. "Nothing short of complete dependance will suffice". Often times, the areas that we see as strengths in are lives, are where God chooses to bring brokenness. But the purpose in brokenness is always wholeness. The wholeness that God desires for us is that we might bear MUCH fruit. In brokenness, when we "abide in the vine", he grows in us the fruit and character to make us like Christ. In bringing us to the point of spiritual maturity, He empowers us for supernatural ministry. When we allow the "wild shoots" to be pruned away from our lives, the Holy Spirit flourishes into "much fruit". Brokenness is His way to blessing.
"Praise God.....He loves us so much that he never gives up on us, never loses interest in us, and never rejects us. His desire is to live in spiritual intimacy with us forever. He asks only that we trust him to be our God, so that we might be his people and bring him glory."
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Does Grace Grow Best In Winter? by Ligon Duncan
The title of this book poses the question, "Does Grace Grow Best In Winter?". To fast-forward to the conclusion is this, Yes, Grace Grows Best in Winter! Suffering is not a pleasant topic, or one that we often want to think about unless we are in the middle of it. Even then, when in the midst of it, as we read we are searching for the answer "Why?" or "Why me?". Suffering seems to always take us by surprise even though we are told in scripture that we would suffer. Even as I read this book, I questioned if I was really ready for more information on this topic. But as Christians we are instructed to expect it and be prepared for it, so when it does come, we can magnify God through it. When God becomes great in our eyes in the midst of suffering and great in the eyes of those who are watching, then He has been magnified. Each time of suffering provides an opportunity to grow in love for HIm and to prize Him more and more. What an impact on the world we have when we are "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing". Suffering also works in us corporately as fellow believers watch God's grace working in our suffering soul. "Because one of God's purposes in suffering is the maturity of the whole church." During these times, Christ works in us to show His power in our weakness. God will use suffering to produce a work of Grace in you. He has great compassion for us and desires to develop compassion in us through suffering. This book flows with overwhelming scripture on suffering and exclaims.......GRACE DOES GROW BEST IN WINTER! As the strongest flower even begins to bud and burst forth from beneath the melting snow, so does grace grow in winter.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
What's So Spiritual About Your Gifts? by Henry & Mel Blackaby
God has been in the work of using people who have had no ability of their own, from Gideon to Amos to Peter to Moses to many other characters throughout the Bible. Just as God showed Himself powerful in these people, He desires to show Himself powerful in Christians of this age. Too often, "we are seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit and not the Holy Spirit Himself." The Spirit is sent to accomplish the Father's will through us. Two things that often squelch the Spirit's power in us, is either natural talents and abilities or no natural talents at all. Many Christians use the excuse of not having any natural talents for not doing anything for God. But these people are the ones that God uses to reveal Himself to a watching world. "If you don't have a lot of natural talent, you can thank God that you're the perfect vessel for Him to show Himself powerful in you." Yet in another sense, if those with natural talents operate according to their abilities, then they get the glory and not God. "Too often, we are content to serve God by giving our own greatest effort." "Once a persons talents become a substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit, that person is of no use to God." As Christians we shy away from doing what the Spirit is leading because we don't feel we are equipped for the calling. But, "the enabling of the Holy Spirit follows the assignment, it never precedes it."
This book poses the question, "Why watch the activity of God from a distance when you can experience the thrill of being involved in the Spirit's active work?" Wow! How awesome, that we are called and chosen to be involved in the work of the Holy Spirit! "What does the world need to see, what we can do or what God can do? Do we want to give the world our best or let the world experience God's best?"
The working of God through the Holy Spirit in our lives, can be summed up best in the following passage:
Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the
LORD is His name): Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and
mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:2-3
So chances are, God will ask you to do something that you are not able to do and it is then that He will show Himself most powerful! God does not need us to show His power, but He allows us to take part in it! Now that's GRACE!!
This book poses the question, "Why watch the activity of God from a distance when you can experience the thrill of being involved in the Spirit's active work?" Wow! How awesome, that we are called and chosen to be involved in the work of the Holy Spirit! "What does the world need to see, what we can do or what God can do? Do we want to give the world our best or let the world experience God's best?"
