Red Like Grace: A Review

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; words penned by John Newton so long ago. Yet everyone is still trying to define the word grace. Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington step beyond defining grace by showing what grace looks like. Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace is aptly titled.


AMAZING GRACE; TWO PERSPECTIVES


Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace is a book about grace from the perspective of two very different men. One man is a pastor and the other man is not unlike all of us, a sinner.


Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington each share their view of grace from stories of their own personal lives and from stories of many people they have encountered. These stories combine to form a message that true grace will confront brokenness, heartache, and despair.


WHAT IT DOES FOR ME


Maybe the best way to understand true grace is to see it in action. The manner and perspectives presented in Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace do precisely that. Seeing grace in action through the words of two men from very different life experiences is inspiring. The material is presented in a conversation-like manner and is very readable and easy to understand. Seeing grace confront brokenness in their words makes the meaning of grace easier to grasp.


I found myself relating to many of the stories shared by authors Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington. I have been in the position time and again to confront brokenness and sin with grace. Many times I had to put the book down and ask God to forgive me for blowing it when I had opportunities to extend grace. Grace should be a natural extension from me for being one who has received so much grace.


I RECOMMEND IT


Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace is raw and sometimes brutal, but it's real. It's real-life situations where only true grace could prevail to overcome what may have turned into disastrous endings. If you are ready to have a confrontation with grace, then read this book. I recommend it. Then do it, extend grace.


I received this book free from Cross Focus Media,LLC. 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 SIN OF FORGIVENESS by Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr.: A Book Review

Can forgiveness be placed in the category of being sin? Really? If so, how can it become sin? When can it become sin? Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. provides answers to these questions in his book The Sin of Forgiveness.

WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT?

The Sin of Forgiveness is about conditional and unconditional forgiveness. It is about forgiveness as the world understands it and forgiveness as the Bible commands and demands it.

Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. makes a strong case for forgiveness falling into the realm of becoming sin. He ties forgiveness directly to another biblical term and command, the command of repentance. The author gives extensive scripture to make the case against secular forgiveness and for true biblical forgiveness.

THE SCANDALIZING TRUTH ABOUT FORGIVENESS

The title of this book is scandalizing immediately compelling one to question how anyone can consider the act of forgiveness being a sin. The introduction opens with a separation between divine forgiveness and secular forgiveness. Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. methodically steps from chapter to chapter, from context to the lies about forgiveness, to "I'm sorry" not being being good enough, to unconditional forgiveness, to the if, the when, and the how of forgiveness. He makes a very compelling case for forgiveness becoming something God did not intend it to be.

The title of this book, The Sin of Forgiveness, grabs my attention instantly. I would never conceive the thought of forgiveness being sinful, or wrong, until reading this book.

Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. says the book is not asking one to believe something "new", but something old and true. He makes a compelling and thought-provoking case of unconditional forgiveness without true repentance being sinful. He does an outstanding job of backing every concept he presents with scripture placed in its rightful context.

THE END OF THE MATTER

This is a book well worth reading. Forgiveness is a subject the Christian, the Christ-follower, at every level, newborn or mature in Christ, must understand and implement. Not only are we to forgive, but our own forgiveness hangs in the balance. Eternity hangs in the balance.

The Sin of Forgiveness presents important aspects which one should consider when studying true biblical forgiveness, even though they may be viewed controversial by many. I recommend this book to anyone serious about understanding one of the most fundamental doctrines of Christianity.

I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews as part of their book review program. 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 Romance of Grace; A Gift of Eternal Love

ANOTHER BOOK ABOUT GRACE?

Grace seems simple in definition yet difficult to wrap the human brain around. Many attempt to explain grace and how it should work. The Romance of Grace goes beyond defining grace. Jim McNeely explores the subject of grace from its root. The point is for us to realize and embrace the fact that God is romancing us from a position of unconditional love in which grace becomes the ultimate cost of God giving his all.

TREASURE AND PEARLS; THE KINGDOM OF DESIRE

Desire, good, coercion, breathing grace, living under grace, do we want grace, temptation, desire again, giving gifts, gratitude, all wrapped up in hidden treasure and pearls. This is grace. This is The Romance of Grace.

Jim McNeely weaves meticulously through a deep exploration of grace to the point of putting in this amazing context: "He (God) has such overwhelming desire that He (God) impoverishes Himself (God) in order to gain us (pg. 135, The Romance of Grace)."

