Book Review: Rumble! Zap! Pow! Mighty Stories of God

I received the book Rumble! Zap! Pow! Mighty Stories of God and was anxious to begin reading it to my kids. My goal for this review was not to review it for myself, but from my kids perspective. That did not quit work out. The reason being is this: they really liked the book, but I felt it lacking in many areas.

For the reasons they liked it: it was filled with short, colorful stories with cool actions/games to do at the end. But that is where anything of value ends for me with this book. I found the watered down version of Bible stories to be more harmful than helpful. I am afraid we lose many of our children later in life because we make the Bible so kid friendly and cartoon like that once they get older it just seems like another fairy tale they grew up with. So, it is my opinion that this book, though tries and has the right intent, actually might hurts your children in the long run and cause them to doubt the truth and reliability of the Word of God later in life when the actual Bible does not line up completely with the stories they were taught as kids.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

An Attack on God's Gifted

As I was reading in my Bible this morning, I came across Daniel 1:3-4  And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;  (4)  Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

When I came to this point, the Lord spoke to me about this and shed some new light on it for me and gave me a different emphasis. I find it interesting, and telling, that the king did not want the children of Israel that were ugly, weak, ignorant, and with no common sense. He waned the best that Israel had to offer. 

This is significant to us today because I believe it reveals the method of attack today by Satan: the world and Satan wants to go after God's gifted. When tempted of Satan (as Daniel and his three friends were later in the chapter with the kings meat and drink), we often think we are worthless to God. But just the opposite is true. We have a lot of God-given potential, and Satan wants to do whatever he can to stop it. The next time you are tempted to sin and stray from the Lord, realize it is the devil trying to lure you away from God and your God-given potential to do great things for the Lord. We would also do well to remember this as we minister to other Christians who are living in sin. They too, have potential to do great things for God. Stan realized it, but do we?

Slide commeth before the fall

Okay, so that is not exactly how Proverbs 16:18 records it, but the title is still true today, especially in light of the 73rd Psalm. I want to focus on Psalm 73:2  But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. We read in this verse an honest confession from the psalmist on his own personal life and struggles. 

But as I read his words and confession this morning, I was reminded that we often only focus on the aftermath of a life that is in trouble. We see the family that is separated, the marriage that is estranged, or maybe the dependency upon drugs and alcohol. But what we fail to often realize is that before a person, family, and a life falls apart, it begins with a small, backwards slide. The Bible tells us in the Song of Solomon 2:15  ...the little foxes, that spoil the vines:... It is usually the little steps that lead a person over the edge of the cliff of sin, not some giant leap. It starts with the little things: missing a church service here or there, not reading our Bible or praying on certain days because we get too busy, etc. Sometimes we can even be so focused on serving God and busy with "ministry" that we don't recognize that we have slowly slidden further and further away from God in our own personal relationship with Him.

Often, we are so focused on the big picture that we fail to notice the little things that lead us closer and closer to destruction. When many Christians think of the invitation at the end of a church service, or hear the word "repentance," they think those things are just for those who are in deep, dark sin. But the truth of the matter is that if we don't daily confess those "little" sins and stop the slide, we once day will find ourselves in the middle of a deep dark fall.

BOOK REVIEW: Life Application Bible Studies - 1 & 2 Thessalonians/Philemon

The Life Application Bible Study series covering 1 & 2 Thessalonians and Philemon is a good study material for the Christian in coming to a better knowledge of these three letters. I really appreciated, and have used, another book written by one of the authors this book whose name is David Veerman. He authored "How To Apply The Bible." While I am not a fan of the "New Living Translation," the method used for biblical application is very helpful. This work seems to take the same approach to not only understanding these three letters, but making the correct application. The lessons in this Bible study would be good for not only for Sunday School/Bible Study Groups, but also very good for personal Bible Study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

The Political Scene of Today

Isaiah 30:1-2  Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:  (2)  That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

Isaiah chapter 30 is the continuation of warnings that were given to Judah and Jerusalem of impending discipline that was coming their way. Chapters 29-31 lay out the reasons why, and what would happen.

As I was reading this portion of Scripture this morning, I thought about what I heard on our local news last night and this morning. Certain political experts were hypothesizing why certain candidates won and lost. In their discussion, they claimed that certain candidates won because they appealed to certain groups. One of those groups were those who claim to be "Pro-Choice" (which is just really pro-murder!). Certain politicians lost because they would not capitulate to these immoral, ungodly organizations.

As I thought more about it, we are plagued today in America in that we have people and politicians who are taking counsel from immoral, ungodly agencies and organizations while ignoring the council of God and His Word. Society is spending most of its time, money, and energy trying to cover its sin with more sin while ignoring the direction and leadership of the Holy Spirit. The strength of Egypt and Pharaoh (the world) will not be strong enough to overturn what awaits those who turn on God.

With that being said, I would think that myself and most of my readers would not fall into this category...or do we? How often do we get into trouble and seek the counsel of other men and women (who are usually struggling with the same things we are!) while ignoring the counsel of God? How often do we seek new ideas and implementations from the world in how to raise our children and build the church?  How often do we worry and fret over difficulties and situations as if God has no strength and ability to intercede? How often do we seek the shadow of the world for our comfort while fleeing the sweet Spirit of God?

May we, as the children of a holy, just, and sovereign God, forsake this world's ideologies and seek His Spirit and counsel in all that we say and do.

Church Camp Is This Week!

Hey everyone, I am gone at church camp this week with the teens from our church. I am letting you know this so:

1. You will pray for our teens, myself (I am speaking 3 times) and Evangelist Jayson Godsey, who will be preaching the evening services.
2. I will not be making any new posts until sometime next week

Thanks for praying for us, and I will try to give an update next week. If I can get internet at the camp, I will post some info throughout the week on Facebook and Twitter.

They Think It Strange

1Peter 4:3-4  For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  (4)  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

As I was reading and studying today, I came across verse 4 and it just stood out to me. Peter makes the application that even though they used to run with sinners and live a life of sin, they no longer did and those that they did it with now think they are strange. There was such a dramatic change in not only their inner being but also in their outer being, that it was just strange to the old crowd who was not saved. And because this "new life" was so strange to them, they spoke evil of them. 

How many times have we heard the saying, "They are running with the wrong crowd"? What we notice from Peter today is that no only is that crowd wrong, but they are going to think of you strange for not following them. But our job is not to blend in with every one else, but to stand out for our Lord, remembering what Peter said in chapter 2:

1Peter 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: