Book Review: 40 Ways to Get Closer to God

We live in a world full of business and noise. We can be left empty and dry by the everyday cares and stresses of this life. The only thing which can fill the emptiness and wet the dryness of life is a closer relationship with God. Most professing Christians have a real desire to get closer to God.

Jerry MacGregor, in his book, "40 Ways to Get Closer to God," presents 40 practical steps one can use to close the distance between themselves and God. The steps range from serving God by serving people to constant prayer to finishing this course of life strong.

"40 Ways to Get Closer to God" is laid out in forty chapters, each chapter representing a single step to be taken on the journey to get close to God. Each chapter, each step, is to be taken one day at a time, hence 40 ways in 40 days. Do not let the concept of a book having forty chapter scare you away from it. Each chapter is concise and to the point. The entire book is only 189 pages.

One of the things I really like about this book is how each chapter begins with a quote. The text of the chapter then relates closely to the quote. Thus you begin each chapter with a provoking thought process. Allow me to use the quote from day twenty-nine as an example. It is by Richard Foster.

"Confession if a difficult Discipline for us because we all to often view the believing community as a fellowship of saints before we see it as a fellowship of sinners."

Though the book is laid out for one to embark on a forty-day journey to get closer to God, you can take one particular step, or one day, and use it to work on your relationship with God. There are steps, or days, in which you will already possess strength in. There are plenty of other steps, or days, however, where there is weakness and distance from God.

The author, Jerry MacGregor, presents a challenge along with each step or day. Each challenge is designed to get you to take an active part, beyond just reading what may be a good idea, in getting your relationship with God to a level of closeness the human spirit so desires.

"40 Ways to Get Closer to God" is a good book to use as a 40-day devotional. Yet if one takes and puts each step into practice, he or she will soon discover that each step is a step that can be taken every day for a lifetime. I recommend this book to anyone desiring to get closer to God.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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."

Book Review: The Book of Man by Dr. William J. Bennett

What is it that makes a male become a man? Is it culture? Is it psychology? Is it philosophy? What does it take to raise a child from a newborn baby boy into a gown man willing to give his all? All boys and men need a hero, a male role model, a man of integrity, honor, valor, and a man with a good sense of duty to look to for guidance, discipline, and hope. Dr. William J. Bennett gives a solid glimpse into the essence of manhood through the profiles, stories, letters, poems, the history, and the myths contained in his book, "The Book of Man, Readings on the Path to Manhood.

I am a student of history. I love to read about the lives, the trials, the battles, the defeats, and the victories of past humanity. "The Book of Man, Readings on the Path to Manhood" is a book of great interest to me, both from a historical perspective as well as from the perspective of manhood. This book, however, does not read like your favorite novel. It reads much more like an encyclopedia, as well it should. This book is an encyclopedia of readings about men from all walks of life and human experience.

"The Book of Man, Readings on the Path to Manhood" is one of those books which I will refer to time and time again, especially Part I, "Man In War." This book is full of interesting quotes and stories which will enlighten and refresh the weary soul of a man who is trying to understand his own manhood. This book is also an excellent resource of information to the father desiring insight as how to raise a son.

If you are one who enjoys the pace of reading novels, you may have some difficulty reading this book. This is no slight against the author, Dr. William J. Bennett. The book is very well organized, and the readings are nicely presented. I must say, however, if you have any interest whatsoever in discovering true manhood, "The Book of Man, Readings on the Path to Manhood," is a book you must read.

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."

Book Review: Ascent Into Darkness by Michael Leehan

Do evil spirits exist? Does the devil exist? Do these entities have real power? Is there really such things as good and evil? Is it possible for a human being to sense and operate under the influence of spiritual entities either good or evil? Though these questions are not answered directly in a yes or no manner, author and evangelist, Michael Leehan, goes far beyond simple yes or no answers in his book, “Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior.”

“Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior” is the autobiography of a man who made a conscious decision to serve and worship Satan. The book details the true story of Michael Leehan's descent into darkness, his enslavement by Satan, his possession by demonic spirits, the life and death struggle taking place in the spirit realm, and his redemption. The author admits from the beginning he is not a Bible scholar or a professional writer. Yet his passion for the spiritual flows freely throughout the book in its entirety.

I sat down with “Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior” on the day it arrived in the mail. I only intended to read the introduction, which in this book is the Acknowledgments and the Author's Note. The expressive honesty of the author, Michael Leehan in the Author's Note sunk its hook into me instantly. I did not stop reading until I reached the Epilogue!

