Category Archives: prayer
Loving Your Enemies
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty give them water to drink.
You will heap coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25: 21-22
Who actually loves their enemies? Do you?
Recently, I am being met with challenges I didn’t think I would have to contend with in my walk. These situations have caught me off guard and by surprise.
What I’m realizing is the enemy never sleeps. He is always busy inciting others to stir up problems.
This time it’s involving a neighbor. A neighbor that we have been nothing but kind and respectful toward has been maliciously gossiping and spreading false accusations against my husband and I for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
I can’t tell you how troubling this is for me, especially given the fact that we have had no issues with any neighbor, much less this one.
It just boggles my mind, hurts my heart and discourages my spirit.
I keep trying to remind myself that this is the work of Satan and to not allow my faith to be shaken.
It’s times like this, when my faith is being tested and pushed to the limit.
This week the Lord showed me the above verse in Proverbs, and I had been meditating on it. Little did I know I would be contending with this very issue this weekend.
I can’t tell you how many scenarios I’ve entertained in my mind of what I would love to tell this neighbor in response.
Adrenaline coursing through my veins, wanting nothing more to confront and give them a piece of my mind.
Until I heard the Lord say, “Do not do or say anything, keep silent. Vengeance is mine.”
I was so upset when I heard the Lord say this to me. I want to tell this neighbor off and put them in their place. But I realize if I do so, I would be disobeying the Lord and stepping outside of His will and protection.
So here I am writing this and stewing in my anger toward this evil neighbor.
Yet God says for us to love our neighbors, love and pray for our enemies. This is probably the hardest thing for me to do right now and I can tell you that my flesh has absolutely no interest or desire to do so.
My practice and inclination is to confront and put people in their place when they are doing wrong. I have no qualms about telling someone what I think, what is harder for me is to keep silent.
What about you? Are you able to love your enemies? Have you experienced anything similar? If so, how did you handle it and what was the outcome? I would be interested in reading your comments.
This is a song that I have gone to time and time again through the years. It’s called Psalm 3 by Salvador, here are the lyrics and You Tube video. I hope it blesses you:
Many are those that rise up against me
And many are saying of me
God will not deliver him (repeat)
Arise oh Lord and deliver me
Oh my God
Oh my God (repeat)
I cry upon my Lord
And He answers me
From His holy hill (repeat)
Arise oh Lord and deliver me
Oh my God
Oh my God (repeat)
I will not fear the tens of thousands
Drawn up against me
On every side
Arise oh Lord and deliver me
Oh my God
Oh my God (repeat)
North of Hope by Shannon Huffman Polson
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (April 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310328764
ISBN-13: 978-0310328766
Price: $16.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
After her parents are killed in a rare grizzly attack, the author is forced into a wilderness of grief. Turning to loves she learned from her father, Polson explores the perilous terrain of grief through music, the natural world, and her faith. Her travels take her from the suburbs of Seattle to the concert hall where she sings Mozart’s Requiem, and ultimately into the wilderness of Alaska’s remote Arctic and of her heart.
This deeply moving narrative is shot through with the human search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Polson’s deep appreciation for the untamed and remote wilderness of the Alaskan Arctic moves her story effortlessly between adventure, natural history, and sacred pilgrimage, as much an internal journey as a literal one. Readers who appreciate music or adventure narratives and the natural world or who are looking for new ways to understand loss will find guidance, solace, and a companionable voice in this extraordinary debut.
Review
What could I possibly add to the wonderful description of this beautifully written book? My words are small and won’t adequately convey my true sentiments. My review will not do justice and encompass the beauty of this memoir, North of Hope.
Shannon Huffman Polson is a virtuoso. She is one of my heros. She writes with such brilliance, as she weaves her story of loss and hope. She takes you on her pilgrimage through the Alaskan Artic in search for answers. Her experiences will leave you breathless, in wonder and awe.
I love memoirs like this one, written with such depth, thoughtfulness and creativity. Besides which, Shannon Huffman Polson is an extraordinary writer.
I really enjoyed this memoir and was sad when it ended. I hope she writes more books.
I highly recommend North of Hope, it is brilliant. One of the best memoirs I have read in a long time.
