Friday, August 9, 2013

Book Review: Follow Me By David Platt


 Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live.  -     
        By: David Platt, Francis Chan




Mr. Platt writes about discipleship. He speaks of the way we come to the Lord as not being the way Jesus intended.  He tells us he “did everything people expected of him to do-planted a mega-church, wrote a bestseller, started a college, planted other churches, and spoke at conferences.” But he didn't have peace. The church in the Acts was vastly different than what he saw. This book is the result of his journey to authentic Christianity.
This author believes that certain qualities of the church should “always be true of Christians and the church.” One of his points is that we need to experience the supernatural regeneration Jesus gives. Another valid point Mr. Platt makes is that, as disciples, we are to make disciples. We sometimes fall short in this area. Jesus is not to be kept by us just for us. As we live  for him, we are to give Him away to others.
This was not an easy book to read. The seven chapters average 30 pages in length. The thoughts sometime conflicted with what I have heard as I try to live for Him.
Follow Me is a scholarly book. I believe it would benefit those who are very seriously seeking to learn how to be a true disciple of the Lord. I believe it will benefit any clergy person who may be doubting his ministry and calling.
While I found this book daunting to me. I find I learned some very important lessons from it.

I discovered this book on the Tyndale website through the Book Club Network. I borrowed it from my local library. All I was asked to do was read it and give an unbiased review.

   

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Forgiveness and Strength


                                                                                                                                  ;


“’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

                   
When I found this verse a few years ago, I was caught by the phrase that God was my God. As I searched for scriptures on strength, this passage caught me by surprise.

Most of us 21st Century believers have jobs or past times that are of a sedentary nature. In order to gain physical strength, some of us walk, jog, or run. We used to have a neighbor who ran several times a week. I ran into him and his wife a couple of years ago. The man has two children who both run in marathons. I shared that story with another former neighbor who remembered that man and his running.

God strengthens our spirits. When we read His Word, He opens our eyes to His thoughts. When we seek forgiveness, He lets us know that He has granted it. When someone breaks an arm or a leg; the bone mends and becomes stronger. After we receive God’s forgiveness, we become stronger and more peaceable.

Graphic from Life hurts God heals.




Monday, August 5, 2013

Courage





“Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (KJV)
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 (KJV)


Sometimes, when we are new in the Lord, we all get uptight about something we want to do. We decide to do that deed, get that item, or begin that project on our time table. This action carries a name—running ahead of God.
When we ‘run ahead of God’, we run the risk of setting ourselves up for failure. The failure could include: not being able to complete the project, encountering insurmountable road blocks, strained nerves, and even sickness.
King David advises his readers to “Wait on the Lord. . .” We know it can be hard to wait-that implies doing nothing. But waiting on the Lord has a deeper meaning.
When we wait on Him, we spend time in prayer and search the scriptures for guidance and direction.
David tells us to “. . . be of good courage. . .” He advises us to not cower or act afraid of the issue or the outcome of our plans. When we exercise our faith, we show courage to others and to God.

A result from showing courage is that God “. . . shall strengthen thine heart. . .” As we wait on God and spend time with Him, we gain insight and wisdom. These qualities allow us to become stronger in the Lord.

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 ...