GRACE; GIVING IT ALL AWAY

I must confess that this book started rather slowly for me. The depth to which the author probes required a time of processing in my brain. However once I began thinking about what I was reading, I had to read on. Each chapter builds progressively on the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. The ultimate climax for me was the section "The Love of God and the Suffering of God" in the final chapter. Then I "got it." God made Himself poor because He loves me. God paid it all for me. This is grace. This is the romance of grace.

Author Jim McNeely laces The Romance of Grace with scripture. Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection. I readily admit that I was doing plenty of reflecting before I reached the end of each chapter! The chapter dealing with the gift culture absolutely puts the subject of grace into another realm of light. I cannot help but ask myself what would my life and the lives of those around me be like if I were to embrace this gift culture.

MY RECOMMENDATION

I would not recommend this book to a brand new Christian convert. The depth to which the author explores grace verses the law could become confusing. After a foundation is laid however, I can highly recommend The Romance of Grace to anyone looking to move their Christian walk to another level. This book will also make for an excellent group study. I give it four out of five stars.

I received this book free from crossfocusedreviews.com. 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 Review of Greater by Steven Furtick

Tired of the ho-hum of everyday life? Dream bigger.

Where do I start? Smaller.

How? Ignite God's vision for your life.

So we begin with three lofty ideals, right? Sounds great doesn't it? Steven Furtick goes beyond the pumping and priming to motivate us with another self-help book. He issues a direct challenge in his book simply entitled Greater.

BURNING YOUR PLOW

The author develops the entire thesis of Greater around the story of the life of the ancient Israelite prophet, Elisha. Elisha is the lesser known ancient prophet. Everyone knows Elijah. Yet Elisha does twice the miracles of Elijah, some of them simply mind-blowing and it all starts with burning a plow.

Steven Furtick begins with the calling of Elisha, the everyday plowboy. He concludes with a life being restored when it touches this plowboy's dead bones. He points out how many of the miracles of this transformed plowboy began with the lesser, the small and sometimes strange reasoning. God turns them into the greater not only in the life of Elisha but in the lives he affected. And you have access to this God of the greater.

IGNITING GREATER

Greater is well-written by Steven Furtick. It's light and easy to read. It's easy to grasp the message the author intends as he traces the transformation of the plowboy into the powerful, blessed with the double portion prophet. The author goes deeper than the make-you-feel-good cliches offering the reader a challenge to step into a life of greater, not lesser, not more of the same.

Jesus makes the statement in John 14:12 that not only would we do the works that he did, but we would do greater works. This statement has always intrigued me. It is this promise, as I take it from the scriptures, that drew me to the book Greater by Steven Furtick when I saw the title and the dream bigger, start smaller, and ignite God's vision for your life on its cover.

The book lives up to its title. It inspires me to dream bigger though I must start at small and what seems to be the boring normal. I am challenged to seek God even deeper for the vision he has for the greater in my life. This is one of those books I will read more than once. I recommend it highly.

I received this book free from Multinomah Books as part of their BloggingForBooks.org book review program. I wasn't 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."

Red Letter Revolution: A Review

You should be familiar with the words written in red in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. They are the words of Jesus Christ. But did Jesus really mean what he said? Best-selling authors Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo believe so. They make their strong case in a new book, Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said.

THE RED LETTERS: AN AUTHENTIC LIFESTYLE

This book is about a discussion between its two authors attempting to present an achievable authentic lifestyle that personifies the teachings of Jesus Christ. Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo share their thoughts concerning a myriad of topics, many quite controversial and hot-bed political issues. They apply the red-letter words of Jesus to issues such as family, abortion, women, racism, immigration, giving, politics, war and violence, even national debt. Hence the title, Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said.

GETTING YANKED OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE

The material is presented as a conversation between Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. At some points the text appears to be conversational and at others it appears to be rather wordy for a normal face-to-face conversation. It reads more like a series of letters the authors wrote to each other. However the style is easy to read and their thoughts are easy to understand. I must offer a word of warning. If these guys are telling the truth then we may be in a bit trouble. It could also explain why we've lost our status as a Christian nation here in America.

Many areas of discussion in Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said disturb me. While I may not totally agree with the theology or the politics of the authors, they present a discussion that will move you out of your comfort zone quickly.

