Wild Goose Chase - Book review

The title of this book by Mark Batterson would make one think of a life out of order. *Wild Goose Chase* would bring up mental images of someone just being pulled to and fro with no particular end or means in sight. The Christian life, however, is nothing close to that. In this book, Mark describes how to live a life chasing the proverbial "goose" or Holy Spirit's will for each day.

What we don't see is the final outcome of our daily meanderings that appear as unorthodox to some, if led by the Holy Spirit will have a particular goal as the result. We are finite beings who have only a slight sense of Who and What the Holy Spirit is in our lives. We see things in the scope of our minutes, hours, and days...while time is of no real relevance to the Lord.

When we truly follow the Lord, this "goose chase" will lead to great personal growth and building of a relationship that will be more valuable than anyone can express in mere words.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to deepen their relationship and understanding of the Holy Spirit. Mark's writing is easy to read, but will challenge you to the core!

Radical - Book review

These days, there are so many books out there giving us this formula or that formula in fixing our lives. But, the major problem is that they are based on US fixing our own lives and problems. In the book "Radical" by David Platt, the formula is based upon principles grounded in the Bible.

Are you currently in a church environment where the members do works "because that's the way they've always done it"? Are things just ho-hum and blah-blah-blah in your spiritual life? In this book, you will find the essentials in living the life you've been called to live.

Many times, we look for a quick fix that doesn't stretch us too far from our comfortable lives we lead. Radical doesn't call for us to make decisions based on comfort, but hits us squarely between the eyes and confronts us with the truth. This confrontation will cause the reader to do one of two things: change the way you live or just go about the norm unchanged.

Not only does Radical call for personal change, but also the way we "do church". Are we truly reaching out to those around us, or simply huddled and secluded? I'm reminded of a quote a preacher used to say..."the church is so worldly and the world is so churchy, I can't tell them apart". That's exactly what David Platt is talking about. We are too busy trying to live the American dream to really portray Christ in our personal and corporate settings.

I would recommend Radical to any believer as a guide to living with a missional mindset.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Am I walking alone???

As we move closer to Christmas Day, my mind draws more upon sharing the Gift that was given for us. This morning, I was visited by a family friend of my parents, who has just found that he has cancer. I was amazed by his strength and faith that God had a plan, even though it is such a trying time. One thing he mentioned to me truly stuck. He mentioned how a men's prayer time was held. On the prayer list was his name with cancer beside as the request. He told me..."I told them not to pray for the cancer, but if it be God's will, a miracle occur."

He knows the Great Physician and is confident that a mighty work is being done through him. We shared some stories from the distant past and some from the very near past. We both talked about trials and difficulties in our lives and lives of those we love. And, each tragedy (as we originally perceived them) turned into a great opportunity for ministry.

Why is it that sometimes we have to be at a low point before we look up for the Light? It took the darkest moments in my life to look for the One who is there to carry me. I think of the "Footprints in the Sand" poem most of you have read. In the hard times, we tend to think we are all alone...when in fact He is carrying us through and trying to guide us.

The "chance encounter" that took place today (not really a "chance encounter", but a way for God to speak through another to me in His timing) was an opportunity to re-focus my thoughts and realize that even our darkest hours can be the times when God's light shines through us the brightest. Don't forget that the struggles we make it through, make us stronger and also give us something to share with others. Those who think they have no hope aren't looking for "perfect Christians", but rather real people that have gone through struggles like they are...and we have the Hope that they are so desperately in search of...let's share it TODAY!!!

Let's look again at this week's memory verse from Psalm 84:10..."For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." How are you doing at the memorization so far? Has anyone kept with it? Anybody learned all of them? Have you challenged anyone else to join you?

Keep reading through this week's verse...pray that it will speak to you...ask for someone to share it with...then share it...God will provide opportunities if we will take Him up on them!

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

Get uncomfortable...

I was asked this morning about the challenge I have taken here on the blog of learning verses each week and how that is going. I told him how the verses and blog were becoming quite a challenge to do daily, because things seem to keep coming up to detour my thoughts.

