Book Review–Awakening: A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom

OVERVIEW: Stop hitting the spiritual snooze button. Would you describe your walk with God as fresh and exciting? Would you describe your spiritual life as vibrant and passionate? If not, would you like these attributes to be the norm in your everyday relationship with God? Are you ready to experience an awakening? Awakening helps you stir up your slumbering soul. Yours"ll discover how to break out of your season of dryness or get off to a great start either in the New Year or the next season in life. Take your faith-walk from a "going through the motions" or "have to" mindset to the stimulating, fresh "want to" experience of enjoying God’s presence-24/7. Weems encourages you to surrender fully, to discover the right kind of fuel for the journey, and to learn a new way to pray and fast. This lifestyle is not based on rules or religion, but on a deep, satisfying, motivating relationship with God. Included in Awakening is a 21-Day Plan that will guide you through the principles that ensure a lasting, fresh relationship with God-even in a world where everything quickly becomes stale. "It’s time to wake up and put an end to spiritual sluggishness! I promise this year will be the best of your life if it is your best year spiritually." Stovall Weems

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK: This is not a “technical” book when it comes to prayer and fasting, which makes it a very easy read. If a person were so inclined to do this 21-day fast, I believe the section at the end would be a big help in assisting you with that plan. I believe chapter five, dealing with the subject, “God is a Filler, not a Forcer,” may have been its best. I was challenged and encouraged to “make more space” in my life for God.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: I am always skeptical about something “new” when it comes to the Bible and faith, and I believe my skepticism was warranted here. The author tries to make a very big distinction from how fasting is practiced in the Old Testament and the New Testament, but I still do not see that big of a difference. In my opinion, the author tried too hard to make fasting seem “easy,” when it is not. Fasting is still a sacrifice, and I just don’t believe that it is something that you can cut corners on. At the end of each chapter there was an “Awakening Story,” and these stories revealed some red flags to me: such as the condoning of “social drinking,” and speaking in tongues.

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION: While there are some good thoughts and ideas that you can glean from this book, I just cannot give it a recommendation at this time.While I do believe fasting is a biblical practice that is far too often ignored, making it simpler is not the way to go. There are no shortcuts when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

SPIRITUALLY SLUMPING & STUMBLING–Part 2 of 2

Luke 13:10-13  And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.  (11) And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.  (12) And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.  (13) And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

In our first post, we notice that her trouble was a Sustaining trouble. Today, we will look at another characteristic of her trouble, and what Jesus did about it

SHE FOUGHT SPIRITUAL TROUBLE

What’s often overlooked in this account is the fact that it was a spirit of infirmity. After the ruler of the synagogue complained about Jesus healing on the Sabbath, Jesus answers Him. In answering him, Jesus reveals to us in Luke 3:16 that this woman was bound by Satan. Just as in the case of Job, and even Paul, God allows Satan a certain measure of space to afflict people. Many of the unusual, unexplainable disease of our day might very well be explained the same.

The Bible tells us that Isaiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

So, we don’t know all the reasons why God permits this, but one of the reasons is that He sometimes uses these types of situations to show His power over Satan and His love for mankind. There are two truths I want to point out about spiritual infirmities:

First, spiritual infirmities affect our Mindset. Often times, these types of trials and tribulations affect our mindset and deform the way we think. We notice that this woman did not lay out of church, blame God, or even become bitter. When we become bitter at God – or even God’s messenger – it shows that we have allowed spiritual infirmities to affect the way we think.

As we are taken through dark valleys of spiritual trials and temptations, lets renew our mind and take on the mindset of Christ and persevere, realizing that God, in His timing, will take our present difficulties and turn them to His, and our, own good. Dr. Raymond Barber tells of a prayer that goes, “O Lord, help me to understand that you let nothing come into my way that You cannot handle.” (Don’t Look Now, But Your Religion Is Showing, pg 128)

Secondly, spiritual infirmities affect our Mood, or spirit. Often times, as Christians, we know the right words to say. But our attitude reveals a different, more realistic truth about us and our heart. “Even if your body is imprisoned, your spirit is free to fly away to God (Dr. Barber, pg 130).” No one wants to be around someone who is constantly cranky, critical, and complaining. These are characteristics that should NEVER be used to describe God’s children. If one of those characteristics fits you, then you need to seek the Lord for deliverance from these infirmities.

