Archive for Christianity

God’s Promises

January 8, 2009 at 1:01 pm · Filed under Christianity, just for moms ·Tagged , ,

Our country is in a state of economic uncertainty . Every daily news report features another established company or small business going under. Unemployment rates are at an all time high and the future looks bleak. I know not one person who hasn’t been affected by the dismal economy. As Christians, it is easy to praise God when we are living life abundantly. It is not so easy to do when we are walking through the desert. If anyone knows about suffering and trial it would be Job. Even when everything Job had was lost he never lost in faith in God. In chapter 1 of Job he says, ” The Lord gave and the Lord takes away; may the name of the Lord is praised.” Where did Job draw his strength from ?  Even his wife told him to curse God. Job knew that God is who he says He is. He never changes and always keeps his promises. There are many of us going through trials and difficulties right now. I think it is important to remember what God promises for us who believe. Here are some verses that have helped me when I’ve been walking in the desert.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4 :6-7

Blessed is than man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who believe. James 1: 12

So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5: 6 -7

And the one that I think sums it all up for us:

…….because God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you So we say with confidence. “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me ? “.Hebrews 13:5-6

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From a Grateful Heart

November 26, 2008 at 12:18 pm · Filed under Christianity

Two are better than one. Because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9 -10.

I have always been in awe of the way God meets my needs, especially the ones I never knew I had. Making friends has not been difficult for me. Sustaining and growing friendships, however, is my weakness. In the last year God has blessed my life abundantly by surrounding me with true Christian women who have filled a tremendous need in my life. These are women from all walks of life, different age groups, in different stages of a their walk with Christ. They have taught me intimacy and how to be open and vulnerable. They have encouraged me in my marriage and with my children. They have guided me and instructed me in God’s Holy Word. Oswald Chamber’s says in his book , My Utmost for His Highest, “True friendship is rare on earth. It means identifying with someone in thought, heart and spirit.”. This Thanksgiving I want to thank all those women who have offered their true friendship to me. Your advice, wisdom, compassion and love mean more than you can ever know.

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Novel Review: The Shack

October 24, 2008 at 6:40 pm · Filed under Christianity, Novel book reviews

Title: The Shack                                                                        

Author: William P. Young

Summary: From Amazon.com

Mackenzie Allen Philips’ youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack’s world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant “The Shack” wrestles with the timeless question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You’ll want everyone you know to read this book!

Positive Elements: This is a wonderfully descriptive and vivid story of the relationship between one man and his heavenly father. Mack endures through one of the most horrific tragedies imaginable to a parent: the loss of a child. During his grieving he has given up on God, church and all things associated with religion. In the story God reveals himself to Mack in many ways on many different levels. Simply, He shares in Mack’s pain and then brings him comfort.  This story is a reminder that God does not like it when bad things happen to us but that he can purpose good out of it for those who love him. (Romans 8:28).  With God’s restoration, Mack was even able to do something unimaginable to many of us; forgiving his daughter’s perpetrator. The burden of bitterness was lifted and Mack was able to have a life fulfilled. I am reminded of the verse in Isaiah 40:31 which says, But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint.  Even in the midst of our suffering we can make a choice. We can flee and let bitterness, anger and doubt seep in, as it did in Mack prior to his meeting at the shack. Or we can embrace it and put our hope in the Lord that he will work it out for His will and purpose.

Sexual Content: None

Violent Content: The premise of the story revolves around the kidnapping and subsequent murder of a young girl. While not graphic in detail, the topic itself can be uncomfortable for many.

Profanity: None

Drug Content: None

Conclusion: I believe that this story provided an amazing insight into the restoration God provides us in our suffering. His hand is always at work in our lives. One of the verses that comes to mind is James 1:2-4 which says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trial of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Mack certainly did not find joy in his suffering but God was faithful to him and joy came to him as he persevered through his trial.  I do have some issues with some of the theology presented in the book. Particularly with respect to the trinity. At one point Mack notices nail prints in God’s hand. I don’t believe there is biblical evidence for this to be possible. In one scene, Jesus tells Mack with regards to his followers that he had no desire to make them Christians. Christian by definition means follower of Christ and his teachings. I would urge every reader of The Shack to keep your Bible handy while reading as to reference any theological discrepancies.

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A Prayer for Our Children

September 17, 2008 at 1:06 pm · Filed under Christianity, Kid's Education ·Tagged , , ,

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for the blessing of our children.  The time of year has come for our children to go back to school.  Some of them are going to school for the first time.  Give them confidence as they start this new year.  Help us, as parents, to be joyful for them as they begin this new year.  Protect our kids as they go without us.  Give us peace and comfort that they are safe.  Watch over them as only You can. Give wisdom and guidance to their teachers. Give wisdom and guidance to the administration. We trust that our children will grow in both wisdom and in their relationship with you as this school year goes on.  Thank you for being our most caring and loving father.  Thank you for being there for us always.

Love,

The moms and dads of the most wonderful children

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A Sling and a Stone

July 3, 2008 at 9:26 pm · Filed under Christianity ·Tagged , ,

Faith in God. Do you have it? To say you have faith in God when things are going well is easy to do. To have faith in God in the little things we ask is simple. To have faith in God when the world is not as it should be, is tough. To have faith in God when you’ve asked (or prayed to him about) the big questions is difficult. I feel that recently God has been bringing the idea of faith to the forefront in my mind. Do I really have the kind of faith that it takes to believe in Him to take care of ALL things? In the last few months, He has placed in my life several people who have had to show extreme faith in God in the big things in life (finances, jobs, family situations, housing). These belivers have shown the faith in God that it takes. Not faith that God will exactly do what they wanted, but faith that His will would be done. After each event has occured, I feel like God is saying to me “See, I told you I can do it. Just have faith in me” . I praise God for these people and the lessons they have taught me. God says to walk by faith and not by sight. Do you have the faith that it takes to stand against a giant with a sling and a stone?

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