The working of God through the Holy Spirit in our lives, can be summed up best in the following passage:
Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the
LORD is His name): Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and
mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:2-3
So chances are, God will ask you to do something that you are not able to do and it is then that He will show Himself most powerful! God does not need us to show His power, but He allows us to take part in it! Now that's GRACE!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Bookends of The Christian Life by Jerry Bridges
This comparison of a Christian Life as a bookshelf was a perfect picture of "progressive sanctification". It describes the support of our spiritual and temporal books being encased between two bookends. The first being the Righteousness of Christ and the second being the Power of the Holy Spirit. "Our gratitude for the love that provided the first bookend encourages us to depend on the second for strength". It's descriptions of the Gospel Enemies: self-righteousness, persistent guilt and self-reliance, reveal the purposes in each bookend. The bookends are the God-given, God-centered graces that are available to us and show how our dependence on God draws us to be transformed to His likeness, being transformed from glory to glory!!
Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges
Understanding how to trust God can only be done effectively after learning about His sovereignty, wisdom and love. Adversity in our lives are used to bring us more into the likeness of Christ. Even the seemingly evil things that occur in our lives are the working together of good to those He has called. But even in our pain and suffering God shows us compassion and He cares for us. Even with our mistakes and poor decisions, we can not frustrate God's plan for our lives. You can believe in a God like that! The question of "Can you trust God?", though difficult, has only one answer. Yes! "God knows exactly what He intends we become and He know exactly what cirsumstances, both good and bad, are necessary to produce that result in our lives."
Respectable Sins: Confronting The Sins We Tolerate by Jerry Bridges
Very descriptive in his look at "respectable" or "acceptable" sins. A very clear picture of those subtle sins we as Christians tolerate on a daily basis while looking at the "larger" or most scandulous sins. The truth is that even these "respectable" sins are despising God and his laws. A must read for the Christian pursuing a closer more affection relationship with God and sanctification.
Worldliness:Resisting The Seduction of a Fallen World by C.J. Mahaney
Do not love the world or anything in the world. 1 John 2:15 God wants us to delight in Him, the Creator, more than things, the creation. May I not "snip" away and choose to follow scripture that appeals to me but look at it's entirety. I strive to not be seduced by this world!
Seeing With New Eyes By David Powlison
Revealing! Helping us see as God sees is a process of identifying the heart issues and root sins.
The Prodigal God: Recovering The Heart Of The Christian Faith by Timothy Keller
I have known myself to be in alienation from God as both the Elder brother and the Younger brother. This book shows the heart of both and reveals the gospel and grace that God extends to save us from either!
Ten Questions To Diagnose Your Spiritual Health
As Christians, we should be continuously evaluating our spiritual health and growth. The Bible says, you should "make your call and election sure"(2 peter 1:10). This book looks at these ten questions:
Do you thirst for God?
Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?
Are you more loving?
Are you more sensitive to God's presence?
Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual
and temporal needs of others?
Do you delight in the Bride of Christ?
Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?
Do you still grieve over sin?
Are you a quicker forgiver?
Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?
A growing Christian should be able to answer yes to all these questions. As image bearers, our character should reflect Christ's character. Can you describe your life as yearning after holiness? Can you see yourself being conformed to His likeness? An indepth look at all these questions and the scripture that supports them will be as a mirror that allows you to see your condition. So how as Christians are we able to answer yes to all these questions?......Grace!
Do you thirst for God?
Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?
Are you more loving?
Are you more sensitive to God's presence?
Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual
and temporal needs of others?
Do you delight in the Bride of Christ?
Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?
Do you still grieve over sin?
Are you a quicker forgiver?
Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?
A growing Christian should be able to answer yes to all these questions. As image bearers, our character should reflect Christ's character. Can you describe your life as yearning after holiness? Can you see yourself being conformed to His likeness? An indepth look at all these questions and the scripture that supports them will be as a mirror that allows you to see your condition. So how as Christians are we able to answer yes to all these questions?......Grace!