This book will aggravate you, poke and prod you, challenge you, make you think, and maybe even inspire you to move beyond what has become stereotyped as normal Christianity. It can humble you, convict you, and maybe send you to your knees seeking forgiveness for not taking the red-letter words of Jesus for what they might really mean.

DID JESUS REALLY MEAN WHAT HE SAID?

"Lay not up for yourself treasure upon the earth (Matthew 6:19)."

"Take no thought for the morrow (Matthew 6:34)."

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily (Luke 9:23)"

We have savings accounts,stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, all put away in preparation for tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and more. Yet there are people in our own church congregations who could use some help from our laid-up treasures by which we make our plans for the future. Jesus really didn't mean we are supposed to deny our own self and our own desires, did he? He really didn't mean we need to take up our cross daily, did he?

First, read the actual words written in red in the Bible. Then I recommend reading Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said. Finally, go back and read the red-letter words in the Bible again. Then think about making a decision to do them...

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."

Grace by Max Lucado, A Book Review

What is grace? More specifically, what is the grace of God? Grace is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, yet it defies clear explanation. Max Lucado adds his voice to a multitude of authors making the attempt to explain grace in his book: Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine.

Grace, So Many Questions

Here are more questions concerning grace:

• Do we really understand it?
• Have we settled for wimpy grace?
• Do you believe in grace?
• Have you been changed by grace?
• Are you softened by grace?
• Has grace snatched you by your neck and shaken you to your senses?

Author Max Lucado, in his unmistakable, methodical style, makes his case answering these and many other questions to assist the reader in understanding grace. Each chapter of Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine begins with an illustration from the Bible and follows with a real-life illustration from Lucado's experience.

A Review of Grace

I enjoy reading the writings of author Max Lucado. He writes in a loose, easy-to-read manner. He presents his thoughts and concepts in words that are understandable. You don't need a doctorate in theology to understand what he is trying to say! Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine is no exception. It is interesting, engaging, and even entertaining.

This book didn't wow me. It didn't open any new revelation for me on the subject of grace. But then maybe that is the point of this book. Is the grace I have personally experienced wimpy? Have I been changed by grace? Am I softer in action and reaction because of grace? Have I been awakened by grace? The more I study about grace the more I am convinced that only I can answer these questions for myself.

In Conclusion

It's my conclusion that understanding grace comes with having knowledge of who and what God is. The more we know of God the more we will understand his grace. The more we understand grace, the more we will love God for who and what he is. Books by Max Lucado are always good reading and thus I can recommend Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine for a personal library.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com review program. I'm not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express 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 Journey by Jason Anderson; A Review

It is said that living the Christian life is a journey. It is said that the Christian life can be a roller coaster ride with ups and downs, highs and lows.

The title, The Journey, intrigued me as I pulled this book from the shelf at my local public library. I read the description of the author, Jason Anderson, and decided to check out the book.

I like to go straight to the introduction, or preface, of a book when I start reading a book. This one makes a huge promise. It says it's not just a book about embracing positive change but it's a book about direction and a destination, a journey. Not any journey mind you, but my journey.

Anyone offering to enlighten me about the direction and destination of my life is making a huge promise. Does The Journey live up to it?

LET'S TAKE A TRIP TO THE PROMISED LAND

The Journey is about exodus, breaking free from the captivity of sin and embarking on a trip to a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey. It's about crossing a wilderness of education, coming to know who God is.

Jason Anderson takes the biblical encounter of the exodus of Israel from Egypt and does an excellent job of paralleling it to our journey from sin to the promise of rest. He expounds on the trip through the wilderness and the traps one will face. He gets you into the promised land and what is expected of you to dwell there. And lastly, the author deals with the much-desired rest.

WHAT DO I THINK ABOUT THE JOURNEY?

This is a fascinating book about a fascinating subject. Jason Anderson goes into tremendous detail describing each phase of the journey which is the Christian life. Many books dealing with Christian living can be "cut and dry." This one is full of humor! Because each concept builds upon the previous one it could be said that this book is a journey in itself.

I found The Journey enjoyable to read. The author presents a lot of information in a language and a tone which is easy to understand. I appreciate the author stating the views he presents are his views and he calls them his opinions. I found the parallels the author makes to be interesting and thought provoking. I was pleased that Jason Anderson takes and makes a solid case for feasting on the Word.