Though the author admits to not being a professional writer, his writing style is very engaging and easy to read. His style adds to the ability of the book to open one's eyes to the realm of things spiritual. His experience in dealing with Christians while being a servant of Satan lends a realism to the words of 2Corinthians 11:14, “for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” Another eye-opener in the book is Michael Leehan's use of James 4:7. His exegesis of the verse while serving Satan is something every Christian should take very seriously.

I went to bed after the first reading of “Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior” pleading the blood of Jesus for protection. It is not that the book scared me. It is the stark reality that so much of modern Christianity takes this subject for granted, paying very little attention to it. We truly live in a very dangerous environment. I highly recommend this book as required reading for all Christians. It will have a profound impact on how and what you think of the spiritual realm.

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."

Your Comforts Delight My Soul

Photo courtesy stockxchng/lindagr 

He is unemployed, laid off from a good job. The unemployment checks are no longer coming in. He continues to apply for work wherever and whenever he can. He hears over and over, “not qualified, over qualified, the position you are seeking is now filled.”

He sits at the kitchen table with bills covering it. He plants his elbows down on the table, resting his head in the palms of his hands. His fingers massage his forehead as he closes his eyes. “God, how do I do this?” he questions in his thoughts.

She stares fearfully at the pink slip of paper in her hand. Tears fill her eyes as she opens the door, slips behind the steering wheel, then closes the door. She grips the back of her head with her hand and straightens herself in the seat tilting her head back. “God, “ she thinks, “What am I going to do now?”

A mother and father are standing at the bedside of their only child. The stinging words of the doctor rings in each of their thoughts, “I am so sorry.” They embrace as the tears begin to fall and the soft sobbing begins. “God,” the father thinks, “I don't understand.”

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28 KJV),” the Master promises. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (Jn. 16:33 KJV).”

The bills may remain unpaid. The sickness may need to be endured. Make no mistake about it, death will come. Maybe you are thinking, asking silently, “God, how do I do this? Why is this happening?” Believe it or not, He cares. Believe it or not, He waits to flood you with compassion. But in Him there is peace, for He is the Prince of Peace.

If you know Him, come. If you do not know Him, come. You see, this one thing I know, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul (Ps. 94:19 NKJV).”

Book Review: Has God Spoken by Hank Hanegraaff

“Has God Spoken, Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration” is the first book I have read by author Hank Hanegraaff. The title of the book portrays the message and the purpose as a book providing proof that the Holy Bible is given to us by the divine inspiration of God. The title promises to give proof that God indeed speaks to us through the Scriptures.

I am not a fan of acronyms. The proof the author provides of God speaking through his Word is detailed in the book through a variety of acronyms. To the credit of Mr. Hanegraaff, the material is presented in an interesting and engaging way. I did find “Has God Spoken, Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration” disappointing.

I was expecting to discover new insight about proving the Bible as divine inspiration. This expectation is brought about by the title of the book. While the overall message of the book can be used as proof of divine inspiration, the book seems more of a guide as to how to read and interpret Scripture. It is also my opinion the author, Hank Hanegraaff, uses the proof of divine inspiration to push forward his interpretation of doctrine, especially concerning eschatology. The attempts to establish doctrinal positions, basing them on his interpretation of prophecy, was a distraction for me from the overall message of the book.

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."

Book Review: Earthen Vessels, Why Our Bodies Matter To Our Faith

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you (1 CO. 6:19 KJV)?”

One must ask themselves the question, “Does my body matter to my Christian faith?” The Spirit of God dwelling within my flesh makes my body God's temple. The body must matter if this flesh is the temple of God. Matthew Lee Anderson provides insight in his book, “Earthen Vessels, Why Our Bodies Matter To Our Faith.”

Chapter One begins with a quote from Scripture, “The Word became flesh,” from John 1:14. The next sentence is, “God took on a human body.” It is from this base that the author begins making the case for the human body being important to our faith in God. He brings topics such as how the world shapes our bodies, tattoos, pleasure, mortality, and spiritual disciplines to the forefront of discussion.

The book starts slowly, possibly in trying to lay scholastic credence to the book from the beginning. My opinion aside, it is clear Matthew Lee Anderson writes from a tremendous amount of research on the subject of the human body and how it relates to Christianity.

“Earthen Vessels, Why Our Bodies Matter To Our Faith” begins picking up the pace with Chapter Four, “The Body Towards Others”. The book increases in intensity as it proceeds through the remaining chapters. The author does a great job of keeping the material presented interesting and engaging once he gets beyond laying the foundation.

