Book Review: Thirty-One Days of Power

The Enemy is after God’s children. It is echoed throughout scriptures to be on guard against him. Ruth Myers and her late husband put together pearls of scriptures to assist us in this war that we are engaged in.   For 31 days, the authors arrange prayers to arm and strengthen through scriptures to start each with praise and foundational truth that remind us of our position in Christ.  The enemy seeks to take us captives while Christ wants us to be free.  Ruth Meyers invite us to be prepared in the spiritual warfare that we are in – not against the flesh but against spiritual enemies. 

“These days of prayer and praise are designed to help you lift your soul to God with greater freedom to sense His presence and count on His power. I pray that this will fortify you to overcome Satan in new ways, both in your life and in the lives of others.” P7.  The days of evil are here and the enemy is furious as his time comes to the end prophesied in scriptures and now more than ever, we need to be ready to stand up to the attacks that are directing our ways.  We can only defeat him through the power of Christ.  The title of the book captured my attention.  For 31 days, I can steep myself in the Word with very relevant truths geared towards spiritual attacks.  When I turned to day 1, I was not disappointed.  31 Days of Power live up to its name.  It is impossible to read the days’ reading and not feel empowered to take on the day.  You will read the day’s reading. I proceed to read them out loud and even keep a list of scriptures to memorize from the reading.  It is an excellent devotional that you will not not want to start the day with.  It is not just for the 31 days – you will go back and do it over and over the following months.

The end of the book concludes with a section titled “The Dynamics of Spiritual Warfare” and it presents very informative information on the key characters that are for us and against us.  We cannot fight with someone we don’t know – as such she gives us pretty good intelligent data on our enemy but reminds us that more importantly that we are victors in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read an excerpt: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601423382&view=excerpt

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

 

Couples Who Pray by Squire Rushnell & Louise DuArt

With all marriages being under serious attack, it is clear that we are in great need of prayer.  Christian marriages are no exception and the authors laid out an excellent plan by challenging couples to pray together for 40 days and to witness God’s hand as He moves in their marriages.   The authors penned: “All marriages start out striving to create an environment of happiness.  Joint prayers will contribute to your success as you continue in that pursuit.”   A number of couples from various walks of life shared their experiences with praying together and the results are remarkable.   The authors suggest that couples spend only 5 minutes together praying.  Many reported it was somewhat awkward at first and they grew increasingly closer as they bare their hearts out to God and as a result their spouses are able to join them and consequently pray for each other.

I enjoy reading the conversations the authors (Rushnell & Louise DuArt) had and how they complement each other.  It’s a challenging book that any couple could benefit from reading.  If praying together is not part of their life – it is a great way to start.  The book is well laid out as it shows the readers how to go about taking the challenge together and hopefully it becomes a norm for the rest of their lives together.  As one engaged to be married, I am planning to put to use the principles learned in the book.   Only starts with 5 minutes and as the author puts it ‘it is the most intimate act’ in a marriage and I wouldn’t want to miss out on that.  I would highly recommend the book to any couples as they stand to benefit greatly and improve their marriages.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my review and it has in no way influenced my opinion of the book.

Myriam

Book Review: Fresh Start

I was attracted to the book entitled “Fresh Start” by Doug Fields because of its title.  We all can use a fresh in the many different areas addressed by the author such as:

* Dealing with pride

* Defining success

* Living with guilt

* Struggling with conflicts

* Finding true friendships

* Overcoming discouragement

* Facing rejection

* Attacking anger

The author addressed each topic in depth and explained how if left unattended they can have an impact on our relationship.  Trying harder is the THE issue but getting on board with God for Him to the power needed for lasting changed and transformation.   The book will prove to be very useful to a new believer because the topics are areas that one needs to deal with or address.  A seasoned believer can also find the book quite helpful because there tends to be a hidden area that the enemy will use against us.

I would recommend the book to a believer struggling with the areas that the author addressed in the book.

Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review and the opinion expressed are entirely mine.

Myriam

This Thing is from ME

This Thing is from ME

“This thing is from ME” (1 Kings 12:24)

“Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments.”    

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from Me.

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too?  Fort, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye” (Zeck 2:8).  You are precious in My sight (Isa 43:4).  Therefore, it is my special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood” that this thing is from Me, that your weakens needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties?  Is it hard to make both ends meet?  This thing is from Me, for I am your purse bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil 4:19). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut 1:32).

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16, 17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service that they may learn to wield the weapon of all–prayer.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.

Streams in the Desert By L.B. Cowman

Me – A Preacher?

YES.

Me.

AND you too should be a preacher if you are not already one.   The psalmist David exemplified that when he had a lengthy conversation with his soul.  In verse 5, he firmly reminded his soul where his hope was to be. Read on:

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance”

WAS your soul downcast today?  Yesterday?  Perhaps last week or last month?

