Daring to Hope..A Beautiful Ache

Daring to Hope is one of the best books I have ever read. I cannot get over how simple it is yet in depth in reading.  Katie Davis Majors expresses her heart on every page and ultimately describes the Beautiful Ache in life. She indeed expresses Gods beauty in a life of brokenness. Its amazing me to see how God has used her even as a young teen girl that could've never imagine what one mission trip would do to her and hundreds of lives in Uganda. Again just a beautiful story. I have highlighted so much and will read it again after passing it on to some family members. If you have not yet read this classic please take time and invest your time in this book.

The way of life-Giglio

In Giglios The Air I Breathe he explains deeply but simplistically that all of us are worshiping. Its not a choice and so many of us get caught up in everyday life not realizing we have been consumed by things in life such as media with time on our phones, computers or in front of the TV and that has become our idol and has "earned" our worship. God created us for relationship and fellowship and within that we are created to become His children and solely worship Him. The Air I breathe is a good read and should be done by every Believer to be reminded where our focus, our seeking and worshiping belongs.  And for worship to be our way of life.

Home Sweet Hole

     To all the Believers defending our Leaders comments referring to Africa and Haiti as a "****hole"( Lets stop stumbling over the flag to the defend the "undefendable".) yea that's what Jesus would say. Yes, there are Third world places and according to the Word they are our Brothers & Sisters. You see the very one we call God aka Jesus was born in a barn around lots of dung or as some might say a hole. Who would've thought God himself would choose to come from such a hole. ",,Can anything good come from Nazareth?...COME AND SEE"

    Now I dont want to hear well Obama said this or a Dem/Rep said such and such. We have made EVERYTHING political when its the heart that matters. I have personally been to some poor areas of Africa and despite the lack of everything you couldn't imagine how the people host you. With such open hearts and arms this thing that some may call a "hole" is their home.
     Many Americans would be shocked to know many of the families in the slums are hard workers and at it for long hours to just get by in life. Where we go on the brink of insanity when online goes out for a second. Or we weigh our success in life based on "likes" on Facebook. 

    It would do everyone of us some good to leave our comfort zone and enter into one of these so called "holes." As somebody once told me, " very few people know the beauty of leaving their comfort zone." And such is a necessity in life. 

Unsure on Zahns "sinners in the hands of a loving God"

     

      As I read more and more of Zahns book I believe I was either reading a universal ism view or somebody skating on similar thin ice. The in depth detail debate did God crucified Jesus or humans and all of the system and its darkness. And where as I understand where both sides attempt to come from ultimately God is in charge. All happens with His all-knowing divine knowledge. But the closure for me was trying to fit anyone and everyone into Heaven and perhaps only the Hitler’s of the world go to Hell. Perhaps this was not his attention but I definitely took it in such a way. Which may seem logical and even right to many humans but life shows what we think is such can lead us the wrong way.  Jesus Christ remains the Life Truth and the Way. And I do want to add a major point is of Zahnd to see God as who He really is and that is Jesus Christ. And  a very important part which I seldom read or hear any "messenger" speak on there are everyday living Hells from the slums in India and Africa to those who are around us locked in a world they want out of and may our lives reflect the true words and ways of Jesus Christ. We are sinner who by the grace of God become sons and daughter and indeed are in the hands of the one true loving God. 

There is More to Life

     Brian Houston writes a very uplifting book with There is More. I was looking forward to this book hoping it would tell his life story and with that it did not disappoint.  He shares of his humble beginnings in leaving a "set"position” in his dads church to follow the dream and desire God placed on his heart. I would recommend this book to read for inspiration but even more so as a challenging reminder that God has such a plan for each of us.  As he states "Even when you dont feel like it, when it doesnt make sense, when its inconvenient and frustrating listening to Jesus, trusting His voice and obeying His commands will always exceed your expectations."

     The thought that God wants to exceed our dreams and desires is an awesome thought that is honestly hard to grasp but the more we realized that He has place his desire in our hearts to be a difference maker to the the extreme. This life is not determined by what the world says or even what we say but what God says. And this is what we are to live by. To be Christ like in this world and to make Him known. Thats the "more" part this life is about Him and for us to live it out by and through Him. Then and only then will we find the More.

