Psalm 143

I have been gone for a bit - no postings on my current readings.  I am sure you have noticed that.  There is a reason - I have not done as much reading lately as I normally had been doing and much of what I have been reading is textbook material.  In other words, nothing really worth writing about.

Well, that is about to change.  One thing that I do is to watch the news in the mornings.  I don't know if any of you out there have noticed, but the world is in a mess - which is a huge understatement.  I can imagine the average person's day beginning with the alarm clock going off, groaning and rolling over, rubbing the eyes and, finally, getting out of bed and putting on the coffee.  There is the bathroom trip and then back to the coffee pot for a cup of what will hopefully wake us up a bit.  Then, it is rush, rush, rush to get into our day.  Whether it be to get the kids up and ready for school and/or the babysitter and then get ourselves ready for work, or whether it be to get our spouse up and ready for work, we tend to just "rush" into our day.

At the day's end, we typically remember at least three things we should have done - but just didn't get to - just didn't have time.  And, we are totally worn out!  This is not just a symptom of the shape our world is in - it is more likely the CAUSE our world is in the shape it is in.

There IS a better way.  Psalm 143 tells how David started his day - and he was in much more dire circumstances than the majority of us.  If you have not read Psalm 143, please do so.  Pay attention to the fact that it shows us we should start the day with spending some time with the Lord.  Now, I know your first thought - I don't have time!  So - set the clock a bit earlier - whatever you need to do to make time to start the day with the Lord.  Take time to read a bit and get guidance from His Word for your day.  Take time to spend a few minutes in prayer with the Lord - tell Him how you feel.  Ask Him for his guidance.  Ask Him for help.

You may blow this off and categorize it as being just plain silly.  But - have you tried it?  Remember the old saying (we are notorious for remembering "old sayings"), "Don't knock it until you try it."   So - just try it!  Take a few minutes to read Psalm 143 - commit at least one morning out of your week to give this a try.  After all, what can it hurt?  You may be amazed at the results.  You may even find that you are making time for this a couple of times a week - then maybe even more often.

Let me know if you try this and what results you see.  

In Step With God - Chapter Eight - God Uses Adversity

In this chapter, Dr. Stanley talks about how God uses adversity to bring us closer in our relationship to him.  He begins the chapter by using the example of Moses and the various pressures he must have faced.  He also uses some personal experiences to illustrate his point.

            In the next part of the chapter, he discusses some of the reasons we suffer.  Suffering can be the result of sin in our lives.  Dr. Stanley quotes some of the writings of Paul to illustrate this point.  Not only can sin cause suffering, he reminds us that it also robs us of the rewards that God has for us.

            God may allow suffering as a form of discipline.  He uses scripture from Hebrews to illustrate this point.  He points out that we may suffer persecution as a result of our faith in Jesus Christ.  He also writes about us suffering when we violate good health principles, God using suffering to gain our attention and draw us closer to Himself, God using suffering to develop our personal righteousness and maturity, God allowing suffering as a way to prune us for his service, teaching us obedience, allowing us to suffer to teach us to trust in Him, depend on his grace and goodness, purifying us, teaching us gratitude, teaching us how to persevere, enabling us to share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ, and to broaden our ministry efforts. 

            In each of the above cases, Dr. Stanley explains how suffering is used for each of these purposes, giving examples each time.  As you read through each of these examples of how God uses suffering, you come to understand more about God’s ways.  God does not cause suffering, but He may well allow us to go through sufferings.

            Dr. Stanley closes this chapter by talking about how God restores our Hope.  Has God allowed you to go through sufferings?  Did you stop to determine the reason God was allowing you to go through these sufferings?

            Come back next time as we go to Chapter Nine – Forgiven.

"In Step With God" - Chapter Seven

As I mentioned in the last post, we will pick up today with chapter seven, which is entitled, "Right on Time."  This chapter was probably my favorite in the book so far.  It addresses a subject that I suspect all of us have problems with from time to time.  I know that I, as an impatient person, certainly have to deal with this. 

Dr. Stanley opens this chapter by asking a question, "Do you ever feel that God is late?  Or that He has ignored you?"  I know that I have asked myself these questions and I suspect that many of you have also.  The story of Lazarus in the Bible comes to mind - how Mary accused Jesus of being "late." 

Dr. Stanley explains why this is such a problem for many of us.  We tend to view the world and our lives on our own timetable - not God's.  We want to think that we know what is best for us, even though we don't.  We do not look at the world and our lives from a heavenly perspective - but from our own worldly, limited perspective.  Dr. Stanley points out that God knows all - past, present and future.  Therefore, He is the one who knows what is best for us.  He explains why we should attempt to get in step with God's plan and His schedule - instead of our own.

Dr. Stanley goes on to explain how we can do this;  he addresses what is required in order to learn to live on God's timetable.  He talks about Faith, Patience and Hope.  He explains the perspective we "should" have.  He uses Paul as an example  of understanding God's schedule.

Dr. Stanley closes this chapter with a section entitled "Looking Forward with Hope."  He uses the writings of David to show how we can, in fact, learn to live in sync with God's plan for us.  As Dr. Stanley points out, the first step will be to learn to accept God's sovereignty - realize that He knows all - and admit that He knows best and wants the best for us.

Thanks for visiting today.  Next time we will go to Chapter Eight, "God Uses Adversity."

"In Step With God" - Chapter Six

We will now move on to chapter six which is entitled, "Expect the Unexpected."  Now, I know many of us have heard this many times in our lives - expect the unexpected.  In this chapter, Dr. Stanley talks about surprise visits - sometimes these are from God.  He may speak to our spirit when we are seeking answers in prayer to Him.

Other times, we may have been praying about a particular matter, proceed with our regular Bible reading and run across passages of scripture that initially seem to be totally unrelated to us.  Then, suddenly, we realize that the words we are reading directly address the very situation we have been asking guidance on. 

Dr. Stanley points out that sometimes the Lord may tell us to step forward by faith - but may only give us a single bit of information or instruction.  Now, I think where most of us have a problem with this is our impatience.  I know I have a huge problem with impatience!  We want to know it all - and we want to know it RIGHT NOW! 

Many of you may be thinking - I'm not impatient.  OK - let's look at that.  How many of you that think you are not impatient still bake a potato in a conventional oven, which takes approximately one and one-half hours when you can bake one in eight minutes in the microwave?  How many of you have bought a new computer within the last 12 months because you needed a "faster" processor so that the computer would operate faster.  In our world of developing technologies, it seems that the faster things operate - the faster we want them to operate.  Yes - I am the person who bakes potatoes in the microwave and owns a BUNN coffee maker because I do not want to wait 5 to 10 minutes for a pot of coffee. 

But - this is not God's way.  Dr. Stanley points out that is God reveals His entire plan to us, we could become overwhelmed, discouraged or even prideful.  He also reminds us that God operates on His timetable - not ours.  I think this is another difficult concept for us.  We tend to think in "human" terms - not "heavenly" terms.

Dr. Stanley gives many examples in this chapter of how God surprises us and the reasons for these surprises.  This chapter is instrumental in understanding how we can overcome our impatience and learn to look at things in "heavenly" terms;  how we can come to understand and accept that things happen on God's timetable;  and how we can learn to walk in step with God.

If you do not currently own this book, but often have trouble understanding how our Christian life is to be a blessed and joyful one, I strongly recommend this book.

Until next time when we discuss Chapter Seven - "Right on Time."

More on "In Step With God"

We left off with Chapter Four of "In Step With God."  So, we will continue now with Chapter Five.  This chapter is entitled "God Brings Good From Evil."  This is a concept that is hard for most of us to understand.  Dr. Stanley opens this chapter by telling us of a person whom sought counsel from him as they had been going through a really rough time.  Dr. Stanley advised the person to "be still before the Lord and seek his wisdom."  Again, this is hard for most of us to do.  We don't enjoy disappointment, pain, worry and heartache.  We want resolution and we want it NOW!

Dr. Stanley points out that this likely comes from the fact that we do not understand God's ways and his timetables.  Of course, he reminds us that the only way to know God's ways better is through the diligent study of his word. 

He uses illustrations of Joseph and David to show how we can be so disheartened that we feel that all we have left is out faith in God.  But he also points out that this is sufficient.

In this chapter, Dr. Stanley explains that God does not create evil or heartache in our lives - this is the work of Satan.  However, God will use this evil to shape our lives or will allow heartache and dire circumstances to bring us back into his Will when needed.    The main reason that many people do not understand why God "allows" certain things to happen is that they view the world from a human perspective.  The world's ways are not God's ways and they are getting farther and farther from His ways day by day.  Dr. Stanley talks about how, society as a whole, have cast God aside in many instances.  God has been taken out of schools; children are no longer allowed to pray; displays referencing God, such as the Ten Commandments, are no longer allowed in many public places.  Our society has become callous to sins - it accepts many ungodly lifestyles as "normal" such as homosexuality, pre-marital sex and couples co-habitating outside of marriage.  Once we begin "blurring" the lines, it gets easier and easier.

Dr. Stanley points out that some of the greatest lessons of faith come through times of difficulty.  He also points out that it is through these times that God is shaping and preparing us for something even greater and better.

Next time we will take a look at Chapter Six - "Expect the Unexpected."  This promises to be another exceptional chapter - so check back regularly so as not to miss this!!

WHAT DOES EASTER MEAN TO YOU?

Last night, I was talking to my son on the telephone and he said he had to get the boys ready for bed and get ready for the “Easter Bunny.”  Of course, kids all over the country awoke this morning, much like on Christmas although maybe not to the same extent, excited to run in and find the Easter basket that the “Easter Bunny” had left for them.  Similarly, kids will expect to enjoy the traditional Easter egg hiding and hunting.  Of course, then there is the eating of way too much candy from the baskets.  Some families make the egg coloring and decorating a “family affair”, which is great.  Families need to have “group” activities that include the entire family.

Sadly, though, the above may be the extent of the day for many families.  Now, some families may get dressed and go to church.  Again, that is great.  Any opportunity that a family will take to go to a church service as well as expose their children to God’s teachings is wonderful.  But, this may be the only day of the year that they take this opportunity.

What if???  What if we all actually took the time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter?  Do you know the true meaning of Easter?  Do your children know the true meaning of Easter?  Easter symbolizes the most important event in the life of Jesus Christ as well as the most important biblical event in the life of any Christian – the Resurrection of Christ.  The Resurrection reveals a couple of very important things:  First, that Jesus Christ actually WAS the Son of God.  Who else could defeat death?   Second, that we can fully believe in His promise of eternal life for us as well.  His Resurrection fulfilled all the prophecies up until that time.  So, if all the prophecies were fulfilled, why would we doubt His promises to us?

What if???  What would our world be like if EVERYONE took the time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter and took time to celebrate this holiday as it should be celebrated – with reverence to Jesus Christ and God? 

Do you think it would make a difference in our worldly state of affairs if everyone took the time to do this today??

New Post

If you have been following the "Your Daily Fix" blog, you have no doubt read HOPE and HOPE II.  If you haven't read these, check them out when you get a chance - they are two really good posts!  They can be found at:   Your Daily Fix Blog

Now, there is a new post, BELIEVE.  If you enjoyed HOPE, you will enjoy this post as well.

Well,  did you check it out???  What do you think????

Monumental: In Search of America's National Treasure Live

                Once again, this is not about written material.  But, I had the opportunity to see the movie “Monumental” on March 27^th.  For those of you who did not see this movie, it is something of a historical documentary.  Kirk Cameron strikes out on a journey to learn about our forefathers and the origins of our country.

                This was a one-time showing of this movie; so many people may not have had the opportunity to see it.  However, “Monumental” opened in theatres this weekend for a one-week period in Montgomery, Alabama -  Knoxville, TN -  Plano, TX – Thousand Oak, CA – Cordova, TN – Vero Beach, FL.  Hopefully, the movie will be carried in other theatres soon.

                Now, we all had history classes in school and the textbooks and teachers presented an account of our forefathers and how this country was founded, so we all already know how the story.  Why would we want to sit through yet another documentary on this subject?  Well, whether or not you are a “history buff” or think you already know all about this, you will need to hang onto your hat when you see this movie.  I did not like history in school, but still thought that I knew this story.  You will find that original documentation tells a much different story than the one we have all been taught.

                If you did have an opportunity to see this movie already, I would really appreciate your posting your comments on the movie.  If you have not yet had an opportunity to see the movie, I sincerely hope that you will get an opportunity to see it.  

Your Daily Fix

As you all know, I posted information in the past concerning the Your Daily Fix blog.  Your Daily Fix also has launched their website.  The website is continually growing, so I would recommend visiting often to see what new information has been added. 

If you have visited either the blog or the website, I would be interested in hearing what you think of them.  I look forward to your feedback.

"In Step With God" - Chapter Four

The title of this chapter is "The Ways God Reveals Himself".  This chapter of the book talks about how, as we get closer to God, we are better able to understand him and his ways.  In this chapter, Dr. Stanley explains intimacy and how we can have an intimate relationship with God.  He also talks about how this will affect other areas of our lives.