DOES THE JOURNEY KEEP ITS PROMISE?

It's my opinion this book does keep its promise to help me to understand my journey from sin to salvation, from earth to glory. While I don't agree with everything in the book, it does open the door of thought as to where I am and where I want to go. It also opens the door of thought as to what may have gone wrong, a wrong turn, a hill to high, and how to find the way back to the right path and conquer the mountains. I don't want to rate it 4 out of 5 but it is better than 3.5 stars, so let's call it 3.95 stars.

I Want To Become A Man Alive

"I'd estimate that 90 percent of Christian men lead lukewarm, stagnant, defeated lives... And they hate it."

"No man should have to settle for half alive. You can become the man God created you to be. I'll show you how (Patrick Morley)."

These are the words of the author, (Patrick Morley), from the back cover of his book, Man Alive, Transforming Your 7 Primal needs Into a Powerful Spiritual Life.

The Primal Needs of Men

Man Alive is built around the premise of seven primal needs of a man. The author gives us a listing of them as:

1. To feel like you don't have to do life alone
2. To believe that God loves and cares about you personally
3. To understand how your life has a purpose, that your life isn't random
4. To break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging you down
5. To satisfy your soul's thirst for transcendence, awe, and communion
6. To love and be loved without reservation
7. To make a contribution and leave the world a better place

Author Patrick Morley devotes one chapter per primal need in living up to his promise, "I'll show you how," from the back cover of Man Alive. The book digs deep into the heart to address the primal needs of men. The how-to answers are provided through an abundance of stories and real-life examples.

I Will Become A Man Alive

My introduction to the writing of Patrick Morley was when I picked up a copy of his book Man In the Mirror. His passion for men's ministry poured from every word of the book. Man Alive resounds in the same easy-to-read style and the author's passion for men flows freely throughout. Each chapter is followed by questions that will make you think.

I look intently at the primal needs this book addresses because each one of them applies directly to me. Often I feel as if I am living life alone. I do believe God cares about me personally and loves me. I am sometimes concerned that life is random and purpose is evasive. I do feel bound and desire to break free from destructive behavior. I do thirst to go beyond my limitations, to be amazed, to enjoy intimate communion with God. I want to love and be loved. I want to make a mark on this world.

I like the manner in which each need is discussed and the how-to is answered with Scripture. I like how the author continually points the reader to the Word. Reading the words of Man Alive will do nothing to help if the words aren't put into action, just as we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22).

Primal Needs, God's Gifts to Men

I must conclude with a quote from the end of the book:

"So here's your challenge. Instead of ignoring your primal needs, or letting them drag you into a wasted life, claim them as God's gifts to you."

I love it! Patrick Morley does not disappoint in his promise "I'll show you how." This is a great book for any man searching for answers to many of the questions he must deal with.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I wasn't 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."

Rules of Engagement by Derek Prince: A Review

Our battle is not with flesh and blood. We wrestle against powers and rulers of darkness. We must take on the whole armor of God to endure the battle.

Rules of Engagement, Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle is a textbook to be used in the classroom to prepare for battle. It's a battlefield manual providing information at hand in the heat of the battle. This is an updated and expanded version from the late Derek Prince.

THE RULES OF CHARACTER AND PREPARATION

Spiritual warfare is about character. Rules of Engagement, Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle is a book about character. It begins with building character and finishes with living character.

Christians are at war and the enemy fights for total destruction. The outcome of the war is eternal. Preparation is the message of this book. Author Derek Prince gives excellent instruction and advice to the warrior preparing to take his or her place on the battlefield of the Lord.

THE REVIEW

Rules of Engagement, Preparing for your Role in the Spiritual Battle is divided into four parts:

• Building A Soldier's Character
• Holy Spirit Training
• Battle in the Heavenlies
• Enduring to the End

and each chapter concludes with questions which provoke you to think about your answers. The book is abundant with illustrations from Scripture.

This is the first book I have read by Derek Prince. I've heard him quoted often but have never read anything written by him. This book provides a fresh look at an old subject. The author does an outstanding job in offering clean insights which helps to bring clear understanding about the battle Christians are engaged in. The writing is engaging and easy to read.