The author admits you may have with more questions than answers in the closing statements of the book. I agree with his assessment. We have the God of heaven in our bodies, therefore we must look at the role our bodies play in our faith. “Earthen Vessels, Why Our Bodies Matter To Our Faith” is a good starting point for study and discussion. I recommend this book for those interested in how the body matters to our faith.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their reviewers 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 16CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: The Blessing by John Trent, Ph.D. and Gary Smalley

What is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance? Have you received it? Have you given it? John Trent, Ph.D. And Gary Smalley share their experience and insight in their book, “The Blessing, Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance”.

“The Blessing” is about a special gift from parents given to their children. The Bible story of the patriarch Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau lays the foundation for the book. The blessing is the words handed from parent to child which have the power to dramatically affect the outcome of the child's life.

The major thrust of the book is to help the reader to develop the blessing and to aid them in giving the blessing to others. The book deals with those who may have not been blessed by their parents or other significant loved ones. An offer of hope is given to the readers to “reverse the curse”.

“The Blessing, Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance” is laced with stories of those who received the blessing and those who did not. The importance of the blessing is clearly shown through the successes of those who received it and the tragedies of those who did not. The five elements of the blessing are given by the authors as they relate their experiences in dealing with those blessed and those not blessed.

The book led me to think about my past experience as to whether or not I received a blessing. It also brought into clear focus whether I have given a blessing to my children and to those close to me. The book will cause you to deal with thoughts and emotions long tucked away into some secret place. It will open your eyes to see your loved ones in a different light.

“The Blessing, Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance” is not just another book to read and place on the shelf. It is a book which requires you to act upon what you have read. I recommend this book to those who never received the blessing. I recommend this book to those who have never given the blessing. Do not expect to sit and read this book through in one sitting though. Your own thought process will stop you. Now, I must act upon what I have read...

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."

Book Review: Grambo by Evelyn Dykes Chriswell

I cannot describe what it is like in a combat zone. I have never been on the mission field in a foreign country. I cannot tell exciting tales from firsthand knowledge of a live retracing of the journeys of the Apostle Paul in a Volkswagen “bug”. Thus it was thrilling for me to follow Evelyn Dykes Chriswell on her journeys as she shares them in her book “Grambo, The True Adventures of an American Grandmother in Baghdad... and Beyond”. The book is a biography of the love and the faith of a woman from childhood to mortar rounds exploding as she huddles in a bunker in Baghdad, Iraq. The author bares her heart as she shares her life of travels, tragedies, and triumphs.

Evelyn Dykes Chriswell does an outstanding job as she weaves the details of her life tightly around the faith she possesses in the God she serves. Time and time again I found myself riveted to my chair held captive by the stories given in such generous detail. Every chapter of the book begins with a passage of scripture which is then applied to the adventures which unfold throughout the chapter. Each story offers a nugget of inspiration and truth and reads so well as to give the sensation of being in the story, walking step by step with the author.

The amount of biographies I read are few and far between with most of them being of historic significance. Evelyn Dykes Chriswell possesses the ability to tell a life story as a clear testimony to her love and faith in a way which grips the heart and mind of the reader taking “Grambo, The True Adventures of an American Grandmother in Baghdad... and Beyond” beyond being just another biography!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and enthusiastically offer a five-star rating in my review of it. “Grambo, The True Adventures of an American Grandmother in Baghdad... and Beyond” is one of those books I will take from my bookshelf and read again and again. I recommend it highly to anyone looking for a good read.

I received this book free from the author for review. 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."

Book Review: Be The People

The Jamestown settlers, the Pilgrims, and the Puritans all made a covenant with God when they arrived on the shores of these United States of America. Their covenant with God was that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would go forth to all nations from these shores.

We the people have moved far away from the original covenant our forefathers made with God. Our current President, Barak Obama, has stated that the United States of America is no longer a Christian nation. Author and professor of political science and law at Vanderbilt University, Carol M. Swain, PhD, presents a clear and direct response to the shifting of America's foundation away from Christianity in her book, “Be the People, A Call to Reclaim America's Faith and Promise”.

“Be The People” wastes no time getting into the most controversial of issues causing fierce debate among all Americans concerned about the direction our nation is heading. The author presents and responds to each issue passionately and intelligibly. “Be The People” closes with the Carol M. Swain PhD detailing steps toward reclaiming America. The first is we must, and I quote, “make a concerted effort to know the biblical principles that motivated so may of our forbears.”

“Be The People” is a “tough” read. It is not that the book is difficult to read but what the information given will do to the heart. The tremendous amount of data the author presents enlightens, encourages, and even evokes anger. The time is now for Christians in America to come to our senses, wake up, and cry out to Almighty God.

