Book Review: I Saul

Book Review: I Saul by Jerry Jenkins and James MacDonald

 

I received a copy of the book I Saul from Worthy Publishing in exchange for a review of this book. This review is my honest opinion.

I am not a fan of fiction. Fiction is to unreal to me. So I was a little nervous and excited at the same time about reading this book. Especially with the authors trying to bring the past of history and the present of fiction together. This book had a lot to live up to.  After all it was written by two of my favorite people. Jerry Jenkins and Pastor James MacDonald.

I had nothing to worry about. This book gave me great hope for fiction books. I was swept away in this book. I actually felt as if I was literally visiting Texas and walking with Paul without ever leaving the comfort of my home.

The main characters in the book is Augie Knox. Augie is a professor at a Seminary. And, there is  Luke the trusted friend and companion of Paul. It is through Luke that we learn about Paul and get to visit Rome.

Though the character of Augie is fiction. He could be the person sitting next to you at church or the neighbor that lives next door. He is a loving son. He loves the Lord and tries to help others who are  in need. He loves and cherishes the lady he is engage to. He is a good friend and protector.  If I had a man in mind to marry Augie would be the perfect example.

The other main character is Luke who we are all familiar with. Luke is not a fictional character. Luke lived and really was a part of the life of the Apostle Paul. Luke is very caring and patient. He was truly a servant to Paul. He writes down whatever Paul ask him to write. Luke is to be commended because he never grows tired of Paul and I believe he suffered along with Paul as Paul was in chains for the gospel

In this book the parchment of The Apostle Paul is found by someone and manages to get into the wrong hands. The person tries to make a profit of the parchment. Augie, his fiance Sofia and his friend Roger relentlessly try to and fights to prevent the parchment from being exploited for gain.

This is a great book and I highly recommend it. In I Saul fiction and non-fiction meets and it was so real.

Were We Worth Jesus Dying For

Glimpses of Grace

We're We Worth Dying For?

Once when my granddaughter was about 2 or 3 years old I took her for an outing. Out of nowhere comes this speeding maniac. With quick reflexes I yanked my granddaughter up and literally threw her in the opposite direction in a grasses area. I actually put myself in harms way for her. We both ended up being okay. But, was my granddaughter worth me risking my life for? ABSOLUTELY!!!

Were we worth Jesus dying for? I think I heard John the Baptist say " I am unworthy to untie the straps of your sandal." Were we worth Jesus dying for. Be quiet and listen closely. Can't you hear Paul saying "I am the chief of sinners." Were we worth dying for? Shh! Be quiet. Now can you hear Peter saying "depart from me Lord for I am a sinful man." Were we worth Jesus dying for? Can't you hear King David saying "against you and you alone have I sinned." Were we worth dying for? Do you hear Charlotte Elliott saying so softly "just as I am without one plea, but that thou blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God I come." Oh praise be to God I can hear the host of Heaven saying "Worthy is the Lamb." What are you saying now. I'm saying "who am I Jesus that you would love me and call me by name. I not worthy of it, but please don't withdraw your hands from me because I would be undone."

Jesus didn’t go to the cross because we were “worth it”. Jesus went to the cross because He was worth it. He was the only one worthy to be slain for our sins. We were and are great sinners in need of a great Savior. Our worth is not in who we are but in Whose we are. We were adopted into the family of God. The worth we have is what God has given to us. Were we worth dying for ABSOLUTELY NOT. Because of who He is God loves us. He values us. What an honor to serve the Living God. Is Jesus worth living for? ABSOLUTELY!!! Now listen closely can't you hear them saying "these who turned the world upside down is now here." Oh Beloved of God, Go now and do it for Jesus! I know what you are thinking and you are absolutely righty unbelievers are not worthy of being saved and neither were we. But, Jesus has a message worthy of being told. He is infamous for saving the greatest of sinner. Oh yes, He is now inhabiting our praise because He can hear us now as we say in unison "How Great, How Great Is Our God!."

Give praise to the only God. He is our Savior. Glory, majesty, power and authority belong to him. Give praise to him through Jesus Christ our Lord. Give praise to the One who was before all time, who now is, and who will be forever. Amen. Jude 1:25 (NIRV)

Jesus I Tried

Jesus I Tried

Have you even tried to share it? Let's be real for a second. Where people will spend eternity is on the line. They must know! How can they know if we refuse to open our mouths and share it with them. Are you afraid of offending them with the gospel? Are you afraid that you are not worthy of sharing the gospel. If these are your thoughts, you are correct. The gospel does offends because it shows us that without Jesus we are pretty pathetic people. As for being unworthy of sharing the gospel, you are correct again. We are unworthy of sharing the gospel, but we have a gospel that is worthy of sharing. Share it today. When you stand before Jesus you will be able to look Him in the eyes and say "Jesus I tried."

Crumpled Or Crease You Are Still Valued By God

Crumpled Or Crease You Are Still Valued By God

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked. “Who would like this $20 bill?”

Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you - but first, let me do this.” 

He proceeded to crumple the 20 dollar note up. He then asked. “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air.

“Well,” he replied, “what if I do this?” He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now, who still wants it?”

Still the hands went into the air.

“My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. 

