This was such a blessing to me this morning, I just had to share it. I trust that it will bless you as well. Take the time to invest 45 minutes - you won't be disappointed! "Our lives are His to spend".
Love in the Truth.
When "God's Will" goes terribly WRONG!
I received a letter and a copy of a CD in my mailbox at church on Sunday. I feel like sending it to Kevin Deyoung for his "Monday Morning Humour" section of his blog. Plus he wrote a book that this letter writer really NEEDS to read.
Anyway - here is a sample form the letter:
"My name is __________. God has called me into a ministry of music and spoken word. Having delayed this for a number of years I have answered the call and recently moved to the town of Bruce Mines, Ontario, doing so completely on faith believing this is where God has directed me as a headquarters from which to do His work.In June of 2010 God granted me the opportunity of producing a gospel cd (a copy is enclosed). What makes my music unique is that my inspiration to sing comes from the legendary Elvis Presley. When I perform I present an image and a sound that resembles (The King). I do not know why God has chosen me me to present the the gospel in this manner but then again it is not for me to question but to obey...I released the cd on August 8, 2010 and am looking forward to performing the cd and offering it for sale at my performances."
The key phrase in that portion is "I do not know"! I wouldn't normally call someone out like this...well ok...maybe I would. But seriously people - if you're being "called" to the middle of nowhere Northern Ontario as your "headquarters" for "Elvis Impersonator Evangelism" there's a very good chance it is not God who is calling.
PS - I haven't as of yet listened to the cd. Perhaps I'll completely change my tune after hearing "the king" in action...but don't hold your breath!
Love in the Truth.
Spiritual Leadership 4 Free!
This months Christian Audio free book selection is Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. Here are John MacArthur's thoughts on the book:
"Spiritual Leadership should be the constant companion of every undershepherd in the Savior's service. Most helpful is the fact that its emphasis is not on methods, but on character, passion, and godliness. I read it often to regrip the basic perspectives of my task, and have given it to the entire leadership team in our church."
Love in the Truth.
The Truth about Abortion
Warning:
This video contains the graphic truth about abortion. Do not watch if you wish not to see dead children. I truly wish there was another way to tell the truth. But if they aren't really human beings, then this shouldn't offend you.
Abortion is Murder from I'll Be Honest on Vimeo.
Love in the Truth.
Steps to Grace-Driven Sex
Jared Wilson has a great post on...well the title gives you the answer. "Within the marital covenant, sexual intimacy can be a joyous, mutually satisfying, and mutually encouraging gift. But many husbands and wives don't know how to "get there." That is how it begins; you can read the rest for yourself.
It is not always an easy subject to talk about, but it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, it should not be that way. Like Z, I thought this portion of the article was most helpful:
Talk – Men are not wired very well for context clues, and because a woman's body has ebbs and flows to what she may find desirable, arousing, etc., men often feel lost. (e.g. That thing "worked" the last time, didn't it? Why isn't it working now?) Meanwhile his wife feels he doesn't know her at all. Look, men may not ask for directions, but they'll accept them if given lovingly. Most men really do want to please and satisfy their wives and find pleasure themselves in doing so. It is odd that many women will want to talk about everything on their mind but this one thing. It's okay to ask for something, to guide a man's hands, etc. And while, of course, it would be great if he just already knew exactly what you wanted/needed, nobody gets good at something without practice and direction. Given enough of that over time, a man of average intelligence and interest will learn how to satisfy his wife. Don't give up; give instructions.
Love in the Truth.
New Andrew Peterson Album
I have long been a fan of Andrew Peterson as a musician and more recently as an author. Counting Stars, his latest release (July 27) will no-doubt be another gem. If you are not familiar with Peterson, you should do yourself a favour and check him out. I am almost certain that you will not be disappointed, but rather, you will be blessed. Here is a sample from the new album...
Love in the Truth.
HT / Denny Burk
Learning to Lead
“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.”
Ephesians 5:23
“Lead Me”
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying…
“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can’t
Don’t leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you’re willing to fight
That I’m still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”
I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They’re just children from the outside
I’m working hard, I tell myself they’ll be fine
They’re independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying…
“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can’t
Don’t leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?
Show me you’re willing to fight
That I’m still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”
So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I’m called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won’t You lead me?
To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can’t
Don’t want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up
I’ll show them I’m willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone
Father, lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone
HT / Challies; Precious Adornment
Free Audio Book
This month's free download from Christian Audio is "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. It is Chan's follow-up effort to his excellent first book, "Crazy Love." You really can't argue, when you can get it for free! That said, this one is worth the price if you had to buy it. Although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as his first, "Forgotten God" was - and is - a solid book.
Chan will be one of the key-note speakers at this year's Desiring God National Conference, and has been a regular at Passion events as well. Recently, Chan caused a bit of a stir in the evangelical community when he revealed that he was stepping down from his role at Cornerstone Simi Valley - the church he started.
Love in the Truth.
Mistaken Identity
In 2006, five students from Taylor University were involved in a deadly car accident, and only one survived. The lone survivor was believed to be Laura Van Ryn, and for five weeks she was cared for in hospital by "her family". When she finally began speaking, the family discovered that she was not Laura. The girl was in fact Whitney Cerak; Laura had died in the crash. Her hospital chart had two words written at the top - mistaken identity.
A tragic story indeed, but one that is woven with the grace of God as well. The two families are forever linked and have written a book detailing their story. It's name...
Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope.
Matt Lauer interviewed both families on The Today Show recently. He seemed astonished by their faith and asked if they ever doubted God in the midst of their ordeal. Their answer was a remarkable one and wonderful to see on network television.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Love in the Truth.
HT / Denny Burk
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