Pages

Friday, May 27, 2011

Never Forget, It is War

He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian . . .
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars, And say, "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day; then shall our names . . .
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.

 -Henry V

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Rejoice! Women of Faith Worship CD

Rejoice  Women of Faith Worship CD

This CD has some great worship songs on it.  It's been fun to listen to.  The voices of the ladies blend well together.  Still, the CD itself hasn't grabbed me.  I really wanted to like it.  I did.  It just sounds like there is something flat about it.  My guess is the band they used is not one they normally sing with.  I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  

Friday, May 20, 2011

Do We Listen?

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.    Psalms 32:8  

Do we listen to God's instruction?  This question is as much to myself as anyone else.  If I answer honestly, I think the answer is sometimes.  Sometimes.  That's not enough.

Too often my mind makes the plan and I ask God to bless it.  I don't go to Him first and ask what He wants.  I can tell you from experience that when God is driving, the journey may seem scarier, but its by far the safer path.  Seriously, why would I be scared?  If I know the truth, why not always go and ask Him?  The answer is I believe a lie.

The lie comes from a twisting of truth.  The truth is I am a follower of Christ.  The lie is because I am a follower of Christ I can tell what He wants me to do.  My flesh has found its way back in to try and protect itself.  If I am told to pick up my cross daily and die with Him, my flesh must die.  This is my sin.  The thing Paul railed against and said still comes up to haunt him.  That which must die.

So, where to go?  If I can fast from food to seek after God, why not intentionally pray for His leading?  A full day of nothing but a Holy Spirit leading.  Now, for courage....

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Growing Kingdom Character by Tom Yeakley

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.  2 Timothy 2:2 


Growing Kingdom Character by Tom Yeakley

Growing Kingdom Character is a developmental book.  The focus is to grow into a mature, Christ-centered leader.  Using scripture, personal stories and examples the author works us through key character traits of an impactful leader.

Tom did a fantastic job with this book.  He began by looking at a study of common qualities of missionaries who had served and finished well.  From this list, he built this study.  This is not a skills based development.  It's character.  The difference is that regardless of skills, it's character that will get you to the end.

The study begins with foundational character qualities: Love, Integrity, Humility and Servanthood.  Once the foundation is built, the study moves on.  The next level is supporting character qualities: Purity, Faith, Patience, Self-Control, Teachability, and Courage.  These 10 areas provide the foundation for a strong Christian leader.

Each section has great scripture references, stories and examples to define each quality.  Once the quality is defined, there are sections for Bible study, scripture memory, guided prayer and practical development exercises.

This is a great resource for an individual to grow as well as a mentor to teach to others.  Tom's care in being a Christ-like leader is obvious from the careful way he crafts his message.

I'd give this book a 5 out of 5.


 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, May 9, 2011

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson


And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:    2 Samuel 23:20  


In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson

What a book.  The author uses a small story from 2 Samuel to encourage us to look at our lives.  Why do we spend so much time trying to pray away the circumstances that will gives us the most opportunity to grow?  When we begin to refocus on what God is wanting from us, we see the world differently.  We begin to think like lion chasers.  Fearless followers of God that see His hand in our lives and is setting up opportunities for us to grow.  The hard part is believing it and taking the first step.

To help learn the art of "lion chasing", Mark outlines 7 skills: defying odds, facing fears, reframing problems, embracing uncertainty, taking risks, seizing opportunities, and looking foolish.  In each chapter, Mark looks at the scriptural encouragement and physical discouragement that will be needed to recognize hurdles and overcome.  The book is filled with practical examples and great stories that illustrate people taking the step to chase the lion.

I really enjoyed this book.  I am challenged to step out and live like a lion chaser.  My next listening is to hear what needs to happen next.... and chase!

I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Cheap Grace

"Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without  discipleship, grace without the Cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.  Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kindly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him."
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship