Friday, September 7, 2012

Learning Obedience


 

 

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. . . . “ Hebrews 5:8-9 (NIV)

 

”He learned obedience from what he suffered” The Lord gave up His will for the Father’s when He prayed in Gethsemane. He chose to go through crucifixion, a punishment reserved for the worst of criminals.
Because Jesus endured the cross for us, he became the foundation of our faith and strength as we go through this life.  We can rely on Him to get us through each day. When we face harsh times, He is there for us all because we have learned to obey Him.
Recently, a 19-year- old granddaughter of one of my friends gave the children’s moments talk during morning worship. She asked if any children liked doing chores. No on held up their hand. She read a scripture to them, Philippians 2:14 “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Everyone in the congregation who had raised children grinned and chuckled. My friend’s daughter is the church pianist. I could tell she was grinning and enjoying hearing her daughter talking about how things go better when we don’t complain or argue. This is also part of obedience for us. I learned a lesson here.

As I have grown up, I have learned that, if we gripe about having to do something, that task is harder to accomplish and takes longer to finish than if we just did it. The Philippians verse shows us how to approach every distasteful task we can imagine.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Call to Live Life Differently

 

 

Ken Davis, a Christian inspirational and motivational speaker, came to a realization that he needed to live his life differently. Like a lot of us, he didn’t like his image, captured by a camera. In his book, Fully Alive, he calls that photo his “Nooooooo photo.” But his journey to living life Fully Alive encompasses more than the physical; it involves the spiritual emotional and mental aspects of life.

Once I got the message that this was not a book promoting a diet, I found it challenging. The words of Mr. Davis has made me think about if, in fact, I could live my life more to the full than I have. He has made me think about my attitude and my reaction to issues and circumstances of my life.

The topic of living my life more aligned to the will of God kept me reading. I started reading a chapter at a sitting but found myself reading two, sometimes three chapters, at one time. We all know we will one day be in the presence of Jesus, but what about in the meantime? Mr. Davis asks a question many of us should ask ourselves, “What will faith in Christ bring to the quality of my life right now?”

 Mr. Davis uses his skill as a storyteller to present the message of this book. When I finished reading, I felt as if I had been listening to a friend and not reading a book by a professional motivational speaker. He has a way of conveying Biblical truth that comes across in a non-preachy way.

I would recommend this book be read by anyone involved in ministry, whether they are clergy or laity.

I received this book, free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Booksneeze. All they asked of me was to read this book and give an unbiased review.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...