MY CONCLUSION

Stay in the Word. Again, Rules of Engagement, Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle starts with building character and concludes with living character. This is character transformed by the Holy Spirit into the character of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 speaks of looking at the things we cannot see and how they are eternal. It is character which allows us to see the unseen. I quote Derek Prince from the book: "Those things are the things that are eternal. They do not change. They are in the Word."

Stay in the Word. I recommend this book highly for any seeking to understand and to be equipped to take his or her place on the spiritual battlefield.

I received this book from Chosen Books. 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 POWER OF PROPHETIC BLESSING by JOHN HAGEE

Can you have the prophetic blessing? What is the prophetic blessing? Can it be passed from generation to generation? Is the prophetic blessing only for the Jews and Israel? If you can have it then how do you get it?

John Hagee answers these questions and many more in his book The Power of the Prophetic Blessing, An Astonishing revelation For A New Generation.

THEN GOD BLESSED THEM

The Power of the Prophetic Blessing starts with the first blessing given to humanity recorded in the Bible. It then proceeds to the blessing given by God to Abram. Then comes the blessing given by Isaac to Jacob. The book then leads us to the command of God to Moses concerning the priestly blessing, "This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel."

It is the three promises of this priestly blessing which lay the foundation of the prophetic blessing and its application to you and I. Author John Hagee clearly details the power of the prophetic blessing and how we can apply it to our lives and to the generations to come.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE POWER OF THE PROPHETIC BLESSING

This is my first review of a John Hagee book. I am thrilled at the opportunity to do so. John Hagee writes with a fluid style, each concept flowing clearly and cleanly into the next. This makes The Power of the Prophetic Blessing easy to read.

The author goes into great detail in presenting the prophetic blessings of Jesus given in the sermon on the mount. We know them as the beatitudes. John Hagee titles these eight prophetic blessings of Jesus as The Secrets of the Good Life. The case in made soundly for the scriptural basis for the prophetic blessing and the command we have to pass it on.

I must say this book has touched my life and it will touch the lives of my children and my grandchildren. It is one thing to be a hearer of the Word, and another to do the Word. The Power of the Prophetic Blessing is biblically based and in order for the blessing to transform our lives, we must believe it, receive it, and do it.

RECOMMENDATION

The Power of the Prophetic Blessing is real. John Hagee does an excellent job explaining it and detailing the need of humanity to receive it and pass it to the next generation.

I highly recommend The Power of the Prophetic Blessing to anyone desiring to know more about it and how to apply it to life.

I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing. 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."

Garden of Eden, Place of Protected Pleasure

Courtesy stock.xchng/thesaint

I've been doing a lot of studying lately on various topics. Somehow I keep getting drawn to Genesis and the Garden of Eden. The events which took place in the garden still affect mankind today. Good and evil, believe it, or don't believe it, are still affecting us. We will feel the effects of what took place in Eden tomorrow, next week, next year, till we take our last breath.

Back to the Garden of Eden

It's not so much what took place there that leads me to write this article. It's the biblical meaning of the words garden and Eden and how these meanings can be applied to us today.

• garden: from the Hebrew gan meaning garden (as fenced). The word comes from a primitive Hebrew root meaning to hedge about or protect.
• Eden: the name Eden is from a Hebrew word which means pleasure or delight.

We can thus say the Garden of Eden was a protected place of pleasure. The inhabitants of the garden lived in perfection in a place of perfect, protected pleasure. Sounds idyllic doesn't it?

From the Garden of Eden to Unprotected Displeasure

I won't recount the story of the fall in the Garden of Eden. I won't get into the how and the why of it. The fall happened and we must deal with its effects every day of our lives. We experience pain, sorrow, anxiety, stress, fear. We are surrounded by violence, terror, natural disaster, and evil.

The idea of a protected place of pleasure seems far-fetched at best. We think of it. We dream of it. Yet our personal Eden seems to slip further away with each moment. It doesn't have to. Really.

No, all of the problems of this life will not go away. Yes, we will still experience anxious moments, bow under the weight of stress, and fear for our tomorrows. But what if I tell you there is a way to get back into that perfect protected place of pleasure? Are you interested?

Back to the Garden of Eden, the Place of Protected Pleasure

The ancient prophet of Israel, Isaiah says it like this: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3)."

Matthew Henry defines the perfect peace of Isaiah 26:3 as "inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, peace at all times, under all events."

