This book encourages us how to stay strong when we feel doubt and down in our life. The author felt like that sometimes and shares what we learned with us.
Someone wrote on the barracks wall of Auschwitz this " There is Grace, though and wander , on the way, Only they are hard to see, hard to embrace,for those compelled to wander in the darkness". This is a book about finding God and Grace as we wander in a darkness that is more than we can handle. It's about the moments when we're so overwhelmed that we wander direction less towards unknown destinations. It's about those times when we wonder if the God who promises to guide us had run far ahead and left us behind to stumble in the darkness on our own.
On page 26 it says " Your pain is real. Your suffering is legitimate. What you are facing is more than you can handle. " On page 35 it says " Paul- the one who was shipwrecked for the sake of the Gospel, whose faith was so strong that people were healed when they touched rags he used to wipe his brow, who converted guards while in jail, who brazeingly stood before rulers and confessed Jesus as Lord, said he despaired of life. He didn't just have a bad day. The pain was too great. He wanted to give up. He considered abandoning everything because it no longer seemed worth the struggle. It is when we are at our frailest that Christ's power can rest on us. When we can no longer keep going. When we're empty. Confused. Exhausted. "
On page 75 it says " Suffering is a reality whenever our ability to flourish is stolen from us. There is an unspoken pressure to dance, smile, and thank God for his faithfulness. This is what good Christians do, isn't it?
On page 89 he asks" Why was the temptation to be like God so compelling to Eve? Is it because the anxiety and fear of not knowing what tomorrow would bring subtly gnawed at her just before she fell asleep. "
On page 132 it says " What kind of God demands that action as a test of faith? What kind of God forces the the choices between the God who promised you an unimaginable legacy or the son you prayed for. Even if it was all a simple test, it is cruel in the highest sense."
On page 167 it says " the one young child too light to quickly expedite his own death hung at the end of the rope for a hellish amount of time. He remained for more than a half an hour , lingering between life and death. We were forced to look at him at close range. For God's sake, where is God? "
On page 179 it says " God doesn't doesn't just offer a cure. God brings wholeness. Jesus didn't stop Peter from disowning him, but he did restore him. Jesus didn't end Mary's pain as she watched her son die, but he did see that was cared for. " On page 189 it says " our heavenly father adopts us as sons and daughters, and he wraps his robe around iur shoulders ."
Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I 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." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I 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."
Monday, March 18, 2019
Monday, March 11, 2019
Bible Study From KingdomNomics
Often in our haste to do things or do ministry we forgot to pray for God's blessing and direction. The power to change the power to overcome sin, and the power to defeat the evil one is sacred in Almighty God. We are told to boldy come to the throne of Grace to receive mercy and find help in the time of need. Prayer is a key ingredient to spiritual success.
Bible Study From Framemedia.com
When we take the time to untangle what may seem like a ball of emotions, the simple solution is to trust in the Lord. Pause, reflect, reframe. Find a verse or scripture that typically helps you and remind yourself that your love is in God. It is for freedom that Christ sets us free. Stand firm,then do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery( Galatians 5:1)
Monday, March 04, 2019
Video Message With Chris Hodges
Source: Amazon and It Isn't Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst
Video Message With Craig Groeschel
Listen to it https://s3.amazonaws.com/p31obs/INSTBTW/INSTBTW+Bonus+Craig.mp3
Source : Amazon and It's Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst
Bible Study From KingdomNomics
I will go in the strengh of the Lord God. I will make mention of your righteousness of yours only( Psalms 71:16 NKJV)
As we navigate our way through this world, we need to remember that we are here vessels. We are carrying precious cargo, the message of Christ to declare to a lost and dying world. Our mission is to proclaim his story, not our own story.
Only by the strength of Christ can we hope to live a Christian Life in a credible way. The righteousness of God saves us and gives us right standing with God. This is why the psalmist said he would go into his everyday life in the strength of the Lord and in God's righteousness.
God gives each of us a platform for proclaiming his message of salvation. But we must be careful to proclaim him, and not ourselves. Our resources are to be used for proclaiming his message, to bring glory to him.
Another Bible Study From It's Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst
Our comfort is not meant to be dependent on what Jesus will do in our situation but simply because he is there. Take the account found in Matthew 8. The disciple's we're with Jesus on a boat when a fierce storm erupted. The boat was being tossed from side to side. The disciple's we're scared. But Jesus slept through it all. When they woke him in there fear, his first response was to ask why why are you so afraid? We learn they had nothing to fear. He was saying trust me, I'm here, we got this.
