I Was Here...

I was spending some time watching some illustration videos the other day, when I came across the video "I Was Here" at Bluefish TV. This video falls in line with the review I did of The Butterfly Effect earlier this week and I thought I would share it with you today.

When you think about your life...what are you leaving behind???

Will there be a footprint in time, saying that you made a difference???

Did you truly stand for something???

My prayer is that you will find inspiration and a hope to realize your life matters more than you might ever realize!!!

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

The Butterfly Effect: Book review

My latest review is one I have been planning to submit for some time, but have just never found the time to simply sit and take the time to type it out. It is my latest installment from the BookSneeze Blog review program of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

I have read the past two books written by Andy Andrews and was very excited to find this book. The whole basis of the book is along the lines of the butterfly effect spoken of in years past in the scientific community. Basically, that theory stated that if a butterfly flapped its' wings on one side of the world, it could cause a ripple effect that could produce astounding things to take place on the opposite side of the world.

Andy takes that theory and breaks it down in how our lives can cause a ripple effect in time. By the things we do, regardless how small, we can change others which can cause amazing things to be possible.

Some of the places he draws from are the Civil War and the stand made by one man, in the face of certain death...this stand changed the course of history...what would life be like if the South had won? What if there were no United States? Another was the backstory of George Washington Carver...how the sacrifices of others made possible the advances in agriculture he was able to make...

The bottom line is this...the acts we do actually make a difference! If you are down or thinking your life has little meaning in the grand scope of things, read this book. It will take you approximately 15 minutes, but could completely change your outlook on how important your life is!

And now for the legal stuff...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

How Do We Share Christ???

I have a heavy heart today as the result of a prayer request I received from a friend on Faceboook. Being the type to find the whole story, I did some digging and found out even more than I cared to learn.

Here is the story...a "cult" group out of Topeka, Kansas was in Great Bend some time ago and were staging a "revival" and someone apparently broke a window out of their vehicle. Since then, the town had a tragedy in which a 14 year old girl was abducted and found later burned beyond recognition. This "religious" group has since stages protests in Great Bend, saying that God is paying them back for the way they treated "the messenger of God".

One of my problems is this...were we called to go around spouting our goodness and putting others down? Are we to tell others that "God Hates Them"? Or are we to share the love of Christ to any and all?

I know I am making this synopsis of events rather short. If you would like to delve deeper into the story of this "cult", you can find their site here . I have used tinyurl to recompose the address, because of its offensive nature.

My question to you is this...is it any wonder we have such a hard time reaching the lost when others are out there sharing hate in the name of God and saying "God Hates..."? What can you and I do to make a difference today in the life of someone who needs us??? I guarantee one thing...hitting them with artillery filled with hate is not it!!!

And, my final thought hinges upon this group, founded by Fred Phelps being listed as a "Baptist" church group. I remember back to a quote my dad has used most of my life. Someone asked him once what he would be if he wasn't a Baptist...to which he replied, "Ashamed". When we see groups like this using our name and dragging it through the mud, that shames me. Because, outsiders just see the name and think that's what being a Baptist is all about. That's why the religion is less a part of significance as the relationship with Christ.

And the final thought I have is for Christians who come in contact with these hate-mongers is found in Luke 6:27..."But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you," So, this also makes us be careful of how we deal with those who ARE doing the finger-pointing. Makes you wonder if they just might need a dose of Christ's love in their lives.

Sorry for the negativity in this post...this has really hurt my heart this morning!

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

For more of the backstory on the Alicia DeBolt's disappearance, you can check out the following articles:
Article 1
Article 2

John Mark McMillan's "The Medicine" Album Review

It has been a while since I have done an album review. This is a particular favorite of mine. I am just getting acquainted with John Mark McMillan's music since hearing some of his music earlier this year. You might not think you know who he is, but you probably have heard some of his songs before. The most obvious one would be "How He Loves", which was recorded on the Church Music album by the David Crowder Band.

John Mark's album starts off with "Reckoning Day" which is a call asking everyone if they would come alive and get out of bed for the sound of the song unsung...it asks us to wake up and lift our eyes...and become untied from the weight of this age. These lyrics and the song's presentation begin the edgy feel that can reach beyond the circles that typical "pretty Christian" music can touch. His lyrics talk about life...he says that he writes music for people and God to listen to.

