Category Archives: christianity
Rise Up Church
Everywhere you turn, a tragedy befalls us.
Yesterday was the mass shooting in the DC Navy Yard. This morning the abduction of a 14-year old girl in Georgia.
Courtesy of Creative Commons.
It’s not that I’m focused on tragedy or negativity, it’s just what is happening all around us.
Yes, I can perhaps bury my head in the sand, and pretend all is well, but I would only be lying to myself.
I’m not the type of person to focus on myself and forget about everything else.
My life is good, but just because things are relatively good, doesn’t mean I should forget others who are suffering.
I guess I’m this way because I have been through my share of hardship in life.
Sure, following the news can be overwhelmingly hard and there are times I do need to unplug from it all.
But most times than not, I feel burdened for the state of affairs. It’s not something I can shake off or ignore. I wish I could, but for whatever reason, God didn’t design me this way.
Even in the midst of tragedy though, I can still see God’s goodness and beauty. His signature is everywhere; from the rising sun, the mountains and vast oceans.
He is a divine artist and the master designer of this universe. He is a great and loving God.
His heart grieves and for whatever reason, so does mine. He yearns for His Church to rise up in this lost, dark and broken world.
Every Sunday He passes the pews and sees His beloved sleeping. He is so loving and kind, He just passes quietly as not to disturb them. But oh, how sorrowful He is, when those He passes aren’t discerning the time nor the hour.
He is calling His sheep. He is saying, Rise up Church, for now is the time and the hour. Wake up from your slumber.
The days ahead will be far worse than they are now, we must wake up before it’s too late.
I tremble at that thought as my heart can hardly stand what’s happening now.
I am so broken and burdened, and I don’t even understand it myself. It’s definitely not depression, it’s this heaviness or sorrow in my soul.
The sorrow of seeing the Church powerless.
I’ve been praying for revival. The Church and this world needs a revival. I know there are many scattered, praying for this as well.
May the Lord come and visit us soon.
Am I the only one who notices the direction in which this world is going? Do you see it too? Please share in the comment section below.
Abracadabra
Abracadabra. Like many magic words, the true origins of the word “abracadabra” are shrouded in mystery. It may have invoked the god Abraxas for protection. It might be a synthesis of the Hebrew words for “father,” “son,” and “holy spirit.”
It could also be from the Aramaic phrase “avra kehdabra,” meaning, “I will create as I speak.” In ancient times the word was inscribed on pendants worn around the neck as protection from evil and illness. It was considered a far more powerful word in the classical age than it is now.
When I think of the word ‘abracadabra’, I think of magic and modern day Christianity.
What does magic and Christianity have to do with each other? Well, a lot actually.
*****
I just got off a prayer line which I used to be part of a few years ago.
But tonight was different.
I remember when this pastor started his prayer line. There were only a few and then it grew.
Today his ministry has tripled which is pretty impressive. What’s even more impressive is that his ministry consists of mostly women. He seems to attract them in droves.
Why do these women flock to this leader? I paid attention.
It is his pleasantries. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear nice things and ‘feel’ good?
I guess this is what attracted me.
I would get pumped up listening to his persuasive tongue and positive messages. I couldn’t get enough.
His words were like honey, sweet and addicting. But too much honey can make you sick.
He shouts, Declare it, Believe it, you’ll get that Mercedes Benz, in the name of Jesus!
Abracadabra, Hocus Pocus, Alakazam!
This is Christianity today.
An unholy mixture, of compromise and new age mysticism has seeped into the Church.
A seducing and lustful spirit, luring and captivating minds into deception.
I am familiar more than I care to admit.
I recognize them, I discern them, I smell them and I know where they hide.
They haunted and tormented me for years.
You think it’s all good, so long as you hear the word Jesus, right? But, it’s a lie.
The devil uses deception my friends, he’s the master of it. He is the best magician you’ll ever meet.
What? You don’t think these spirits are operating in the Church today? Really?
Well, I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you, they are. Especially today.
The Church can’t see it though, because they are sleeping. They need to wake up from their slumber soon before it’s too late.
Holy Is The Day by Carolyn Weber
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: IVP Books (October 6, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0830843078
ISBN-13: 978-0830843077
Price: $12.00
Purchase: Amazon| BN | CBD
Description
Life pulls us in many directions, sometimes even to the point of pulling our souls apart. We know rest and reflection are necessary for a healthy life—even Jesus took time to get away from the crowds, away from the demands of everyday life, to pray, to spend time with close friends, to sleep.