Review Of The Book When Faith Fails by Dominic Done
On page 9 it says " This big God created us. An incomprehensible infinite God created something. Like an artist standing before a canvas, he splashed boundless layers of color, life, beauty, fire, water, earth-and our world was born. Seven times in the creation story, God called his world good. He made the mountains, rivers and seas...joy, beauty, virtue, flourishing, harmony-are all enveloped in this ancient understanding of goodness. When God spoke, the universe was vibrant and alive, humming with his presence..
"
On page 14 it says " God didn't create Adam and Eve with all the answers to life's hardest questions. He allowed a space for them to explore, question and learn. He cultivated a garden in which mystery could coexist alongside faith. That means when we doubt, God isn't disappointed with us, he understands. Doubt is a natural response to the limitations of our knowledge."
On page 29 it says" I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself , this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him. This is sick Jesus. This one has leprosy or gangrene; I must wash and tend to him. I serve better because I love Jesus."
On page 40 it says " Psalms of disorientation. These songs came out of a place of unexpected disruption, when anger, despair, suffering and tragedy eclipsed the authors faith in God. In Psalm 130 says out of the depths I cry to you. I needed from God was no more directions and maps but closeness, intimacy, and a relationship. He reached out his hand and said follow me. And when I took his hand, things began to change. Personally I chose to trust God. And I'm doing my best to follow the way of Jesus. It's often hard, unsettling, and confusing, but it's also mesmerizing, breathtaking,and full of joy. Two men looked out from prison bars. One saw mud, the other saw stars. "
On page 81 it says " the Bible is honest about the human story. It's awkward,messy and weird. Why? Because that's what people do. People are awkward messy and weird. So, of course there is scandal, adultery, sexism, violence and war. The Bible is true to life. It doesn't gloss over our imperfections. It confronts us in the mud and mess of life. It's about people with real issues, insecurities, weakness's and flaws. "
Many stories about doubt in the Bible. Abraham and Sarah doubted God's promises, Gideon doubted his calling. Job doubted God's character. John the Baptist , who Jesus called the greatest of all the prophets, doubted Jesus was the Messiah. Peter doubted his faith. Thomas doubted the resurrection. It's doubts are it's authors. They were bewildered, perplexed, and often unsure. Yet, they figured out a way to flourish in the tension of an imperfect faith. And God was okay with that. Not only okay, but he gave them the biggest platform the world has ever known. If you are doubting the Bible, the best thing you can do is read the Bible. It gives your doubts a place of belonging. It articulates your struggle.far from being preached at, you'll join myraid sourjourners who have been in your shoes. They know what it's like. They've experienced times when the sun went dark. Their feet have slipped too. But somehow they kept believing. "
On page 119 it says " sometimes the only appropriate response to suffering is boundless brief. Lament is the cry of a heart that is shattered,raw, and largely unhealed. David screamed how long Lord? Jeremiah overwhelmed by the opression he witnessed , implored God to intervene. Job despaired. Jacob wrestled. Moses challenged . Abraham doubted. Mary questioned. Jesus wept. God still runs to us, and weeps with us there. . "
On page 130 it says" if he promised that he would never leave me or forsaken me, why am I so lonely. I read the Bible and see stories of God speaking to his people. Why doesn't he do that for me? When I pray, it's like my words fall o deaf ears. Where are you God? I'd God disappointed in me? Have I done something wrong,? Why is he holding me back?. "
Be still and then you will know God. The only way I can hear the whisper of God is if I silence the noise around me and within me on page 137.: On page 152 it says " deep faith is an intimate , tenacious, all of life, sweaty, bloody, sometimes clumsy, and always real encounter with God . It means taking in a your fears,sins, and insecurities and doubts and going head to head with God. You'll probably be get bruised, broken and list your swag. But it's better to be an authentic mess before God than a fake religious person. Faith means going all in. You'll be transformed because you've wrestled with God . You've encountered him in new and intimate ways. Your not the same person that you used to be. You've died and come alive. And now you only want more of him" page 161."
