JESUS CARES

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Don't be afraid of those who want to kill you. They

can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul.

Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body

                                     in hell.                           Matthew 10:28

I can't help but want to say in response, "They can only kill my body? And this should be a relief to me?"

Jesus' words reveal that there is something far more important to him than protecting us from physical harm. His agenda is Kindgom advancement. His cause may cost us our lives, and evidently he is okay with that.

When I say he is okay with that, I don't mean he is passive about it or applauds it. He cares deeply about what happens to us, and we need to hear him say that, too, in the very next verse:

What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin?

                                          But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground

                                          without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs

                                          on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid;

                                          you are more valuable to God than a whole flock

                                          of sparrows.

                                          Matthew 10:29-31

Do you hear Jesus speaking to you in this, making your hear how valuable you are to him, how carefully and lovingly he knows you? We can never think he is uncaring about the difficulties we face as we live in this world for him.

(These are not my words. They are from the excellent book, Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie.)

A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO REST

Friday, September 21, 2012

A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO REST

14 Types of Biblical Rest that will Transform Your Life

by Denise George

OVERVIEW: The best overview of A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO REST comes from Diane M. Fink, Director Aglow Institute of Ministry: "Based solidly on the Scriptures, and personalized through real-life experiences we can all relate to, Denise leads us on a journey to discover fourteen specific types of biblical rest that is sure to impact every reader's life. You'll find practical tools to use in your private devotional time as well as helps for interactive group study."

AUTHOR: Denise George has ministered to women through speaking, teaching, and writing for more than three decades. She is the author of 25 books and more than 1500 articles in both Christian and secular magazines. She has traveled the world, and spoken to and met women from many different cultures.

MY REVIEW: This is a wonderful book! There. I said it. No 'beating around the bush" and waiting until the last sentence of the last paragraph. This is a wonderful book!

This book is especially for women. But not just for women. I'm a man and I found something of value in every chapter and almost every page. Denise George has great insight into the type of rest God's Word clearly teaches. I confess I did not have that insight until I read her words describing that rest in such an informative and interesting way.

As a Senior Minister for close to fifty years I studied the Word of God with sincere dedication. Yet, as I read this book I kept saying to myself, "Why didn't I see this before?" As I read from chapter to chapter I would be thinking, "This must be the best chapter in the book." But then I would move on and read the next chapter and rethink my decision. "No, this is the best chapter." I ended up with: "They are all great chapters."

The sub-title says the 14 types of Biblical rest will transform your life. Will they? I think so. I really do.

(I received this book from Leafwood Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.)

WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO KNOW

Monday, September 17, 2012

WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO KNOW
Solid Grounding for a Growing Faith
By Adrian Rogers with Steve Rogers

OVERVIEW: Whether you are just beginning your faith journey, or have been a believer for decades, What Every Christian Ought to Know will help establish you in the core Truths of the Bible, equip you to confidently articulate your faith, and empower you to live a dynamic Christian life. In his refreshingly relatable style, Dr. Rogers covers essential topics such as salvation, eternal security, prayer, the Holy Spirit, resisting temptation, and finding God's will, and unpacks their practical application for your every day Christian walk. One of Adrain Roger's most popular books, this new edition includes an introduction from Steve Rogers, president of the Adrian Rogers Pastor Training Institute, plus discussion questions for personal reflection or group study.

AUTHORS: ADRIAN ROGERS was one of America's most respected Bible teachers, communicating to millions through his Love Worth finding radio and television ministry that continues today. He was also senior pastor of the 27,000-member Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, Tennessee, and a popular author whose books include Unveiling the End Times in Our time and The Incredible Power of Kingdom Authority.

STEVE ROGERS is president of the Adrian Rogers Pastor Training Institute.

MY REVIEW: Christians need solid grounding for their faith. This book will help with that. I say help because I believe that saying, help establish your faith is closer to the truth than saying, will establish your faith. I have great respect for Adrian Rogers and what he teaches in this excellent book. I do not however, agreed with every point of doctrine.

It is not my place in this review to state the few points of doctrine I disagree with. Not because I do not strongly disagree ―because in a few places, I do! But this is the kind of book you need to read with an open mind and study the Scriptures and the interpretations of the author and decide for yourself what is truth.

This is a book that I gladly recommend as one that will help you become a better student of the Word. There are study questions at the end of every chapter which makes the book a good resource for small study groups.

(I received this book from The B & B Media Group, Inc. in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.)

YOU MIGHT BE A REDNECK

Saturday, September 15, 2012

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to
take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that
values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand
before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd
choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up.
Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are
made of . If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends.
Y'all know who ya are
.
You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to
be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God..'