But when Carolyn Weber—emotionally and physically exhausted from managing her career as a college professor, writing her first book and parenting three children under the age of three—hears this truth from a friend, all she can think is: but who will do everything if I don’t?
And this sets her on a journey to find the still, small space in each day.
In these pages Carolyn reflects on the eternal beauty that lurks within the present. Drawing from literature, history and everyday life, Holy Is the Day is a collection of spiritual reflections that trace the way God’s ever-renewing grace is a gift of the present. Opening it we find poignant stories of endurance, humility, compassion, remembrance and gratitude, as well a harrowing account of near-death experience.
Carolyn gives us new eyes to receive the precious gift of the present and give it away to others.
Review
In January of 2012, I reviewed Carolyn Weber’s award-winning memoir, Surprised by Oxford. This book spoke to me on so many levels.
Surprised by Oxford is one of my most favorite memoirs.
When I was asked by Intervarsity Press to review Holy Is The Day, I was more than excited, I was ecstatic.
Holy Is The Day is absolutely breathtaking. Carolyn Weber writes exquisite. She is a master wordsmith. Her writing reminds me of C.S. Lewis and Frederick Buechner, both of whom are my favorite authors. Carolyn Weber is in a lane by herself as her words are poetic and meaningful.
She writes so beautifully, that I am committed to reading everything she writes until the day I die. I know this sounds dramatic, but I am telling the truth. I do not want to miss out on anything she writes.
Holy Is The Day is written as a meditation. Carolyn Weber shares her personal experiences, weaving stories from Scripture. Her spiritual reflections are breathtaking and powerful.
Lately, the theme has been to live in the moment, Holy Is The Day is timely to say the least.
I was blessed to have received a complimentary advanced copy from Intervarsity Press for which I am grateful.
I highly recommend Holy Is The Day; it is beautiful beyond words.
Carolyn Weber is an author, speaker and professor. She has taught literature to undergraduates for 15 years, most recently as associate professor of Romantic Literature at Seattle University. As the Canadian Commonwealth scholar for literature, she completed her M.Phil and Doctoral degrees at Oxford University, and later served as the first female Dean of St. Peter’s College, Oxford.
Carolyn lives in London, Ontario Canada with her husband and their 4 children.
In The Pit Of Hell
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 1:4
It was pitch black in Puttapharti, India. We were half asleep and dragged ourselves from our cots.
We rushed out of our rooms quickly to try and get a spot in front of the line, to catch a glimpse of the miracle man.
All the while I wanted to leave this place.
You see, the sad reality is I was a Christian. I had walked away from my faith temporarily. It was after I met a prominent doctor at a party who spoke to me of this miracle man in India.
I was fascinated, curious and decided I needed to take a trip and see for myself.
When I arrived to this ashram, my spiritual eyes were opened. Instead of being in bliss, I found myself in the pit of hell.
While the group was having one experience, I was having another.
For instance, I kept having vivid and disturbing dreams of this guru. I would tell the group about the dreams and all of a sudden I was categorized as the chosen one.
Meanwhile, all I wanted to do was run for the hills.
It was a complete nightmare. I saw things in the spiritual realm that freaked me out.
As fate would have it, after sitting on the ground cross-legged for hours, our line was selected to go in first. Which meant, we would see the guru up close and personal.
Now who do you think he walked up to?
That’s right, me. He asked me where I was from, who I came with and how many we were.
I then witnessed him produce ash from his fingertips right before my eyes. There was a strong aroma of jasmine and electricity in the air.
Instantly, the Holy Spirit revealed to me he was demon possessed. His power came from demons.
I can’t tell you how afraid I was at that moment. The scary part about it, is when his eyes pierced into mine, it was as if he knew everything about me.
I wanted to leave so badly, but I was unable to get out. I was trapped there, as if kept hostage. There was no escape.
I never cried and asked God to help me so much. I was scared out of my mind.
I look back and realized God allowed me to go there for a reason. I didn’t know what the reason was until now.
This same spirit has entered into the Christian Church.
Christians need to wake up.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24
We are in the last days and these things are happening now. Christians, please take heed.
One Thing I Don’t Regret
Yesterday I came across a story that crushed my spirit. I couldn’t sleep. All I could do is think about this precious boy in China.
