Thursday, September 23, 2010

When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong

As part of our school lessons this year, the kids and I are reading “Hero Tales” by Dave & Neta Jackson. It’s a book about true stories from the lives of 15 different Christian Heroes. What a great book! We are all enjoying it.

This week, we have been reading about Dwight L. Moody, the founder of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. There was a point in Moody’s life, at the age of 54, when he was feeling weak and tired, mostly due to health concerns. After a scary ordeal took place while he and his son, Will, were on board a sinking ship, Moody told his son, who had asked him to start slowing down in his ministry endeavors, “I can’t slow down now! God has work for me to do. Hundreds of thousands of people are coming to the World’s Fair in Chicago - and they all need a Savior. And if God has work for me to do, He will give me the strength to do it!” Even though he was weak in body, he was not weak in spirit, and was not willing to slow down on sharing the Gospel message to all who would listen.

Moody’s dedication to God’s work is inspiring, and we can all learn a lot from his example - in our ministries to others through church projects, children’s ministries, and sharing our spiritual gifts; in our everyday lives as we go to work, care for the kids, and perform mundane tasks; and in our spiritual walk as we seek God’s will for our lives. We all have challenges we must face that can hinder our effectiveness in any of these areas mentioned. But, its important for us to remember the words of  II Corinthians 12:9-10:

"And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
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Saturday, September 18, 2010

A Devotional Book Recommended for the Ladies

This is for the ladies who read my blog...

If you are looking for a new devotional book to read, I highly recommend “Becoming a Woman Who Walks With God” by Cynthia Heald. It's a small book that has 31 short devotionals (one month’s worth, if you read one every day) that deal with abiding in Christ. The author takes us on a journey of reflection and worship, helping us to discover the “joy and importance of abiding in Christ.” The chapters include responding to painful circumstances, finding joy in our trials, perseverance, trust, God’s faithfulness, strength for the weary, abiding in God’s Word, being fruitful, etc.

For my local friends, I am willing to loan this book out, if you would like to read through it. Just let me know! However, I DO want the book back. I have been through this book twice over the past few years, and it is soooo worth going over again. Its definitely a permanent member of my library.

For those interested in purchasing, you should be able to find it at your local Christian book store. Or, find it online at many different retailers. Here are just a few:

Christian Book Distributors
NavPress
Half.com
Amazon.com

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Saturday, September 11, 2010

The Gospel of Mark - Narrated by Max McLean

If you are getting into a "funk" with your devotions, here's a neat idea to help get you excited again! Get onto You Tube and watch Max McLean narrate the entire Gospel of Mark while you read along in your Bible.

Who is Max McLean, you might ask? I didn't know myself until just a few days ago. According to Wikipedia, "Max McLean is an American actor and narrator for audio books. He is the President of Fellowship for the Performing Arts, narrator for the Listener's Bible audio line, and speaker on the daily radio program Listen to the Bible which airs on over 670 radio affiliates worldwide."

Answers in Genesis endorses Max on their website, and you can read more about what they have to say about him here:  MAX McLEAN

After watching Max narrate Mark Chapter 1, I saw the benefits of it because it really helps make the Bible "come to life." So, if you are interested, here are a few links to get you started. Enjoy!

Chapter 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcuP_jiapVk

Chapter 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brb8yfFPzlA&feature=related

Chapter 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zixuiqAqiJs&feature=related

Chapter 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa6DFHnfUIw&feature=related

Chapter 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVZYvnzOe0I&feature=related

You can continue on and watch all the way through chapter 16.
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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Different Paths in Life

I was “chatting” with a friend recently, about how the Lord leads us all down different paths in life. However, as Christians, we all have at least one thing in common.... ALL of these paths are meant to lead us to the same place in our spiritual walk - to find faith, hope, and trust in the Lord.

One person’s path will have stress at work, another will have physical ailments, another will have a special needs child to raise. Some are unemployed and looking for work, some have marriage issues, some are dealing with the loss of loved ones, and some are simply trying to find peace in the valley. Others deal with pride, fear, anger, hurt, forgiveness, and the list goes on. We all have different things we are going through, and some of us are even experiencing more than one thing at a time - which can bring a feeling of total hopelessness and confusion!

No matter what we go through, its important for us to remember, our God is always a good God. He loves us dearly and allows things to come into our lives that will strengthen us and draw us closer to Himself. If I didn't believe that, I probably would have given up a long time ago; and I know many others who have felt like giving up as well.

But, be encouraged, my friends! There are brighter skies to be seen ahead and, no matter what the current conditions are on YOUR path, remember this.... the Lord has promised to NEVER give up on YOU.

God bless you on your journey....

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."

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