Finally, we notice that…

 SHE FELT THE SAVIOUR’S TOUCH –

13:12-13

Just as she felt the physical hand of Jesus touch her; we all need to feel the spiritual touch of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We notice some characteristics of the Saviour’s touch.

First, it was a compassionate touch. Jesus did not ignore her, but He healed her the moment he saw her. Most people today will turn the other way, cross the road, etc. when they see a person in need. Many Christians today will not get involved in someone else’s life because it might be a little too messy. But praise God that our Lord and Saviour looks down from heaven with compassion on us today and is always in the right place at the right time to help us in our very present time of need.

She was unable to look up, so for all we know she did not even see Jesus there. But He saw and called out to her and that is all that matters. Aren’t you glad that one day when you had nowhere else to turn, nowhere else to look, that Jesus called out to?!

Secondly, it was a commanding touch. Jesus did what others could not do. No doubt this woman went to every doctor she could find for some help and some relief. She probably tried every medicine, and every type of physical therapy they had back then. But there are just certain problems that are too hard, too complex, for man to solve.

We would do good today to go to the Lord FIRST when difficulties arise, and not LAST. For most Christians, their motto is, “When all else fails, try Jesus.” That’s why so many who claim to be God’s children only darken a door when they are in need or going through difficulties. Again, when we are in the midst of difficult and trying trials we should turn to Jesus – but we should turn to Him first!

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” But if we are honest today, most treat Jesus like an acquaintance, and not a friend. If you do not believe so, then ask yourself who it is you turn to first when times are tough.

Jesus had a commanding touch because He had the authority to do what no one else could do.

We also notice that it was a controlling touch. No doubt this lady went to this synagogue week after week, offering prayers for her healing. Yet, it was this day that Jesus chose to come by, and this day that Jesus chose to heal her.

What we often fail to remember in the trials of life is that the Lord is always in control. Even when everything around us seems to be out of control, God is always in control. God answers prayer, in His timing. That is why we are commanded to have patience. Patience is the exercise of faith in times of trials and testing. We can exercise patience because we know that God is in control.

Finally, we notice that it was a complete touch. She was healed immediately and completely. If you checked in with her a couple days later, you wouldn’t see some hunched-over woman back in pain.

When God answers prayer – He answers prayer! What a great example for us of salvation. Faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the payment of our sins COMPLETELY AND ETERNALLY saves us!

Let me close with this great illustration from Andrew Murray, a great pastor and author of old, who once faced a terrible crisis. Gathering himself into his study, he sat a long while quietly, prayerfully, thoughtfully. His mind flew at last to his Lord Jesus, and picking up his pen, he wrote these words in his journal:

• First, He brought me here; it is by His will that I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.
• Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
• Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
• Last, in His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows

Stay faithful, stay positive, and trust in God in your times of trials and testing.

SPIRITUALLY SLUMPING & STUMBLING–Part 1 of 2

Luke 13:10-13 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.  (11) And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.  (12) And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.  (13) And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

A patient in a doctor’s waiting room heard a scream from within the doctor’s examining room, and saw an elderly woman come out and quickly depart in a state of agitation. “What happened?” asked the waiting patient. “I told her she was pregnant,” replied the doctor. “You couldn’t be serious,” remarked the patient. “Of course not,” he answered. “But it cured her hiccups.” (1001 More Humorous Illustrations, pg 156)

There is a lot for us to learn today from this short account of a healing given here in our text. God has the ability to heal all our infirmities. Our timing is not always God’s timing, but in His time He will heal and abolish all such infirmities as we encounter in our life. The question tonight is this – do we have the faith, and the patience of faith, to trust Him, even in the most difficult of situations?

In these two blog posts, we will look at two aspects of this woman’s infirmity, and how Jesus healed her:

SHE FOUGHT SUSTAINING TROUBLE

The first characteristic we notice with this sustaining, or continuing, trouble was that her infirmity was unending. She suffered from her ailment for 18 years! (Parents of teenagers would understand this better!). That is a long time to suffer.

