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Archive for January, 2012

Is Your Dream Worth Chasing?

Posted in Faith, God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , , on January 31, 2012 | 7 Comments »

On Saturday, I encouraged you to dream big. To follow after your dream with perseverance and confidence, with one word of caution. God blesses our obedience, not our independence. If the dream’s from Him, He will bring it about. If it’s not, you may end your days crashing against barrier after barrier. The answer is simple, really. Find out what God wants you to do then do it.

Okay, so maybe that’s not so simple. Outside of righteous living, how can we know if what we’re doing pleases God? How can we know if our dreams come from within ourselves or are divinely planted? Today Henry McLaughlin, author of the Journey to Riverbend shares some insightful indicators:

Is Your Dream From God? by Henry McLaughlin

“I have a dream.” Martin Luther King’s words still resonate, particularly as we honor him at this time of year.

We all have dreams, some small, some large, some humongous. But dreams are not just for the young. The dream I’m walking out now—the dream to write—was birthed when I was in my fifties. So we’re never too old to dream. The only thing that limits my dream is me.

But questions haunt writers, especially as we stare at blank screens with fingers poised and brain frozen or when we get that rejection letter that says “doesn’t fit our needs at this time.” The big question is: Is this dream from God or last night’s pizza?

Recently I came across an article that gave seven keys to answer the question is this dream from God. It’s by Evangelist Jerry Savelle in his magazine, Adventures in Faith (Winter 2012). I think they’ll be helpful in answering the question: Is this you God?

1. If it captures your imagination and inspires and motivates you everyday of your life, then it is most likely a dream from God.

2. If it seems impossible and you are unable to fulfill it on your own, then it is most likely a dream from God.

3. If it seems as though it will never come to pass but deep down inside you’re unwilling to give up on it, then it is most likely a dream from God.

4. If not everyone is as enthusiastic about it as you are, then most likely it is a dream from God.

5. If you have experienced resistance, setbacks, difficulty and sometimes even frustration over it, then it is most likely a dream from God.

6. If it seems to consume your thinking and even seems to get bigger and bigger on the inside of you, then it is most likely a dream from God.

7. If it seems to define and shape your life, then it is most likely a dream from God.

Each of these keys set off fireworks of confirmation in me and I can approach 2012 with renewed and deeper confidence that I am in His plan for my life.

How about you? Do you have a dream? Do these keys help you see if your dream is from God?

Journey to Riverbend:
Michael Archer might not have been able to save Ben Carstairs, but he vowed to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. What he doesn’t know is that Sam Carstairs—the most ruthless businessman on the frontier—has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.

Soon after arriving in the booming town of Riverbend, Michael meets the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel is running from a past as dark as Michael’s, and the last thing she expects—or thinks she deserves—is a chance at love.

When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael joins the search posse. But the trail ahead is more dangerous than any imagined, and making it back alive will require Michael to face his past and overcome his deepest fear.

Henry McLaughlin’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Award. He brings a love of history and a background of social services and ministry into his writing. Henry enjoys working with other writers to sharpen his craft and to teach, coach and mentor. Besides writing, he also enjoys reading and traveling. Born in Rhode Island, he now lives in Saginaw, Texas, with his wife of forty-three years. Four of their five children and grandson are scattered across New England, New Jersey, and Missouri. Their eldest is in heaven.

WordServe client since 2011

Member: ACFW, CWG, NTCW

(North Texas Christian Writers)

Website: http://www.henrymclaughlin.org

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Dream Big

Posted in Faith, intentional living, Let's Get Real, Living by Grace, tagged , , , , on January 28, 2012 | 7 Comments »

Stop for a moment and think back to when you were a child. Do you remember all the dreams you had? Maybe you dreamt of being a major league baseball player, or a famous singer, or an actress. Then life hit and reality set. You began to look at numbers, statistics, and slowly your dream began to die. In fact, perhaps you quit dreaming at all and settled for the easy, the predictable, the nine-to-five. Which isn’t bad. Predictability and rational thinking puts food on the table.

But what if … God has more planned? Great works which He prepared—for you—in eternity past.

