Archive for December, 2008
Sunday Worship: Bow the Knee
December 21st, 2008 | 
Author: Bow the Knee is a dramatic music video by Paula Orr that encourages true Christ-followers to trust God especially when there seems to be no immediate answers for the complexities and adversities of life.
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Fall into Reading 2008 Challenge Wrap-Up
Today is the wrap-up for the Fall Into Reading Challenge 2008 over at Callapidder Days. How did I do? Not too bad.
Did you finish reading all the books on your fall reading list? If not, why not?
I did not finish reading all the books on my list. For some books, I had a hard time finding copies. The two libraries that I frequent didn’t have some of the books, and finances were too tight for me to buy the books.However, I started participating in CFBA, Thomas Nelson Book Reviewers, and FIRST Wild Card Tours so I read a lot of books not on my list.
Did you stick to your original goals or did you change your list as you went along?
I tried to stick to my original goals but obviously my list changed as I went along.
Did you learn something new because of the Fall Into Reading challenge?—something about reading, or yourself, or a topic you read about?
I haven’t read biographies in quite a few years. As part of the challenge I read two – Through the Storm and Billy. Both are excellent books, and I’ll probably add more biographies to my next list.I also read quite a few new authors, many that I liked. I tend to get stuck in a rut with reading only favorite authors, so I enjoyed the exposure to new names.
What was your favorite book that you read this fall? Least favorite? Why?
Favorite book is a four-way tie – One Perfect Day, Until We Reach Home, Washington’s Lady and Dark Pursuit. I have a really hard time choosing ‘favorites.’One Perfect Day is a reminder that life is short and one choice can change our life and those around us. It’s an emotional book that draws the reader in.
Until We Reach Home follows three Swedish girls on their immigration journey. As the granddaughter of an immigrant who made a very similar journey 70 years ago, this book was special to me and will always be a favorite.
Washington’s Lady is a masterpiece about the life of Martha Washington. I loved reading the details of her life with George. The writing style makes Martha jump off the page and pulls the reader into her life.
Dark Pursuit is a far cry from historical fiction and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Covering 24 hours of time, the plot is fast and full suspense. Definitely a winner!
Least favorite book – White Christmas Pie. The storyline is okay and has a lot of promise, but overall, the book just didn’t do anything for me. In a way, the story seemed contrived, not realistic.
Here’s my original fiction list:
A Passion Most Pureby Julie LessmanA Passion Redeemedby Julie Lessman- The Bride Bargain by Kelly Eileen Hake
Waiting for Summer’s Returnby Kim Vogel Sawyer- Where the Heart Leads by Kim Vogel Sawyer
- In the Shadow of Lions by Ginger Garrett
- Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
- John 3:16 by Nancy Moser
Washington’s Ladyby Nancy Moser- Just Jane by Nancy Moser
- That’s Not Exactly Amore by Tracey Bateman
Revealedby Tamera AlexanderRememberedby Tamera AlexanderFrom a Distanceby Tamera Alexander- An Unexpected Love by Tracie Peterson
- A Promise to Believe In by Tracie Peterson
- Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
I also read: (Check my book reviews for these books.)
- Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck
- Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler
- Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin
- One Holy Night by J.M. Hochstetler
- White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter
- One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling
- Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins
- Quills & Promises by Amber Miller
- Canteen Dreams by Cara Putnam
- Where Do I Go by Neta Jackson
- Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake
- Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh
- She’s in a Better Place by Angela Hunt
Here’s my original non-fiction list:
- The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias
Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in the Tabloid Worldby Lynne SpearsWrite His Answer: A Bible Study for Christian Writersby Marlene Bagnull- Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell
- An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr
- The Complete Guide to Writing & Selling the Christian Novel by Penelope Stokes
I also read:
- Billy: The Untold Story of Billy Graham by William Paul McKay and Ken Abraham
- Marketplace Memos by David Shibley and Jonathan Shibley
Review: Marketplace Memos
It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book’s FIRST chapter!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
and the book is Marketplace Memos.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Marketplace Memos is a powerful collection of devotionals specifically geared towards the business community. Finding fulfillment in life and work coincides with our alignment with God’s Kingdom purposes in the marketplace.
Topics include: Harnessing Your Competitive Advantage, Healthy Partnerships, Rich Advice, Doing Business by Revelation, and more!
Be personally invested in the business of His Kingdom. Unleash your talent, treasures and opportunities to maximize your impact in the marketplace.