Sometimes, it is God’s will for people to go through extended times of suffering and sickness. Think about Paul:

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul suffered from what he called a “thorn in the flesh.” What exactly this was, we are not sure. We know that Paul was imprisoned and beaten many times. So maybe this was a lingering aftereffect from this. It could have also been the eye sight problem that he references in other letters. But Paul understood some truths about this thorn:

1. God allowed Satan to inflict physical harm on him, just as God allowed it on Job.
2. God gave it to him and allowed it to keep his pride in check.
3. Paul prayed three different times, and the answer was always God’s grace, not God’s healing.
4. The more Paul struggled with this thorn in the flesh, the more he had of the power of God.

Despite what all the false prophets tell you on TV – it is not always God’s will to heal you. I heard a commercial recently with Gloria Copeland saying it was God’s will for you to be healed. Someone should have told the Apostle Paul that!

The woman in our text dealt with this infirmity for 18 years; yet she never stops attending church (synagogue). Your faith is only a valuable as what you allow to stop you. What do you allow to keep you out of church? If absence makes the heart grow fonder, a lot of folks really love their church! – (1001…, pg 69)

The second characteristic we notice was that her infirmity was unpleasant. Think about it – it was difficult for her to walk, sit, sleep, etc. When we are want to complain, maybe we should stop for just a moment and consider the fact that others have it much worse than we do? There are people suffering all around us – and many are not as noticeable as this lady was.

Reminds me of this illustration I recently read - A man was shopping at a grocery store. His young son followed closely behind, carrying a large basket. The father loaded the basket with one thing after another until another customer began to feel sorry for the boy. She said, “That’s a pretty heavy load for a young fellow like you, isn’t it?” The boy turned to the woman and said, “Oh, don’t worry. My dad knows how much I can carry.” In the same way, God knows out limitations and gives to us no burden beyond what we can carry. (1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, pg 380)

It may be unpleasant, but If God gave it to you the He gives you the strength to make it through – Don’t quit!

The third characteristic we notice was that her infirmity was upsetting. One of the not so obvious ways that this was so upsetting was that she always had to look down. God made man to look up, that is why we don’t walk on all fours!

She saw dust all the time – which is a characteristic of death:

• Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
• Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
• Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

She was never able to look up and see the stars – a characteristic heaven and the future of the saved:

• Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
• Deuteronomy 1:10 The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude.
• Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

While this woman had no choice but to always look down – we have a choice today. When trials and troubles come your way, are you looking down or look up? We would do well to have the same outlook as the psalmist did in Psalm 121:1, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

Sustaining Relationships–Part 2 of 2

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  (4) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

If you did not read part one, get it here now. In this post, we will cover the last two areas of our life that love needs to be greater than.

LOVE IS GREATER THAN OUR

WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – 13:3

We are commanded to help others when it is within our ability – and sometimes even giving and helping above our abilities. But when we do, it must be with a pure motive of love. If you help someone, only to hold it over their head the rest of their lives – than you really didn’t help them. If you help someone, only to look down on them as you do – then you really didn’t help them.

When we give to others, we cannot forget to give that which is most important – love. People need food, but that runs out. People need money, but that is spent and gone. But what people need the most is someone to love them without reservation, without hesitation, and without complications.

What a shame to give your life to be completely consumed for the Lord – but to hold back your heart! Many Christians serve God with their hands, their feet, and their head, but forget about their heart.

LOVE IS GREATER THAN

WHATEVER COMES OUR WAY – 13:4-7

Notice that this is one complete sentence. The key to love is in the first part of the sentence in vs. 4 – Charity suffereth long. This simply means that love is patient.

The prayer of a typical Christian – God, give me patience - and hurry up with it! Whatever comes your way, patiently wait on the Lord and Hew will renew your strength. When we are unwilling to wait on the Lord, it reveals a lack of love in our heart for our God and our Saviour.

Paul does not stop there in describing love. He also tells us that love is kind. It saddens me to see so much unkindness practiced by Christians today. Sarcasm can sometimes be a mask for an unkind and unloving Christian. When someone comes to church for the first time in a long time and we “jokingly” say something sarcastic about it. You’re not funny or friendly or fun-loving – YOU ARE MEAN-SPIRITED AND UNLOVING!