AFP
For the life of me, I can’t understand how anyone, much less a woman, could gauge out the eyes of an innocent child.
His uncle says he asks why the sky is always dark … and why the dawn still hasn’t come. Heartbreaking.
How does one explain to a six year old he is blind for life by the hand of a cruel stranger? How is he suppose to understand this? I feel heartbroken for him, his parents and family. No child should have to go through something like this.
******
At three-thirty in the morning, I cried out to God, asking Him why? Why this little boy? Why any child for that matter?
Silence.
I fell back to sleep eventually and had a dream. I saw Jeremiah 29:11.
Every now and then, God speaks to me through dreams. I count it a blessing when He does.
He is kind and thoughtful, unlike this cold, callous and cruel world that hurt this boy.
Yes, God made the world beautiful, much like the Garden of Eden, until evil destroyed it.
God reminded me in Jeremiah 29:11, that He is with me, even when my heart feels like it will explode from the pain.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
What a hope. What a promise! One I will grip on to tightly in the days ahead.
*****
When I look over my life, I have a lot of regrets. But the one thing I don’t regret is giving my life to Jesus Christ.
If there is one thing I did right in my life, it was that.
Since giving Him my life, there were plenty of times He could have turned His back on me, but He didn’t.
He loves me unconditionally, something I have a hard time grasping, because I think I need to earn everything.
But grace can’t be earned. He gives it freely.
Which is why I can’t wait for the day I meet Him face to face.
I need to stick around for my boys sake to make sure they are standing on their own two feet. But I can’t wait to experience His uninterrupted love 24/7. Where there will be no evil, tears, pain, hurt, sickness, tragedy or death.
I’m grateful I am a child of God. When things look bleak and I grow weary, I am glad I have His hand to hold.
He is my only hope in this world. I can’t fathom living life without Him.
I remember when I didn’t know Him. What a dark and hopeless place that was. I never want to live like that again.
I wish the woman that gauged the boy’s eyes out knew Him. If she knew Him, she wouldn’t have committed this heinous crime. If she knew His deep and abiding love, she wouldn’t have been consumed with evil to harm him.
My heart is heavy today and I am weary. My prayer is that the darkness which is consuming hearts will be replaced by Jesus’ love and light.
Is Jesus your only hope?
When Jesus Isn’t Enough
What is this constant gnawing of discontent and dissatisfaction? What is it that propels me to search and chase after other gods? Why do I continue with cheap substitutes to fill the void? Why isn’t Jesus enough?
Courtesy of Creative Commons
The internal battle wages. Desperate for Jesus one minute, like Judas the next.
Why can’t I serve the One who gave His very life?
Sometimes I think I’m ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7)
I tremble at the thought of having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:5)
Those are scary verses and so is this blog post written by a wise, young woman, the daughter of missionary friends in Guatemala.
*****
I have been wrestling, after a difficult discussion with a black Hebrew Israelite the other day.
I realized where I’m at and how ill-equipped I am.
I examined myself and came to the conclusion, Jesus isn’t enough.
For if He was enough, I wouldn’t have other affections competing with Him.
These subtle or obvious distractions taking me away from my first love.
Why does this happen?
Am I being deceived or believing a lie?
Why isn’t Jesus enough?
When I say I love Him, what does that mean?
I seem to read the Bible out of rote.
When I read, it’s like a science fiction movie.
The Bible seems outlandish and unreal.
I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I don’t doubt this.
However, if I’m honest, I have trouble believing everything I read. I guess because it seems so out there.
I make myself read every day. I pray and ask the Lord to open my spiritual eyes of understanding. To make it real and personal, but it hasn’t happened yet.
So when I encountered that man the other day, I wasn’t prepared or able to do what the Jehovah Witnesses did.
It even goes deeper than this, there are times I have a crisis of faith, and don’t know what I believe anymore.
No, I won’t walk away from Jesus again, I’ve done that too many times, by exploring other religions which got me nowhere.
Sadly though, I live as if Jesus isn’t enough. For I am still trying to fill the void, with everything else but Him.
It comes down to this, I force myself to read the Bible every day, but I don’t get it, neither do I enjoy it.
Yes, on occasion, I will come across a verse that speaks to me, but there isn’t some profound revelation that changes my life.
I still have the same habits, the same fears, the same distrust, the same lack of faith; nothing’s changed. I’ve just learned to hide it or mask it better.
The Word does not become alive to me, which is why I’ve chased after other gods.