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do or who we know, but by …WHO WE ARE

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

God Is Not Dead

"Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god." Daniel 3:25 (NLT)

God Is Not Dead

People have been concerned about you. They have been asking if someone in your life has died. Is this true? When is the funeral? If a love one of yours has died you need to get your black dress or suit cleaned. You say no one has died? Well you may not not be aware of it but, for quite sometime your conversations and facial expressions have shown the disappointments, stress and worries of your current situation? Oh, I get it. You are living like God has died. Or at least that He has taken ill and died in your life. I'm a living witness that it is not easy to walk around smiling and happy when things are difficult in your life. But, unfortunately we always have a skeptical audience. You've guessed it, its the world. How we speak and live is a reflection of what we say we believe. The world does not realize that we are humans. We have struggles, hurts and pain just like everyone else. Life is not a walk in the park for anyone. Neither is it a bed of roses. It was not one for Jesus either. But, Jesus tells us that, He he has overcome the world. God's word also tells us "greater is He that is in us than he who is in the world." We are more than conquerors through Jesus. God has not left you. Jesus tells us that He will never leave or forsake us. When Jesus promises us something it is like money that can be taken to the bank.

In the midst of your trials remember the story of the three Hebrew boys. They were literally in a fiery furnace because they would not bow to a false god. When the haters and the King looked into the fire get a load of what the king said: "Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god." Beloved of God they were not in the fire worried and wringing their hands or crying out. But, did you catch it?  They were walking around in the fire. You too can walk around confident in your fiery trials. Why? I'm glad you asked. Because, Jesus is walking with you in your trials. Wow!!! Isn't that good news. It's gets even better. When these young men came out of the fire they were not even burned nor, we're their clothes singed. God protected them and brought them safely out of the fire. He will do the same for you. So my brothers and sisters put away your mourning face because He is going to turn your mourning into dancing. God is not dead, He is walking with you in your fiery trials. Run and tell them God is not dead!!!  His Spirit is living in you. No, He is not dead!!! May your life reflect the power of the resurrection.

Where Are You Headed?

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 (NIV)


Albert Einstein once lost his ticket while boarding a train. The conductor said "Relax, Dr. Einstein, we all know who you are." Einstein replied, "It's not that I don't know who I am, I know exactly who I am, I'm looking for my ticket becaue I don't know where I'm going." Can you honestly say that you know where you are going? Is it heaven? If not study the book of John, it will show you the way to heaven. It will point you to Jesus, He is the only entrance into Heaven. It you do know where you are going, will you please point someone who is lost, to Christ? Continue to stay in His word and stay on your knees.



Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.~Jesus Christ

Make Your Reservation For Heaven

I made my reservation for heaven. It was made through Jesus Christ. Where is your reservation

for eternity and who did you make it through?

 

Delivered From Oppression

Six years ago the enemy of my soul tried to snatch me away. Then I heard the Shepherd of my soul say My Father is greater no one can snatch you out His hand. I called upon The Lord and He delivered me from the oppression of Satan.

He Could Part The Waters

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. Mark 4:35, 36 (NLT)

The reason you have not been blown away while going through the storm is because, Jesus is holding back the wind and waves. If God wanted you out of the storm and on the other side, He could have easily parted the waters to get you safely there. Beloved of God you are safely anchored in Christ.

Safe In God's Hand

Waiting in any situation is hard. But when we say "I'm giving this to you Lord, You write my life story. I want you to place every punctuation mark in my life. May people see your imprint on my life. Not my will Lord but, Your will be done in every area of my life." When you place the matter in God's hand, there is no need to worry. In reality that is when your worrying should cease. Your life is safer in the hands of God than an embryo in it's mother's womb.

Your Tears He Keeps In His Bottle

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 55:8 (NLT)

Are worries consuming your mind? Are you plagued with insomnia? What are your worries? Is it your wayward child? Your unfaithful spouse? Unemployment is the issue? Or, Is it the shut down of our federal government? Relax!!! God has not shut down his Kingdom. Those things may appear to be out of control. But, God has it all in control!!! Most importantly God cares and is actively involved in every area of your life. God sees the groaning of your heart. He sees your sleepless nights. He see the tears that falls down your face. Beloved of God, you are so precious to Him that He keeps those tears in a bottle. Things may appear bleak but, God will turn your situation around at just the right time. You keep looking and trusting in Him. Don't forget His faithfulness to you in the past. He is God and He can still be trusted with your present situation and your future situations. In the meantime, since God neither sleeps nor slumber, you can!!!

Jesus With Skin

Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten. If we love the One who conceives the child, we’ll surely love the child who was conceived. The reality test on whether or not we love God’s children is this: Do we love God? Do we keep his commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome. 1 John 5: 1-3 (MSG)

The old saying is true. Action speaks louder than words. The story was brought to my attention recently of someone who was going through a storm. They were to embarrass to call so they poured out their heart via email a certain person. I was told their emails had always been answered in the past but this particular time it was not even acknowledged. The person going through the storm said they were even more embarrass than when they first reached out to the person. I was told the person they reached out to mantra is "believers should be intentional towards one another."  That is a true statement we should always be intentional towards one another. Also, believers should never be guilty of talking the talk but not walking the walk. If convicted of something, it should be of doing good towards others, especially those in the household of faith who are in need. Sometimes a need is just an acknowledgement of what someone is going through. Can I get an amen!!! If your are guilty, maybe your should say "Oh my".  In James 4:17 we are told anyone who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, is sinning. Beloved of God, lets truly be intentional towards one another. Lets stop making excuses. You know the ones, for example "I don't want to get in the Lord's way, because The Lord may be trying to teach them to learn to trust in Him." Starting today may we stop using "holy excuses" to prevent us from serving and walking along side our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes people need Jesus with skin on!!!