The remaining parts of the sentence could be summarized by this word – conceit. Conceited people are selfish, prideful, and misbehaven. If you are always looking out for “#1” – then you do not posses or practice love.

In summarizing the topic of love and our relationships, I am reminded of something written by J. Allen Peterson, in The Myth of the Greener Grass:

Newspaper columnist and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. “I do not only want to get rid of him; I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me.”

Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan. “Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you’re getting a divorce. That will really hurt him.”

With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!”

And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting “as if.” For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, and sharing. When she didn’t return, Crane called. “Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?” “Divorce!” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.” Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often as repeated deeds. (750 Engaging Illus., pg. 320-321)

The question today is this – how are you sustaining your relationships? Without love – you are not!

Sustaining Relationships–Part 1 of 2

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  (4) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

As we continue studying and receiving advice for our Christian walk, we come to the subject of our relationships and charity, or love.

Strong’s defines Charity as love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast. Here, Paul is showing us that people can do a lot of things, a lot of good things, and yet not have a motivation of love in doing so.

The fact of the matter is we all have a tendency to overrate things.

“That is the BEST meal I EVER had…PRETTIEST baby I have EVER seen…”

We have a tendency to overstate things.

A fellow said to a man who was given to exaggeration, “Friend, you exaggerate. Everything you say is bigger, better, more by the thousands or millions. You need to stop that.” The exaggerator answered, “I’m really concerned about that myself. In fact, I have shed barrels and barrels of tears over it.” (Don’t Look Now, But Your Religion Is Showing, Barber, pg 89)

But there is no possible way for us to overrate or overstate the impact of charity, or love. A poet once said:

Love is a funny thing; it is just like a lizard.

It crawls around your heart and jumps into your gizzard.

Another poet said it this way:

Love is like an onion, You taste it with delight.

And when you’re through, You wonder whatever made you bite. (Barber, pg 89)

Love is just something that you and I cannot fully explain; it must be experienced. And there is no greater example of this truth than the love of God. If our finite brains could explain the Love of God, it wouldn’t be much! As we talk about relationships, the most important relationship you have is with God. Can you say today that you love God as much or more than the day you were saved? You may not feel it is possible, but don’t overstate or overrate your love of God. The church of Ephesus did – Revelation 2:1-4.

In these verses from 1 Corinthians, we see different areas that love is greater than. We will look at the first two in this post.

LOVE IS GREATER THAN THE

WORDS WE SAY – 13:1

Paul lived in what is commonly called the Greco-Roman world. It was from this same region that some of the world’s greatest philosophers came – Socrates, Plato, and others. Think about some of the great Greek cities during Paul’s days – Acts 17:15-23, 32-34. Here in Athens at Mar’s Hill, Paul stands in the midst of all of this so-called knowledge and higher learning and preaches the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This area of the world was known for having great men of speech, or oratory ability. Many could move crowds and governments with their speech. But Paul reminds the readers that it does not matter how intelligent sounding their speech is; without love it is empty. As a Christian, you can say the right things, but if it is not bathed in love, it is empty – no one will hear.

How many of your words have fallen on deaf ears because to the hearer, it only sounded like a noisy gong (brass) or clanging (tinkling) cymbal? How bothersome is it to hear someone just steadily bang on an instrument?  How bothersome are our words to our hearers when there is no love in what we say?

LOVE IS GREATER THAN THE

WISDOM WE POSSESS – 13:2

Paul gives 3 forms of wisdom here. The first is Prophecy. In the Old Testament, the prophet spoke for God, and only spoke what God had revealed to him. Paul and the Corinthians were familiar with the Old Testament prophets. The new believers in Corinth could now go back and read those great prophets and now fully understand what those Israelites who denied Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Saviour missed – that God had provided the way of salvation through His only begotten Son. And it is through the lens of love that the Old Testament prophets spoke their messages of warning and coming judgment. One of the prophets, Jeremiah, is known as the “weeping prophet” because of his love and broken heart for wayward Israel. The judgment of God must be declared, but it must be done so with a heart of love.