A few weeks ago, I told you about the Lifeway editor who’d always wanted to be a missionary to India. That’s a specific dream. In many ways, an unrealistic dream. And as the years ebbed by, and she watched others join the mission field, perhaps she thought she’d missed her chance. She turned forty, and her hair began to gray. She turned fifty, and her energy waned. Then came sixty, and seventy, and retirement followed. Retirement. The end of productivity, of dreams. She turned eighty when many her age moved to nursing homes. Some died.

And this was where her dream emerged, only not in the way she expected. Oh, no. God’s plan was much more glorious! At eighty years old, God showed her she had a new work to do. She began to write for Christ to the World Ministries and today her dramas broadcast across the globe. Instead of reaching one small village, one small city, God opened doors and helped her to reach an entire country! Not just one country, in fact, but 32, through radio waves.

What’s your dream? Why are you here? What does God want to do through you? Dream big, my friend!

It doesn’t matter how old you are, how many times you’ve “failed”. It’s not about your talent, your strength, your wisdom. It’s about drawing near to God and surrendering to the dream He’s birthed within you.

Psalm 18:31-36 (NLT)

God arms me with strength,
and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
You have given me your shield of victory.
Your right hand supports me;
your help has made me great.
You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.

If God’s behind you, there’s nothing you can’t do. He will perfect the plans He has for you.

I join with Paul in “asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Dream big and move forward in confidence, but keep a lose hold on the reins. If God birthed the dream, He WILL bring it about. But it may not be in the way you expected. He may have something even better in mind.

We know God will only bless those things that are consistent with His will. So, how can you tell if your dream’s from God? Come back Tuesday to read Henry McLaughlin’s thoughts on discerning God-given dreams.

Let’s talk about this!

Join me at Living by Grace as we talk about those long-forgotten dreams buried beneath rational thinking and what God might want to do with them.

Not to sound cliché’, but it’s an important question to ask: What might you attempt if you knew you could not fail? As you think about that, remember the power of the God who stands behind you. Remember His promises recorded in Scripture. All things are possible with Him. It is not by power nor by might, but by His Spirit. You are more than a conqueror. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You have the mind of Christ. Your cloud of witnesses are watching, cheering in expectant anticipation.

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Intentional Intimacy

Posted in Faith, God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , , on January 26, 2012 | 2 Comments »

There’s a video circulating cyber-space. I’m sure you’ve seen it. It talks about the difference between having a heart-felt relationship with God vs. following rules and traditions. Although I don’t agree with everything presented in the video, I find the basic premise valid. Christianity is more than a club to belong to. It’s more than going to church on Sundays and saying X number of prayers. It’s about total surrender. It’s about authenticity, intimacy. Christ didn’t die so we could put a bumper sticker on our car. He died to remove the barrier–sin–that kept us from fellowship with a holy God. But you can’t be intimate with someone you don’t know.

Today, Ava Pennington, author of One Year Alone With God, encourages us to draw near to God. To allow Him to reveal Himself as He truly is, not who we think He is or should be.

Intentional Intimacy by Ava Pennington

How intimate is your relationship with God? How intimate do you want it to be?

I’ve always heard that if we want to be close to God, we must be intentional about spending time with Him – have a regular time of prayer, read the Bible, obey His Word, and fellowship with His people.

Is that all there is to it? Is intimacy with God simply a matter of checking off items on a to-do list? That can’t be true, because too many Christians do these things, and still lack intimacy with the Lord.

It may be because all these activities – prayer, Bible-reading, living a moral life – while good, can become rituals. We can go through the motions with our hands, but not our hearts. So while these should be part of our daily lives, we should not stop there.

There is another possible reason for our lack of intimacy with God. Think about how we move people from acquaintances to personal friends. We get to know them by spending time with them. We learn what they say about themselves. We also want to know if there is a disconnect between their words and their actions.

However, when it comes to learning who God is, we often depend on what other people say about Him. We learn from our parents, from religious traditions, even from our culture. But that’s not necessarily who God says He is.

Even if we grew up attending Sunday School every week, we still might have trouble understanding what God has said about Himself. It doesn’t help that the names and attributes of God which brought comfort to countless generations are now often misunderstood in our culture.

For example, what does God mean when He calls Himself Jealous or a Consuming Fire? A famous celebrity talk show host once said she could never trust a god who was jealous. After all, jealousy can be a petty, controlling, and self-centered attribute. And most people would not be eager to pursue intimacy with a God who calls Himself a Consuming Fire!