Stop Competing

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else.  Galatians 6:4  (NLT)

As Christians we should keep our eyes and focus on Christ. But, sometimes we lose focus of our goal and we compete with each other. Not like the world competes. We get into a spiritual competition with each other. "Our church did this." "I listen to this bible teacher." We seem to forget that we are all on the same winning  team. Lets keep our eyes focused on Christ. Instead of competing against each other lets cheer each other on.  Hard as this race may  be. We are victorious. We will win it. As a matter of fact, Christ has already won it for us. You, keep your eyes on the prize!!!

Go And Sin No More

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”  Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”  John 8:7-11 (NLT)

 "I committed adultery and I can't live down my past.  I had an abortion and I can't forgive myself. I once was a thief and I cannot forgive myself for this horrible sin. I have ask for forgiveness from the parties involved.  But, how can God forgive me. I am such a horrible person."

If you have not heard these stories, I am sure you have stories that are familiar to these. The truth of the matter is, we all sin. Our strongholds may not be the same but sin is present in all of our lives. There is not a single person on earth who can go a single day without sinning against God, in thought or deed

When you sin against God the key is to quickly acknowledge your sin to Him.  An to turn away from it. In 1 John 1:9, we are told: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God does not want us to be burden with the guilt of unforgiven sin. He wants us to experience the forgiveness that we have in Christ. Jesus took away the guilt of our sin. That frees us up to walk with our heads held high. We don't have to live in shame. We are to walk in the freedom that we have in Christ.

Don't misunderstand me. God never winks at sin, nor does He turns and look the other way. He is fully aware of our sins. But, He see our sins and is ready and fully prepared to offer the forgiveness that Christ has made available to us. When Jesus was crucified and died on the cross all of our sins were nailed to Him. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.

Never let anyone deceive you. Not only does your "big sins" separate you from God but "your little sins" separate you from God also. It is the goodness of His grace that covers your sins. There is nothing that we can do that will ever make up for the sins that we have committed against God. It is only by the blood of Christ that we are forgiven.

Have you sinned against God? Are you having trouble forgiving yourself? Will others not let you live it down. Have you ask for God's forgiveness? If that is the case, in the word's of Jesus "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more."

God Hears Your Prayers

I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

Do you ever wondered if God hears your prayers? Listen to this "Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is." Hagar was a pagan woman yet, the angel told her that God heard her cry and the cry of her son. You are in the Beloved, so without a doubt your prayers are heard by God. How can we be sure of this? Because, Jesus tells us that we can ask God for anything in His name. God always answers Jesus prayers and that is another reason that we know that He not only hears but answers our prayers, because Jesus is praying for us. Isn't that good news? Cry out unto Him, He will deliver you in His time.

Counterfeit Religion Exposed

And no wonder! Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. So it shouldn’t surprise us when his servants masquerade as servants of God. But they’re not getting by with anything. They’ll pay for it in the end. 2 Corinthians 11:14,15 (MSG)


Bank employees have to watch for counterfeit money. I have heard many say the way they are able to tell counterfeit money from the real thing is by studying the real thing. They are thoroughly trained in identifying the real thing from front to back. That is the reason they can identify counterfeit money from the genuine. You and I may be deceived by it because we would be looking at it with untrained eyes. But bank employees are specially trained in identifying the real thing. They are always alert because they never know when someone may try to pull a fast one on them.

As Christians we should always be alert for the counterfeit. We need to be saturated with the real thing. God's Word is the real thing. It is Genuine. It is Authentic. It is God approved. When we are able to walk effectively through the word of God, there is no false teaching that will be able to creep into our lives. Sound doctrine is so important. We cannot take something that we like from this religion and that religion and mix it with Christianity. That is counterfeit and come right from the devil who masquerade as an angel of light. If we are studying God's word we will be familiar with sound doctrine and no counterfeit religion from the enemy will be able to overtake us. The word of God is our weapon of defense against Satan and his demon. Familiarize yourself with God's word. Only God's word can unmasked the enemy of our soul.

Seasons Of Life

Call to Me, and I will answer you. I will tell you of great things, things beyond what you can imagine, things you could never have known.  Jeremiah 33:3 (Voice)

Have you ever noticed that just like the seasons of the year our lives can be vibrant or dull? The Lord allows us to enter the seasons of suffering, the seasons of hurt, the death of love ones,  the seasons of leanness and richness of life, and the season of shattered dreams. It is in these seasons we either draw closer to God and learn about His purpose for our lives or we fall away because of unmet expectations. It is in these times of testing that we need to draw from the strength and nearness of God. If you are hurting emotionally or physically, remember God loves you so much that He will do whatever it takes to draw you closer to Him. If it is a season in your life that will pull you nearer, then He will use it to draw you near!  If you are in a hard place like I am, ask Jesus to draw you so close that you can almost feel His nail scarred hands. And be thankful because He will never leave you or forsake you. Please, don't  think for a second that I am minimizing your pain because I don't want anyone to  minimize my struggles or disappointments but, we need to begin to verbalize reasons we have to be thankful. Then we will see that our disappointments in and with life are His appointments to do something greater than we ever dreamed possible for our lives. 

Never be ashamed of your scars. Wear them as a testimony of the power of the Gospel of Christ in your life. Jesus is not ashamed of you He is wearing His scars in heaven before the Father on our behalf. It is a testimony to heaven and earth of His love for us. If that doesn't make you dance like David, send me your address and I will come to your home and personally give you dance lessons!!!

Have You Prayed About It As Much As You Gossiped About It?