The next song I would point out would be track 6, "Death in His Grave". This is another story that has been put to music. The chorus echoes with...

"On Friday a thief
On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief
But awoke with keys
Of Hell on that day
The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ
Laid death in his grave"

The final song I would feel necessary to mention has to be "How He Loves". This has become one of my favorite songs of the past couple years. It is a stirring song that reminds us of exactly how much God truly loves us. One of my favorite lines from any song would have to be from this one, when it says...
"I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us"

I couldn't find the time to submit a full review of every song on this album, but they are all strong theologically and speak from John Mark's heart. I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys contemporary Christian worship music. The edgy lyrics and music can speak in ways that many artists have yet been able to.

Is Suffering Optional???

I know that it's not the most popular subject in Christian circles, but one that I feel should be discussed! I am not sure about your walk with the Lord, but from time to time, I tend to get "comfortable" and expect nothing uncomfortable to happen to my little world. But, we have been promised otherwise...remember that our adversary walks around like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour...and that doesn't sound comfortable in any translation!!!

Anyway, when struggles come about, I tend to want to throw my hands up and just give up...is it just me? But, last night while watching a podcast of Francis Chan speaking from Biola University's chapel series, I was struck when he said that we ALL face hardships and trials...IF WE ARE TRULY DOING GOD'S WILL! Therein lies the emphasis...if we aren't doing anything for God in our lives, why would Satan even need to obstruct our path? You're right, he wouldn't. But, be alert...if you are doing the work of Christ, the trials will come. And, they don't always just affect you...Satan will attack in any way he can hurt you the most.

I wanted to share several verses on the subject of our suffering today, with the first being found in 2 Timothy 3:12..."Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Like I have mentioned, the trials will come if you make a stand for Christ. One point Francis made in the podcast was particularly on point, I believe. He said that some of the biggest opposition you will find in seeking what God is telling you to do will be found in the church. Unfortunately, that can be true. Sometimes others want you to "cool off" or just calm down a bit because "that's not the way we do things around here". But, don't allow someone else to quench a fire that has been placed in your heart!!!

Another reference I would share is found in 1 Peter 2:19..."For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully." Sometimes we may even have to suffer wrongfully out of conscience sake. I know that can seem unfair, but in showing the true love of Christ to others it might be required. By the way, can you think of anyone else who suffered and died wrongfully, so that others might have life?

That would lead us to 1 Peter 2:21-23..."For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
There is no better example of how to deal with suffering and being mocked than Jesus Christ. When He was spat upon, he kept His composure...when He was mocked, He didn't mock back...through it all, He showed a grace on those who didn't deserve it. But, He knew what He was called to do...and through His death upon the cross we were given life...and by His stripes we are healed.


Another example of dealing with sufferings is found in James 5:10..."Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." If you look at the history of the prophets who spoke in the Lord's name, you will find men who were imprisoned, beaten, stones, and even killed for the cause of Christ. But notice how the verse puts it...they were an "example of suffering and of patience".

In Philippians 1:29, we find..."For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;" We have been granted to suffer in His behalf...probably never thought of it that way either, have you? I know it opened my eyes as I read it again. Not only do we get to believe in Him, but we get to suffer. This verse ties perfectly with the message in the following Scripture, found in Romans 8:18..."For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward." This makes it seem a bit better, when we realize that the things we struggle with here on earth will pale in comparison with the glory that will be revealed to us in Heaven! Don't lose hope. Remember what the last part of 1 John 4:4 says..."greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"

The final passage I would like to share with you comes from Philippians 3:8-11..."Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,(9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."


Take a look at the same passage as translated in the Amplified Bible..."Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), (9) And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. (10) [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] (11) That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]."

Don't get stuck dwelling upon the lows of this life, and the suffering you will endure this side of Heaven...that is to be expected! Rather, allow Christ to do His perfect work through your life as a result of how you deal with it. Others will see in you what they have been searching for! Keep your head up...you are not alone in your struggles!

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