More familiar names and attributes may still yield misconceptions. The Bible tells us God is love (I John 4:8). But how do we define love? Hearts & flowers? Terms of endearment?

If we want a more personal – a more intimate – relationship with God, it’s not only important to learn what God says about Himself, we must also understand these names and attributes in the context of what God intended, rather than what our culture now dictates.

One characteristic of intimacy is trust. It’s difficult to trust a stranger. But when we are intentional about learning what God says about Himself, and we see that how He relates to us is consistent with what He says, our faith is affirmed. The more we learn about who God is and how He works, the easier it is for us to trust Him.

The foundation of that trust is a complete picture of God. All the names and attributes of God combine to reveal His nature and His glory. We misunderstand who God is – and are therefore not as intimate with Him – when we focus on one name or attribute of God to the exclusion of all others. For example, those who focus only on God’s characteristic of love often end up with an anything-goes god who tolerates sin. Others who focus on God’s holiness to the exclusion of all other characteristics create a fire-and-brimstone god who is unloving, unmerciful, & uncompassionate.

God is love and He is holy. He is merciful and He is just. He is all these things and more. To truly know Him – to be intimate with Him – we must be intentional about learning all that He is – not just one or two characteristics that appeal to who we want Him to be.

Ask God’s Holy Spirit to show you who He is. Then mine treasures from His Word as He reveals His nature and His ways through His names and attributes. The result will be intentional intimacy.

One Year Alone With God:

Perfect. Almighty. The One Who Sees. Jealous. Forgiver. 

Every name of God revealed in the Bible shows us something about his character and his ways. As the facets of a diamond combine to reflect its brilliance, the names and attributes of God combine to reveal the transcendence of his nature and the glory of his ways. One Year Alone with God offers readers a wonderful opportunity to spend time each day getting to know God more intimately. At the end of a year, they’ll be able to say they know him better than they did a year ago.

This insightful guide to the names of God provides 366 life-changing, personal devotions for new Christians and longtime believers. As readers explore 122 names and attributes of God, they will discover something special about who God is, who they are, and how they relate to others. Includes a Scripture and name index for easy navigation to favorite verses.

Ava Pennington is a writer, Bible teacher, and speaker. She is the author of One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell), endorsed by well-known author and teacher Kay Arthur. Additionally, Ava is the co-author of Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today? (Standard Publishing).

Ava has also published stories in twenty anthologies, including fifteen books in the inspirational Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Her articles have been published in Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse, The  LOOKOUT, Evangel, Light & Life, and other magazines.

Ava is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with the truth of God’s word in relevant, enjoyable presentations.

For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com

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Easily Swayed

Posted in intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , on January 24, 2012 | 5 Comments »

I’m in a time of waiting. Everything in my life, it seems, is at a fork and I’m waiting for God’s direction. Not for the final destination. I’ve walked with Him long enough to know that rarely comes. He may give me a glimpse now and then, enough to ignite passion, but normally that’s all it is–a glimpse. Most likely because He knows, if given the Mapquest version, I’d trudge ahead in self-reliance.

I’m learning God wants me to stay light-footed, easily swayed, ever listening, ever waiting, ever drawing near.

Psalm 32:7-10 (NASB)

7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.

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Intentional Strength

Posted in Let's Get Real, United in Christ, intentional living, Faith, tagged , , , , on January 21, 2012 | 10 Comments »

Two weeks ago, my dear friend Fay Lamb, author of Because of Me,  sent me a beautiful email. I had ask her for advice on a few issues, and like the precious child of God she is, she didn’t give me any. She gave me more. She sent me an email filled with Scripture, pointing me to my Savior, the only One who truly had the answers.

She began her email with Matthew 7:11 which tells us, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father, which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him.”

She then pointed me to Isaiah 55, which told me of God’s love, His incomprehensible wisdom, and His provisions for His children.

Verse by verse, she reminded me of God’s goodness, centering me in His Father’s heart. I wrote down the verses, prayed over them, meditated on them, but I sensed God wasn’t through. He’d started the conversation, laid the foundation, but there was more He wanted me to know. In fact, the real lesson hadn’t even begun. But before He started His refining, He surrounded me in His love.

The next morning, as I continued to pray over Fay’s verses, God led me to Isaiah 43 and Isaiah 31. I’ll highlight the portions that spoke to me, although I encourage you to read both passages.

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,

18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

This passage warned me a time of struggle was coming, but not to fear, for God would walk me through it.

The next passage God led me to showed me how. Through the words of Isaiah 31, God reminded me it’s not about my strength, wisdom, or ability, but instead, about His. I can be victorious over anything that comes my way … if I keep my eyes on Him and stay centered in His will:

1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD.

The following day, God brought the lesson home by allowing a series of struggles to come my way. This happens every year as the CWG conference approaches, and I’ve come to realize Satan doesn’t want me to go. Satan would rather I stay home in isolation, because that is where I’m at my weakest. He certainly doesn’t want me to surround myself with passionate followers of Christ following the same call.

But let’s not forget, nothing can touch me without first passing through the hands of God, and God only allows those things which are for my good.

Saturday, my van broke down, and I learned I cannot trust in vehicles.

When we got the bill, I realized how fleeting money can be. Nope, can’t trust in that either.

The following day I got sick and God showed me I cannot trust in my health or strength.

My computer started acting haywire and I lost a document. Nope, can’t trust in technology.

Event after event, frustration after frustration, God reminded me how futile everything apart from Him is. Life is unpredictable and unemployment, stock market crashes, computer failures, sickness, can happen in a blink. But God is faithful and lo, though we walk through the valley of darkness, we need not fear for God is with us.

In reality, all of my problems were minor, mere frustrations at best, but what made them beautiful is that God created an object lesson, tailored to me. He began by using a dear friend to speak truth into my life and concluded by drawing me to my knees in worship. Through it all He showed me His love is pure and strong and true.

When you’re going through a tough time, cling to these truths:

1) God loves you and longs to shower you with blessings and gifts.

2) He will never leave you.

3) God is still in control, even when your world seems crazy, and He’ll only allow those things that are for your good.

4) Rely on God and God alone for strength for He truly is the only One who can carry you through.

If you’re climbing over a few boulders, you may find these posts helpful as well:

 
Let’s talk about this!

Join me at Living by Grace as we talk about drawing near and staying close to God during times of difficulty.

What about you? Are you going through a difficult or frustrating time? If so, why might God be allowing those difficulties? What might He be trying to teach you? Ask Him, draw near to Him, trust in His goodness and love.

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There’s No Room for Guilt

Posted in God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , , , on January 19, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Romans 8:1 is one of my favorite passages in Scripture: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” It reminds me, no matter how bad I flub things, I am accepted, not because of what I’ve done but because of what’s been done for me. That’s not to say God doesn’t convict me … often, but it is to say, that even when He’s unveiling my heart, I know I still rest in the palm of His hands. That’s a powerful reminder, one that allows me to move past guilt to love-driven obedience. Today Lynn Bell, author of the Gentle Savior, talks about guilt and what the Christian should do about it.

Putting Guilt in its Place by Lynn Bell

As I read a new Christian book recently, I realized that I am often selfishly concerned about my physical appearance and what people think of me. A familiar feeling of guilt rose up in my heart. Like you, I want to please God, but when I compare myself to the ideals of scripture and the sinless perfection of Jesus, it seems like I will never do enough or be enough. Since I know I’ll never get life completely right, it almost seems like it would be wrong not to experience a pervasive sense of guilt.

Sometimes I forget that God actually sent Jesus so I wouldn’t be guilty any more.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22 NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… (Romans 8:1 NIV)

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. (Romans 8:34 NLT)

So why do Christians still feel guilty? Guilt does have a place in a healthy relationship with God, but it’s not the role we often give it. We’re used to the way other people in our lives use guilt—that is, to manipulate us into doing what they want and to keep us doing it. Some parents do it, spouses do it, our children do it, even our spiritual leaders sometimes do it. God doesn’t use guilt that way, however.

Just as physical pain warns us that something has gone awry with our anatomy, guilt tells us that something is wrong in our relationship with God. Guilt has a healthy purpose: to produce change. It only becomes unhealthy when we ignore it.

When I became aware that I was guilty of self-centeredness, I did something about it. I repented; that is, I experienced a change of heart and determined that I didn’t like focusing on myself instead of others (II Corinthians 7:8-9). If I had hurt someone specifically, I would have apologized. If I had stolen something or destroyed someone’s property, I would have demonstrated my repentance by making restitution.