Dr. Stanley talks about the things that God uses - sometimes things seemingly insignificant - sometimes much larger and more significant.  He cautions that we should never assume that we know how God is going to work in any given situation.

Part of this chapter deals with what we should do when we know that we are wrong.  It discusses admitting the problem, acknowledging God's sovereignty, asking for forgiveness and praying for God's guidance.  Dr. Stanley reminds us that there are no limits to God's power.

Dr. Stanley closes this chapter by talking about the results of our saying "no" to God, and how these results can affect not just one area, but all areas of our lives, as well as our relationships with other people in our lives.

Come back soon for a review of Chapter Five.

"In Step With God - You Can Trust God's Promises"

In Chapter 3 of “In Step With God,” the author, Dr. Charles Stanley, begins this chapter with a simple statement, “God always keeps His word.”  He goes on to explain that the reason people sometimes fail to trust in God’s promises is that we expect those promises to be fulfilled on “our”” timetable.

            This chapter discusses “absolute declarations” and “conditional declarations.”  Dr. Stanley explains the differences between the two and gives examples of each.

            Part of this chapter deals with the consequences of sin.  This discussion covers:  Separation from God, Sense of shame, Pride, and Death.  This chapter goes on to discuss how God fulfills his promise on His own timetable, which is most certainly different from our own.  The author describes how we can learn to trust God and therefore, learn to trust his promises.

            The chapter concludes by talking about how learning God’s ways prepares us for the future.  Dr. Stanley uses examples of people in the Bible, testimonies and his own personal experiences to illustrate this.

            Be sure to come back soon as I will be posting a review of the next chapter shortly. 

"In Step With God" - Chapter Two

In this chapter, Dr. Stanley tells about how we should follow God's direction.  He opens the chapter with an anecdote about a time when he yielded to pressures from those around him instead of waiting on direction from God, as well as the results of that decision.

He talks about stories in the Bible of both men and women who followed God's directions.  He also talks about how God has a plan for each person's life and how we can come to know what that plan is and how God can use each of us.  He explains that we have limited free will and, therefore, sometimes make the wrong decisions.  Dr. Stanley talks about why God allows some things to happen in our lives.

He also explains that there is a difference between the ways and acts of God.  Dr. Stanley makes the comment in this chapter, "His ways are surprising at times, and they can be difficult to understand."  I can tell you, I have personally experienced this.  You may wonder why God would use ways that were surprising, thinking that this would simply confuse people.  However, if you experience a surprising turn of events, follow God's direction, you will find as events unfold just how awesome He is, and realize that only God could have orchestrated these events!

Will You?

I am currently now following a new blog and I wanted to share this blog with you.  The blog is located HERE.  I invite you  - no ask you - to take a look at the blog. 

Now, you may take a quick look and immediately think "This is not something that I am interested in."  But I would urge you to take a minute to read the blog.  I do not know of anyone who cannot use some Hope in their life.  Even if you have no problems at all - and I do not know anyone that doesn't have any problems at all - you probably know someone who does.

I am asking that you look at the blog - read the blog - and then think of at least one (more is wonderful) - but at least one person that you know that you can pass this blog along to.  It doesn't take much time - just send them the link.  Now, this is not like one of those emails that we all get where I tell you that if you send this link to ten people something hilarious is going to appear on your screen.  And, by the way, I have NEVER had one of those to work!  I am just asking that you share the blog with at least one person. 

It would also be great if you would share, in a comment here, what you thought of the blog.  I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Casting Crowns!!!

Enjoy!!

In Step With God - Chapter One

Chapter One in this book, "In Step With God", is entitled "Intimacy with God:  An Essential Requirement"

This first chapter of the book begins by pointing out that few of us know a lot about God.  Yes, we know "of" God, but just how much do we really know about him?  This is the question asked by this chapter.  Dr. Stanley explains, in this chapter, how we can begin to develop an intimate relationship with God.  As no surprise, he explains that prayer is the first step to building this relationship.

He addresses having "A Heart for God" and explains how we can do this, as well as what results we can expect.  He also discusses "Understanding What You Believe". 

Although not along chapter, it gives a good basis for the subject matter of the book, which is, of course, being in step with God. 

Be sure to come back soon as I will shortly be posting about Chapter Two.

In Step with God

I have chosen as my next book to read "In Step with God" by Dr. Charles Stanley.  This book deals with building an intimate relationship with God  by learning and understanding His ways and His plan for your life. 

I have just started the book, not quite completing two chapters yet.  From what I have read so far, it appears that the book will teach you how to come to really know and understand God and how he works in our lives.  The author uses several people from the Old Testament as examples - Moses, Mary and Martha, Esther, Ruth and David, to name a few.

