The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. (2 Corinthians 10:4–6 MSG)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Verse of the Day
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. . . . Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1–3)
Friday, January 27, 2012
Love Blooms in Winter by Lori Copeland
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.
ABOUT THE BOOK
1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.
Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.
Review to come later.
Verse of the Day
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Verse of the Day
My people will live in a peaceful habitation, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places. (Isaiah 32:18)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Verse of the Day
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. (Psalm 91:1–4 AMP)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Verse of the Day
Acquaint now yourself with Him [agree with God and show yourself to be conformed to His will] and be at peace; by that [you shall prosper and great] good shall come to you. (Job 22:21 AMP)
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Isaiah 26:3–4 AMP)
" Let nothing disturb your quietness of spirit, for from the place of inner calm you draw courage to move forward through all obstacles. I am never the source of turbulence. You may react with turbulence when I am dealing with your soul, but whenever you do so, it is because your will is in rebellion and you have stiffened your neck. My disciplines are received with peace at the heart that is submissive to My will." ~Frances J. Roberts, On the Highroad of Surrender
Monday, January 23, 2012
Verse of the Day
My prayer for today, for each day:
So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom. And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands--yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it. (Psalm 90:12, 17 AMP)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Verse of the Day
Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3)
From Ava Pennington's One Year Alone with God:
"[Abram] understood the Lord Adonai had the right to command him. Abram's sole assignment was to take God at His Word. Like Abram, we need to trust God's plans for our lives. He is our Lord, and He has the right to command us. Ours is the privilege to believe and obey Him. The only appropriate response is to yield to His lordship. . . . For now we much learn to write our plans in pencil and carry a big eraser."
God is in full control of my life, and His plans are so much better than mine—a much-needed reminder today.
From Ava Pennington's One Year Alone with God:
"[Abram] understood the Lord Adonai had the right to command him. Abram's sole assignment was to take God at His Word. Like Abram, we need to trust God's plans for our lives. He is our Lord, and He has the right to command us. Ours is the privilege to believe and obey Him. The only appropriate response is to yield to His lordship. . . . For now we much learn to write our plans in pencil and carry a big eraser."
God is in full control of my life, and His plans are so much better than mine—a much-needed reminder today.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Verse of the Day
Train me, GOD, to walk straight; then I'll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord; I've never kept secret what you're up to. . . . Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, as you, GOD, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet. (Psalm 86:11–12, 17 MSG)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Verse of the Day
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 MSG)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Beware of Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
As a reviewer I get many requests via e-mail to review books. I first received the request for Chandel L. White’s Romans to Jude, Precise Christian Scripture Revealed: A How-To Guide for Unveiling Authentic Gospel Truth (http://www.romanstojude.com/) last fall from his publicist. I ignored the first few times it came to me, but the wording in the description of the book both intrigued and repelled me.
Finally I accepted the request to review and received a .pdf of the book to read. In the somewhat organized chaos of our recent move, I didn’t have time to read the book until yesterday. Even then, when I shut the file on my desktop, I was still undecided as to writing a review. Normally, I don’t post reviews of books I can’t get into, are poorly written, or contain content I don’t agree with, desiring to promote good books by authors I can wholeheartedly support.
But this morning in my quiet time with the Lord, the title for a review (the one above) kept floating through my mind. Then I read several scripture passages from my devotional The Daily Light that addressed this subject. More scripture came to mind, along with several statements and phrases from the book. It was obvious the Lord wanted me to write this review.
As a student of the Bible and as one who loves in-depth inductive Bible study, I appreciate the emphasis the author put on this type of study. But his insistence that it is only in the books of Romans through Jude and those only in the King James Version we can find the “true” gospel is where I began to take exception with him.
First, if we’re studying the gospel, how can we leave out the Gospels and Acts which tell the story of Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher” of the gospel, our faith? And for that matter, how can we leave out the Old Testament when we read that God had His perfect plan for salvation, the gospel, already in place before He created the foundations of the world (John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 4:3, 9:26; 1 Peter 1:20)? And speaking of foundations, again how can we leave out a study of Jesus in studying the truths of the gospel when Christ Himself is the foundation of that gospel? (See 1 Corinthians 3:10–12.)
Second, why use only the King James Version? It was translated from the Greek and Hebrew texts the translators had access to four hundred years ago. The original Hebrew and Greek texts are the inspired words of God, not a human translation into any language. Yes, I believe the Bible was inspired, but I don’t believe that any one translation of those original words are inspired.
The author mentions several times that the “true” revelation is found only in the Old English of the King James Version. But the KJV isn’t written in Old English; it’s written in Early Modern English. A poetic and lyrical form of English, but still amazingly readable today.
For example, in a discussion of Shakespeare’s English, the author of an online article makes this point:
Look at the following passage in Old English and try and read it:
‘Fæder ure þuþe eart on heofonum si þin nama gehalgod tobecume þin rice gewurþe þin willa on eorðan swa swa on heofonum urne gedæ ghwamlican hlaf syle us to dæg and forgyf us ure gyltas swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge ac alys us of yfele soþlice.’
Do you recognise it? If not, try this one:
‘Oure fadir þat art in heuenes halwid be þi name; þi reume or kyngdom come to be. Be þi wille don in herþe as it is dounin heuene. yeue to us today oure eche dayes bred. And foryeue to us oure dettis þat is oure synnys as we foryeuen to oure dettouris þat is to men þat han synned in us. And lede us not into temptacion but delyuere us from euyl.’
Easier, and perhaps you recognise it now, but only just? Look at the next one:
‘Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’
You have just seen a long evolution of the English language. The first is Old English and the most famous literary work written in that form is Beowulf . The Old English extract is, of course, taken from the Bible and is part of the Lord’s Prayer.