Nouwens Collection of Classics

Nouwens You Are The Beloved is a collection of his writings. This book is meant to be a devotional but for time sake and for review purposes I read it as a regular book. Many deep thoughts but at times it was a bit hard for me to get into but then I went through November and December to read accordingly with the time of year and I read it non stop. Quite a few passages I high lighted and went back to so I could read it again. I've read a few of his writings and would highly recommend this to those who are familiar with  Nouwens works or perhaps reading his works for the first time.

Satisfy Your Soul with Pipers Classic Collection

     Really enjoyed this devotional read from Piper. I read it through as a regular book and consider Piper a deep writer. Definitely no "marshmallow" filling in his writings. Over 400 pages this is offers some great insight to Gods word and teachings. As piper offers where many may not sit down to read a lot here is an opportunity to take in a few minutes and get a glimpse of what God is showing us in and through his Word. I would recommend any book from Mr Piper is a writer you know you can trust rightly handling the Word of God

Waterfall Whispers- How to Hear the Voice of God, Mark Batterson

     As the song goes He is still speaking we are just not listening. In the Whisper Batterson urgently reminds us to heed the voice of God but to do so always be listening. Because He indeed is speaking. And personally I have wander from the concept, the doing, of putting such into practice. To truly live out words Ive prayed again and again "to give me ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart that would follow." God who sent His son to die for us expresses His desire of a relationship where we hear Him and move in Him. In not expecting we are hiding from where as Batterson points out we need to hide in Him. And just as important I believe is to pass this on to our children. That God is literally breathing through and speaking to us.  My prayer is to hear his whisper like a waterfall and to run towards Him. And Batterson gives a reminder towards the end of the book no matter what in life, "dont let whats wrong with you keep you from worshiping whats right with God" Once again a very good read from Mark Batterson.

No Arrows-Erwin McManus

One of the best reads in a while. I have read McManus books in the past and was anxiously awaiting to start this book. Page by page is a reminder that we have ONE life to live and we should be well spent at the end of it for Gods glory alone. to quote Francis Chan " Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding in things in life that really don’t matter."

I really liked that Erwin was really open this book from his trouble relationship with his father to his recent battle with Cancer. And what went on in between when he stepped away for 6 years. Just a really good read that I did a lot of high lighting and plan to reread soon. Would recommend this book to everyone. And may we live out the reminder to leave no arrows for Christ alone we live.

As Kingfishers Catch Fire

In reading through As Kingfishers Catch Fire I have found several "golden nuggets" and taken time to hi-light them as well and share a few with others, That being said I have had trouble getting through the book. But I would say its worth reading and Im sure it would be more of help for pastors as well in giving insight. I am a fan of the Message so I thought I would give this book a chance. But again I have been hi lighting parts including how we as Believers mess things up by separating the sacred from the secular. God is involve in your life 24/7 from church to work to play and we need to realize such and invest in such to truly be living this life. Peterson truly has a way with words which connects the heart of the message to the hearts and minds of the readers.

Break Open The Sky Break You Open

When I first started BREAK OPEN THE SKY I wasnt too sure But it didnt take long before I got caught up in the book and highlighted so much of the book to go back over and dive in deeper. I was reading this during my familys mission trip to Kenya so it was a reminder to live outside ourselves.  The book contains so many great stories of faith lived out by everyday people like you and me. And seems to be summed up in the quote from Catherine Booth “we are made for larger ends than Earth can encompass. Oh let us be true to our exalted destiny” I would highly recommend this reading. In offering grace and mercy we will never outdo God may such pour out of our lives and learn the beauty in stepping out of our comfort zone.

Steve Jobs Last Words..

When I read Jobs last words it gives meaning to the words "Beautiful Ache" Rich &  Poor alike, most of us forget what life is really about and how fragile life and love is...

The last words of Steve Jobs -

I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.

In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.

However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed.

At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.

In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me.

Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.

It should be something more important:

For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood.

No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.

God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.

I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.

This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.

Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.

What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed.

You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you.

Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.

Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.

Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbors.