I confessed my sin to God and, in this case, to the ladies in my Bible study group (I John 1:7-9, James 5:16).

Then I laid my guilt at the foot of the cross. I accepted his forgiveness and rejoiced because I trust that he has declared me “not guilty” (Romans 4:7-8).

You can read how King David dealt with his guilt in Psalm 51, and you’ll find that even though he was guilty of adultery and murder, he followed a very similar process.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; (v. 4)

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (v. 10)
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it….
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. (v. 16-17)
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (v. 2)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation. (v. 12)

Guilt is not a fruit of the Spirit. It was never intended to be a way of life for the people of God. God gave us guilt to keep us close to him, and he gave us Jesus to take away our guilt.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!” (Galatians 5:1)

Lynn Bell is the author of a new Bible study, The Gentle Savior: Seeing Jesus Through the Eyes of the Women Who Met Him. She blogs at http://thegentlesavior.com

The Gentle Savior: 

“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!”This 10-week Bible study joins a thirsty-hearted Samaritan woman in inviting you to meet a man who looks into a woman’s heart and knows exactly what she needs. Who values women regardless of their marital status, professional skills, sexual history, or financial position. Who notices both the heroic faith of women in desperate circumstances and the quiet suffering of sisters racked by grief and chronic illness. Who invites women to work alongside Him and use their intellectual capacity to know him more fully. Who inspires women to give extravagantly and to stay by his side when all the world abandons him.The women of the Gospels discovered in every encounter with Jesus that he was no ordinary first-century rabbi, but a gentle Savior who reflected on them the face of his compassionate Father.This Bible study workbook guides the reader through all the Gospel passages dealing with Jesus and women and concludes with a list of the Top Ten Things Jesus Never said to a Woman.

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Intentional Growth

Posted in Let's Get Real, United in Christ, God's Authors, intentional living, Spiritual disciplines, tagged , , , on January 17, 2012 | 3 Comments »

Today, Catrina Bradley challenges us to be intentional in our spiritual growth. What can you do today to draw closer to Christ, to grow more Christ-like, and to spread His fame?

NAIL CLIPPINGS AND HAIR TRIMMINGS: Are You Growing? by Catrina Bradley

My poor little dog Lady’s toenails are too long. We’ve been meaning to take her to the VetExpress for weeks, but didn’t seem to get around to it with the Christmas crush. She could use a good trimming, too; she’s getting a bit shaggy.

Like me, her nails need constant clipping and her hair grows out of its styled cut because…well, because we are living organisms, and living things are constantly in a state of change and growth.

If our nails stop growing, that means our bodies are dead.

To be alive means to grow.

If you aren’t growing in Christ, are you alive in Him?

My doggy’s toenails made me think again about Sunday’s thought-provoking sermon. Our guest preacher at FBC this past Sunday was outstanding. He spoke to us about the importance of a Christian growing to maturity.

In closing he asked, “Are you growing in grace and in knowledge? Are you growing spiritually?”

How do you know if you are growing or stagnant?

He gave us 10 questions to think about, to help us see if we growing.

Are You Growing Spiritually?
1. Are you becoming more confident in your salvation, not always questioning whether your salvation took or if you are really saved?
2. Do you feel more satisfied, content, and fulfilled in Christ?
3. Are you becoming increasingly aware of your sinfulness and weaknesses?
4. Are you finding new guidance in familiar scriptures?
5. When at church, you don’t feel the need to keep God on the clock?
6. Are you learning to see trials and temptations more as opportunities for your growth and for God’s glory?
7. Is your perspective on life becoming less temporal and more eternal?
8. Are you eager to share with others what Christ is doing in your life?
9. Are you praying for opportunities to minister to those around you that don’t know Christ?
10. Does the way you spend your money and the way you spend your time indicate Christ’s importance and priority in your life?

My automatic and immediate answer to all of the above was “YES”, but I’m convicted I need to take an honest assessment of my situation. I need spend a little time thinking about each question, meditating on the “YES” areas of my life, and praying to uncover the “not quite” places I’ve secreted away and haven’t fully surrendered.

How about you? Are you growing?