I recommend this book to all who share concerns about the direction our politicians are taking this nation in. To rephrase the Apostle James, “Be doers of the Word, not readers only!” Yes, Carol M. Swain PhD, I agree with these words, “may God have mercy on our nation.”

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."

Book Review: Red Sky in the Morning

Many are the cries of warning to the United States of America about the storms approaching on our horizon. "Red Sky in the Morning, How You Can Help Prevent America's Gathering Storms" by Bill Bright and John N. Damoose. The book was published by NewLife Publications in 1998.


The opening chapter introduces the concept of the book using the old weather proverb:
     Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning.
     Red sky at night, sailor's delight.


The fourfold purpose of the book is given:

• To help us to understand why God created America.
• To see how far we have already traveled down the broad road to destruction.
• To prayerfully consider a practical plan of action for personal spiritual renewal.
• To provide us with an opportunity to commit ourselves to the task of helping restore America and reaching the world for Christ.

Four divisions of the book detail each purpose:

• PART I: A Nation of Purpose
• PART II: A Nation Unravels
• PART III: An Appeal to the Church
• PART IV: A Plan for Spiritual Renewal

"Red Sky in the Morning" presents America as a nation founded for reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The authors make the case of America being a nation founded on Christian principles. Part II opens with a chapter titled, "The Battle for America's Soul". The book details our falling away from God as a nation extensively.


If the storm clouds were on the horizon thirteen years ago, we are feeling the winds of the tempest blowing today. I find it unique how a book written thirteen years ago could describe our current national situation we face now.


I find "Red Sky in the Morning", by Bill Bright and John N. Damoose an interesting and provocative read. I find their description of our nation's history fascinating. I must also echo the warning given in the book of the impending storm facing our nation. I must also echo the call of the authors for the Church to "wake up".


"Red Sky in the Morning" is worth the time you will spend reading it. I rate it four out of five stars. God bless...

Book Review: Unleashed

Are you deeply entrenched in civilized Christianity? Are you content in and with your faith? Is your faith caged inside you like a trapped tiger? What would your life be like if you unleashed your faith? How would you answer these questions? They were brought to my mind as I read the book "Unleashed, Release the Untamed Faith Within" by Erwin Raphael McManus.


"Unleashed" was previously released as "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin Raphael McManus. I must admit I was stunned by the words barbarian, barbaric, and mystical. A barbarian is, well, a savage person. Right? Hence being barbaric would mean being savage. Right? The word mystical conjures up images of wizardry. Right?


I had to look up the definition of barbaric. Yes, it is a characteristic of a barbarian. Barbaric is a characteristic more complex than primitive savagery but less sophisticated than advanced civilization. The definition gets more interesting. Barbaric is a characteristic marked by a lack of restraint, a wild, bizarre, unsophisticated quality. Have you read the first few chapters of the book of the Acts of the Apostles lately?


Erwin Raphael McManus jumps directly into making a case for a faith in Christ which is both barbaric and mystical. He makes the case for an untamed, unrestrained, and less sophisticated faith. He makes the case for true spiritual faith being in the realm of something mystical. We are talking about the spiritual. God is a Spirit. Those who worship him must do so in spirit and in truth.


I found "Unleashed" very difficult to put down once I started reading it. I found myself going back and reading some portions again. I found myself saying "Oh my" and "Wow" over and over. My conclusion is this: I have been challenged. I am weary of "safe" civilized religion. I am weary of "normal" religion. I am ready to step outside the normal and be unrestrained in my faith in Jesus Christ. I accept the challenge, even if it makes me barbaric. How about you? I recommend "Unleashed" by Erwin Raphael McManus to any and all, to both the mature and the new Christian.


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."

Book Review: Love Written In Stone

I must admit I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to reading books written by medical doctors about Christianity and God's amazing grace. The full title, "Love Written In Stone, Finding God's Grace In The Boundaries He Sets," caught my attention. As you can see in the picture of the book, the author is a medical doctor, Philip Carlson, MD. However he is also the senior pastor of Bethany Church of Sierra Madre, California.


The opening sentence of the introduction reads, "I think most of us have a hard time wrapping our heads, much more our hearts, around how much God loves us." I wasn't sure what I expected to get from this book. This opening immediately made me think, "Wow!" The main focus of the book is our relationship with God.


"Love Written In Stone" is divided into four parts.

• PART 1: Guidance for Our Relationship With God.
• PART 2: Instructions for Our Relationships With others.
• PART 3: Directions for a Healthier Self.
• PART 4: Insight for Our Relationship With Creation.

