The Cost of Prayer

“Depend upon it, if you are bent on prayer, the devil will not leave you alone. He will molest you, tantalize you, block you, and will surely find some hindrances, big or little or both. And we sometimes fail because we are ignorant of his devices…I do not think he minds our praying about things if we leave it at that. What he minds, and opposes steadily, is the prayer that prays on until it is prayed through, assured of the answer.” 

- Mary Warburton Booth

Radical Together by David Platt

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

Radical Together by David Platt

Radical Together expands on David's first book, Radical.  In this book he continues his question of what the modern church would look like if we took God at His word.  In this book, David uses his same fun writing style of stories, scripture verses and truth to lead us on the journey.  In looking at how others from his church, as well as other parts f the world, we see the truth of the Gospel is still alive, even only God's people would take it.

I really enjoyed this book.  The first book led to some amazing changes in my life as well as many others in my church.  This book will continue to bear the torch.  The push this time around is for a congregational action to these truths.  That is, get your whole church involved.  Look at the programs and ministries the church is funding and see if they are impacting the world for God, or serving the church.   Then, ask the same questions in our own lives.

I recommend this book with caution.  Once you read it, you will be convicted to change.  If we resist the call of the Father, we will have trouble.  However, read this book with abandon to self!  Wake up!  Serve our God and let's be on about His business.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 for sheer truth.

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.” 

How to Be God's Little Princess By Sheila Walsh

How to Be God's Little Princess By Sheila Walsh

How to Be God's Little Princess is a guide for young girls to see themselves as princesses.  Not a fairy tale princess, but a true princess of God.  The book talks through issues like dress, manners, safety, modesty and faith.  The audience seems to be from 4 to 14, but some of the content may need to be monitored until appropriate age is reached.  For example, some of the modesty lessons, makeup and even online behavior are a little much for younger girls.  However, the information is valuable and presented well.

I got this book because of my little girl.  She's 4 right now.  She loves the book.  It's an enjoyable time to sit and read and talk about her place in God's kingdom.  It's fun how the lessons also have activities like having a tea party, making tiaras and the like.  These are sure to be fun bonding times with our family.

I do like the book.  I think its a great help to parents as well as young girls.  It's good to remind our children of their precious place in God's family.  I'd give it 4 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.”

Praise is the Fuel of Service

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows. Psalms 61:1-8

I love this Psalm.  How we seek the Rock that is higher than us.  How we will be in the trust of the Lord.  How we are active.

By active I mean the vow.  The psalmist talks of the vows we make to Him.  To follow, to praise, to serve.  These are powerful promises to the Creator, our Father.  I know in my life it is hard to follow through sometimes.  The weight of the world comes.  Sin entangles and trips up my path.  My eyes grow dim and I retreat into the world.  How do we combat this?  The answer is the last verse.

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

Praise is the fuel.  We praise the Lord  SO we can perform our vows.  The praise.  When we put ourselves to praise we set our hearts in God's presence.  We set ourselves in proper perspective of submission and love.  We reaffirm our love.  We call out to our King.  When we start our day, our prayers, our readings in that state of mind we are letting the Holy Spirit function.  Too often in my life I start with me and apprach God as a fixer of problems and an academic exercise.

Let us sing praise!!  Fill up on praise-fuel.

Praying for Church Leaders

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12


Join me in praying for church leaders.  As God continues to move, their task will become greater.

My brethren, be not many masters {teachers}, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation {judgment}.  James 3:1

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.”