Are you starting to get a picture of the Garden of Eden, a place of protected pleasure? We may not achieve such a physical place in this life yet, at the same time, it is still attainable. How?

Jesus says: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you (John 4:27)." Jesus Christ, through his death on the cross of Calvary (see Colossians 1:20), gives us the place of protected pleasure. He fulfills Isaiah 26:3 perfectly.

Jesus speaks of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 4:16) who would come in the name of Jesus (John 4:26). Do you ever wonder why Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter?

It is this Comforter by taking up residence in you which gives you access to the peace given by Christ Jesus. Anybody wish to question the concept of comfort bringing peace? You do have access to the place of perfect protected pleasure, your personal Garden of Eden, through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

You can access your place of protected pleasure as much as you want, whenever you want. Repent. Make a conscious decision you wish to change your life by turning away from sin. Be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of, the washing away of your sin. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the source of everlasting access to your personal Garden of Eden.

What! Is God Too Safe?

What is it you and I say of the Lord God? "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust (Psalms 91:2)?" We are safe in God, but how safe is our God? Is your God too safe? Think about it for a minute or two, then read on.

Pastor, freelance writer and author, Mark Buchanan provides a look into the answer of this question in his book Your God Is Too Safe, Rediscovering the Wonder of a God You Can't Control.

WHAT! HOW CAN GOD BE TOO SAFE?

Your God Is Too Safe opens with a chapter entitled The Refuge of the Stuck. It's about Borderland, the place between two borders and why we may choose to be stuck there. Borderland is familiar. It's safe.

Mark Buchanan wastes no time in going after this concept of a God who is too safe. Over and over he exposes our comfortable ideas and concepts of who and what God is in the light of Scripture.

The writing of Your God Is Too Safe is engaging and easy to read. The material the author presents is designed to make you think and react to who and what you believe God is and desires for you.

ARE YOU LIVING IN BORDERLAND?

"Who is the god of borderland?" Mark Buchanan asks. He answers with, "the god who is too safe." It didn't take me long into the book to realize I have spent a large part of my life living in borderland. Chapter after chapter, case after case, the author lays out clearly how we get stuck in borderland and often why we choose to remain there.

Part Two of Your God Is Too Safe opens with a chapter called The Place of Holy Habits. The case is made for the absolute necessity of prayer becoming a holy habit. I found myself under conviction for my own lack of a holy habit of prayer.

Your God Is Too Safe was a little slow getting into, though once into it, the intensity increased dramatically. I read all of Part Two, Life In the Holy Wild, without putting the book down!

I found myself challenged to seek God for who He is and for what He is. I found myself hungry to step out beyond borderland into the holy wild. One quote from Your God Is Too Safe I will always remember is this: "Consumption is killing us. Go fast and live." Again, think about it.

GETTING OUT OF BORDERLAND

If you're stuck in a rut, bored with your life in Christ, Your God Is Too Safe is a good book to jog and jab you out of your comfort zone. I recommend this book to any desiring the expectancy of walking with Christ, looking to escape from borderland.

Jonathan Falwell, 1000 Days Book Review

The definition of the word Christian, given in Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary is one who professes a belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Many render the meaning of Christian to be Christ-like. Webster's defines Christ-like to mean resembling Christ in character, spirit, or action.

Jonathan Falwell provides a picture of what Christ-likeness is from the words and the actions of Christ in his book 1000 Days, The Ministry of Christ. Hebrews 4:15 says that Christ was tempted in all points, just as we are, and yet he remained sinless. There is much insight we can receive from a close look at the sayings and the actions of Jesus Christ.

1000 Days, The Ministry of Christ presents the final three years of the life of Jesus Christ. The author paints a picture for us detailing how Christ responds to temptation, to victory, to selecting followers, to questions, to suffering, and even to death. Woven within this picture are the words we need to clearly hear and the actions we need to clearly replicate to be Christ-like.

I will admit this book was of interest to me because of the name, Falwell. I was curious to meet Jonathan Falwell, if only through the words written in a book. I will say I am not disappointed. He writes in a style and manner which is easy to read and easy to understand. He presents serious and engaging concepts with each chapter. Each chapter is followed with a number of questions if answered will cause the reader to think deeper upon the material presented.