Catrina Bradley grew in Iowa but now makes her home in Georgia where she serves her church as Admin & Ministry Assistant. She has been blissfully married for over 20 years and has a beautiful, talented daughter and two precious puppies. Her Christian poetry, essays, fiction, and devotions have been published in numerous on-line and print venues. She posts quasi-regularly at her blog Scattered Seeds and monthly at Jewels of Encouragement.

Visit her online at Scattered Seeds.

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When God Guides, God Provides

Posted in Let's Get Real, United in Christ, intentional living, tagged , , on January 15, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Host of Wielding the Sword of the Spirit Radio Show interviewed Larry Alston, President of Christ to the World Ministries, a ministry that uses radio waves to share the gospel of Christ. During the interview, Larry shared a story of a writer, now in her eighties, who’d always wanted to be a missionary to India. Illustrating his point that serving doesn’t take formal training, but instead, a willing heart, he went on to tell of the series she wrote, how it was aired in India, and of the great response the series received.

This ministry started maybe 7 years ago, and today, broadcasts in 32 countries, by the grace of God. They don’t have a formal fundraising campaign, and yet, God continues to provide and expand their boundaries. Because when God guides, He provides. What an amazing testimony of what God can do with willing, surrendered hearts!

Listen to the interview here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf

Listen to internet radio with Donald James Parker on Blog Talk Radio

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With Eyes Wide Open

Posted in intentional living, Let's Get Real, Living by Grace, United in Christ, tagged , , , , , , on January 14, 2012 | 8 Comments »

Oh, my poor, sweet, white-knuckling honey. He tells me daily he worries about me, to which I respond, “There’s no need.” Then I lose my wedding ring in the laundry hamper before climbing into my van to casually back out … into a half-opened garage door. Nope, no need to worry at all. I’m not flighty. I’m just a bit distracted, with my head plunged in my next story, radio-drama, or article while reality passes through my peripheral vision. But, oh! If I could begin to live with my eyes wide open, not just to the signs and street-bumps, but to the people God places in my path.

When we lived in Southern California, I read and tried to live out The Prayer of Jabez. The thrust of the book is about asking God to expand your boundaries (for proclaiming Christ) then being alert to the God-moments that arise. The results shocked me. Every day, from the playground to the grocery store, God brought people into my path ready to hear the gospel. Why? I don’t believe it was because of the book or some mysterious prayer, but instead, because He knew I’d seize the opportunity. He knew I was walking with my eyes wide open, ready to proclaim His love and truth. And that’s what it’s all about. Christian, that’s the whole reason you’re here. Not to build a home or nest-egg, but to  point continually to the famous One and God of all comfort.

In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John head to the temple to take part in the afternoon prayer service. While in route, they met a man lame from birth. I imagine the temple gates and surrounding area was much like downtown Seattle or Kansas City with the homeless lining the sidewalk with outstretched hands. I’m sure many walked by, but I imagine many gave. Perhaps some even offered a prayer, focusing on the physical need, then moving on.

But Peter and John, although moved by compassion, kept their eyes on a bigger picture.

Acts 3:4-11

4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

 11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

There’s a lot of powerful truth packed in that little passage.

1. Peter looked straight at the man. And to this you all say, “Amen!” and “Uh-huh,” as if this is a normal and expected reaction.  But let us not forget how we feel walking down main street, passing by those men with matted hair, dirt-packed fingernails, and a thick stench emanating from their body. It’s not easy to look them in the eye, is it? In fact, it’s much easier to avoid them, to pretend we don’t see.

2. Peter addressed the man’s immediate need. Preaching a sermon or saying a prayer is great, but love moves beyond that. Love sees the person, notices their deepest need, then makes every attempt to meet it. This may mean baby-sitting for a single mom, going grocery shopping for the elderly, or providing meals for the homeless. There are as many needs as there are ways to meet them. If we want to accurately represent the love of Christ to a hurting world, we’ll actively follow in Christ’s footsteps.

3. Peter saw the man’s deepest need and pointed to the solution. There are countless humanitarian programs out there, but unless rooted in Christ, they lack the power to create long-term change. A sack lunch will be eaten and digested. A home will house a family but won’t heal a marriage. But a life grounded in Christ moves to healing, to wholeness, to rational-thinking and reconciliation, and ultimately, to the life here-after where there will be no more pain and tears.