Then, he asked the question...so, what is the challenge you are facing in life? Hmmm...well, the challenge I struggle with is stepping out of the comfort zones and getting uncomfortable and reaching out to help others. I'm sure you have all seen the list of where our priorities as Christians should be, right? God, family, church, friends, others, then you...in that order!!! Well, being honest, I struggle putting myself to the bottom rung of the ladder. It's so easy to say "but that's not what I want for this situation"...or..."that's not how I want things to be done"...when I should really be concerned about how God wants things done and down the list and so on and so forth, yadda-yadda-yadda.

Do you struggle with this? I found that to keep this challenge, I must work on four aspects for my life to stay on track...First, my Bible study or devotion time must be there and evident in my life...Second, I must be asking for God's directions...Third, I must work on my marriage (because the devil will try to pull at family)...and finally, sharing with others (getting out of comfort mode).

My struggles definitely aren't the same struggles that many of you may face today, but if there is some part of your life that you are fighting with, know that God is always there to help when we ask. Take a look at 2 Corinthians 1:4..."He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." So, what I am battling can be used for the glory of the Lord...the strength that I gain from giving it to Him can be shared with others I come in contact with who think there is no hope.

To wrap things up today, let's review our verses for the weeek from Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

Make time for your Bible study, prayer time, family, and share what God is doing with another today. Take the verses into your heart...let God use them to speak to you, and share what you have learned...

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

How are your investment techniques???

I know that heading may not be what you would think of from a daily blog about our walk with Christ, but bear with me for a few.

Let's take a look at our memorization verses for this week in Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

If we look at the how the Amplified Bible translates this it might bring it out a bit clearer. Let's look at what it has to say..."Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), 16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil."

The Holman states it quite well to start..."Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk"...If you notice, this is making the point that we must be increasingly mindful of how we "walk". That doesn't mean just what I think people see, but also what I think people don't see.

The Amplified can bring out the words without having to pull out a thesaurus. We need to live with a purpose, worthy and accurate. Where would we learn to do these things? Rhetorical question, I know...the Bible. Don't live inaccurately, inadequately like the witless or unwise, but like someone who is sensible and intelligent. If you're like me, that seems like quite a stretch!!! But, as the scripture states in Philippians 4:13..."I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

The final verse is put quite adequately as well in the Amplified...by making the most of our time, we are actually buying up each opportunity. Are we really buying up each opportunity, or the way I take it...am I buying into every opportunity? Am I really seeing the chances that God puts in front of me?

If we look at it as a purchase or investment, how is the return on investment? Or maybe, how good am I at investing into it? If we "invest" into our walk with the Lord, the R.O.I.(Return on Investment), or our fruits, will grow exponentially!!!

Take time to go back over the verses for this week, pray that God will help apply them to your life, and share them with someone today!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

Your Life is Hid in Christ...

I don't know about you, but the last couple weeks my email inbox has been filled with political emails of folks overly concerned about our pending elections. Now, don't get me wrong, we are in a very crucial point of our history, but are we letting our concerns about the election outweigh our concerns for the lost? A lot of Christians I know are only talking about Obama this, McCain that...Palin...Biden...I don't think any of them has a reason to replace our conversation of Christ.

So, as I was looking through scripture today, I came upon the following passage and thought we could cover it today...Colossians 3:1-4..."If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (4) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

We, as Christians, are assured be risen with Christ one day and need to keep our minds saturated with things above, rather than things here below. I am not real big into poitics, though I follow the news and major notes online. We are assured to be taken care of...I figure if the missionaries in the far corners of the earth are protected by God's hand, we in America are gonna be okay, too. I know it's not as simple as that...I do have signs in my yard for the ones I'll be voting for, but I am not losing sleep over the market crashing, presidential race, or a plummeting dollar value.

Also, there are things in this world that point to the soon return of Jesus. If you read through the Bible, it tells of the signs of the end times...kinda looks familiar, doesn't it? The signs are there and we must realize that like verse 3 states, to this world we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ. We should all find comfort in knowing the Lord will return, but we need to be ready!

With the signs all around us, we should be working that much harder to reach others...time is short, but the people needing the Truth are many! Yes, when Christ returns we will return with Him to heaven, but think of the person/people you know that don't know Him...does it break your heart???can you feel their pain??? Think of the friends you share a laugh with, do they know Christ??? Share your testimony with them...they need to know.