List Price: $ 13.99
Hardcover: 173 pages
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group (October 20, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892216786
ISBN-13: 978-0892216789
MY REVIEW:
While I’m not involved in the corporate world anymore, I found Marketplace Memos to be a blessing. This book is attractively designed and truly is perfect for daily devotions. The pages are full of scripture references allowing for a more in-depth study of each topic if desired.
The 39 chapters cover everything from the biblical perspective of money and wealth to steps for personal integrity to the business application of the biblical warning of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Key points are highlighted making it easy to go back and see the main points. And each chapter concludes with a reflection on the topic, what to pray for, and an action for the day.
The writing style is easy to read, much like a regular office memo. Even the busiest entrepreneur or CEO will find nuggets of truth by devoting less than 5 minutes a day to reading.
Marketplace Memos would make a great gift for the Christian business person in your life!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
David Shibley is founder and president of Global Advance, a ministry that trains and resources thousands of church and business leaders every year in many of the world’s most underserved nations. Having ministered in almost 60 nations, David has a passion to strengthen and encourage national leaders to advance God’s kingdom worldwide. David and his wife, Naomi, have two married sons.
Jonathan Shibley serves as vice president of Global Advance. His primary focus is directing the Marketplace Missions program for equipping business leaders in developing nations. He also is engaged in international business. Before joining Global Advance, he earned a business degree from Baylor University and served with Promise Keepers and Teen Mania. Jonathan and his wife, Sarah, have three children.
Years ago, a disgruntled man stormed up to Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse, after he heard Dr. Pierce preach. The angry man snarled, “I guess all there is to this Christianity is give, give, give.” Reflecting later on that encounter, Dr. Pierce chuckled, “It just goes to show that even with the wrong spirit a man can get some revelation and truth!”
The often-quoted maxim – “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give” – is true. Here are seven practical benefits of giving for God’s Kingdom purposes and the fulfilling of the Great Commission.
Your gift goes where you may never go. Your gift is an extension of yourself. You receive money in exchange for your investment of time and life. So when you give for Kingdom purposes, in a real sense you’re giving a part of yourself. Your gift says you want your life to count for what is eternal. Americans are generous, and Christians in America are especially so. There are many legitimate causes, but I don’t know anywhere givers can get more done for the dollar than in giving to world missions.
Giving living loosens the grip of materialism. I noticed a bumper sticker on the back of a sports car that read, “The man who dies with the most toys…wins.” But Jesus taught that the man who dies with the most “toys” is a short-sighted fool. It’s time for us to stop loving cars and clothes and start loving countries! If God so loved the world that He gave His Son, we need to so love the world that we invest in being sure everyone everywhere hears about His Son. I’ve driven through the poverty-drenched streets of Kolkata and the wealth-lined avenues of Beverly Hills. In both environments I saw desperate people. Jesus wasn’t kidding when He warned, “Beware of covetousness because one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.” God calls us to embrace biblical prosperity while rejecting materialism. We can do both; we must do both.
You experience the eternal principle of sowing and reaping. Some churches in Africa practice a unique form of church discipline. If a professing Christian is living in sin, he is allowed to come to church, but he is not allowed to give! When the offering place comes to him, the usher places his hand over the plate and prevents him from giving. It is a powerful statement that the blessing of God is literally being prevented from coming to the unrepentant man’s life. It’s an eternal law woven into the very fabric of the universe. Farmers call it the law of sowing and reaping. Scientists refer to it as cause and effect. It’s reinforced throughout the Scriptures. The pattern is clear: you must sow in order to reap.
You lay up treasures in heaven. Jesus taught, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” A businessman once approached me and said, “I need more of a heart for missions. What should I do?” I replied, “Write out a $2,500 check for missions and sow it to the harvest, and I promise you, you’ll have more of a heart for missions.”
It just works that way. Where your treasure is (present tense), there your heart will be (future tense). Although “you can’t take it with you,” you can send it on ahead! This very day you can lay up treasures in heaven.
God will supply your every need. Are you ready for a jolt? Philippians 4:19 is not a promise for every Christian. It’s a great verse: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” But it is not a carte blanche to be claimed at will by anybody. No, this promise is given exclusively to those who invest in advancing the gospel.
Read the context. Paul told the Philippians they were the only church that had invested to send him on his first missionary journey. As a result of their gift to launch Paul to the nations, he promised that God would supply their every need. Yes, you can claim Philippians 4:19 if you give for the advance of the gospel.