The author writes in chapter one, "Something is wrong with the world and we know it." He then proceeds to deal with forgiveness, both of God's forgiveness and our forgiving of each other in the question, "why forgive?" Dr. Philip Carlson deals with various aspects of life from a perspective of God being the center of life and of us being in a relationship with God. 

I found myself stating, "Wow!' over and over again as I read this book. I found it to be interesting and quite fascinating as it is written by a pastor with a background in medical science. Though no deep, hidden mysteries are revealed, I found the writing to be refreshing and encouraging as I too struggle with everyday life. There's no pointing to theological dogma or doctrinal differences in this book. I feel this quote from the conclusion of the book sums it nicely:

"What has been described within these pages is intended in part to help us to understand the reasonableness of what Jesus asks of us. In the end he asks for everything, our whole life, all that we are. And it is the most loving thing he can do. Why is this foundational choice to follow so important?"

Dr. Philip Carlson answers, "Because it is the only way that leads to life."

I recommend reading "Love Written In Stone". It's one of those books which belongs on my bookshelf, and it's one I know I'll read more than a few times.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their reviewers 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 16CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Max On Life

Life is filled with many questions. The questions we bombard our minds with on an almost daily basis stem from our doubts, our fears, our pain, or from our desire to know. Max Lucado, in the book, "Max On Life, Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions", gives replies to some of the questions of life in his own unique style.


One-hundred and seventy-two questions are compiled into seven categories. The categories are Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. The replies are "bite-size". Most of them take up less than a page. 


Max Lucado presents sincere compassion for the one asking the questions. Even when we think we already know the answer to a particular question, we may find ourselves asking the same question again. Life hits us hard. I found his replies to some of life's toughest questions encouraging.


The replies to the questions are simple. There's no deep theology to wrap your mind around. The replies speak directly to the heart in words which are easy to comprehend. They will inspire you, encourage you, comfort you, and they will make you think.


You may notice I keep using the word replies instead of answers. There are questions presented in the book to which the author admits he can't give a direct answer to. I was impressed that instead of trying to speak for God, Max Lucado directs the questioner to seek the answer from God. Time after time, reply after reply, he instructs the reader to seek God, to pray, and to search the Scriptures.


What I like most about this book by Max Lucado is he continually points the one with the questions to the Bible and to God, for God is the answer to all of the questions of life. "Max On Life, Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions" is an easy and enjoyable book to read. I recommend it highly, especially to those who are facing the questions of the struggles of daily life.


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."

The Flipside of Establishing the Kingdom - Digging Into the Psalms

Photo courtesy Stockxchng/danjaeger

The earth and everything on it belongs to God. This also means humanity is under the ownership of God. The last post, Establishing the Kingdom, presented the positive part of the ownership of the earth and everything on it being promised to Christ. Today, we deal with the "flipside" of the promise of the establishment of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.


Psalm 2:8  (KJV) reads, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."


The positive side of this is the Kingdom of heaven is preached to all humanity in all nations. The positive side of Christ possessing all parts of earth is the New Jerusalem, adorned for Christ and his Bride, the Church. Psalm 2:9 (KJV) brings our attention to another side of Christ possessing the earth. It reads:


"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."


This verse clearly states there's another side to Christ taking possession of the Kingdom. We know, as believers, that we will be corrected by God when we step into disobedience. Yes, we come to Christ as broken vessels to be mended. Yet this is more than a rod of correction. It's a statement of destruction to those who willingly reject Christ.


It should be obvious that a potter's vessel is something made of clay. Go ahead and hit a ceramic object with an iron bar. Psalm 2:9 is saying Christ will one day strike the heathen with an object of punishment, and will break them into pieces like an iron bar will smash a ceramic jar into pieces.


"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war (Revelation 19:11 KJV)."


This one who is Faithful and True is the same one who is speaking in Psalm 2:7-9. This one is called the Word of God (Revelation 19:13, John 1:1). His name is Jesus, the Christ, the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).


But let's back up one verse to Revelation 19:15 and we'll see the fulfillment of Psalm 2:9. It reads:


"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."


The time is coming when God will pour his wrath on all the nations, the heathen, those who willingly disobey his commandments. Those who refuse now will one day bend their knees and confess Christ as Lord (Romans 14:11, Isaiah 45:23). We can do it now willingly, or we'll do it in the end under the rod of iron.


Fortunately today we still have the choice, and I close with this appeal:


"Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast (Isaiah 26:20 KJV)."


Come to Christ and let the shadow of his wings cover you. Rest in the safety of his arms until the day of wrath be past. God bless...