A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. James 3 (ESV)




A few weeks back my daughter did a post called "Have You Prayed About It More Than You've Talked About It." She was referring to running to get the opinions of others before getting God's opinion. Today I am going to put a twist on it and ask "have you gossiped about it more than you have prayed about it ?." "Ouch"

That information that he or she shared with you, did you get their permission to share it with others? We, Christians are very good at sharing aren't we? And sharing is used all under the guise of helping. After all "poor little so in so, is having such a tough time." I am going to give it to you straight. Gossip is the name of the game!!! Would you share a confidence that your loved ones or friends shared with you, because they are having such a hard time? Or would you take it to God in prayer and then do everything that you could do to help them? Well others deserve the same. Not only did Jesus die for you and the people that you care about but he die for the sins of the world. That includes them.

The tongue can be a mighty adversary or ally. Maybe that is why God has given us only one. It can be used for good or evil. When someone shares something with you in confidence, take it to God and God alone. He really does care!!! Keep in mind if they are telling you this in confidence, they must be hurting and feeling vulnerable. What would you want others to do with your secrets? Would you want them to pray about it or gossip about it?

The acronym THINK is something that I try to put into practice.

T: Is it true.
H: is it helpful.
I: is it inspiring.
N: Is it nice.
K: Is it kind.

If what you are about to say does not pertain to any of these things then maybe you should pray about it before you gossip about it.


If lips and life do not agree, the testimony will not amount to much.~Harry Ironside

Review: What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James White

Review: What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James R. White

                                                

 I received a complimentary copy of the book What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James R. White from Bethany House to review. My review of this book is my honest opinion.

I am a Christian and I am well informed on the Christian faith and beliefs. Before I was saved I was a part of a cult, so I am very familiar with other religions but  and I am embarrass to say that Islam is a subject that I am very ignorant of. Though I should not be. Christians should be knowledgeable of other religions. I feel not only should we know what we believe but, we should know what people of other faith believe also. Especially Islam which is the fastest growing religion in the world.

I am very familiar with Dr. James White and his teachings. I have listen to his messages and I must say that I was a little turned off by him. He came off as being harsh and unloving. This is the first book that I have read by Dr. White. I was very impress with what he said that his three goals in writing this book were. He said that he wrote this book  to honor Jesus through the defense of the gospel, to bless God's people through sound biblical doctrine... and to be used by God to bring the message of salvation in Jesus Christ to the precious Muslim people who honor the Qur'an.

I see now that Dr. White's motivating factor is love for God and the preserving of His precious word .
Dr. James White does an excellent job in helping believers to understand the Qur'an. He talks about the Muslims founder Mohammad and their belief about Jesus. This book gives a better understanding of the Qur'an and the Muslim belief. It gives a lot of insight into why the Muslim people do some of the things that they do. To the Muslim the Qur'an is just as holy as the bible is to the Christian. Their view of God's word  is warped. Dr. White has done a great job in helping the believer view of the Qur'an not to be warped.

The Lord Is Worthy Of Many Hallelujahs

 The Lord Is Worthy Of Many Hallelujahs 

 

One of the many things that I asked of the Lord is a grateful heart. I want to my heart to always be grateful and never take for granted the work that the Lord has done in my life. The Lord has been so good to me. Mama used to say “He’s been better to me than I’ve been to myself.

I realized the desire in my heart is from Him because, no good thing dwells in my flesh. Since the beginning of time, the desire of the human heart is to elevate itself. I sometimes feel like Peter in John chapter 5, after he had put his net into the deep water as he was instructed to do by Jesus. Peter realizing who Jesus was said “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” I feel like that time and time again. But, I cannot afford to say that to Jesus, it is because of Him that I can stand with confidence before God. Yet, I cannot phantom why the Lord chose me. This alone brings me to my knees.

I absolutely love it when Paul says: “I am the chief of sinners.” I think to myself “move over Paul, because the sinners have a new chief.” Yet I am love by Christ. When the Lord called me I was living in poverty and in an abusive marriage. I thought this was the normal way of living. I had no idea that the Lord had so many wonderful things in store for me. My husband was not a believer, yet he called a Christian and asked him to speak to me, because I was involved in a cult at that time.

That was not a coincidence that was a God ordained appointment. That visit took place over 25 years ago and it changed life. I am in awe that God would be mindful of me. Jesus, who am I, that You would be mindful of me? Who am I that you would call me by name? Who am I that You keep count of the number of hairs that are on my head? Who am I that You would bottle my tears? Who am I that You would seek and save me? I know Gladys, I know Gladys!!! But you know me better than I know myself and You love me in spite of me...

I cannot phantom not sharing my life story with others, because my life story tells of how Jesus really can make a person new. I have nothing to be ashamed of because Christ has made me new. Some people try not to look back at their hurtful past, but I don’t mind because, remembering my past helps me to thank the Lord for my present life. He is a God worthy of many Hallelujah and then some. Jesus, you entrusted me with your gospel. When I stand in your presence may You be pleased with me. Hallelujah what a Savior!!!!

Book Review: The One Year Devos for Teen Girls

Book Review: The One Year Devos for Teen Girls

By: Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel

I received a complimentary copy of The One Year Devos for Teen Girls from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a book review. This review is my and my granddaughter's honest opinion.


This is the best devotional that I have ever read. I love the topics that were discussed. What struck me the most was how the authors made it so plain and easy to understand. Sometimes I used it as my personal devotional.  I loved studying this book with my granddaughter. What you are about to read is my granddaughter Darcel's review of The One Year Devos for Teen Girls.



