The prophet Malachi was the last prophet before the New Testament. The last words spoken to the Jewish people from the Living God before 400 years of silence. These are the final Words given to them after He reprimanded them for lack of love, lack of leadership, lack of holiness, lack of obedience in giving, and then finally speaking this…
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of armies, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branches. But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall. And you will crush the wicked underfoot, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I am preparing,” says the Lord of armies.
“Remember the Law of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel. Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and strike the land with complete destruction.” Malachi 4.
And then silence. No other words. Nothing else said. Silence.
For 400 years.
In the study of numbers in scripture four hundred means “divinely perfect”. This leads us to believe this was a perfectly orchestrated period of time.
400 years.
For 4,800 months.
For 20,857 weeks.
For 146,000 days.
For 3,504,000 hours.
For 210,240,000 minutes.
For 12,614,400,000 seconds.
No Words from God.
Take a moment to think about how life would be without any Words from God. No vision, no comfort, no direction, no leading and guiding – nothing.
And then we have Zacharias having an “ambush” moment while offering in the holy of holies. The angel of the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. You will have joy and gladness and will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as the forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the Fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Luke 1:13-20.
And then Zacharias was silent.
And soon the silence stopped. And the One True God came to earth for such at time as this, perfectly placed and perfectly planned.
We sing songs in worship, but do we slow to think of who wrote them, how they came about, what they say and define? I heard it once said that Christians don’t tell lies, they sing them. While I know that is not true for all of us, I dare say that it can be said of all of us from time to time. I do love that the Christmas season brings about its own songs for us to sing and celebrate the Savior with. My absolute favorite Christmas song to be sang is “O Holy Night!” or “Mary did you know?” and then we cannot forget “Silent Night”. Each with their own passion, story and intimacy. I know I should choose one of those for this section, but the Lord has led me to another song. I was introduced to this song last year and I am forever thankful to the Lord for it. The most powerful foundation of this song is the Living Word of God.
Singing the Word of God is the most powerful praise we can give. These are the moments when we know that Christ is exalted and not ourselves. These are the Words written and given for mankind to know The Lord better and as we sing Him,we come in contact with a greater purpose and a greater experience than ourselves. These are the Romans 12 moments of the renewing of our minds and the proving of God’s perfect Will.
Risen Savior (Sing My Soul)
Who bore our sin Who took our shame? The Lamb of God Holy and righteous is His name. (1 Peter 2:24)
Sing my soul, sing out and bless the Lord For He has overcome, Oh by His precious blood Now He’s lifted high, come let us lift our eyes Set them on Jesus Christ, He is our Risen Savior
(Psalm 103-104, Philippians 2:9-11)
Who heals our wounds Who knows our pain? The Lamb of God Holy and Righteous is His name Nothing can ever take His place. (1 Peter 2:24)
Sing my soul, sing out and bless the Lord For He has overcome, Oh by His precious blood Now He’s lifted high, come let us lift our eyes Set them on Jesus Christ, He is our Risen Savior (Psalm 103-104, Philippians 2:9-11)
Let the earth be filled with Glory Let our hearts be filled with praise You are worthy, God Almighty Holy, Holy, Holy
(Psalm 72:19; Revelation 4:8-11)
Is it a coincidence that when the church or the Christian sings the Words “You are worthy, God Almighty, Holy! Holy! Holy!” the atmosphere changes. The environment changes. These Words are being said by angels even now as we sit reading these Words. The Heavens are declaring Him! The advent is really all about sitting and recognizing that He is Worthy, He is God Almighty, and that He is HOLY! HOLY! HOLY!
The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah – Matthew 1:1-17
The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers. Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, and Hezronfathered Ram. Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon. Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse. Jesse fathered David the king.