Shannon Polson lives and writes in the Pacific Northwest. She was a contributing writer to More Than 85Broads, and her work has appeared in Seattle and Alaska Magazines, Cirque Journal, Adventure Magazine, and Trachodon, among others. Polson graduated with a B.A. from Duke University in English Literature, an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and an M.F.A. from Seattle Pacific University. She served eight years as an attack helicopter pilot in the Army and worked five years in corporate marketing and management roles before turning to writing full time. Polson serves on the board of the Alaska Wilderness League and sings with the critically acclaimed Seattle Pro Musica. She has looked for adventure and challenge anywhere she can find it, scuba diving, sky diving and climbing around the world, including ascents of Denali and Kilimanjaro, and completing two Ironman triathlons. She and her family enjoy backpacking, any kind of skiing, paddling, and spending as much time outdoors as they can in the Western states and Alaska. In September 2009, Polson was awarded the Trailblazer Woman of Valor award from Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell.
Today Is Your Best Day by Roy Lessin
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892217103
ASIN: B00AK3KPL6z
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Why is Today Your Best Day?
The fact that God loves you, that He cares about you, and that He is on your side are three key reasons. In addition, there are God’s faithful promises, the fellowship of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. In all, Today is Your Best Day helps you discover 60 life-changing reasons – all with biblical perspective from best selling author and one of the world’s best known inspirational writers, Roy Lessin. Lessin’s writings help you focus your thoughts on what really matters – providing inspiration and encouragement for your day.
These heartfelt devotional thoughts will help you walk with the assurance of what your heart knows, not the uncertainty of what your eyes see. No matter what happens, remember, when your life is in God’s hands, every day is your best day.
Review
I received Today is Your Best Day over a year ago. I was finally able to pick it up and begin reading it every morning.
I have read many devotionals, but this one is the best I’ve read in a long time. I will be going through it again.
Roy Lessin pours wisdom and encouragement into his daily devotions. God’s heartbeat is evident on each page of Today is Your Best Day. I felt as if the Lord was speaking to me every morning.
Life isn’t getting easier and by reading this devotional it helped give me hope to face each day.
Today is Your Best Day is uplifting and inspiring. I highly recommend it to everyone.
In conclusion, I want to thank New Leaf Publishing Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
Roy is co-founder of DaySpring, now a subsidiary of Hallmark Inc. and the largest Christian greeting card company in the world, where he served as a senior writer for 37 years. He has written many devotional and gift books.
Roy is a graduate of Bethany Fellowship in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following his studies, Roy and his wife Charlene served as missionaries in Mexico and Puerto Rico. They have two children, Joe and Lydia, and four grandchildren.
Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher by Chad Norris
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (March 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795407
ISBN-13: 978-0800795405
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Baptist Preacher Takes the “Weird” Out of the Supernatural.
Demonstrating humor, candor, and personal vulnerability, this Southern Baptist preacher offers an entertaining, non-religious look at the Holy Spirit. He shares transparently, recounting his own history of depression and panic attacks until Jesus rescued him and showed him how to do the works of the Father. As Norris explains, “I had no paradigm for that.” Then he challenges readers to engage with the supernatural.
Even though Jesus said we will do even greater things than he did, we don’t. Norris’s engaging narrative style lowers readers’ defenses and opens their minds to the idea that these “greater things” are more attainable than they think. Because we are loved more than we imagine, says Norris, we are more capable of doing the Father’s works than we have ever considered.
Review
I have been sitting on this review for over a week now. There is so much on my heart, I don’t even know where to start. I talk a little bit about it on this blog post.
To say that reading Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher turned my world upside down is a complete understatement. My mind is still spinning.
When I had selected this book to review, I had a secret agenda to discredit it. However, I couldn’t find anything to discredit; not the book nor the author, Chad Norris.
Whom, I had the sincere privilege of speaking to via Skype, not one time, but twice. I really had to see for myself if this guy was for real. Sure enough, he is.
Not only is he the real deal, but he’s also authentic, genuine, down to earth, funny and a nice guy. I want to be his friend now.
I just have one thing to say about Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher, you all need to get your hands on it and read it. There isn’t a book out there quite like it.
If you have any doubts, are skeptical or cynical like me when it comes to the supernatural, well then, this book is for you. There is nothing over the top or sensational about this book at all. This is by far the best book I’ve read on the subject.
Chad Norris openly and transparently shares how he went from a baptist preacher who doesn’t believe in signs and wonders, to a believer. He writes about his life and he does so with depth, sincerity and a sense of humor too.
I really enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot. Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher provoked, challenged and changed me. I highly recommend it.
In conclusion, I want to thank Chad Norris for his kindness and gracious hospitality via Skype. I also want to thank Chosen Book for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
Chad Norris currently serves on the staff of City Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, as the Director of Life Transformation. He loves the art of storytelling, and his ministry includes speaking to students and adults in a variety of settings. He has an MDiv from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, and he cofounded Wayfarer Ministries in 2000. Chad has co-written numerous Bible studies and coauthored six books. He and his family live in Greenville, South Carolina. You can follow him on Twitter.