My story is a long one.
I’ve been in this struggle for years now which is probably why I’ve walked away so many times.
If I don’t love the Word, then how can I call myself a Christian?
I love Jesus, I guess to the capacity I am able.
But, you can’t manufacture something you don’t have. Just like you can’t make yourself fall in love.
Love is more than a four letter word we say. I can say I love Jesus, but at the end of the day, what does that really mean?
How is my love for Him showing up in my every day life? When something unfair or unjust happens? When someone wrongs me? How I treat others?
The reason why I find the bible dull is due to my own lack of understanding resulting from a hard heart.
The Bible says God shall not be mocked. (Galatians 6:7)
He will not unravel, unlock or unleash His mysteries to just anyone.
Only those who seek Him like hidden treasure and put Him first above all else. (Matthew 13:44 and Matthew 6:33)
Do you struggle reading and understanding the Bible? Do you enjoy reading the Bible? What did you do to begin to enjoy it? How has reading the Bible changed your life?
The In-Between by Jeff Goins
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (July 23, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802407242
ISBN-13: 978-0802407245
Price: $13.99
Purchase: Amazon | BN | CBD
Description
We’re an “instant gratification” generation, but the trouble is, most change happens gradually.
Most of us spend our lives searching and longing for something more than what is in front of us. Whether it’s traveling abroad or chasing cheap (or expensive) thrills, we’re all looking for medicine to satisfy our restlessness. And, so often, we’re looking in the wrong place.
The In-Between is a call to accept the importance that waiting plays in our lives. Can we embrace the extraordinary nature of the ordinary and enjoy the daily mundane-what lies in between the “major” moments?
Moments of breakthrough are not where life’s greatest transformation happens; the stuff that God uses to shape us often lies in the in-between. It’s the bus stops and layovers and DMV lines and moments of unintentional pause that force us to become better people.
That’s not to say there aren’t moments of epiphany. There are. It’s just that most of us find ourselves living somewhere in the in-between. Learning to live in this tension, to be content in these moments of waiting, may be our greatest struggle-and our greatest opportunity to grow.
Review
As promised, here is my review for the amazing book, The In-Between by the talented and prolific writer, Jeff Goins.
Can I keep it real with you? This guy just rocks it, from his outstanding blog, to his TribeWriter’s course, to his amazing books and more. I just can’t get enough of his writing.
Jeff Goins writing is like eating my favorite ice cream. It’s delicious.
His book, The In-Between was timely for me. The premise of chasing after the next big thing resonates with me. I struggle with restlessness. I’m always on the move, waiting for the next big thing to happen in my life. Something that will make me feel alive and take my breath away.
Reading The In-Between really made me think about my life. Here I am chasing after stuff and I’m missing all that is happening in the moment.
I don’t know about you, but waiting is not my forte. My husband will tell you, I’m always busy and in a hurry. I have no patience when it comes to waiting or being still. Honestly, I have no patience at all.
I’m always on the go, running around and never stopping. According to what I read and learned in The In-Between, I’m losing out on valuable moments in the here and now. Moments I’ll never get back.
The stories Jeff Goins intimately shares in The In-Between is beautiful, emotional and romantic. I know, I never use that word, romantic. This book really touched me in more ways than one.
I also got to learn more about Jeff Goins in this book which is a real treat. He has a lot of depth and wisdom. I appreciated him before, but after reading The In-Between, I appreciate him even more now.
Honestly, I can continue giving accolades, but I would rather you read and experience The In-Between for yourself.
I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
The Devil Has No Mother by Nicky Cruz
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing; Reprint edition (July 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617951897
ISBN-13: 978-1617951893
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Nicky Cruz knows all about the power of the devil. Since his own dramatic conversion in the 1960s from a life of crime as a New York gang leader, he has met and heard the stories of suffering of many ordinary people, as well as some of the worst prisoners in high security prisons around the world.
Drawing on his spiritualist childhood, his life in New York, and his knowledge and experience of over four decades of spiritual warfare since that time, The Devil Has No Mother shares Nicky Cruz’s hard won understanding of how the devil will try everything possible to gain power in the world–but also shows clearly that it is God who will win the day.
The Devil is worse than you think, but God is much, much greater.
Review
The Devil Has No Mother is a book everyone should read, Christian and non-Christian. There is so much truth wrapped in this book, it will leave you in awe.