You experience the joy of making a difference in the world. I make no apologies for challenging American Christians to tear loose from some of their money and give it to advance Kingdom causes worldwide. Jesus taught, “To whom much is given, from him much will be required.” With blessing comes accountability. There is a longing inside every true Christ-follower to make a difference for Him. We do not bear sole responsibility for world evangelization, but because of our affluence and influence, we do bear heightened responsibility.
You experience the significance of participating in God’s global purposes. A businessman thanked me for the opportunity to give to Global Advance. He tearfully said, “You give me purpose.” For this man, building his company is not the bottom line. He goes beyond the bottom line to build Christ’s Kingdom through building his company.
You move past mere success to true significance by aligning your life with God’s primary purpose. God’s primary purpose is to see His Son known, loved, and worshiped by redeemed people from every tribe and nation. And you are part of that plan. Live to give.
Remember: “Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)
Reflect: “What do your offerings say about your heart levels of gratitude and love for God? What does your spending say about what’s truly important on this earth?” – Robert Morris
Pray: That God will make you a joyful giver to His Kingdom causes.
Act: Where is the Holy Spirit directing you to invest for Christ’s Kingdom today?
Review: Where Do I Go by Neta Jackson
A story of seeking-and finding-God’s will in unlikely places.
MY REVIEW:
I’ve read all but the last 100 pages or so of this book – holiday activities make it so hard to read at times. And I confess that I skimmed ahead to see what happens because I really wanted to know! But don’t worry, I will be finishing this book – it’s too good not to finish.
Where Do I Go introduces us to Gabrielle “Gabby” Fairbanks and her life in the upper tier of society. She recently moved to a high rise Chicago penthouse and has two sons in private boarding school, weekly maid service, an over-achieving husband, an ailing mother, and wealthy, aristocratic in-laws. While seemingly having it all, Gabby isn’t very happy. She realizes that there are some things that money can’t buy – happiness, friendship, love, appreciation.
Written in first person, this book pulls the reader into Gabby’s daily struggles. Years ago, she was carefree and had a relationship with God. Now, after being thrust into a new hometown as her husband pursues his business goals, she struggles with life. She fumbles through meetings with her husband’s business associates, gets caught in the rain repeatedly, stubs her tow on a homeless woman’s cart, and so much more.
Her accidental meeting with the homeless woman sets the wheels in motion for Gabby to find her purpose in life. Within a couple of weeks, she’s working part-time at a local women’s shelter as the new program director, much to the chagrin of her husband. Little does Gabby know how much she’ll need her new friends at the women’s shelter.
Neta Jackson delicately exposes Gabby’s inner struggles in a way that isn’t over-the-top. To me, her portrayal of Gabby’s life is realistic and 100% believable.
Oftentimes, I paused while reading and wondered if Gabby’s struggles with fulfillment, love, and happiness were reasons why we hear of so many celebrities or “big name” society people contributing to charities and traveling overseas to third world countries. Perhaps.
To read the Prologue and first Chapter of Where Do I Go?, go HERE
And, by the way, the ending is left wide open for a sequel. (Not that I skipped ahead and read the ending or anything like that!)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books. In addition to writing several books about Christian community, the Jacksons have coauthored numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.
Dave and Neta live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years they were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. They are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.
They’re trying something new! Not just new for them, but something completely new in Christian fiction: “Parallel novels,” two stories taking place in the same time frame, same neighborhood, involving some of the same characters living through their own dramas and crises but interacting with and affecting one another … just the way it happens in real life.
It’s something that only a husband and wife writing team could pull off. While Neta has Where Do I Go?, her husband Dave has written Harry Bentley’s Second Chance.
Beauty From All Your Pain and Tears
The following is an excerpt from Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman.
In the famous lace shops of Brussels, there are special rooms devoted to the spinning of the world’s finest lace, all with the most delicate patterns. The rooms are kept completely dark except for the light that falls directly on the developing pattern, from one very small window. Only one person sits in each small room, where the narrow rays of light fall upon the threads he is weaving, for lace is always more beautifully and delicately woven when the weaver himself is in the dark, with only his work in the light.Sometimes the darkness in our lives is worse, because we cannot even see the web we are weaving or understand what we are doing. Therefore we are unable to see any beauty or any possible good arising from our experience. Yet if we are faithful to forge ahead and “if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9), someday we will know that the most exquisite work of our lives was done during those days when it was darkest.
If you seem to be living in deep darkness because God is working in strange and mysterious ways, do not be afraid. Simply go forward in faith and in love, never doubting Him. He is watching and will bring goodness and beauty from all your pain and tears. ~J.R. Miller
I wonder what my lace pattern will look like…