Help One Now
Meet Naiderson. My sons and I watched this video together.
I do not want them growing up not knowing the needs that exist around the world. I’m also trying to instill in them biblical principles.
God teaches us not to forget the poor or the orphans. (James 1:27)
I’m trying to serve in any way I can which is why I am now a Help One Now blogger.
This is all voluntary. I do not get paid to blog for any organization. I do this on my own accord as a way of giving back and helping in some small way.
God has given me the gift of writing and I want to sow it back to Him.
The Lord seems to be reminding me lately about the necessity and importance of children receiving an education.
I just finished reading and reviewing a book called Creating Room To Read by John Woods which is about the importance of education. Mostly, children living in poverty around the world who do not have access to books or schools.
Help One Now is helping children in Haiti which Unicef reports the education statistics are very bleak.
When we watched the video of Naiderson, we were very sad. After the earthquake in Haiti, it left children like Naiderson without schools.
I’ve learned by John Wood and Nick Kristof that children receiving an education is one of the ways to break the cycle of poverty.
In the days ahead, I will be blogging more about the work Help One Now is involved in and how you can get involved or help.
If you are moved to give, just click on the photo above to donate towards this cause. Any amount will be helpful and appreciated.
The One Who Had Been
Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Mark 5:15
I read the above scripture and meditated on the words, “the one who had been”.
The one who had been demon-possessed and had a legion, was sitting with Jesus in his right mind.
Glory!
Only someone who has been delivered can jump up and praise Him.
Yes, I was delivered from much.
I willingly walked into the devil’s camp and did some things I’m not proud of.
I look back and see the hand of God and His mercy allowing me to do so, because He wanted me to know Him and His power.
I’m not into the hokey pokey magic, fortune telling, divination, name it and claim it Christianity. I speak against all that new age spiritualism.
God taught me a lot through my spiritual experiences, in crossing the threshold.
The spiritual realm is real. Spiritual warfare is real. What you see isn’t all there is.
If you are truly living as a Christian, whether you like it or not, you are in a war.
This morning while walking to work I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible which is my practice. Brian Hardin read the above verse from the gospel of Mark.
As I was listening, the Lord opened my eyes to see the spiritual realm for a moment. I saw various people in bondage to the devil. One disheveled woman was yelling on the top of her lungs, another man was talking to a wall, another man was cursing and speaking profanities at everyone around him.
For whatever reason, these manifestations where surrounding me and for a minute, I wanted to be like the apostles of old and start laying hands on people and praying for their deliverance. Then I caught myself …
What stopped me? Fear, disbelief and lack of faith.
Yes, I understand some people are mentally ill, but not all people are mentally ill, some people are actually demon possessed.
I started to think about Jesus and the scriptures. I felt a surge rise up from within me, my heart began accelerating, I felt boundless energy. I really wanted to take God at His Word. But then, fear got in the way… I thought, what will people think of me if I stopped and prayed for these people? People who are looked down upon and called crazy.
But God doesn’t think they are crazy, Jesus loves and died for them.
My heart longs to see people set free by the power and blood of Jesus.
Jesus isn’t some historical figure left in some book for us to read.
Jesus is alive, He is real and He has the power to set people free. I truly believe this with all my heart.
I see people every day who are in bondage. I want to speak the oracles of God and allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to Jesus. So they too can be set free and not live entangled by the lies and torment.
Jesus isn’t called the Prince of Peace for nothing. He died on the cross for us, so that we can have abundant life, a life of freedom and not bondage. He wants everyone to be set free, to experience His love, peace and joy.
Jesus holds the key to your deliverance today. Will you believe?
What would happen if we actually took Jesus at His Word?
Yes, I guess some people would think we were a bit extreme and radical even. But, what if we stepped out and prayed for others who are being tormented and living in bondage?
Imagine if we prayed and they were instantly set free? Wow! Wouldn’t that be amazing to witness? I would LOVE it!
Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. He willingly was crucified on a cross for our salvation, deliverance and freedom.
What kind of love is that? It’s unfathomable! Glory be to God in the highest!
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe Jesus can deliver people today?
It’s Not About Us
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27
I remember when I first read the above bible verse. It was as if the words jumped up from off the page and hit me in the face.
These words went deep into my heart, never to be forgotten.
My heart has always been for the children; the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, the abused, the neglected and the orphans.
This was even before I had children of my own.
My husband remembered my sponsoring children from Compassion International when he first met me.
My desire has been and will always be to help in some small way and make a difference to children in need.
But honestly, I can’t do it alone. I realize that no matter how much I try to help, it isn’t enough.