On page 174 it says " when the ancient Chinese cracked a valuable dish or jar , rather than throw it away, they adorn it with a gold leaf. This wasn't done to hide the break but draw attention to it. We're not going to pretend the brokenness doesn't exist. Instead were going to own it, share it, and turn it into something beautiful. Someone called out to Jesus Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Jesus heard him. He didn't send him away, lecture him for his less than perfect faith. He answered his prayers, stepped into the brokenness and healed hid troubled son."
Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I 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." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I 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."
"
On page 14 it says " God didn't create Adam and Eve with all the answers to life's hardest questions. He allowed a space for them to explore, question and learn. He cultivated a garden in which mystery could coexist alongside faith. That means when we doubt, God isn't disappointed with us, he understands. Doubt is a natural response to the limitations of our knowledge."
On page 29 it says" I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself , this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him. This is sick Jesus. This one has leprosy or gangrene; I must wash and tend to him. I serve better because I love Jesus."
On page 40 it says " Psalms of disorientation. These songs came out of a place of unexpected disruption, when anger, despair, suffering and tragedy eclipsed the authors faith in God. In Psalm 130 says out of the depths I cry to you. I needed from God was no more directions and maps but closeness, intimacy, and a relationship. He reached out his hand and said follow me. And when I took his hand, things began to change. Personally I chose to trust God. And I'm doing my best to follow the way of Jesus. It's often hard, unsettling, and confusing, but it's also mesmerizing, breathtaking,and full of joy. Two men looked out from prison bars. One saw mud, the other saw stars. "
On page 81 it says " the Bible is honest about the human story. It's awkward,messy and weird. Why? Because that's what people do. People are awkward messy and weird. So, of course there is scandal, adultery, sexism, violence and war. The Bible is true to life. It doesn't gloss over our imperfections. It confronts us in the mud and mess of life. It's about people with real issues, insecurities, weakness's and flaws. "
Many stories about doubt in the Bible. Abraham and Sarah doubted God's promises, Gideon doubted his calling. Job doubted God's character. John the Baptist , who Jesus called the greatest of all the prophets, doubted Jesus was the Messiah. Peter doubted his faith. Thomas doubted the resurrection. It's doubts are it's authors. They were bewildered, perplexed, and often unsure. Yet, they figured out a way to flourish in the tension of an imperfect faith. And God was okay with that. Not only okay, but he gave them the biggest platform the world has ever known. If you are doubting the Bible, the best thing you can do is read the Bible. It gives your doubts a place of belonging. It articulates your struggle.far from being preached at, you'll join myraid sourjourners who have been in your shoes. They know what it's like. They've experienced times when the sun went dark. Their feet have slipped too. But somehow they kept believing. "
On page 119 it says " sometimes the only appropriate response to suffering is boundless brief. Lament is the cry of a heart that is shattered,raw, and largely unhealed. David screamed how long Lord? Jeremiah overwhelmed by the opression he witnessed , implored God to intervene. Job despaired. Jacob wrestled. Moses challenged . Abraham doubted. Mary questioned. Jesus wept. God still runs to us, and weeps with us there. . "
On page 130 it says" if he promised that he would never leave me or forsaken me, why am I so lonely. I read the Bible and see stories of God speaking to his people. Why doesn't he do that for me? When I pray, it's like my words fall o deaf ears. Where are you God? I'd God disappointed in me? Have I done something wrong,? Why is he holding me back?. "
Be still and then you will know God. The only way I can hear the whisper of God is if I silence the noise around me and within me on page 137.: On page 152 it says " deep faith is an intimate , tenacious, all of life, sweaty, bloody, sometimes clumsy, and always real encounter with God . It means taking in a your fears,sins, and insecurities and doubts and going head to head with God. You'll probably be get bruised, broken and list your swag. But it's better to be an authentic mess before God than a fake religious person. Faith means going all in. You'll be transformed because you've wrestled with God . You've encountered him in new and intimate ways. Your not the same person that you used to be. You've died and come alive. And now you only want more of him" page 161."
On page 174 it says " when the ancient Chinese cracked a valuable dish or jar , rather than throw it away, they adorn it with a gold leaf. This wasn't done to hide the break but draw attention to it. We're not going to pretend the brokenness doesn't exist. Instead were going to own it, share it, and turn it into something beautiful. Someone called out to Jesus Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Jesus heard him. He didn't send him away, lecture him for his less than perfect faith. He answered his prayers, stepped into the brokenness and healed hid troubled son."
Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I 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." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I 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."
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