David fathered Solomon by Bathsheba, who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered Abijah, and Abijah fathered Asa. Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, and Joram fathered Uzziah. Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah. Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah. Josiahfathered Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel, and Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel fathered Abihud, Abihud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor. Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, and Achim fathered Eliud. Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob. Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteengenerations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteengenerations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Have we ever slowed down long enough to investigate the names represented in this lineage of grace? When I was in high school looking into the word of God asking what I should study next, He led me to the lineage. These names, these people, and their stories are not here by accident. They each represent another pillar of grace shown upon all of humanity. When you review the fact that there are men from all walks of life and every journey known to man and they are the foundational rocksof welcoming the Savior of the world. And five women. Five. Five is the number for grace in scripture that can be found all over the Word of God reflecting His grace on our lives, and He chose to give us five women in the lineage that represent each of us.
Tamar: the unwanted.
Rahab: the mistreated.
Ruth: the forgotten.
Bathsheba: the taken.
Mary: the misunderstood.
These women represent all of us. None of us are left out and the Lord cherished them and chose to call them blessed. They experience the Christ in many ways and one of the most powerful being through the birth of their own children. The welcome of holding their own children, was partially welcoming the Christ. And when does the advent season truly being? I challenge that it took place every moment of every day, but especially in these families at the birth of the next generation. The longing for the coming of Christ dictated their very existence and their family purpose – but did they know it? With the creation of every new generation, they were one step closer to the Christ. Could the same be said of us?
And then we have fourteen generations between Abraham and David, David to Babylon deportation, Babylon deportation to Jesus. Is that a coincidence? I say not. The number fourteen represents a double measure of spiritual perfection. But that is an entire study all its own, which I encourage you into more. The linage of Jesus is more than words on a page. It contains the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in its every motion. The enemy tried in many ways to destroy these people too… but he failed. Just as he will fail in our lives and in our journeys. Our High King has the victory, and we are privileged to walk in that truth and with that banner over us. May we celebrate the birth of each new generation of believers in our midst as that is one more day closer to His second coming. And may we rest in His goodness as we reflect on all He has done inus and for us, even then things that we are unaware of.
As a child, I can remember always being so confused about what “advent” was and how one celebrates it. Let’s be honest, as an adult I have also struggled with what the true way of observing the Savior of the World’s arrival should look like to a follower. A genuine, true, loyal follower of Christ should look different to the world every day, but what about during advent?
Advent is the season observed by most Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the second coming. It is most often observed December 1 – December 24, some even begin as early as November 30. It does have a Latin foundation, adventus, meaning “coming”. Historically, during this season, many would fast from meat, dairy or eggs as a sign of holiness and a time separated in devotion to Christ. These days are to be a clear reflection of hope, joy, peace and love.
Would we ever consider that God is asking us to fast from our normal “celebratory” focuses in December in order to better claim these days in the intimacy of the Father? What if our children walked away from the month of December having a better understanding of who Christ is and less knowledge about the cookies and cakes? Can we even allow ourselves to think that He may desire a fast in the busiest seasons of eating all year?
These days should be days that we prepare our hearts to enterthis season. What is the pre-advent? These are the days where we make our focus on the Savior and begin to empty our hearts and minds of all the things that distracted us from the Christ. In Titus 1:15, “to the pure, everything is pure.” May we enter a new kind of purity with Jesus in these days of separation for holiness.
Pondering about how advent is best to fit into the daily walk of a Christian, I am paused on sharing any details. These days of the Christian journey are shaped more by what men lead us to do in our followings than the Spirit of the Living God in His leadings. In this day, instead of seeking what others are called to do in their “adventing”, today, seek the Lord and what He desires of us in our pilgrimage.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life…… AND let your eyes look directly ahead ANDlet your gaze be fixed straight in front of you…. AND all your ways will be established.” Provers 4:23, 25, 26b
In today’s time, we have a logo for everything. Every program, every service line, every business and church. It represents everything. It is to encompass the very essence of that organization or product. But what would the Creator’s logo be? What about the Savior’s logo? Or the Comforter’s logo? Do they have an image?