Establishing the Kingdom - Digging Into the Psalms

Photo courtesy Stockxchng/nazreth

Psalm 2 can be divided into four divisions. We began our journey into the third division in the last posting. We discussed how this third division can itself be divided into three divisions. A Declaration of Christ was the first of these three divisions. Let's journey to the next one:


"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession (Psalm 2:8 KJV)."


Psalm 2:8 is the second division of three in the final division of Psalm 2. The verse begins with the Anointed One, Jesus Christ, continuing in the declaration of what "the LORD hath said (Psalm 2:7)." Let's divide this verse into two parts:

• The heathen for an inheritance.
• The uttermost parts of earth for a possession.

We previously established the "heathen" as being the nations. There are the Hebrews and the "heathen" in the Old Testament. These are the same as the Jews and the Gentiles given in the New Testament. Listen to what the Anointed One says in the New Testament based on his knowledge of his prophetic utterance of Psalm 2:8:

"And other sheep I have (the Gentiles), which are not of this fold (the Jews): them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (John 10:16 KJV)."

God gave a man, Abraham, a promise way back in Genesis, "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed (Genesis 22:18 KJV)." Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that promise.

Isaiah prophesied of Christ, "Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)." The fulfillment came here, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS (Luke 1:30-31 KJV)."

Isaiah continued with this prophecy with the promise of the Light to the Gentiles, "I will also give thee (Christ) for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth (Isaiah 49:6 KJV)."

Psalm 2:8 offers the earth, all of it, to Christ for a possession. God establishes his ownership of everything under the heaven (Job 41:11). He declares explicitly in Exodus 19:5, "For all the earth is mine." Now God grants total possession of earth to the Lord Jesus Christ.

God declared in Psalm 2:6 that he set Christ as king on the holy hill of Zion. There is a "prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)" who currently patrols and feigns to rule this earth. But as John worded it:

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away...

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven... (Revelation 21:1-2 KJV)."

The apostle Paul wrote the whole creation groans (Romans 8:22), and the creature waits in earnest expectation (Romans 8:19). The creatures do this because they know they will be delivered from the captivity of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21).

You and I are the creatures waiting in earnest expectation. We wait because we know that soon we'll be delivered from the bondage of this human flesh to live forever in the glorious liberty of the new heaven and the new earth, the new Jerusalem, the eternal kingdom, the eternal possession of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ!

We'll take a look at the "flipside" of the "heathen" given to Christ for an inheritance in the next post. Until then, God bless...

Book Review: A Conversation With God

What if you were granted the opportunity to ask God any question you wanted to ask? We all must deal with our "what if's" and our "why did's". Alton Gansky answers some of those "what if's" and "why did's" in his book, "A Conversation With God, (If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It be)?"


Fifty-five questions are presented. The questions range from the very existence of God to political issues and politics. The format of the book is much like the format of a FAQ, frequently asked questions, of computer software and internet forums. The author utilizes the voices of God, Jesus, and various characters from the Bible to answer the questions. The style is like engaging in a conversation with those providing the answers, hence the title of the book, "A Conversation With God."


The answers given in the voices of Biblical characters are taken from Scripture. However, the Scripture references aren't given in the text. Footnote numbers are provided according to chapter. You must go to the back of the book to check a Scripture reference. I found this to be very distracting and time- consuming.


The answers given to the questions are very basic, almost broad answers. I wasn't inspired very much while reading the book. I must admit at times the book made me think. A couple of examples of this are:

• Question 25, pertaining to the role of Jesus in salvation. The author says nothing about the requirement for the shedding of blood for forgiveness of sin.
• Question 28, pertaining to whether or not one can lose their salvation. The author tries to stay in the middle ground of "once-saved-always-saved" doctrine.

Homosexuality and abortion are controversial topics both inside and outside of Christianity. The author seems to be walking the middle ground, not quite ducking the issues, yet not fully answering the questions raised.

It's my opinion the author interjects a significant amount of his own opinion while using the voices of God, Jesus, and other Bible characters to answer the questions. While a new, or immature Christian may get some value from reading this book, I would recommend they read and study a modern translation of the Bible first. Christians who are more mature in the Scriptures and basic Biblical doctrine will find their knowledge already beyond what's presented in "A Conversation With God."

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."

A Declaration of Christ - Digging Into the Psalms

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I presented a breakdown of the divisions of the second Psalm in Psalm 2 - Digging Into the Psalms. The raging of the nations is the first division. The second division is God's opposition to the raging of the nations, and the promise of a King. We begin the third division with the declaration of Jesus Christ.