Recently, a sweet sister in the Lord who lives in Pakistan reached out to me. She is a young girl who has dedicated her life to feed orphans in the town where she lives. The need is so great there and the money she receives unfortunately doesn’t suffice.
I am troubled by this. I am troubled by the fact there are children who are hungry and have no family.
I personally give to the capacity I am able, but again, it’s not enough.
This grieves me and I find myself crying out to God for help.
The burden is great.
Recently, I watched a movie by Tyler Perry called “Good Deeds”. I am happy it had a Hollywood ending, but the entire time I watched, I suffered. There was this one character who was a struggling single mother. She was evicted from her apartment in the worst way. She became homeless overnight and had to live in her car with her young daughter. It was a sad situation and it broke my heart.
I know there are countless women in the USA alone in dire straits, trying to make ends meet to feed and care for their children or are homeless and living in shelters.
The needs are great.
Which is why I became a Compassion International blogger, because I want to make a difference somehow and in some way to help children around the world.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, my dream isn’t about me, my blog isn’t about me, my writing isn’t about me. It’s all about Jesus, His dream and His heart for His children throughout the world.
My life isn’t about me, it’s about Jesus. It’s about living His Word to the best of my ability. His Word is the rulebook for our life. As Christians, we need to follow what it says and not live our lives according to ourselves, our dreams, our motivations or our desires.
We are to live our lives helping and serving others, being the hands and feet for Jesus on earth.
This is why the above verse means so much to me, because I believe this is God’s heart and dream for mankind.
For those of us who say we love Jesus, we are to love what He loves and obey His Word by caring for the widows and orphans.
We must realize that God’s dream is much bigger than our own dreams. The gifts He gives us is not to be used for ourselves, for our gain or recognition, but for His cause and His cause alone.
We all can do our part and make a difference, even if it is just donating a dollar to help a hungry child. Any little bit would help.
Won’t you join Children International by helping them fulfill God’s commission here on earth by donating any amount or sponsoring a child today?
Alternate Reality
Last week, a very special and precious young lady, the daughter of faithful missionary friends of mine passed away suddenly in a tragic car accident.
The following day I went to work and found out a young co-worker’s husband passed away unexpectedly, leaving her and two year old child behind.
Both tragedies left my mind spinning and my heart rend.
I realize an alternate reality is just a step away.
Heaven.
Earth is not our home. We are just pilgrims passing through.
The Bible says, our citizenship is in Heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
2 Corinthians 5:1-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
We think we have tomorrow, but tomorrow may never come. Tomorrow is not promised.
So do we lose heart or hope? God forbid. Our hope is in Christ. Christ in us, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
As we traverse the earth, the kingdom of God is within us.
We live in an alternate reality.
In a split second, we cross the veil and into eternity.
As children of God, we live in two worlds simultaneously.
Our flesh is on earth and our spirits in Heaven. Two realms colliding.
The time we have here is unknown, but as carriers of His glory, we must live in this truth.
For what is unseen is more real than what we see.
We must live each day as if it’s our last and shine the love of God. Shedding hope and love abroad man’s hearts wherever we go.
My dream is for revival.
I have been praying for the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to touch those who don’t know Jesus in a life changing way.
His love and kindness leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)
If we are alive, our purpose is to live for Him, serve Him and lead others to Him.
In memory and honor of those who recently crossed over, I am even more determined to live my life passionately for the cause of Christ.
In conclusion, I want to share a song which has been ministering to me. I hope it blesses you.
Do you want to live a life surrendered to Jesus Christ? Do you want to be used for His glory? Do you want lead others to Jesus?
Happily Ever After
This is the scenario, you have this picture in your mind of what marriage is supposed to be like or some ideology of what you imagine it to be.
Frankly, Hollywood has done us a disservice with their unrealistic and irrational portrayals of pie in the sky and happily ever after.
The truth is marriage is hard work. It doesn’t come ready made like Cool Whip. Quite the contrary.
I’m sure you heard the first year is the hardest. Believe me, it is.
Two galaxies crashing together under one roof with all their quirks, baggage and what not.
Excuse me, but that ain’t easy.
Single people look at married couples with envy (or vice versa). Meanwhile, what they see is only a snap shot. A glimpse in time.
I feel like telling them to come on over when I’m having an intense fellowship session. I wonder if they’d envy me then?
They have no idea what takes place behind closed doors. Just because they’re smooching and smiling at the moment, doesn’t mean that’s the whole story.
People walk around pretending they have a perfect marriage. God forbid they should keep it real.
If you would have asked me back in the day if I loved being married, I would have looked at you like you were crazy.