The second form of wisdom Paul mentions is Knowledge. Paul is saying that it does not matter how much we understand, and how much knowledge we have if we do not posses love. This does not mean that we should not seek for knowledge and wisdom from God and His Word. What it shows is that our gathering of this knowledge should not only fill our minds with wisdom, but it should also fill our hearts with a greater love for God and people.

The third form of wisdom is Faith. As much as the Bible speaks about faith, we see here that it is hollow without love. So, in essence, we can say that love and faith go hand in hand. If you don’t have faith, then you don’t have love. And if you don’t have love, then you do not have faith.

Do you show love in your words and wisdom with others around you?

SIMPLE STEWARDSHIP

1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

According to the Associated Press, in 1996, a man by the name of Joe from the state of Wisconsin was to receive a check from the Social Security Administration for $40,000. Now, Joe was not supposed to receive the check directly because mentally handicap he had, with the addition of a gambling problem. But they messed up and mailed it directly to him and he went on to blow it all in a casino in just a few weeks. The government will not be giving any more money directly to Joe. They are on record as to say, “Those who can’t manage money cannot expect to be given even more. “

The same principle applies to us today. God entrust what is valuable to those who prove their ability to manage it. God expects us to be faithful stewards of His blessings. How faithful are you in your stewardship. Let’s quickly look at three areas we are to be faithful stewards of.

GIFTS OF GOD

There are three gifts that I want to focus on for just a moment. The first one is our Talent. The Bible tells us in I Corinthians 4:1-2, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  (2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” God has given each believer abilities. We should strive to use them for God & not the world. Whether it is singing…teaching…being a friend…building…technology…or any other talent, use it for God’s glory.

The second on is our Time. We are told in Ephesians 5:16 that we are to be, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  Time is the one commodity that everyone has the same amount of, and we can not get it back when it’s spent. No one will stand before God and say, “I gave you too much time.”

I recently read that the average 77 year old man spends 24 years sleeping; 14 years working; 8 years with amusement; 6 years at the dinner table; 5 years in transportation; 4 years in conversation; 3 years accumulating education; and 2 years reading. His other 4 years in miscellaneous pursuits. If he went to church every Sunday morning & prayed 5 minutes every day, that would only be 5 MONTHS over 77 years. Even if he attended every service available at the average church (Sunday School, 11am & 6pm Worship service, and a Mid-Weed prayer and Bible Study), that would still only equal 1 year 9 months. How much time have you really given to God?

The third one is our Treasure. God doesn’t need your finances, but He doesn’t need to bless you with them either. If the paying of your mortgage was a sporadic as the average Christian’s tithes and offerings, they would be evicted already! When we don’t want to give, it shows a heart problem.

GOSPEL OF GOD

1 Corinthians 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

We are to be faithful stewards of the Gospel through Soul-winning. The phrase, “Ministers of Christ”  is a reference to the believer being Christ like. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost, and we are His ministers today to continue that work. One great way for us to do so is through the giving out of Gospel tracts. This allows every believer is a preacher! Whether we realize it or not, every Christians IS a preacher, either for good or bad. God has entrusted you to spread the Gospel – is He pleased?

A second way we are to be faithful stewards of the Gospel is through the Scriptures.  The phrase “stewards of the mysteries of God,” refers to something that was hidden but now revealed; something that cannot be understood by natural man. The mystery here is the Gospel. We are expected to:

1. Preserve the Scriptures
2. Propagate the Scriptures

GOOD NAME

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Finally, we are expected to be a steward of the good name we have been given. Unfortunately, many people’s name brings up images of anger, gossip, and hard-heartedness.  Our family name will only become and remain a good name when we raise and teach our children the truths of God’s Word and the expectations of faith. The same holds true for the church. What kind of family name – church name – are we leaving for the next generation?

Are you a faithful steward of what God has given you?

Book Review: Time With God For Fathers

Book Description

A Scripture-led devotion to encourage time between fathers and the Lord.

Time with God for Fathers contains ninety devotions that encourage fathers to spend time on their relationship with the Lord in prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. Devotions are topical and include: forgiveness, wisdom, comfort, guidance, and strength. A Quick Scripture Reference Guide is included to help fathers in their day-to-day walk with God and fatherhood. Subjects consist of "Father's Prayers", "God's Promises for Fathers", "God's Blessings for Fathers", "Responsibilities for Fathers", and "God's Dynamic Examples of Fathers".