I want to note how this third division of of Psalm 2 can be divided into three divisions:

• A declaration of Christ.
• The establishing and the enlarging of the kingdom of Christ.
• The prophecy of the demise of the raging nations.

Let's proceed on the journey into the Psalms by looking closer at the declaration of Christ by Christ. Psalms 2:7 (KJV) tells us:
"I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee."


One must take notice of how one particular voice is speaking in Psalm 2:1-6. Now another voice is speaking, "I will declare the decree." The Anointed One (from verse 2), the one promised to be set as King on the holy hill of Zion, is now making the declaration of what has been said to him, "The LORD hath said unto me."


A decree is something which is prescribed or appointed. It's something which is to came to pass.


The angel of the Lord announced to the virgin Mary that she would bear a child and the child would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:33).


Two accounts are given in the New Testament of God making a declaration of the Son. As Jesus came out of the water of baptism, the voice from heaven spoke, "This is my beloved Son (Matthew 3:17 KJV)." Again on the mount of transfiguration, "This is my beloved Son (Matthew 17:5 KJV).


Others declared Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God. The demons declared it, "What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God (Matthew 8:29 KJV)?" The apostle Peter declared it, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16 KJV)." Paul referred to this declaration in Acts 13:33 and Romans 1:4. The writer of the book of Hebrews referred to the declaration of Christ in Hebrews 1:5 and Hebrews 5:5.


Jesus clearly stated why he came as the Messiah, Christ, the Son of God, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10 KJV)."


And again, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:17 KJV)."


But why? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16 KJV)."


So it must stand, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12 KJV)."

So today, as I read the declaration of the decree in Psalm 2:7, I must also declare the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God! God bless...

Wisdom

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Get wisdom. Get understanding. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom (Proverbs 4:7 KJV)."


This morning I asked God for wisdom while studying and preparing a sermon. Job said the fear of the Lord is wisdom (Job 28:28). The words of Proverbs 4:7 were the words of a father handed down to a son (Proverbs 4:3). Solomon, the son of David, did exactly what his father instructed. He got wisdom.


God asked Solomon what he wanted him to give (1Kings 3:5). Solomon asked for an understanding heart to discern between good and bad in order to judge the people (1Kings 3:9). God gave him what he asked for, a wise and understanding heart (1Kings 3:12). So praying for wisdom is a good thing, the principal thing, the most important thing. Did God answer my plea for wisdom this morning? Let's see...


James 3:13 says, "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness." Are you wise? Do you possess knowledge? Show that your actions are good by living a humble lifestyle which comes from wisdom. This is the answer God gave me this morning when I asked for wisdom. I asked for wisdom and God asked me if I was wise! I only had to read four more verses from James 3 to grasp what God was trying to show me.


James 3:14 speaks of bitter envying, arguing, pride, and lying against the truth. James calls this wisdom EARTHLY and DEVILISH (James 3:15). James 3:17 then paints a very clear picture of the characteristics of Godly wisdom:

• Godly wisdom is PURE.
• Godly wisdom is PEACEABLE.
• Godly wisdom is GENTLE.
• Godly wisdom is EASY TO BE ENTREATED or WILL YIELD TO REASON.
• Godly wisdom is FULL OF MERCY and GOOD FRUITS.
• Godly wisdom is without PARTIALITY.
• Godly wisdom is without HYPOCRISY.

Pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield to reason, full of mercy, full of good fruits, not partial, and not hypocritical. All I asked for was some wisdom for preparing a sermon and God brought me face-to-face with my shortcomings when it comes to Godly wisdom.

• First, I am a sinner. Like the Apostle Paul, I could argue (earthly wisdom!!) that I am the chiefest of sinners. I am by no means pure, but I am forgiven. I am washed in the blood of the Lamb.
• Anyone who really knows me knows that I'm not the most peaceable person in the world. I will argue with a barn door if I think I'm right (devilish wisdom)! Yet I am forgiven, washed in the blood of the Lamb.
• I am far from gentle. I am harsh and generally quite blunt. Still, I am forgiven, covered with the blood of the Lamb.
• I'm willing to yield to reason if it suits my purposes (see peaceable)! Yet my transgressions are forgiven. I am washed whiter than snow by the blood of the Lamb.
• I try to be merciful and I try to bear good fruit. Yet time after time I fail. But I am forgiven, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.
• Partial? Who, me? Again, I am forgiven. I'm washed in the crimson flow from the Lamb.
• Who's hypocritical? Certainly not me? Yet God so loved he gave. I am forgiven. I am washed clean in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Job got it right. The fear of the Lord is wisdom. And thanks be to God for the blood of Jesus Christ. You see, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Romans 8:1 KJV)."