I find it hard to put the book down and believe this is going to be one of the most enjoyable  books I have read. 

Let me know if you have read this book - or if you have a suggestion for a future reading.  I look forward to hearing from you.

"When God Winks at You"

It has been quite some time since I have posted and I have gotten really behind with my reading.  However, I have not completed reading "When God Winks at You" by Squire Rushnell. 

The last post on this book was regarding Chapters four and five. As I mentioned in my earlier post, Chapter six dealt with unanswered prayer.  This chapter contains three stories of God Winks - in the context of unanswered prayers.  The author points out that unanswered prayers, however painful we may find them at the time, are God's way of changing our direction.  If we look back over our lives, and the instances of unanswered prayers, we may very well find that the new direction this led us in was in our best interests.

Chapter Seven dealt with God Winks - Just in Time.This chapter contains several stories of God Winks that arrived just in time. I am sure have all had these - but perhaps just shrugged them off as "good luck".  Instead of realizing it as a God Wink, we may have just passed it off as having avoided some disaster due to something that happened to change our direction at the last moment.  We should keep in mind that these are, in fact, God Winks  - God's way of causing some action that narrowly avoids calamity in our lives - and we should be grateful.

Chapter Eight talks about God Winks in relation to families.  This chapter contains stories of how God Winks have made a difference in families.  It also magnifies the fact that God Winks seem to occur more often among those whom we love.  If you stop and think, you probably have your own "God Wink:" stories that have happened among members of your family or loved ones.

Chapter Nine, the last chapter, talks about God Winks on Quests.  This chapter talks about our ambitions in our lives and how God Winks affect those ambitions.  The author, in this chapter, likens God Winks to indicators that we are on the correct path.  The chapter has some really good stories of how God Winks have affected the paths of some very well know individuals, such as Billy Graham and Don Knotts.  We should always pay attention to the God Winks we receive to make sure we stay on the correct path with our lives.

In conclusion, this has been a really great book - it has been very encouraging.  As you read, it is impossible not to think of your own God Winks that you have received in your life.  As you read through the stories, you can identify an occurrence in your own life that is mirrored in the story.

I highly recommend this book.  If you think that many "coincidences" occur in your life - or that you have a great deal of "good luck" in your life - read this book!

Once you have read the book, be sure to come back and let us know what you thought of it also.

A God Wink in the News

As you all know, I have been reading "When God Winks at You" and reviewing the book on this blog as I go.  Today, I was going to write about a couple more chapters of the book that I have now completed.  But, a huge news story, seen on all the news stations since Friday and still being aired this morning, changed my mind.  This was simply too good an example of a God Wink to pass up.

Of course, I am talking about the wreck that happened near Buellton, California on Friday.  A tractor trailer apparently hit a car and then plunged off a bridge into a creek bed, killing the driver.  The real story, however, is the car.  Inside the car hit by the truck was a mother and her two children.  The impact left the car dangling over the side of an overpass on the freeway.  In case you have missed this story and pictures of the car, it was truly horrific.

Rescuers were a bit mystified as to exactly how they were going to be able to rescue the mother and children from the car, as the car was so badly damaged that they would need to cut the people out, all while trying to keep the car’s balance and prevent it from falling.

Stuck in the resulting traffic was a group of Navy Seabees who happened to have a large forklift in tow.  The Seabees were able to use the forklift to stabilize the car and assist rescuers as they retrieved the mother and children from the vehicle. 

If you have not gathered any meaning of a God Wink from my review of the book thus far, nothing could possibly be a better example than the Seabees being present in this incident.

Do you have your own God Wink story?  Of so, please share!

Two More Chapters of "When God Winks at You"

I know it ahs been awhile since my last post.  Things have been a bit hectic with the old familiar head cold stuff going around the house.But, lets get a little more information on this book.

Chapter Four of the book talks about God Winks on Comfort.  This chapter contains stories of God Winks that have come at times in peoples' lives when they really needed comfort.  I think we all can identify with times when we just need a little comfort.

Chapter Five of the book talks about God Winks on Prayer. This chapter has stories of people who perhaps were not firm believers in the power of prayer until they received a God Wink when their circumstances led them to utter a prayer and how it impacted their views on prayer.

Upcoming - Chapter Six is about God Winks on Unanswered Prayer and I feel sure that this chapter is going to be no less interesting and inspiring than the previous chapters.