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.