I admit, I’m a bit biased when it comes to Nicky Cruz. Reverend David Wilkerson was my pastor for many years before he went home to be with the Lord. So I had the benefit of hearing a lot about Nicky Cruz and his ministry over the years.
I also read The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson and Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz many years ago. Both books changed the way I prayed, strengthened my faith and basically changed my life.
When I was offered the opportunity to review The Devil Has No Mother I was excited and looked forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed.
Nicky Cruz is by far a warrior for Christ. I completely admire him. He is a man of great faith and reading this book encouraged me so much.
You know, sometimes as Christians, we struggle to keep going. We get discouraged. Our prayer life gets a bit stale and our walks complacent. But, reading books like The Devil Has No Mother stirs and inspires you to believe God for greater things. It certainly did that for me.
The Devil Has No Mother is about stories of Nicky Cruz’s life and ministry experiences. He shares poignant stories and experiences, which will leave you breathless and hungry for more.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, it is a must read.
In conclusion, I want to thank Worthy Publishing for sending me a complimentary book to review.
Nicky Cruz has traveled widely around the world, speaking to hurting people in all walks of life, in the 40 years that have passed since he came to Christ in New York through the selfless devotion of David Wilkerson. Nicky’s ministry has reached thousands of inner-city gang members as he speaks to their need from his own experience. His ministry regularly targets urban environments in order to reach those who are most frequently trapped by destructive lifestyles and caught in a downward spiral of intense violence, drug abuse and gang activity.
I Don’t Believe In Bikinis
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Yesterday I read a blog post that I had a strong reaction to. I absolutely love this writer who is a dear friend of mine. A friend in whom I disagree on matters, but nevertheless, love and respect.
I didn’t write a comment on her blog, as my comment turned into several paragraphs. So I wrote to her privately and expressed my inner most thoughts.
One of the things, that surprised me even after I wrote it, is this:
I’m coming up against that a lot lately… people are unfriending me because I am not as open to everything as they are as a Christian. I’m one of *those* Christian’s who doesn’t believe in wearing bikinis to a beach, but wears trunks instead. Why? Because I don’t want the perverted pigs to feast their eyes on my goods, that’s why. I believe my body and those beautiful attributes of who I am physically should not be given freely like pearls to swine, but to my own husband who has committed his heart, mind, soul and life to me.
I read it… then I read it again… and I was like, wow… I wrote that? Yes, I certainly did write it because…
I don’t believe in bikinis.
You must be rolling your eyes by now… Listen, I’m not telling you not to wear bikinis… you can wear whatever you want. All I’m saying is, I’m not going to wear bikinis (or revealing bathing suits) to a beach or pool.
Ok… so, I’m not going to get the most popular vote on this post.
But let me ask you a question? Would you rather I lie to you or tell you the truth?
I’m touching on a topic that most woman will vehemently disagree, even Christian women. I will definitely be described in several negative adjectives.
I’m sorry ladies, but truth is truth, I don’t believe in bikinis.
********
This week I discovered a dear writing colleague of mine whom I still esteem, unfriended me based on a particular post I wrote. I wrote that said post with passion, and realized I would be taking a risk by writing it because I knew I would get some adverse reactions.
But, I decided I needed to write it. It’s what I believe. I have to be true to who I am and tell the truth. It was not my intention to willfully hurt or offend this colleague by any means. However, this colleague felt she needed to cut ties and I respected her decision.
So, for those of you who still want to read my posts, I am making you a promise today, you will always get the truth from me. Perhaps you may not always like it or agree, but I would hope you would do as I do, which is to respectfully agree to disagree.
We are not all going to see eye to eye on matters. We all have our beliefs which we stand by. This is what makes us unique. If we were all the same, it would be a very dull existence, don’t you think?
God didn’t create us to be clones or robots. He created us to have free will, to think and express ourselves differently.
If we disagree, which I disagree with people every day, it’s not the end of the world.
Please accept my apologies if I hurt or offended you with any of my posts. It is never my intention.
At the same token, I do not want to keep silent and compromise who I am, my beliefs or censor my writing because others don’t agree or like it. I don’t think that is right either.
One wise friend and writer told me, always write the truth and that my friends, is what I aim to do.
Which is why I’m letting you all know, I don’t believe in bikinis. 🙂
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Publisher: Random House
ISBN-10: 1400064163
ISBN-13: 978-1400064168
Price: $28.00
Purchase: Amazon | BN
Description
On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.