You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing
the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas'
instead of 'Winter Festival.'

You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when
someone prays.

You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your
hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem

You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces
veterans with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an
American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe
and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and
raised your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to
a friend.

You might be a redneck if: You believe in God & Jesus and believe that others have the right to believe in which ever God they believe in as long as their God does not tell them to kill anyone who does not believe the same as they do!!!!!

God Bless the USA

THE SOUTHERN FOODIE

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

THE SOUTHERN FOODIE

100 Places To Eat In The South

Before you Die (And The Recipes That Made Them Famous)

By Chris Chamberlain

OVERVIEW: Thirteen states, 100 chefs, and 134 recipes later, one thing is clear: the food of the American South tells a story that spans the distance from New Orleans to Louisville. Little Rock to Charleston, Nashville to Dallas, and every city in between. The Southern Foodie explores a hearty swath of the South's culinary culture, following its roots and exploring its evolution in the region's best restaurants. Meet the people who are keeping the tradition alive and reinventing the flavors of the South. The Southern Foodie shows you where the South eats and how to create those distinct flavors at home. You're sure to rediscover old favorites and get a closer look at the delicious new traditions in Southern cuisine.

AUTHOR: Chris Chamberlain is a food and drink writer based in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has lived his entire life except for four years in California where he studied liberal arts at Stanford University and learned how to manipulate chopsticks. He is a regular writer for the Nashville Scene and their "Bites" food blog. He has also contributed to the Nashville City Paper, Nashville Lifestyles magazine, 200l Edgehill and at www.geardiary.com. Chris is the Southern correspondent for Food Republic, a national website dedicated to "Drinking, Eating and Living the Way a Man Should."

MY REVIEW: Growing up in Oklahoma with parents from Kentucky and going to school in Texas I grew up eating a lot of southern food. I'm a diabetic and my doctor would love to wean me off "comfort food." After years of trying, I think he is giving up. 

I usually sit down with a new book, thumb through it reading a section here and there and then return to page one and read through to the last page. This is not that kind of book. I opened it up and found that when I looked at a section I couldn't stop reading until I had read that entire section, including the recipes. So I went to the index and picked out the states and their recipes that I wanted to read first. I chose Kentucky, Texas and Tennessee for the first three and then moved on to others.

I have not finished reading the entire book yet. Usually I do read all of the book before I write a review. However, this time I do not need to do that. I will be reading and re-reading this book for a long time. By this time you have a good idea what the book is all about and can determine if you are interested. Needless to say, I like it a lot. It is not just about fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and pulled pork. No, the chefs in this book can whisk together a perfect red-eye gravy but also a delicate mushroom bordelaise sauce.

(I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.)

MIRACLES

Saturday, September 01, 2012

MIRACLES

A Journalist Looks at Modern-Day

Experiences of God's Power

By Tim Stafford

Senior Writer For Christianity Today

OVERVIEW: Award-winning journalist Tim Stafford shares captivating stories of modern-day miracles, wrestling over what is credible and what isn't. But more than that, he offers wisdom and insight to help you figure out the role miracles should play in your faith. Should you expect miracles? Ignore them? Pray for them? How active is God in the world today? And could he be more active in your own life?

AUTHOR: Tim Stafford is a lifelong professional writer with more than twenty published books. Tim serves as senior writer for Christianity Today and has published hundreds of articles in that magazine as well as in other publications.

MY REVIEW: I believe God can still do miracles. But I have not always felt this way. I should say I have not always believed that He wanted to do miracles today. I knew He could if He wanted to! For a long time I was what Tim Stafford calls a "Semi-Believing Doubter." Oh, I wanted to believe in miracles today but I just thought that God's purpose for miracles had passed.

So yes, I believe God still performs miracles today but of all the stories I hear about miracles I don't know which stories are true. However, I no longer concern myself with acting as an FBI agent and digging for the truth of every experience. Because there are shady faith-healers, and gimmicks like holy land water it's foolish to believe every miracle account we hear. So how do we discount the fakes without missing out on the real miracles in the process?

Tim Stafford's excellent study helps with that. I agree with John Ortberg who said, "Tim has taken on one of the most important and fascinating topics in the world and written with learning, honesty, faith and grace." This book helps with learning how to explore this subject with wisdom and honesty, growing your faith and hope along the way. Craig Keener has recently written a two volume work with the title Miracles―The Credibility of The New Testament Accounts  that is receiving much praise. I plan to purchase and study those two volumes. But even so I know this small volume will remain at the top of my list for value and help.

(I received this book from Bethany House (A division of Baker Publishing Group) in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.)