For the record, no, I did not like, enjoy or think marriage was the greatest thing on earth. Quite the contrary, I wanted to run from it. It was too hard, hurt too much and it was not what I had signed up for.
The marriage is bliss thing is simply not true, so please don’t buy into the lie.
I can tell you this, I am not at the place I was before, where I simply hated being married with a passion. Where I wanted to be single again and do whatever the heck I wanted.
I had dreams, places to go and people to see. Marriage was cramping my style.
But like everything in life, you have to work at marriage. The word “work” is like the bubonic plague in our microwave society.
We want easy and quick. We don’t like to work or wait. We want everything yesterday.
The minute something doesn’t go our way, we want to run, hide, escape or… cheat.
Yes, I’ve done that too (in the past and not on my husband)… and let me tell you, cheating doesn’t solve your problems, it just adds to them. Instead of having one headache, you have two.
In the beginning, everything is great. It seems like a dream come true. You found your soul mate. Someone who completes your sentences. You feel alive, you feel beautiful, you feel like someone finally understands you… until… the bubble bursts, the nightmare begins and then… the jokes on you.
I know marriage is hard and it hurts, and you want it to give up or get out. You want the ideal situation. I understand all of this.
But marriage isn’t ‘presto magico’. Both parties have to work at it.
My suggestion for anyone at the brink of giving up, is to pray, ask for the Lord’s help and go to marriage counseling. Seriously, don’t underestimate counseling.
I’m thankful I hung in there and didn’t give up, because I can finally say… today is a new day.
Can you relate to this? Are you struggling in your marriage?
Godwink Stories by SQuire Rushnell & Louise DuArt
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Howard Books
Language: English
ISBN-10:1451678568
ISBN-13: 978-1451678567
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Building on the themes in his popular book When God Winks, SQuire Rushnell shares real-life stories that are certain to uplift and encourage you. The stories in this book reaffirm that godwinks happen to everyone. We just need to learn how to see them, allow them to unfold, and accept them as direct, person-to-person communications from God to each of us.
As you’ll see, those so-called coincidences that you’d been dismissing so easily really do mean something. And you need to pay attention. They are like unopened gifts that have been placed upon your doorstep.
You will be amazed to read how every joy, every hurt, and every worry that happens to you has already been written about in the Bible. Godwink Stories simply draws upon the parallel between the stories of real people and God’s wisdom in the scriptures.
Godwink Stories can be read in various ways. You can read the book cover to cover. Or follow along each week for a year. It’s also perfect to read for a pick-me-up story that fits your need of the day.
Whether you’re looking for encouragement in a time of need or a story that speaks of joy, there’s a godwink story just for you.
***
Godwink Stories offers weekly readings of godwinks and miracles to encourage and inspire you in every situation. These true stories— from ordinary people—provide
Messages of “don’t give up”
Heartfelt need for love and guidance
Hope in the midst of medical crises
“Just in time” moments
Peace in times of sorrow
Tender love stories
Amazing answers to prayer
Review
Isn’t Godwink Stories a great title? Just by the title alone, I wanted to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised.
I laughed and cried through this heartfelt devotional. I was moved, inspired and encouraged by the stories.
The stories are basically letters from people like you and I who had, what I refer to as a God moment. Godwinks are moments where God shows up miraculously in someone’s life.
The various chapters in this devotional are filled with stories which will leave you spiritually encouraged, invigorated and refreshed.
I was especially touched by Chapter 3 entitled Angels, Chapter 4 entitled Prayer Encouragement and Chapter 52 entitled Love Times of Sorrow. These stories made my cry.
I believe Godwink Stories will make an excellent Christmas present. I highly recommend this book and believe this devotional will be an encouragement to many.
In conclusion, I want to thank Howard Books for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
SQuire Rushnell, a former television president and CEO, was for twenty years an executive with the ABC Television Network. Father of such programs for young people as Schoolhouse Rock and the ABC Afterschool Specials, he also led Good Morning America to the #1 spot. Author of the word-of-mouth phenomenon When God Winks, SQuire lives in Martha’s Vineyard with his wife, Louise.
Louise DuArt, one of the world’s top comedic impressionists, has costarred with comic icon Tim Conway in a national touring show for one and a half decades. In starring roles on Broadway and in her eight-season talk show on ABC Family, her roster of 100 characters ranges from Judge Judy to Barbara Walters, Bart Simpson to Barbra Streisand. Louise has toured as a speaker with Woman of Faith, and performs with her husband in Three Couples, a life-changing evening of music, inspiration and comedy. With SQuire, she coauthored Couples Who Pray, a breakthrough book encouraging partners to take The 409 Prayer Challenge.