Are You Available???

I have begun reading into the new book by Francis Chan entitled Forgotten God. Be on the lookout for a review in the coming week. The whole premise of the book is how we talk about Jesus and the Father, but too often discount the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thus, the image to your left!

In the trailer for the book, Francis looks at Acts 4:13, which we will first view in the KJV..."Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." As you know, I like to see the way the Amplified Bible brings out the meaning in passages, and this one is no different..."Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

I realize we no longer can say we have physically been with Jesus, but can others around us see that we have been touched by the Spirit? Are we walking a walk that exemplifies the Lord? Are our actions, words, thought, intents, and desires showing forth the leading of the Holy Spirit? If you are like me...there is no way you would want yours published for others to see. It's a daily battle to hand over control of self...and a battle that too often ends in defeat.

But, there is hope! If you notice what was said of these in the passage...they weren't doctoral students, highly-skilled promoters...they were unlearned, untrained, and even ignorant men. But, because the Master's hand had been made evident in them, great and mighty things were done through them. We aren't called because of what we have to offer, but because of what God can do through a willing vessel.

I am willing to be used today...are you? Pray with me..."Lord, I want You to have the reigns in my life. I want to take a step back, so you can step up. May others see You in my every word and deed. May not only my thoughts but also the things I look upon be of the purest nature. My prayer is to be available and open for you to work through so I might reach others for you."

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

It Is Well video illustration

Has been a tough couple weeks, with multiple funerals and situations that have come into our lives and those around us. Somedays, it seems like such a chore to be joyful in all we go through. I ran across this illustration and thought it was exactly what I needed...and thought maybe it would touch your heart too.

Many of you have sung the song, but do you have any idea what circumstances lead to it's being written? May this be an inspiration to your day!!!



Can you think of a time of tribulation you look back on that drew you closer in your relationship or walk with God? Share your story...

And please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Do you think you stand?

Are we getting a bit full of ourselves??? Has pride taken over our Christian walk??? How about a confidence that we can handle anything that comes our way??? True, confidence is a good thing in the right respects, as long as we glory or brag on ourselves.

The verses that come to mind on this subject are found in 1 Corinthians 10:12 & 13 (KJV)..."Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

Obviously, in this passage we are warned about being too proud of ourselves. It's at times of self-reliance that we allow the doors to be opened in our life to outside influences we wouldn't normally allow. In other words, we let our guard down. Verse 13 does give us a hope in the Lord that no matter what comes our way, it is not going to be something that only you have faced. Temptations are common to man (everyone) and with the temptations we face, God has promised to be faithful and also will make a way to escape from that temptation.

I like the way the Amplified Bible translates the passage..."Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. (13) For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently."

I love how it states He will ALWAYS provide a way out, which He will. And, its great to know that we will have a means of escape to a landing place. Do you have a safe landing place apart from God??? Are you too dependent upon self to make all decisions??? Are you willing to turn and ask the Lord for help turning from your temptations???

Read the passage again in both translations...read the version you feel comfortable with. Pray that the Lord will give you strength to fight through the temptations you face. Ask for His place of safe landing to be made evident.

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

You know, many times when I get books to review, I open them with no thought on how this book could impact me personally or others. The Noticer, however, changed my mind rather quickly. This is the third book review in my being part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Program.

Andy Andrews draws from not only personal experience, but also tells such a deep story of a small town affected by a simple, humble man named Jones. Jones isn't an outspoken bullying sort, but rather someone who can give some good advice, as someone who can see from afar off. Regardless of the circumstances we face in life, we could all use the help of someone looking in from "the outside", and this is exactly the help Jones lends to this community.

Andy's writing style is easy-to-read and grabs you right off the bat. I am now looking forward to reading more from this author that I just got introduced to. I would recommend this book for all to read. No matter what you're going through, someone notices and may just be willing to offer perspective that could change your life!!!

God's Chisel...

This morning, I have been sifting through email and checked out some links to different sites, including Tangle. I came across a video from The Skit Guys, entitled "God's Chisel". It hit home quite well, because I too often am wanting God to work in my life, but only in my time and on what I see that needs work. The quote from the video that sticks out came when Tommy said how he had let God down so many times, but God's reply was along the lines of..."You didn't let me down because you weren't holding me up!" Check out this video...



Ephesians 2:10 states..."For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." If we are His workmanship, how can we truly think we have our best interests in mind. We know our ways are not His ways. May we be willing to let God take control over what needs to be included or chiseled away from our lives today!!!

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Worthy IS the Lamb!!!

I have to admit that I was inspired to share this post by viewing a post over at WorldPrayer. Personally, I feel this is one of the most deeply touching worship songs in recent memory. If you've ever seen the movie "Passion of the Christ"...you left changed forever. This video puts the song to the backdrop of clips from the movie. How can we feel big or like God is honored to have us serving for Him when we put into perspective what Christ did for us?

The passage that comes to mind when I think of my unworthiness is found in Isaiah 6:5..."Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." When we truly get a glimpse of God in His glory, we will truly bow and worship and say "Worthy is the Lamb"!!! I pray that this video touches you like it did me...




What thoughts come to your mind when seeing the images accompanied by the song? Please share them with each other!

And also please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton

As a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program, I have once again had the opportunity to read a high-quality book by one of my favorite people. In this book, Scott Hamilton keys in on the eight practices he has used to be happy in life, on and off of the ice. Most would remember Scott as the Olympic ice skater, or the enthusiastic ice skating announcer on TV. But, most wouldn't remember any of the trials he has faced in life.

In this book, Scott goes into detail about his battles with cancer, brain tumors, and disease, while still keeping front and foremost...happy. His upbeat and positive characteristics can do nothing but inspire a person to be more happy about whatever circumstances you may face. Scott uses one of the most well-known skating moves, the figure 8 (thus the title), as his focus on being happy. The eight chapters focus on different techniques you can use to keep yourself upbeat and your eyes on the prize. Scott's faith shows forth throughout the book and is sure to touch your heart.

This book is a must-read and a hard book to set down once opened. I recommend it for everyone, especially if you are going through trials that seem to overwhelm you...great book!