With all the rumblings and grumblings on Wall Street and Capitol Hill, isn't it great to know that you have a Father in heaven watching over you, who's "got your back" so to speak? Wouldn't your friends like to have that assurance, comfort, and peace? Don't let your foolish pride get in the way of reaching out to people who are searching for hope!

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

Continue in what you have learned...

My reading this morning took me to 2 Timothy 3:14-17..."But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ; (15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

This is a call to continue in what we have been taught. We are to also be mindful of Whom it was that taught us. We haven't been taught by humanity's teachings, but rather those of the God we serve. Since we grew up, those of us who were raised in churches have known what the Bible tells us.

The truths we have learned have led us to salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ. That is the same way we all have been saved, regardless of upbringing, lifestyle, or skin color...through faith in Jesus Christ!

The next verse is key to faith in God's written Word..."All scripture is given by inspiration of God"...it doesn't say some, most, or a little, but rather ALL!!! If you can't believe all scripture is given by doctrine, how can you decide which is and which isn't? Is it based upon our ideas? our likes? our dislikes? God have mercy if we have the final say-so of what is from God and what is not...

The verse doesn't end there, either...it continues that the Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"...What does that mean to you and me? That the Word can be the guide to our living this life on earth...for EVERYTHING!!! In our daily walk, keeping ourselves in subjection, correcting our errors, and learning how to live righteously.

In the final verse, it states "that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished to all good works". None of us will ever be perfect, because of our fallen Adamic nature. But, when we follow the precepts laid out in the Bible, we can become closer to perfection everyday. The last statement really jumps out at me...that we be throughly furnished...not thoroughly, but throughly! That means completely, not partially, not mostly. We hinder God's work in our lives by only allowing Him to have a part in our lives, rather than giving Him our lives and asking what He would have us to do...

Be mindful of what you have learned in your studies of the Word. Let your life be led by the examples it has set before you...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can say for you today...

Hold fast...

This morning's passage is in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22..."Rejoice evermore. (17) Pray without ceasing. (18) In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (19) Quench not the Spirit. (20) Despise not prophesyings. (21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (22) Abstain from all appearance of evil."

These verses are straight to the point at all of us, and I include myself. Through our daily trials and tribulations, we are to follow these guidelines. I didn't see any of these being suggestions. No nudges saying you oughta do this or that...like the Nike ads state "Just do It". The same here.

Rejoice evermore...whether good or bad, richer or poorer, sickness and health...I know it sounds like vows, but not to a bride - to our Lord.

Pray without ceasing...have you ever really tried that? Throughout a day actually talking to God? I can hear you doubting, "what about interruptions, kids, phone calls?" those come with the territory, but you truly can talk to God all day.

In everything give thanks...that's a tough one. When things are good, it's easy. But what about when your kid gets detention, storms damage your property, loved one gets ill? Those times our humanity can keep us from seeing that God is in control. His perfect will is above our understanding. But, we are called to rejoice, regardless.

Quench not the Spirit...do you even know what that means? My interpretation has to do with dealing with others. You know, when someone is on fire for the Lord? You can see the Spirit working in them and through them. My feeling is that when we are working alongside one another, be careful as to not "quench" the fire God has placed in their hearts.

Despise not prophesyings...don't take lightly what is going on around you. Be ready for what God has promised to come. Don't rest and don't wait to do the work set before you. We know the time is short, but the work to be done is great!

Prove all things...be careful of your deeds and thoughts. Prove them based on the Word of God. Lay everything down at the feet of Jesus with prayer. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful what you get invoved with!

And, finally, Abstain from even the appearance of evil. Be careful what your walk looks like. It's not only about what you do, but how others perceive. I know you can't be perfect, but we need to be aware of how things appear to others. Once again, I go back to the saying..."you're the only Jesus some will ever see"...

I pray that you will be touched by the words in this passage today. Be joyful, give thanks, pray, don't quench the Spirit, prove all things, and be careful how you're seen.

Let me know if there is a concern in your life I can pray for today...be blessed!!!