From reading through the devotion I noticed that its very different from other devotionals. Most devotionals only covers the main things like stealing, being mean and praying. All of those things are great and important. But there's so many more situations out there, that teens face. A lot of the answers to these things Christian teens are not even close to figuring out. This devotional did not talk over my head and it was in every day English. It shows us how to apply what we are being taught to our lives.

At my age almost everything and anything someone says can offend a teen girl. I felt this devotional was good because it explains things to you in such a way that you feel like your not being yelled at, talked down to nor does it makes you feel like you are in trouble. But, it does teach you how to stay out of trouble. It's cool how Dannah and Suzy put things like 'your not in trouble, just if this ever happens God will always be there'. I love that!

This devotional also covers a lot of hot topics,  like how being famous is a thing that can go to your head.  I really always knew that being famous could but do that to you. But, what you have to think about is not the good stuff of being famous but can you stay level headed and not test your relationship with God? (They didn't say that but I thought about that!)

So for you girls out there you all should read this devotional it's very helpful.

No Turning Back

I love the passage in John 6 where Jesus talks about what is required to follow Him. Some of the people who were following Him turned away. Jesus looks at the 12 and ask if they too would turn away. Simon Peter who was the spokes person for the 12 answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life." For over 25 years The Lord has allowed the words of Peter to helped me stay grounded in my faith. Nothing or no one can bring me fulfillment. My only hope is Jesus. I considered the cost when I decided to follow Christ and it is one that I would lay down my life for. And, if my love ones had chosen or chooses not to follow, for me no turning back!!!

For The Fame Of His Name

Due to financial problems we had to move somewhere smaller and cheaper. I have seen the hand of God imprinted throughout the pages of this saga. Although there have have been times when I have begged Him for Glimpses of His Grace. There have been many nights that I have cried myself to sleep. There have been times when I fell to my knees, bowed my head and told The Lord never to take His hands off of me. There have been time when my family and I have argued and said the other one did not understand them. There have been times when I asked The Lord if I really was His. In all of those times I have felt Jesus say "never will I leave you and never will I forsake you." I shared with a dear friend some of my struggles and fears. She told me that a lot of times Christians go through hardships and trials because they are doing what God has called them to do. That was comforting to me because that means that I am sharing in the sufferings of Christ. I am not worthy of that. I will be honest and say that it hurts and it is not something that I would have ask for. All I ask is that in every hurt and pain that touches my life, Jesus will hold me closer and allow me to gaze into His face. His presence will allow me to endure whatever He deems worthy of my trials. Lord you are the potter and I am the clay, as you mold me please help others to see the imprint of your handiwork in my life. This Lord,  I ask for the fame of Your Name.

Glimpses of Grace

Today on Moments of Grace our is Will Lemmers. Will lives in Gettysburg PA. He is an assistant Sunday School Teacher, he sings in the choir and he has a great interest in creation.

Moments of Grace:

I came to faith is Jesus at a very early age. And since then I have lived through seasons of various levels of devotion to Him. When I was sixteen years old I started to really get serious about the faith, and within that year I read through the Bible for the first time.

I decided at that time that I would no longer listen to any secular rock music and said goodbye to all my Led Zeppelin cds, all my Nirvana and Guns n' Roses, no more Metallica or Bon Jovi, lol. And I really started trying to live the Christian lifestyle. 

I began going regularly to church and youth group. It was also at that time that my parents introduced me to C.S. Lewis. My mom bought me a copy of a C.S. Lewis biography which was a part of the Heroes of Faith series that can probably still be found at Christian bookstores. 

Soon after that, I borrowed a copy of Mere Christianity from the Gettysburg College Library. Now I was getting immersed in Christian apologetics. All of this was shortly after I had dropped out of public high school, and had started working full time at a local restaurant. 

At eighteen, I decided to go back to school and I enrolled at the Adams County Christian Academy, where I would earn my diploma. I had read more of Lewis' writings and much of Josh McDowell's material. At ACCA, I learned a bit more about the creation/evolution debate as well, which inspired me to write a song called "Mutant Monkey".

Now, maybe it was my introduction to apologetics, or maybe it was just a part of growing up. But I had begun to think more about what and why I believe. C.S. Lewis and Josh McDowel were of profound help to me, but as I read the biblical accounts of events like the parting of the Red Sea and the miracles and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it was just difficult for me to imagine that those events actually, really happened. And I wondered to myself whether or not faith requires the ability to imagine it in one's mind.

And it was sobering, to say the least, to realize that a person's eternal destiny depends on their response to a poor, first-century carpenter-turned-wandering-preacher from a tiny little dot called Israel. I grappled with all this in my mind.

After completing high school, I continued to go through various ups and downs in my walk with the Lord. Some of the downs seem more significant than others, maybe they're not. I have reached a point in my thought-life where the truth of gospel of Jesus Christ seems self evident. 

I look at this troubled world (on the news as well as the History Channel), and I look at my own life. I see the need for grace and salvation. I can see that humanity is made in the image of God. But I can see how marred by sin humanity is too. How broken is this world in which we live.

I see the prophet's words vindicated by the history that continues to unfold in the Middle East and the rest of the world. And I think about Jesus, and His message. His offer of a new creation, starting inside the believer's heart and life. And I think about the apostles, with their lives turned upside down because of what they saw with their own eyes (1st John 1:1-3). And I know that it's all true.

I still wrestle with sin as I strive to live out the Christian lifestyle. I'm not very good at it. And I realize that all my life is, to use the words of a song by Tait, "holding out for grace". And so is the Church, and the world.