I was interested in receiving and reviewing this book because I am a fan of small, daily devotional books to end my day with. This one was not bad, but not great either. Maybe it is because my standard for comparison is My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers, and that is probably not fair to any other writer of devotional material. But this was not bad, and a very easy read. It does not get too “meaty,” so it would probably do all right for a newer Christian. A few entries seemed “forced",” but others were very insightful. One really cool aspect of the book was the binding/packaging. It was a nice, small, hard cover, which makes it very durable for a book that I would read and keep on my nightstand. But the most unique, and maybe best feature, was the black elastic band that you see on the picture above, very much like a Moleskin. A really cool feature that I used as a book mark and wished more books would do so. All in all, a good, but not great, devotional book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

SWEEPING STORMS, SOLID STONE, & SINKING SAND–Part 3 of 3

Matthew 7:24-27  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  (25)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  (26)  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  (27)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

SINKING SAND – 7:26-27

In this post, we will look at the foundation that faltered. There are three truths that we notice about those who build on sinking sand.

First, foolishness is seen in the BLUNDERING of the fool. One of the definitions of the word “Blundering” is, “deaf".” We see here in these two verses that those who build in sinking sand are spiritually deaf – they hear, but they don’t listen. Hearing is merely the ability of the ear to sense sounds around one. But listening is more of a conscious effort to interpret the sounds, requiring concentration of mind.Simply put: Hearing is the sensing of sounds; Listening is understanding the meaning of sensed sound. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_hearing_and_listening#ixzz1EQRwykW9

We notice that they received the same warning but ignored it. We can think about it in this sense - Just because you brought someone to church, or that they even grew up in church, does not mean that they listened. You can hear what is said, and even regurgitate what is said, but that does not mean that you listened. Listening leads to application, and when there is no fruit of application, it points to a lack of listening.

Secondly, foolishness is seen in the BUILDING of the fool. No one truly in their right mind would build a house on sinking sand. One of the first things you do is inspect the foundation of a building. Since house was built without any problem, he assumed everything was good. But just because you don’t see many problems in your life right now, that does not mean that you have the right foundation. Faith is tested in the trials of storms – and if you are not in a storm now, it will be coming soon.

Finally, foolishness is seen in the BROKEN PIECES of the fool. The Bible tells us in Matthew 21:44, “And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” What a shame to live a full life – only to lose it all in the end. Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? The house did not fall because of a faulty roof, bad siding, or leaky windows – but because of a weak and improper foundation. Everyone sees the building, but God sees the foundation.

As we wrap up these three post, understand that just because you are going through a storm, that does not necessarily mean you are living in sin. Everyone goes through storms at some point in your life. They key is to have the right type of foundation that will stand the test of the storms.Which type of foundation do you have? If your salvation is not built upon repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ, it is sinking sand that will not stand the test of eternity.

SWEEPING STORMS, SOLID STONE, & SINKING SAND–Part 2 of 3

Matthew 7:24-27  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  (25)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  (26)  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  (27)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

SOLID STONE – 7:24-25

The last post we looked at “Severe Storms.” Today we begin to look at the foundation that withstood the severe storm. Ephesians 2:19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Jesus Christ is the chief corner stone, the solid rock that our lives as born-again believers are built upon. He is the foundation of our life – and the higher the building, the deeper the foundation.

The Empire State Building is 1,453 feet 8 and 9/16th inches tall from street level to its highest point -- a lightning rod. This is on top of the foundation which rests 55 feet below ground. http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/433.php

So, the more we grow in our faith, the deeper our foundation must be. Many Christians have a shallow faith/foundation, and this is seen in the worldliness of their lifestyle. In studying this passage, I can’t help but think of that great hymn of our faith, “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” - The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, A shelter in the time of storm.

Notice with me first that Jesus is the rock of our SCHOOLING. Jesus is the greatest teacher and preacher to ever walk this earth. He is our final authority. Too many Christians today allow everyone else to be their final authority. It is time they stop sitting in the classroom of the lost and begin to be school by Jesus and God’s Word. I once read where Dr. Barber said, “Never question the will of Jesus, the way of Jesus, or the wisdom of Jesus. He is the greatest Authority the world has ever known. Many think they are experts. I have learned a long time ago that a lot of people can talk a good religion, but when it comes down to serving, they do very little.” 

