The Time When Kings Go Forth to Battle

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 11:1 

In 2 Samuel we see David at home in a time when he should have been at battle.  It is because of this that David sees Bath-sheeba later on and enters into sin.  He was at the wrong place at the wrong time, but not by chance.  He was not walking in the way that God had laid out.  Not an openly overt sin, but operating outside the plan.

Think about our own life.  How many times have you been doing something similar?  Goofing off on the internet, people watching, listening to jokes, or something seemingly innocent and then, the attack comes.  Satan brings a thought to mind, an inappropriate image flashes on the screen, or a comment is made.  We're suddenly under attack.  David's situation was much the same.  He was on the roof enjoying the air.  He hadn't planned to go out and see someone taking a bath.  However, Satan set him up.  Still, the setup was made easier because of David not being in battle.

So, are you like me?  Sometimes wandering around when we should be at battle.  Wandering and in danger of being open to a sudden attack?  Pray with me that we stay ready.  Let us keep our eyes on the battle.

Soar by Kenny Luck

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13

Soar by Kenny Luck

Soar is part of a four-part series on discipleship for men.  This particular book deals with the Holy Spirit.  The question is simple, are you using the full power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all things for God?  Though the question is simple, the opening of this gift is not always the same.

 As Christians, we hear a lot about the Holy Spirit.  How He is our guide, our interpretor, the power of God in us.  Still, do we ask for it?  As I read this book I enjoyed Kenny's stories and leading through understanding exactly what we have been promised.   This is not from an overly charismatic standpoint.  There is no talk of slain in the spirit or other unbiblical manifestations.  However, he does not mince words.  Jesus said we are to grow as His disciples.  That means we move from milk to meat.  The Holy Spirit is a major part of that growth.  Additionally, Kenny uses scripture to look at how we can affect others for the glory of God through the prompting and power of the Spirit.  It is about a lot more than just ourselves, its our mission.  Finally, mention of Jesus is not so predominant in the beginning of the book as at the end.

I liked this book.  It had some great scriptural references.  Also, I enjoyed how Kenny brought the idea of the Holy Spirit from our own personal enrichment to also helping those around us.  I know I will be mindful of prompting, and recognizing when others may have a 'less than full' Christian walk with the Spirit.  There is some good teaching in here.

I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.  My only reason is that I wish the introduction had more of the grounding in faith in Christ,

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.” 

Do you wish to get well?

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? John 5:6

A simple question, "Do you want to get well?".  Seems silly.  Who wouldn't?  Unfortunately, the answer is many people.

When Jesus encountered the man at the pool, He asked the question.  The man had told his story that he had been waiting for 38 years to be healed.  38 years.  Unable to make it to the pool.  No new way of trying to make it happen.  No new friends to help.  Just 38 years of the same.  So it seems like a valid question.  Was it a lack of effort, or possibly blindness to his situation brought on by years?  Either way, Jesus looked past all that to the present.  Right now, do you want to get well?

The question is true for us today.  Do you want to get well?  Regardless of past sins or mistakes.  Do you?  When you answer, Jesus knows your heart.  So, don't answer from a sing-song attitude.  Be sincere.  When you say, "YES!", God will answer.  Even better, the answer is magnificent.

Today, are you facing trouble?  Today, are you confused?  Today, do you want to get well?

Call on Jesus, He's waiting

anazopureo

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Paul reminds Timothy of the great gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit is characterized by love, power, soundness of mind.  Not fear.  Not fear.  What a great reminder!

In our world fear is the controller.  Fear of man makes us act a certain way.  Fear of exposure makes us hide away from people.  Fear.  How much does it control us?  Too much!

But here Paul is reminding not only Timothy, but all of us. We have not been given a Spirit of fear.  What comfort.  As believers in Jesus Christ we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This gift from God is the Comforter and discernment of all things in the mind of God. He is power and might.  He is the Spirit of quickening that worked in Christ to raise Him from the dead.  He is the Holy Spirit.  Bright burning fire to change the hearts of men.

And look at the verse.  When Paul writes "stir up", it's a Greek word anazopureo.  This is the only time in the Bible this word is used.  It means, to re-kindle the living fire.  The living fire!   And think of rekindling.  Adding fuel and air to fan back into flame that great power.  Oh that we would be fanned into flame and continue feeding the fire with the Word of God and fanning with Prayer.

 Come Lord Jesus!

Flame On - Official Website [Watch]

Flame On - Official Website [Watch]

This is the amazing true story of a family touched by tragedy and drawing on God for strength.  Their 5 year old son, Cooper, was killed in a tragic dune buggy accident and died in his father's arms.  Throughout this time of pain the family is faithful to the sovereignty of GOD and the truth of Jesus.

What an inspiration.  My heart ached when I watched this movie.  I hope I am not tested in times like those, yet I know as a Christian there will be times of pain.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you  James 4:8a

Living in the Companionship of God by Jan Johnson

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20

Living in the Companionship of God by Jan Johnson


This book is designed to be a guide to a personal or small group retreat.  It uses scripture, techniques and questions to invite the reader into a real quiet time and relationship with God.  This is not a meditation reference or mantra.  Instead, the author uses scripture to ignite the power of the Holy Spirit and open our eyes to the realness of God.  Each section contains a story from the Bible where God speaks to the point.  Whether it is weeping in prayer or needing comfort, God is with us.  We just need to remember that and actually talk to Him and not at Him.

I enjoyed this book.  The author carefully chose a few topics to focus on: making conversational prayer with God ongoing, celebrating with Him, going on adventures, and a few more.  These topics address real needs in the Christian walk.  So often, we forget that our God wants a relationship with us.  How awesome it is that we can approach our creator in love.

I would recommend this book for self-led retreats.  I think the hardest thing about the book would be to convince yourself the time by yourself with God is worth the sacrifice.  Still, He is, right?


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress 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.”