I Am Ashamed of My Past

I Am Ashamed of My Past

"I am ashamed of my past." Satan is happy to hear this, and I am quite sure that He was helping you created that very past that you are ashamed of. Do you know the reason he delights in our misery? It is because he will do anything in his power to distract us from Jesus. Listen to me, Beloved of God. As Christians we don't have to live defeated lives. Everyone has a past. Even Satan had one. He also has a heated future. Christians, on the other hand have a glorious future. There is no need to cling to the past. Jesus paid it all, all to him we owe. "Sin had left a crimson stain, he washed it white as snow." The next time Satan try to remind you of your past, you, remind Him of the Cross!!!!

Moments of Grace

 Moments of Grace


Today on Moments of Grace our guest is Dr. Donald Hartley. Dr. Hartley is a Professor at Southeastern Bible College. He is also a Bible Scholar, Apologist and Author.

Moments of Grace

I remember my high school senior year (1981–82) late one night, alone, lying on my bed, and praying from memory the Lord’s Prayer. I tried to understand the words of that prayer I had been taught as a child. I’d said it a thousand times before that night. But that night was different. I was desperate to hear from God. I felt so alone, could not find the answers, and sensed an inability to even seek them. “Our Father who art in heaven….” Father? Of course you are in heaven. “Hollowed be thy name.” What does “hollowed” mean? “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” On I went through prayer phrase-by-phrase and word-by-word until the “for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” What did it mean altogether and what did it mean in particular to me? I was literally on my back speaking out loud to the God transcending the ceiling above my bed. “I know you’re out there. Why do you not hear me? Why cannot I hear from you?” Silence. What good is a God whom I cannot hear and who cannot hear me? If the answers were outside of me, how do I get to them? I was taxed and spent with nothing to tax and spend. I could not figure out either the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer or the world into which I felt I was thrown. Why was I here? How can I get through this life alone? Why was I so miserable? Is there life after High School? Was I to spend my life alone?

I don’t remember the details of the night that brought on the angst but I do remember giving God an ultimatum. The soliloquy began with angst, progressed to anger, degenerated into blasphemy of God, turned into asking for his forgiveness, then petitioning the impossible from him. It culminated with something like this: “OK God. I want a wife! I don’t think you can do this because I want nothing but the best. I do not want a woman just to have a woman. I don’t want any woman. I need a particular one. I’d rather be single all my life than to be with someone I did not desire or worse, repulsed me as ugly. Here is what I want. I want a short, cute, blond who is built really well—you know what I mean—and who thinks the world of me. Hey God, did you hear that? That is what I want. But I know it is impossible…even for you. What would a girl like that want with a guy like me? There, I’ve said it. Good night and good luck.” I fell back upon the pillow out of a living nightmare and into a depressing sleep haunted by an impossible dream. But at least I’d laid it out to God. It wasn’t the Lord’s Prayer, but it was mine.

I grew up in a Roman Catholic family, one of eight kids. I was the fifth born followed immediately by my twin brother, Doug. It may be difficult for someone to appreciate the possibility of loneliness in a family where one is never really alone. But I was like Adam in the garden. “It is not good for man to be alone,” God said. Adam was not alone! He had God walking with him in the cool of the day. He had animals of all sorts to keep him company. He had a job to do in the garden. He was busy, busy, and busy still. But God said Adam was alone, and it was not good. If Adam even in a pre-fall state, with God walking alongside him, commissioned to tend a garden, and surrounded by animals all around him could be alone and in a state of “not good,” then surely anyone descended from Adam can be alone in the midst of others as well. I had parents, two sisters, and five brothers. I was not alone. But I was missing something. I was missing someone as well as Someone. I felt alone on many levels. But I felt abandoned by God. That night, my solution was a “Hail Mary pass” to God for him to find and bring the right woman, the ideal woman, for me and to me. I did not ask for salvation or a wise heart or a heart for God like David. My visceral concern was to be with a helper a companion that I could find fellowship. And in doing this I felt that it would demonstrate whether God had indeed forsaken or cared in the least for me. I remember that night and this prayer clearly because I have rehearsed its contents repeatedly over the last thirty years to my wife, Melissa. You see, God answered that prayer two weeks before my senior year ended!

I met my wife over 31 years ago in high school, two weeks before the last day of class for seniors. I was a senior and she was a junior. She fit the physical features and far surpassed them with her bubbly personality, eager anticipation of the next moments of life, uninhibited optimism, cheerful disposition, and endless entertaining chatter. And, she was a PK (“preacher’s kid”). At the time, I was still a Roman Catholic, but God had my attention. Over the next couple of years I did become a genuine believer. Whenever I doubted God’s love for me I simply reminded myself of what I had asked from him at a dark hour and then the undeniable answer down to its specific details in Melissa. He must love me because he gave me her. That was a tangible proof in the here-and-now that I could not deny. Of course I know that God loved me before time and in time demonstrated by the death of his Son in my place. But I did not know that in the sense I do today. God condescended to me and gave me someone so that I could better see the Someone I needed even more. A moment of grace prepared me for many more and greater degrees of grace from God.
Donald E. Hartley, Ph.D.

 

Moments of Grace

Moments of Grace

 

 

Hi my name is Gladys Brown and I am the person behind Glimpses of Grace. People don't always agree on the same thing but I am sure that everyone will agree that we need God's grace and we all would like to go get glimpses of it. That is the reason for this segment, which is entitled "Moments of Grace". As I mentioned to you last week, "Moments of Grace" will feature ordinary men and women by the power of the Spirit of God, doing extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

I once was a part of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I was presented with the gospel of Jesus in 1986. It has not been smooth sailing for me, but God is faithful. I've had 2 children to precede me in death but I am assured on the authority of God's word that they are in His presence. I have one surviving daughter and a lovely granddaughter. God is indeed good. Everyday, I am amazed to be counted amongst His people. It is all because of His grace.

God has put 2 desires within my heart. I desire to correctly divide the Word of truth. It excites me to teach people God's word. Nothing is more gratifying that when you are teaching and someone has an "I get it moment." You know then that the Spirit of God is at work. I love to teach, but most importantly I love to see people lives changed through the teaching of God's word. Because it is His word that holds the power of life. Why would you choose death when eternal life is free?

Another desire of mine is to bring about change in my community. Some people are called to foreign missions. I was called to the mission field right here in Birmingham,AL. When I became saved, I did not have 2 nickels to rub together. But God placed wonderful Christian people in my life who was to me, what the first century church was to their brothers and sisters in need. They were the living gospel on display. Through that I saw that the gospel was not just for presenting, but it was for living out also. God gave me the desire to be the gospel on display in my community.

The people that God placed in my life was middle and upper middle class. I was below the poverty level, but I was never looked down on and neither were my children. I really believe in my heart that the Lord allowed me to see this so that I would not get puffed up, in the future when He I did provide me with a better life. Because he was sending me back into my community. No one wants help from a person who is looking down on them. Jesus never looked down on us. He showed us grace and mercy.

Once I went with my church (Hunter Street Baptist Church) to a Program called Ready Day One, this is a program that helps kids who are less fortunate. It supplies them with school supplies, shoes, socks, encouragement,etc. But most importantly it gives them the gospel of Jesus Christ. One little girl told me, when she grew up she wanted to work at Wal-mart. I asked her to tell me about what she liked to do and she said she liked to design clothes. I told her that I thought she should try to be a fashion designer and she looked at me and said "do you really think I can do it." I looked her in the eyes and told her that God had a great plan for her life and I was sure with His guidance she could. She said "God has a plan for me". Wow, TEACHING TIME. I told her about our wonderful Savior. She received hope. She really believed what I told her and for me that was a "Moment of Grace". Please don't misunderstand me, I am an Ambassador for Christ and I will be all things to all men. God Has given me Glimpses of Grace and I will share it will all men!!!

 

 

Thanks

Gladys

I now realize that all I gained and thought was important was nothing but yesterday’s garbage compared to knowing the Anointed Jesus my Lord. For Him I have thrown everything aside—it’s nothing but a pile of waste—so that I may gain Him. He is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I want others to know about this love of a lifetime and how they must seek Him now while He can be found.  Philippians 3:8

Please Respect Jesus' Name

Please Respect Jesus' Name

                         

  

Giveaway: Apologetics Study Bible

Apologetic Study Bible Giveaway 

I am so excited about this give away. I contacted the wonderful people at B&H Publishers about a giveaway. I was asked what books did I want. I told them "The Apologetic Study Bible"  When they responded back, they told me they were giving me not one but two of the Bibles to giveaway. That was more than I dreamed of. I am going to do a giveaway this month and another one in a couple of months from now or maybe I will wait close to Christmas.

One of the reasons, that I am so excited about this Bible, is because it helps us to see where cults and other religions get the basis of their beliefs from. But this Bible also helps believers to be prepared to share why we have the hope that is within us.  This Bible was written by some of the best Apologetic Thinkers of our time. Just to name a couple of them: Lee Strobel, Norm Geisler, Chuck Colson, Ravi Zacharias, Josh McDowell. Oh!, I said a couple of them didn't I.

Studying with this Bible helps answer the real hard questions about our faith and it gives believers the confidence to share their faith without doubts. Because it shows the Bible is the Word of God and it can be trusted.

Good Luck!!!

Father, Make Them One

Father, Make Them One



I’m praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me.The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. John 17: 20, 21 (MSG)

What America calls a melting pot. God calls the body of Christ. Only God could take people from multi-ethnic groups, from different cultures and from different races and make them one. Did you get that, well I am going to say it again. One!!! Just as He and the Son are one. We are the body of Christ and whether you asked for it or not, we are called to be united. We must put all difference aside and live in harmony. Everything that was not in harmony in heaven got kicked out. So when we finally make it to heaven, we will all live in unity. So let practice and get a glimpse of what is to come. We are believers in Christ. We need to check on each other, pray for each other, cry with each other and desire what is best for each other. It is these type of things that the world does not understand. It is foreign to them, but we are from a foreign land. Guess what? It is these foreign actions that causes them to see that Jesus was sent by the Father. So today contact someone in the body that you have  never communicated with before and let them know that you are thinking about them. I promise you will make their day. You will also make the world curious

Let us be united See each other through your eyes May we forgive our brother. We see you risen No longer on an old rugged cross Lord, may your glory fill us. Make us one heart Make us one mind Make us one Let your will be done.Make us one flame To proclaim your name Make us one.~ Phil Driscoll

We Will See Him In All Of His Glory

We Will See Him In All Of His Glory!!!