What Is A Healthy Church by Mark Dever
In a world where it seems so many are looking for "something special" in a church whether it be the music, the programs, the activities, the type of people, the style of preaching, etc., this books clearly lays out what we should be to the church. A very sobering statement in the introduction says that we as Christians or members are "responsible before God for what your church becomes, not your pastors or other leaders- you". Anyone looking for a soft sermon, a feel good message or self-help pep talk would be more satisfied tuning in to Oprah at 4 than to visit the church described in this book. The two greatest commandments to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself should be lived out first and foremost within the church!! Within the body! Don't you love this analogy?!? We are ONE BODY! A Christian joins a local church "because it's the expression of what Christ has made him - a member of the body of Christ." "If you have no interest in actually committing yourself to an actual group of gospel-believing, Bible-teaching Christians, you might question whether you belong to the body of Christ at all." We have the opportunity in the body of Christ to display the Gospel to the world, when we are committed to a people that is unlovable and we love them anyway. As we grow in the faith, young and old alike, we must realize our responsibilities to each other to serve, encourage, confront and teach. "A healthy church is a congregation that increasingly reflects God's character as his character has been revealed in his Word." One of the most moving phrases is, when you join a church you are saying, "I am now your responsibility, and you are my responsibility." More often in today's church, Christians refuse to get involved in the lives of others. May all Christians grow in the body to reflect the glory of God. We are the body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, His love, His passion! We therefore, should make Christ our love and our passion!!!
God Can Not Be Trusted (and Five Other Lies of Satan) by Tony Evans
Full review:
The Father of Lies works diligently to keep us from accepting the truths of God. When he fails to keep us from salvation, his next tactic is to make us weak ineffectual Christians. He delights in twisting God's truths or blatantly creating lies. This book clearly descri...bes some of the lies Satan whispers to us. The battle is not with flesh and blood but "against the spiritual forces of evil". This rotten snake in the grass even "disguises himself as an angel of light"!! Our only defense is the armor of God and our only offense is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God!!
See More
The Father of Lies works diligently to keep us from accepting the truths of God. When he fails to keep us from salvation, his next tactic is to make us weak ineffectual Christians. He delights in twisting God's truths or blatantly creating lies. This book clearly descri...bes some of the lies Satan whispers to us. The battle is not with flesh and blood but "against the spiritual forces of evil". This rotten snake in the grass even "disguises himself as an angel of light"!! Our only defense is the armor of God and our only offense is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God!!
See More
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Gospel Blimp and Other Modern Parables by Joseph Bayly
On first glance this book seemed ordinary and a little unusual at best! By the time I finished up the book, I was questioning my method of evaluation. To read stories in the parable format (modern parables at that!), made it a little difficult at times and awkward at ...others. But this book describes parables this way, "it is a story on target, set to shatter any listener", "unpredictable, except to one who knows a man's secrets" and "can say something different to a variety of listeners". "Jesus...told parables to those who were not chosen to know the mysteries of God's Kingdom, that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand". Do I at times want my sermons, bible studies, books, etc. to come in small neat little packages that doesn't require much from me? Is my "response to truth mere intellectual assent"? "The one who is interested in pursuing the subject, or in seeking something beyond, wants the open-ended, the incomplete, the germ of an idea, the sort of situation that requires participation in depth". With this I see that scripture in it's entirety holds something far beyond the small "packages" that we receive from Pastors, teachers and leaders, etc. Failure to study it in depth, is the reason we often miss how high, high wide and how deep His love is for us and how Great and Sovereign our God is!! Reading these stories again, drove me to disect words and phrases to become enlightened to treasures of understanding, thereby, revealing truths that were not initially evident. With God's word we are to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). As in these parables, our detriment would also be to: Trade convictions for comfort, Trade the extrordinary to be ordinary To be caught up in good things while missing the best, and To Choose towalk when we know how to fly!!
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