The second passage is from the Wyclif Bible of 1348, two hundred years before Shakespeare, and it is written in what is called Middle English. The most enduring and famous writer of that time is Chaucer.
The Third is from the King James Authorised Bible and it came out in the same year as The Tempest , in 1611. You have no difficulty with that extract, of course, because it is written in Modern English. You probably find that version of the Bible far easier to read than a Shakespeare text, although the language is the language all English people spoke in Shakespeare’s time. (http://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/resources/shakespeare-old-english/)
Frankly, the author’s insistence that we can only gain a deeper knowledge and hidden meaning of the “true” gospel from “this section of the Bible [which] reveals the mystery of the gospel in its fullness” smacks of Gnosticism, a false teaching of the early church that still rears its head today. Although it is usually called by different names. Gnosis is the Greek word for knowledge, and the main emphasis of the Gnostics was that they claimed to have a special knowledge above that of ordinary believers. They believed that their special knowledge and enlightenment superior to those who adhered to the written Word of God.
Paul addressed the Gnostics specifically in his teaching in 1 Corinthians 8, 13:2; 2 Timothy 2:14–16; and Colossians 2:2–4. In handling the Word of God, believers must be careful to avoid all empty speculations and interpretations from outside scripture. In the author’s bio is this paragraph:
White has been interested in humanity’s relationship with the ethereal and textual truth of God since early childhood. These curiosities have lead [sic] him on a 30-year journey filled with enlightened experiences with various spiritual organizations: Christian (denominational and non-denominational), Mormon, Jehovah’s Witnesses, The Nation of Islam, and Science of Mind. In addition, he has also followed the teachings of many of America’s most well known Christian leaders as well as philosophies and works by John Randolph Price, Louise L. Hay, Eckhart Tolle, Ernest Holmes, Wayne Dyer, Esther Hicks, Robert Lomas, Thomas Sowell Ph.D, W.E.B. DuBois, Albert Pike and Max Weber. White has also developed a great appreciation for the insight of the Bhagavad-Gita, the Tao Te Ching and the philosophy of Zen.
True Christianity is not a composite of all the religions in the world leading to the same God. It is a belief in and a daily relationship with a living Savior, Jesus Christ. Nothing else.
The simple gospel of Christ, defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, is that Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again the third day, “according to the scriptures.” The “mystery” is that Christ, in the form of the Holy Spirit, now indwells us (Colossians 1:26–28).
It is not the “the wisdom of [my] inner man” but the indwelling Holy Spirit who now teaches us through scripture as Christ promised in John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
So in light of this seemingly innocuous Bible study White proposes to Christians, we must take heed to the words of scripture and be discerning to the false teaching contained within.
For “we have . . . a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“Beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 17–18).
“The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 John 2:18).
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
Verse of the Day
Happy are those who are strong in the LORD. . . . For the LORD God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who do what is right. O LORD Almighty, happy are those who trust in you. (Psalm 84:5, 11–12 NLT)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ABOUT THE BOOK
It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.
When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.
Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?
Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.
If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.
Review to come later.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Verse of the Day
There is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. (1 Corinthians 8:6)
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After high school he became an electrician, a job that took him to places as diverse as power plants, stadia, airports, high-rise office buildings and a hard-rock mining operation.
Twenty-five years of experiences in the trades provided him with the wealth of characters, stories and insights that populate his novels.
When he married his childhood friend, Pam, in 1975 he had no way of knowing they would not have children until fifteen years later.
In his early forties, when Dale left his job to become a stay-at-home dad, he suddenly found himself with time on his hands, so he pursued a lifelong dream and taught himself to write.
Using an online writer’s forum as a training ground, he wrote his first short stories in 1996. As his writing skills improved he turned to novels, publishing his first book, Sutter’s Cross, in 2003.
Since then, Dale has published four more novels and garnered a measure of critical acclaim with two Christy Awards, a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2004 and numerous other Best lists. Dale and his wife Pam live in Georgia with their two sons.
ABOUT THE BOOK
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Captive Heart, go HERE
Review to come later. Still in the middle of a move.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Verse of the Day
I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds. Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. (Psalm 77:11–14)
Monday, January 9, 2012
Verse of the Day
But now take courage . . . says the LORD. Take courage . . . Take courage, all you people . . . , says the LORD. Take courage and work, for I am with you, says the LORD Almighty.
My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised. . . . So do not be afraid. (Haggai 2:4–5 NLT)
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.
As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Rose of Winslow Street, go HERE.
Review to come shortly. We are in the middle of moving, and not much reading is getting done.
Verse of the Day
Two verses that promise the Lord's blessing when we do His work:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17 ESV)
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3 ESV)
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17 ESV)
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3 ESV)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Verse of the Day
"Are you tired? Worn out? . . . Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:29– 30 MSG)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?
On her journey from well-born lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE
Margie's comments: In the middle of moving from Colorado to Missouri, I haven't had time to read all of Julie Klassen's latest release, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. But I have read enough to know that once again, Julie has put together a wonderful tale of adventure, unusual circumstances, and love. Julie's research is thorough and shows in the details. Her stories and characters make me fall in love with this time in history all over again. Will be glad to have a little more time to finish the book . . . soon!
Verse of the Day
More promises for the new year:
For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert! (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert! (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Verse of the Day
So thankful God has my future under control. This verse is one the Lord gave me several years ago for my writing and editing. He reminded me this morning that this hasn't changed.
And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (Isaiah 58:11 ESV)
And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (Isaiah 58:11 ESV)
Monday, January 2, 2012
Verse of the Day
2012: A time for new things
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:3)
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:3)
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