It wasn't the sermon I was preparing for, but I think I received the sermon I asked for the wisdom to prepare. God bless...

God Responds to Opposition - Digging Into the Psalms

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Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? If you understand how I did it, then tell me (Job 38:4). Can you, who argue with God, teach God (Job 40:2)? So then, why do the nations rage and people make worthless plans? Why then do kings and rulers plan in opposition to the Anointed One (Psalms 2:1-2)?


"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision (Psalm 2:4 KJV)."


Can the created ones explain how God spoke creation into existence? Yet the created ones are in constant rage, and the created ones are constantly making plans in opposition of the Creator. Is there any human intelligent enough to teach God? Yet humanity counseled, planned, and killed the Anointed One. Humanity still plans and opposes those now anointed of God.


God sits on his throne in heaven (Revelation  4:2), and the psalmist says he laughs. God sits in heaven and laughs, mocking the plans made to oppose him. God isn't laughing because the raging, the counselling, and the planning are comical. God doesn't think opposition is funny. God laughs in mockery of the worthless plans of humanity to oppose him. Opposition displeases and angers God:


"Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure (Psalm 2:5 KJV)."


Wrath and displeasure aren't words which proclaim joy. The Contemporary English Version Bible renders verse 5 as, "The Lord becomes furious and threatens them. His anger terrifies them." The warnings and threatenings God gives to humanity who oppose him are numerous throughout the entire Bible. The first chapter of Psalms closes with one such warning, "But the way of the ungodly shall perish."


Psalm 2:5 states another warning or threat. God will vex those in opposition. I find the word vex interesting. Translated from the origonal Hebrew it means to tremble inwardly or to be suddenly alarmed or agitated. Pick up a newspaper. Listen to the news. Is anyone alarmed? Is anyone agitated? Is anyone trembling inwardly due to the fear caused by the rapidly deteriorating condition of this world?


"Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:6)."


This prophecy of Jesus Christ is exactly why God sits on his throne mocking those who dare to oppose him. "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord (Revelation 1:8 KJV)." God laughs because opposition is pointless. Those who oppose God, those who oppose those anointed to carry out the work of God, are guaranteed to lose. Psalm 2:6 is the guarantee. God is victorious.


God can do anything and everything, and he knows everything (Job 42:2). Thus any opposition of God is bound to lose. We'll dig into the details of the victory next time. Until then, your comments are always welcome. God bless...

Opposing the Gospel - Digging Into the Psalms

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"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us (Psalm 2:1-3 KJV)."


We could say rather easily that opposition to the kingdom of heaven began in the Garden of Eden with a speaking serpent. Mankind was deceived into disobeying God in the beginning, and sin became the possessor of the human soul. Sin separates humanity from God, and sin places humanity into direct opposition of God.


The raging heathen translates to nations, in the sense of massing foreign nations. Strong's renders Gentile nations. Could it be said that a person living in sin, Jew or Gentile, is a foreigner to God? The raging foreign nations imagine a vain thing. Opposition to God is a worthless endeavor. You are guaranteed to lose.


I couldn't begin to write here the accounts of opposition to God written throughout the pages of the Old Testament. Jesus brought this opposition to light in his condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees of his day when he spoke of the righteous blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who was killed between the temple and the altar (Matthew 23:35). Satan has opposed the kingdom of heaven from the start. Humanity living in the grasp of sin becomes the instruments of opposition to God and his anointed. The most graphic display of opposition came when Christ was crucified.


A disciple, the high priest, the scribes, the elders and rulers, Herod, Pilate, a king and rulers took counsel together and crucified the Anointed One. The opposition would have stopped if sin and death were victorious. The Church which blazed into existence in obedience to the Gospel of Christ was quickly met with fierce opposition by priests, scribes, elders, and eventually Caesar himself.


The first recorded prayer of the apostles was about facing opposition, "Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ (Acts 4:24-26 KJV)." The prayer lists the gathering of the people and rulers against Jesus (Acts 4:27). Then a request was made: "Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word (Acts 4:29 KJV)."


The opposition didn't stop there. The history of Christianity is filled with the blood of the countless who have given their all for the kingdom of heaven. Men, women, and children are even giving their lives in our world today for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.The opposition will not stop until the One who is Alpha and Omega returns and makes all things new.


The apostle Peter tells us to not think it odd that we face opposition and trials. Here's what he tells us we should do:


"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (1Peter 4:13 KJV)."


God bless...