I must also admit that I was caught off guard when the final chapter of the book ended! I was so entranced in the concept of the Loudest Sermon Ever that I was not expecting the end of the book! There is a Bible Study Guide of about 45 pages included at the end of the book. Though I may disagree with some doctrinal theology with Mr. Falwell, I can recommend 1000 Days, The Ministry of Christ to anyone seeking a deeper insight and relationship 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."

Wisdom

Photo courtesy Stockxchng/artM

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 Knows Me

Photo courtesy stockxchng/asifthebes

"The LORD knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous (Psalm 1:6 AMP)."


Such a powerful promise from God though exciting, also causes me to search deeper into the though that God could know me. Out of all the billions of people who have walked this planet, God could know even me!


I wrote of how God knows the course of life the righteous take in my last post, Road Walked On - Digging Into the Psalms. I wrote of how God will appoint the course of life for the righteous. Yet as I was thinking about it later, I was led to this passage of scripture:


"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV)."


The words of Jesus, "I never knew you" are an attention grabber! It's obvious from this passage of scripture these people knew the name of Jesus. It's obvious they professed to know who he was. It's obvious they had accomplished many great works through the name of Jesus. By all appearances these people should be considered righteous; right? Yet Jesus said, "I never knew you."


We call him Lord. We know his name; Jesus. We build magnificent buildings in his name. We write, play, and sing many wonderful songs in his name. We make profession after profession of faith in his name. We prophesy in his name. We pray for healing and deliverance in his name. Yet does he know us?


Who is it whom God knows? He knows those who do the will of the Father. What is the will of the Father? Bearing fruit. "When you bear (produce) much fruit, my Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine (John 15:8 AMP)." Jesus spoke of bearing fruit again and again during his ministry. He spoke of sending reapers into the harvest to gather fruit unto eternal life (John 4:36). The fruit we are to bear is the souls we harvest for the kingdom of God.


We possess the power to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8). We are commissioned to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). The course of world events has sparked an intense interest in eschatology. The fruit is ripe. The harvest is ready. Are there reapers willing to work to bring in the fruit of the harvest?


God give me a burden, a passion to share Christ with all. Lord, help me to be a branch which bears fruit. I want to be known of God. I don't want to stand before him and hear him say, "I don't know you."


God bless...

A Road Walked On - Digging Into the Psalms

Photo courtesy of Stockxchng/bjearwicke

"For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1:6 KJV)."


This verse sums up man's life from beginning to end. God knows. God sees how we live out the time he's granted us. Job, a man who suffered profusely during his time of life, says this, "For his (God's) eyes are upon the ways of man, and he (God) seeth all his (man's) goings (Job 34:21 KJV)."


Take note of the word way (Psalm 1:6) and the word ways (Job 34:21). They are the same Hebrew word meaning a road trodden, or in our case, a course of life. The word used here is a derivative of a Hebrew primitive root meaning to tread or walk. The psalmist is telling us God knows the course of life the righteous take, and the course the ungodly follow will lead them to destruction.


Psalm 1 is a chapter which is loaded with positives and negatives. I find it interesting to note the balance between them. This final verse also offers us a positive and a negative in perfect balance.


The positive comes in the use of the word knoweth. The modern definition of know is to recognize, discern, or understand. The Hebrew definition of the word knoweth, or know, isn't much different. Yet it is richer. Yes, God sees the way, or the course of life we all travel.  But God recognizes, he acquaints himself with, he accepts, and he appoints the course of life of the righteous. The Apostle Paul wrote, "The Lord knoweth them that are his (2Timothy 2:19 KJV)."


The final negative statement of Psalm 1 is, "the way of the ungodly shall perish." An ungodly person is anyone who does what is morally wrong. The ungodly person is one who willfully chooses to reject God and to disobey God's commandments. So how is it the course of life taken by the ungodly will come to destruction?


Let's look at the word perish. It's a Hebrew primitive root meaning to wander away or to lose oneself. The psalmist is saying the course of life taken by the ungodly will cause them to wander away losing oneself to certain destruction. God doesn't want anyone to perish.


Man's destruction was never God's intent. God patiently endures the course of life humanity chooses to take. God does this because he desires that nobody perish, but all come to repentance in changing their hearts and lives. Doing so will place one on the course of life which God not only approves of but will appoint one to.


Your feedback and comments are welcome. We'll start digging into Psalm 2 next time. Till then, God bless...