Ragamuffin Gospel-Grace & Mercy

When I saw this classic had been reissued I look forward in reading it once again. It was like seeing an old friend that you hadnt seen for years. Manning has a way with words, a unique way in sharing the heart of God and his words come from one who knows the depths of our Need for a true relationship with Christ. Mannings words embraces the Father with the prodigal. As i read this once again it was like listening to a collection of my favorite songs knowing the rest of story as I started many of his stories. But it was refreshing to be reminded the folly of Gods love, and how deep it is for you and me. The Ragamuffin Gospel would easily be one of the top 5 books I would recommend to a Believer or a non Christian to read. There's a beautiful ache in all of us that desires to hear the Gospel from the Ragamuffins perspective. Manning was brilliant in connecting the hearts of the Savior and the ragamuffin. 

Nothing To Prove

The book "Nothing To Prove" breathes out the title on every page. My wife was introduced Allen’s teaching at woman’s Bible Study and she showed me a couple of short videos by her and I was really Impressed. I love that she truly tells it like it is not just for some but for all of us. We are indeed "all jacked up" and but for the Grace of God.. This reading is a strong in-depth reminder that we have nothing to prove to others or even self but to live in and out the life God has for us. To let Him breathe in and through us and truly realize it is all about Him. As Believers we are to be the ones who set the standards and others should see a life that they wonder what is going on. But we tangle ourselves are in pity and pride. And find by the end of the day we have "successfully" entertained our way through once again. But to live out the bigger vision is a reminder and challenge from Allen in that we would see we need each other and a need to find relationships, to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves and most of all to recognize our need for God like never before and we would find His Love in ways we never have before. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I prefer books by the likes of Chan, Elderidge, Platt, and would add Allen to the list of must reads for Believers. 

Finding the Freedom to ENJOY

ENJOY by Trillia J Newbell is definitely a book written for women but in saying that I have enjoyed reading it and have been reminded throughout each chapter to offer up thankfulness and delight in the things God has set before us. Id say that ENJOY covers every aspect of life and relationships with God and one another. Quite a few parts worth high lighting and/or sharing. One quote from Timothy Keller really got my attention was "To Be LOVED but not known is comforting but superficial. To be KNOWN and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be FULLY KNOWN and TRULY LOVED is, well, a lot like being LOVED BY GOD. To grasp such a truth would be to grasp and live out life as God intended for you and me. I told my wife she needed to read this one and on that I would recommend husbands to read this and take time to discuss it as well. This book also offers up a deeper insight of study and suggests things to do to so you will live out what you are reading.

We dont Get to Choose

 I came across this today. Its words from Sally McClung. She is by her husbands bedside as he is struggling with his health. If you come across this blog please take time to read Floyds book "Living on the Devils Doorsteps" It tells of his family starting up a ministry in Amsterdam. Its a great read and as one follows Sallys updates on https://www.facebook.com/floydmcclungprayer you see God at work and you hear Him speaking through their life. 

Embrace The Lion

I have been a fan of Batterson's writings. His words in his books are clearly lived out in his life. More often than not Im one who gives in to apathy or walks away (or around) fear and obstacles. But in In a Pit with A Lion on A Snowy Day" we are challenged to do the unnatural thing or rather supernatural thing and embrace the "Lions" in our lives to see the challenge of what God can and will do through your life. And such will be a testimony to others. So many truths I had highlighted as I read this book But one of the main ones that really stuck out to me was from Kierkegaard "boredom is the root of all evil" because it means we're refusing to be who God made us to be. If you're bored one thing is for sure" You're not following in the footsteps of Christ. And I am reminded there is no such word as sacrifice in a Believers life for what will compare to all He has done for us. And in other words "sixpence none the richer" Even what we have to offer now is all from Him. God has a plan for each of us and for each of us it is not fear But a life of running to and with the Lion.

Be A Wave Walker

This past Sunday at NorthStar church we were privileged to have guest speaker JoyAnna McBride share with us. Her message was from Matthew 14:22-33 where we read the story about Peter walking on the water. Here we see Jesus send his disciples out into the boat while Jesus sent the rest of the people home. After sending the crowd home Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray. Now I imagine that with Jesus being up on a hill he could see the storm coming and knew that the boat wouldn't be able to handle the storm that was was on it's way. Jesus wasn't concerned over the boat, but instead the hearts of the men in the boat. As Jesus makes his was across the stormy waves walking on the water, his disciples think that he is a ghost, but he tells them it is not a ghost but that it is he and tells them to take courage for he is there. So peter still doubting says "Lord if it is really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." Pay attention here.....Jesus tells him to COME.

He doesn't say "hey wait a sec and let me calm these waves down first. or wait a sec Peter let me just come to you it will be easier." No Jesus just simply says "come" and Peter saw that being in the boat without Jesus was more dangerous than being in the stormy waves with Jesus. As long as Peter kept his focus and attention on Jesus he kept afloat, but as soon as he noticed the storm that was still around him he started to sink. Jesus let Peter sink, but didn't let him drown. That's very important. After they made their way back to the boat, it is then the winds calmed down and the disciples worshiped saying "You really are the Son of God!" The disciples were able to worship not only because Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm, but worshiped because Peter was willing to walk the storm with Jesus so Jesus could show his power when saving Peter.

So when people see you/me going through a storm are they able to worship and draw near to God because you let Him navigate your way through the waves of life? Or do they see us drowning without asking the Lord for help? Are we stuck in the boat during the storms wondering if it truly is safer with Jesus, or are you asking Jesus to make you a water walker? Storms will come, that is a promise. Some storms come because of stupid decisions on our part, some come because of the sinful world we live in, and others come to teach us a lesson. Sometimes comfortable seasons in life make us lazy and not rely on God. So I pray the next time a storm comes your way, ask Jesus to make you a water walker. Take the step of faith to get out of the boat, keep your focus on Jesus and let Him walk you across the waters.-Adie

Steve Jobs Last Words...

When I read Jobs last words it gives meaning to the words "Beautiful Ache" Rich & Poor alike, most of us forget what life is really about and how fragile life and love is... 

The last words of Steve Jobs -

I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.

In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.

However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed.

At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.

In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me.

Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.

It should be something more important:

For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood.

No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.

God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.

I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.

This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.

Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.

What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed.

You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you.

Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.

Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.

Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbours.

What Did You Expect?

Imagine you wanting your baby to understand your every word, the meaning in the words you speak to him. Expecting him to pick up after himself and well basically take care of himself. Expectations? There’s just no chance for an infant to understand an adult. These thoughts came to me in thinking about how we tend to believe (make believe) that we completely understand God and His Word, His ways. Or more so our expectations are that He is in agreement with us. There’s not a person we know (or will ever know) that has lived up to our expectations and along the way we have put God in that same box of “Meet my Expectations”

     As the saying goes “God made man in His image and we returned the favor”. Most of us have our own top 10 list of sins and most of the time of course we won’t find our sins on that list. We read that His ways are much higher than our ways. This can lead us to momentary change but just different (perhaps greater) expectations. And that’s just it sometimes we just can’t (and wont) understand what is being said in His Word. Let humility pour into our lives and admit we don’t understand it or “accept” that we wouldn’t do it that way but then again we’re not God.

So in knowing that His grace, mercy, wisdom, thoughts, justice, order, love( and so forth) are greater than all I could ever imagine to offer Him the only thing to do is to surrender. Sure we will wrestle and struggle (to say the least) with things in His Word or with things that take place in our life. But through it all He is and will always be God. 

And I believe for most of us our expectations are so distorted, cloudy at best in what we expect out of others and most of all God. I heard a preacher some time ago close his message by asking, “What did you expect?” That question has come back to me throughout the years. To be brutally honest, I wish there was no hell, there was no cancer, for that matter that I hadn’t even experience my health issues these past few years. I wish (and then some) Adam and Eve did obey or that God didn’t throw a curse down on the entire world and mankind. But with that came Christ and His life and death on our behalf which doesn’t make sense to me. Indeed it may be the one thing that makes the least sense to me in the Bible. When somebody gives me a gift I didn’t expect it means more to me because for one I didn’t expect it but second and most importantly I realize it’s a gift and not only didn’t I expect but I didn’t deserve it. And so it is with God despite Him seemingly not living up to my expectations it’s me who has not (and will not) live up to His word. But He knew such and has made an offer for us that in the end will be way beyond our imagination and expectations. Still very few things in life are easy or live up to the expectations but here’s a suggestion from Pete Wilson (No Plan B), “Instead of griping that God isn’t living up to your expectations, that he isn’t meeting your needs the way you think they should be met, that he isn’t answering your prayers with a vending machine whoosh, you can make the choice to receive what Hes offering you in this moment. The comfort of realizing he knows what you’re going through. The hope of realizing he really does know what he’s doing.” In life we can expect the unexpected but in that always take time, in the good and the bad to see it as an opportunity of invitation. To invite God into that very moment.