4. Peter used the opportunity the miracle provided to create a Jesus-loving buzz.

Like Steven Curtis Chapman says in his fun song, “Every Little Thing,” everything we do must be done for the glory of God. Instead of patting himself on the back and walking away from a job well done–which it was. I mean, come on, they’d just healed a man!–Peter saw an opportunity, an open door:

11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? … “

Lord, may we live with our eyes wide open, ever aware of the needs all around us. May we, like You, see the physical and spiritual needs, and may we use every opportunity to point others back to you, the God of all comfort and truth.

Let’s talk about this!

Join me at Living by Grace as we talk about ways to live with our eyes wide open, making the most of every opportunity, continually pointing others back to Christ.

I also encourage you to read Janalyn’s post about the Famous One, and fellow Living by Grace hostess, Lynda Schultz’s post on making an altar every where we go.

What about you? Has God asked you to let go of something? What made that hard? And what was the result?

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Uh…You’re NOT the Famous One

Posted in Let's Get Real, United in Christ, God's Authors, intentional living, Praise, tagged , , , on January 12, 2012 | 3 Comments »

As I read through Janalyn’s devotional, one of my favorite worship songs played through my mind. “You are the Lord, the famous one, the famous one, great is your name in all the earth.” God blesses, guides, expands boundaries…for one reason. To make Himself famous. If you’re in ministry receiving accolades, it’s easy to forget that. Praise (to man) is a funny thing–it has a dual effect. It encourages us to keep going, but it also threatens to fan our pride. And we all know what happens to the prideful, right? The Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Today, Janalyn Voigt, author of the Tales of Faeraven series, reminds us to stay focused on the One who truly is famous, Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Come back Saturday as I expand on this further and talk about finger-pointing–in a good way. grin.

Fame is a bee

It has a song

It has a sting

Ah, too, it has a wing.

~ Emily Dickinson ~

Honey tastes sweet. When eaten in moderation, it strengthens the body and brightens the eye. However, eating too much honey can bring on a stomach ache. “If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit” (Proverbs 25:16 NIV). In the same way, a little public recognition can boost self-confidence and spur productivity, but feasting on fame makes a writer sick.

Given this, is it wrong to want fame? After all, It can enhance a writer’s discoverability, bring new opportunities and expand a reader base. Nothing grows a platform like fame. And did I mention money?

Fame is a lot like popularity in high school, with everyone jostling to get next to the privileged few. In our culture today, we look to the famous as role models, even when their morals are less than exemplary. Unable to bear the weight of fame, their lives often crumble. Even in the church, we find a similar focus on the elite. While it’s not wrong to honor those who lay down their lives to spread the gospel, honoring shouldn’t cross the line into worshiping. We all need heroes, but we shouldn’t have idols.

Fame itself can become an idol. But striving after it is like chasing the wind. The Bible cautions us not to try. “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor” (Proverbs 25:27 NIV).

What is fame, after all, but the approval of man? The Bible urges us to seek after God, not man. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2 NIV).

It’s not wrong to want influence, which can provide leverage to help us make a difference in the world. But we should examine our motives. Remember that Satan tempted Jesus in the desert with bread, power and position. Fame seems to promise all three (money, influence and status).

Fame, like that fickle bee Emily Dickinson decries, can fly away on a whim. But God never abandons me. How much better it is to focus on the greatness of His name rather than my own.

Dawn Singer:

At a summons, Shae wings through the air to the High Hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul

Cover design by Anna O'Brien, Janalyn Voigt and the PYP Collaborative team.

touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.

But then there’s Kai, a Guardian. Secrets bind him to Shae, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes.

On a desperate journey fraught with peril, they battle war-like Garns, poisonous spider-waevens, ferocious raptors and the wraiths of their own regrets. Can they find a way to release the DawnKing — and salvation — into a divided land? And will they learn that sometimes victory only comes through surrender?

Janalyn Voigt creates worlds of beauty and danger in her fiction. She is currently working on her epic fantasy trilogy, Tales of Faeraven, and a full-length western romance. Janalyn’s credits include Focus on the Family, Scripture Press and Pentecostal Evangel. She is a member of ACFW & NCWA.

Visit her online:

Website: Janalyn Voigt

Twitter: @janalynvoigt

Facebook: Janalyn Voigt

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