THESE are occasions to be seized and began to preach to ourselves.   Oftentimes ‘self’ talks to us.  Sometimes – we label ourselves and act out that very belief because after all isn’t true that “as a man (woman) thinketh in his (her) heart so is he (she)”?  The enemy of our soul daily talks to us but a different message altogether -one of despair and confusion.  Far too often, I agree and accept the little seemingly innocent thoughts as my own and soon they become giants as I am led in shackles and bondage ensured.

IGNORANCE is not always bliss.  John Piper in his book “When I Don’t Desire God” said the following:

We should not only be preached to; we should become preachers and preach the word of the cross to ourselves every day. We must not rely only on being preached to, but must become good preachers to our own soul.

Go ahead today and have a good talk with yourself.   Be forewarned ‘self’ and you as well dear enemy that as a justified sinner that I stand firm and ready to address every word and every thought from every enemy of every kind.

When was the last time you talk to your ‘self’?

Myriam

Journey Thru The Psalms ….Ps. 2

THE first Psalm that is ascribed to King David and it is what is called a Messianic Psalm.  While the people of Psalm 1 treasures God’s law it is quite a contrast in Psalm 2, the people has complete disregard for the law.  Not much has changed from the days of David until now. Psalm 2 is referenced at least 15 times in the New Testament.  Interestingly, the Jews wanted a king to rule over them just like the other nations.   Initially, God was their Ruler – a form of government referred to as ‘Theocracy’ but they asked for a king that they could see.   As a result, God appointed them a king and with that request they were forewarned of what could potentially happen.  Centuries later, there was this statement from David:

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed…” ver 2.

Psalm 2

WHAT they really were after was the absence of any form of government or shall we say ‘anarchy’ – no supreme power to govern them.  Humanity has been trying to be free from God’s ruleship over them starting with the tower of Babel, crucifixion of Christ, and through another battle yet to come – Armageddon.  And unfortunately, it has been an exercise in futility.  David records them saying:

“Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.”

THEY are defiant against God and His Son, the Anointed One who is the ultimate King and who will rule over all the nations.  The nations still rage today or I dare say even more rebellious towards God and His Son’s authority over mankind.  Still, God continues to speak to the nations in His mercy and extends salvation to all in spite of open rebellion against Him and His Holy One.  God has set Him as king of Kings and He sits in the heavenly Zion.

THE psalm records four different voices (Nations, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) with an appeal to serve the Lord with fear and trembling. That requires devotion, surrendered heart, and submission to the One in authority.  The bonds He has set are for our own good and the psalm concludes with a blessing that still stands “Blessed are all who take refuge in him”.

Two Men – Two Paths – Two Destinies

DOESN’T it feel like oftentimes we are presented with 2 choices or 2 options and the path chosen usually leads us to a very specific destination?  Recently, I read a book called “The Principle of the Path” and in it the author talks about how that principle works in our life whether we are aware of it or not.  The aforementioned author makes the convincing argument there is a principle that governs what happens in just about every area of life and he refers to it as the ‘Principle of the path”. It is not a rule. It is not a law. It cannot be broken. But that principle has the power to break you says Andy Stanley.   It is being applied to every one of us at every moment of every day.   It can be likened to a cause-and-effect relationship that is at work whether you know it or acknowledge it.

PSALM 1

IN a similar fashion, the first psalm alludes somewhat to that very principle that Andy Stanley talks about in the book mentioned above.   The first psalm is not attributed to a specific author and it falls under the wisdom category.  It begins with the word BLESSED (reminds me of Jesus’ teaching on Beatitudes) and I love the rendering of the Amplified version of the psalm for many reasons.  The Amplified version says to be ‘blessed’ in this context is to be happy, fortunate, enviable, and prosperous.  I want to be blessed. I want to be happy, fortunate etc.  While it’s all ours for the taking but it comes with a price tag where we need to yet again make a choice.

THE psalm described the person who is blessed as one whose delight and desire are in the law of the Lord.  But that person also meditates on God’s law day and night.  God told Joshua after Moses’ death that the Book of the Law was not to depart from his mouth and to meditate on it day and night and THEN Joshua would be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8).  Later Jesus would reiterate the same principle to abide in Him and also let the Word abides in us.  As you read the psalm, you will see or experience the blessings that following such a path will lead to.

THE second half of the psalm describes the ungodly.  They are headed for judgment if they don’t change their path. They are compared to chaff that is a representation of dead, rootless, destined for the fired.  In contrast to the righteous who are like trees well planted.  If stayed on that path, it is clear and evident what their destination will be. But there’s good news, we can warn them of the judgment to come.  Opportunity to witness and share the Good News of the gospel with then becomes an imperative.

BELIEVERS in Christ are called blessed.  Psalm began with the word ‘bless’ and end with ‘perish’.  “They have received God’s blessing, and they ought to be a blessing to others, especially to the chaff that will be one day be thrown into the fire. Let’s seek to win as many of them as we can” (Be Worshipful – W. Wiersbe).

” Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set. I ponder 
 every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it”. Psalm 119:5, 15.

An Audacious Goal

Dear Blog,

FIRST, a huge apology is in order for ignoring you for so long.   I have practically abandoned you for months and I am sorry.  And to make it up to you, I pledge to post something (I have a goal in mind) for the next few months as I ask you to hold me accountable.

SECOND, the goal is go the through the entire book of Psalms.  How would you like to journey with me through the book of Psalms?  Wait …you say – do you know how many psalms there are?  Yes and that’s exactly how I plan to keep you company as we go through that pilgrimage together.  Your role, dear blogger, is to ensure that I stay on track by writing 5 entries a week.  Promise to help me out?

Ready? 

Great!

FOR starters, the psalms are great.  Without question the Book of Psalms has been the single most influential and widely used book of the Bible in both the Jewish and Christian faith. We can easily identify with the authors of the psalms because in some fashion they express our heart’s cry.  Ever felt the desire to praise and thank God, in order words they express our own emotions and feelings before the Lord.  

 
DID YOU KNOW?

IT is the largest book in the Bible. It is comprised of 150 psalms and was composed over several centuries starting with Moses. David takes the lead with 73 psalms as Israel’s “beloved singer of songs”. Other authors were the sons of Korah, Asaph, King Solomon, and Ethan. The writers are often identified in the superscriptions.

The book of Psalms is divided into 5 sections and it has been said that they are arranged in a similar fashion as the Pentateuch (The 5 Books of Moses). They are arranged as follows:  Book I: 1-41, Book II: 42-72, Book III: 73-89, Book IV: 90-106, and Book V: 107-150.

No doubt in your own reading of the psalms, you have encountered a variety of psalms and theologians have labeled them as: psalms of laments to the Lord, messianic that point towards the Lord Jesus, psalms of praise and thanksgiving, royal, wisdom, affirmations, trust, penitential, and even imprecatory psalms calling down God’s wrath on the enemy.

Perhaps your desire is not to call for God’s judgment on your enemy but you are bound to find one or more psalms that echo your deepest desires when you lack the words to tell the Lord exactly what you feel from deep within your soul.

And so begins my pilgrim journey as I will take the road traveled by the psalmists as I look forward to learning how they accepted their trials and turned them to triumph, how they’ve failed, repented and accepted God’s forgiveness. But above and beyond that, I look to encounter the Most High God and Immanuel –“God with us”.

Got your backpack ready?  Let’s go.

“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified”  Acts 20:32

 

MARCH FORWARD

There’s something about the beginning of a new year.  In reality, anything ‘new’ carries within it some excitement – something to discover.  It’s about a:

·         Clean slate

·         Starting over

·         New page

·         New beginning

·         New resolution

·         Recommitment to broken resolutions

Sadly, not long thereafter, it becomes business as usual. Personally, I tend to go back to my old ways and settle into my old routines.  I want to do something ‘new’ this year and not let the old defines the new.  I want to invite the Lord to reign as the King of Kings in my life in 2010.  To do that means I have to dethrone myself first so that He can reign.  I want permission to venture onto unknown territories with God and take off the ‘safe’ mask if only for the Father to behold Himself.

Father, I ask that you will:

Disturb us, Lord, when

We are too well pleased with ourselves,

When our dreams have come true

Because we have dreamed too little,

When we arrived safely

Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possess

We have lost our thirst

For the waters of life;

Having fallen in love with life,

We have ceased to dream of eternity

And in our efforts to build a new earth,

We have allowed our vision

Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

To venture on wider seas

Where storms will show your mastery;

Where losing sight of land,

We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back

The horizons of our hopes;

And to push into the future

In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Attributed – sir Francis Drake -1577

In that spirit, we welcome you, 2010 and May the Lord crown the year with His good blessings. Psalm 65:11

How To Draw Away From God

I started listening to LifeChurch.TV podcasts a few days ago.  I must say since then I’ve listened to a number of sermons by Craig Groeschel and one of them was part of a series called Five Steps to wreck your life.  In one of the messages, he outlines the necessary steps to draw away from God and if follows closely – mission will be accomplished.

And they are:

1. You must neglect your time with God

2. If you don’t like your circumstances, blame God.

3. Hang around wrong influences.

4. Give into temptation

5. Love this world more than you love God.

Finally, if all else fails fake it.

There you have it.