Jesus does not want His disciples to just be hearers of His commands and His Word, but doers and followers. You hear people say all the time, “Practice what you preach.” And while that is true, let me add, “Practice what WAS preached!” Don’t come to church with no intention to honestly and humbly listen to the Word of God preached and to respond accordingly. Let the Lord be the Rock of your Schooling.

Secondly, we notice that Jesus is the rock of our SALVATION. Any person who listens to the teachings and schoolings Jesus will learn very quickly that He is the only way of salvation. He is the rock, the foundation, upon which our salvation is built. Another great song I love to listen to is, “My Rock” -

My rock, my shield, My Jesus, He is real. I can feel deep within in my soul. One day He saved my soul,  And He made me free and whole. My Lord, He is real. I can feel Him in my soul.

One night I repented. And I got down on my bended knees. And I cried, "Lord have mercy, Won't You save my soul from sin." Now I'm walking, but not alone, Cause I'm headed straight for home. My Lord, He is real. I can feel Him in my soul.

Come to Jesus and repent, And get your feet on the Solid Rock.  He's the One who can help you, He will hear you when you cry. Yes it's Jesus, He's my Saviour. He's my friend and my faithful guide. My Lord, He is real,  And He will lead you to the other side.

Any plan of salvation that is built upon anything other than faith and repentance in Jesus Christ will not stand the test of eternity.

Finally, notice with me that Jesus is the rock of our SECURITY. The fact that the house was still standing to speaks to the eternal security we have through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 10:25, “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” Faith in Jesus Christ is the only foundation that will last – even through the severest of storms.

Dr. Harry Ironside taught that salvation was like Noah inviting an unbeliever to trust God’s Word and board the ark. Some believe that salvation is like Noah putting a peg on the outside of the ark and saying, “If you just hang on through the storm, you’ll be saved.” God holds onto the Christian—not the other way around. http://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/god-keeps-the-christian

When the severe storms of life come, Jesus Christ is the Solid Stone foundation that will get you through.

Sweeping Storms, Solid Stone, & Sinking Sand–Part 1 of 3

Matthew 7:24-27  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  (25)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  (26)  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  (27)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

As we see in our text, storms come into the lives of everyone. What matters most in the midst of the storm is not what kind of house you have built, but what kind of foundation have you laid. Do you have the kind of foundation that will stand the storms of life? By listening to the lesson Jesus gives on the two foundations, we will determine how solid ours is.

SEVERE STORMS

The first thing we notice is that everyone goes through the SAME storms. Many young Christians have this idea that once they come to Jesus, all of their troubles will go away. For some, that may be because the only reason they prayed their “sinner’s prayer” was not because they were under conviction about their sin, but wanted a way out of their storm.

But the storms of life happen to everyone. Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. When you think back to the history of the children of Israel, even they went through the first three plagues in Egypt. Everyone goes through storms.

This faulty logic is why so many Christians give up and give in when going through a storm that does not end up the way they think it should. Your faith does not excuse you from the storms of life; it empowers you to make it through them.

We also notice that everyone goes through SEVERE storms. From all indications, these two foundations did not go through two different storms – but the same storm. If we are not careful, we will assume that the house built on sinking sand was just some small, beat-up shack that was barely standing to begin with.

So, both houses were built some-what the same, and both went through the storm. And this was obviously a severe storm because it completely knocked down and destroyed the second house. There are some Christians who will agree that we all have to go through storms, but if they are honest, they would admit that they think their faith will excuse them from the real bad storms – or even make them easier to go through.

But notice what happened to the first house built on a firm foundation – .
Matthew 7:25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock Just because the first house made it through the storm did not automatically make it an easier storm to go through. In fact, Christians often go through some of the toughest storms of life. Think about men like Job, Moses, Stephen, and Paul. They were great men of faith who went though great storms. So, the first truth we recognize is that everyone goes through the same storms, and sometimes those storms can be severe.