The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.
Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.
Review
Where do I even start? How can I review this incredible book? With Amazon having almost 5,000 reviews at a five star rating… what or how could I possibly add to it, except that this is probably one of the best creative non-fiction books I have read in a long time.
A pastor friend of mine recommended that I read Unbroken a year ago. I just picked it up recently and finished it over the weekend. I couldn’t put it down.
This book stretched me as a reader, because it’s not the kind of book I gravitate to. I’m not into books about war. So I’m guilty of judging this book on that premise alone.
I admit, I had to put the book down a few times because I was struggling. At the same token, I kept picking it back up because I needed to find out what was going to happen next. I am glad I persevered and finished it because the ending is unbelievable.
There were times I thought, did this really happen? The story seems surreal, it completely boggles the mind.
If I summarize this book; it was about humanity (the good, the bad and the ugly), the will to live and the resilience of the human spirit.
Unbroken will surprise, refresh and give you hope. It’s a beautiful biography of an American war hero, Louis Zamperini. Someone I never heard of before, but now one of my heroes.
Laura Hillenbrand is a brilliant writer, Unbroken is amazing and I can’t recommend it enough.
Laura Hillenbrand is an American author of books and magazine articles. Born in Fairfax, Virginia, Hillenbrand spent much of her childhood riding bareback “screaming over the hills” of her father’s Sharpsburg, Maryland, farm. A favorite of hers was Come On Seabiscuit, a 1963 kiddie book. “I read it to death, my little paperback copy,” she says. She studied at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, but was forced to leave before graduation when she contracted Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, with which she has struggled ever since. She now lives in Washington, D.C, and rarely leaves her house because of the condition. Hillenbrand married Borden Flanagan, a professor of Government at American University and her college sweetheart, in 2008. She described the onset and early years of her illness in an award-winning essay, A Sudden Illness.
Do What Jesus Did by Robby Dawkins
Publisher: Chosen Books
ISBN-10: 0800795571
ISBN-13: 978-0800795573
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Don’t get stuck at asking “What would Jesus do?” Be equipped to do it.
Chicagoland pastor Robby Dawkins hadn’t moved past that question either–until he discovered that the miraculous things Jesus did during His lifetime are not just history. They’re today’s reality. When he started living the way Jesus did, he started living life, as he says, straight out of a superhero movie.
So can you. In this dangerous book, you’ll learn simple, practical ways to take hold of your God-given “power tools”–prophetic ministry, healing, ministering the presence of God and deliverance from demonic power. And through amazing but true stories from the front lines of ministry, you’ll see what happens when ordinary Christians harness God’s superpower to bring His Kingdom to earth.
It’s time to beat the sickness, suffering and despair of the impossible. Time to embrace a powerful faith. It’s time to do what Jesus did.
Review
Do What Jesus Did is primarily about Pastor Robby Dawkins life and ministry. This book focuses on his ministry of healing and deliverance.
The premise of this book is how Christians can be used of God to heal and route demons out. Pastor Dawkins writes this book as an autobiography, testimony and teaching guide for others.
He focuses on the fact that believers can be used of God to heal others. He also gets into why some don’t get healed after praying for them.
He writes about his personal experiences with healing and miracles after praying for people. He gives pointers on what you should do, when and how.
I thought Do What Jesus Did was an interesting and entertaining read. However, I struggled with the validity of his examples. It’s not that I don’t believe God can heal. I do believe God can heal, but I don’t believe it’s just a simple matter of walking up to people and praying for them.
Truthfully, I had trouble with the theology of this book. I can’t verify what he wrote in his book, if it did or did not occur. But, I personally had a hard time believing in the authenticity of his examples.
I am not quick to believe everything I read, even if it is written by a popular pastor. I have seen too many things in my life to just take someone at their word, especially when it comes to the supernatural realm.
It is of my belief that when it comes to the supernatural, one must tread carefully.
In conclusion, I want to thank Chosen for sending me a complimentary copy to review.
Robby Dawkins, born to missionary parents, knew from a young age that God had called him into ministry. He and his wife, Angie, responded to God’s call to plant what is now the Vineyard Church of Aurora, Illinois, which they have pastored since 1996, and which uses power evangelism continuously. He has traveled to over 30 countries, including many Muslim nations, helping build the Church internationally. Robby and Angie have six sons and live in Aurora, Illinois.
Follow
embodyart