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever noticed the difference in what people called the "Lord's Prayer" and when Jesus really prays? The "Lord's Prayer, was a model prayer that Jesus prayed. He was teaching His disciples how to pray to the Father. But, when Jesus actually prays, it is powerful. One of the things He prayed about, was His followers living in heaven with Him. Do you actually, think about living in heaven with Jesus? Well it is pretty important, because He told His Father that He wanted us to be with Him in heaven. What an honor. There is not anything about thinking about living in heaven. That does not mean you will go out and commit suicide. It means that He wants you with Him and you, likewise desire to be with Him. We should not be content here on earth in bodies that are only wasting away. Our spirits should be groaning and desiring the One who will give us our glorified bodies. Now don't miss this, it is only when we receive our glorified bodies, that we will be able to see Him in all of His glory. Hallelujah!!!  We will behold what the Angels have beheld since they were created. If that doesn't make you want to dance like David, I will meet with you and give you dance lessons. Please continue to remain in His word and continue to lift each other up even more, as we see the day of His return drawing near.

  

Someday believers will not only see his glory, but share it. Until then, we participate in it spiritually.~John MacArthur

 

Follow The Shepherd Not The Sheep

This is why we need to follow the Shepherd and not the sheep!

July 4th 2013 Grace For Thursday

July 4th 2013  Grace For Thursday

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

Happy July 4th Everyone!!! If you are off from work today, I hope you get to spend some quality time with your family!!! This is a very special holiday for our country. This is the day that Americans set aside to celebrate our independence from Britain. We are the United States of America and we should be proud of our country. Ladies although we are independent of Britain, we should always be dependent on God. So today as you thank God for the freedom He has given to our country, also thank Him for the dependency that we have in Him through Christ. Also remember to pray for each other but say a special prayer for our country. Our country may claim Freedom, but we are under the yoke of sin. So together, we the people of God can cry out to Him and He will heal our land. Now that is the best news I've heard all morning!!!!

 

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchases with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives. (unknown)

 

Friday June 28, 2013 Glimpses of Grace

Friday June 28, 2013 Glimpses of Grace


A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.   Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

 

 

 Here is an exercise to practice today. If you encounter a situation today that causes you to feel rage or anger. Immediately ask God to help you, then with patience talk to the person who has wronged you. Allow them to see the grace given to you by God. I promise if you will take this challenge, you will see that  Proverbs 15:1 works in 2 ways. Not only will it turn away the other person's anger but it will also turn away yours. I am a witness of this. The maintenance man came in to repair a leaking faucet in my bathtub and he left without turning off the water. 

 

He left it running and he accidentally flooded my bedroom, my bathroom and both of my closets. My furniture had to be moved out of my bedroom and I had to move into my granddaughter's bedroom. Honestly, I was enraged but I showed him grace. I even gave him a hug to encourage him.The rage that I felt dissolved. God is so faithful. His word never returns to Him void. It accomplishes everything that He intends for it to do. Remember you can only know these truths by studying His word. Also take advantage of the privilege that He has given to us in prayer.  

 

Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.~ Lawrence J. Peter

 

Thursday June 27, 2013 Glimpses of Grace

Thursday June 27, 2013 Glimpses of Grace


He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessolonians 5:24 (NKJV)



For the past few weeks I have been wrestling with the faithfulness of God. There were times when I could feel His peace and sometimes I even rested in it. His peace was my only solace. Then there were times when I cried out to Him "Help me Lord, You are the only One that I have to depend on." Well if the Lord is the only one that I can depend on, isn't He all that I need? It sounds like I need a lesson in the providence of God.

Remember when you were in school and the teacher would do roll call? You would either say here or present. You did not hesitated to answer because you wanted to make sure that your name was on the roll for that day. Beloved of God, you do not have to remind God that you are here. He knows that your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. He also knows that you are present on this earth. He know this because you are not in your glorified body, in his presence. Rest assured that God is actively involved in your life and He will supply all of your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. We must take courage and rest in the providence of God. God is watching over us and He has His hand on us.

In Acts 12 it tells of the arrest and imprisonment of the Apostle Peter. That very same night Peter was resting peacefully in his jail cell being guarded by 4 squads of  soldiers. An angel woke him up and told him to get up quickly and to dress himself. Guess what happened. Peter was set free. He walked out of the jail cell and past those guards as if he has been invisible. The reason why Peter could sleep peacefully can be found in John chapter 21. 

After Jesus' resurrection and reunion with His disciples, Jesus had a conversation with Peter and He told Peter that when he was young he used to dress himself but when he would become old someone else would dress him and carry him around. Did you catch that insight?

 Well on the night of Peter's arrest, I think he remembered the Lord's words to him. Peter knew that the Lord was faithful to keep promises and that He was faithful to carry out what He started in someone. Peter was a living witness of the faithfulness of God. That's why Peter had peace and could sleep in the presence of his enemies. Peter knew the kind of death that he would die. He knew it would not be in a jail cell. Peter was resting in God's providence.

What did the angel say to Peter? He said "get dress." He didn't tell Peter to let someone else dress Him, but Peter was to dress himself. Didn't the Lord tell him when it was time for his death someone else would dress him? On the authority of God's word I'm telling you that the Lord can be trusted. We must rest in His providence. Today the Lord answered my prayer. I was in awe of my God. He was faithful even though I was faithless. Each day I get a glimpse of the Lord grace. It is something that I don't deserve but it was all made possible because of Christ's love for me. 



God's faithfulness is shown in strengthening and protecting those He has called, guarding them from the evil one, sanctifying them wholly and preserving them entire -- spirit, soul and body -- without blame at the coming of Jesus. This confidence of God's children in regard to their future is not in their faithfulness, but in His.~R.A. Torrey