Here are some options:
The cross.
The world.
The clouds.
Humanity.
The wind.
LIGHT.
Blood.
The sound of a newborn.
Are these the logos of God?
What is a logo? Definition: A logo is a visual mark that distinguishes a company, organization, product, or brand. (According to google)
Does Jesus have a brand? An image? Does He need one?
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
Let me say it again.
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
What are we promoting or marketing? What message are we sharing? What action are we desiring from those around us? Here is a thought that has crossed my mind – what if everything we did ONLY promoted the Name of Jesus…. How would the world look different?
Philippians 2:9-11
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
If we are Christians, we are called to be the evidence and residence of Jesus. Do we reflect the evidence and residence of Jesus?
What name are we more concerned with promoting than Jesus? If we believe that His Name is the only Name that saves, then why do we concern ourselves promoting any other name?”
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Either we believe this or we don’t. If we do, then we believe Jesus is the Messiah and we should look, be, act and see different. So, if this is true, anything else we put above this Name is idol worship. Are we pushing another name other than Jesus Christ?
I ask again, what would Jesus’ logo be? Would we dare put it on our cars, shirts, hats or backpacks? How would we approach His Name differently if we believe His Name truly possesses the power we say it does?
This leads me into great thought and inner dialogue with myself asking who or whom do I represent?
“Life moves at the speed of your age. Use your time wisely because it only speeds up,” my dad said.
I remember hearing this as a 9-year-old girl begging to hurry up my birthday to turn 10 years old. It couldn’t happen fast enough. The days wouldn’t move fast enough. My father reminded me of the fact that when you are 9-year-old, you are moving at 9 miles per hour in time. Same holds true today, I am currently moving at 37 miles per hour and when my father took his last breath, he was moving at 77 miles per hour.
My dad taught me to be a good human above everything else. Work hard. Take care of family. Love with all you have. Love the Lord. Give when no one is looking. If you can, pick up the bill for others from time to time. Smile. Give thanks. Be gentle with your children – a try to be more kind than not. Eat the cookie. Let the kids eat the cookies. Make vacations important. Make memories more important. Always cheer for the VOLS and be confident they will win the next game. Never get too excited about the Braves until the post season. Go to church. Sing. If you have a gift, use it. Appreciate good music. Stay away from the drink – it will only lead to trouble. Pay your debts. Be proud to be an American. Go on mountain picnics. Spend time with family. Chili is always better the second day. The Lord will always deal with those who do wrong. Bologna sandwiches and white bread should be had on Saturday afternoons. Drink coffee. Laugh. If it is not in writing, it didn’t happen – keep a record. Sometimes the GPS takes you through small towns when the map actually has a main highway, (sorry about that time going to the beach). Keep the unity. Laugh. Try not to talk so loud and so much. Be a good steward with what you have been given. Return what you borrow. Always go and vote. Take care of your equipment and it won’t let you down. Some things you don’t cut corners on. Heart ache happens – but you have to get back up. You cannot help everyone. Don’t spend money you do not have.
And the way my father loved, was found in the powerful demonstration of how he died.
He led in love. Now, he had grumpy moments. We all do. Especially on the travel day to vacation. As many know and many may not know, my dad has nearly died many times over the last seven years he has seen many incredibly dark and difficult days with his own health. More than once, we thought we had lost him. More than once, we were knocking on death’s door. Not to mention, his and my mom’s first-born son, Robbie, was stillborn. And then watching both of his parents pass away and then his older brother. Then, three years ago, he had to endure yet another death of his oldest daughter, Robin, due to Covid-19. But through it all – his eyes were on the Lord. But through it all – his faith grew. Not to mention a grandson born prematurely and concerns he would even live, a granddaughter who was born with a cleft lip and palate, another granddaughter not able to have children, five adopted great-grandchildren who each have their stories of their own of pain and heart ache.
I pray that I may learn to live in the sufferings the way he did. I pray my family feels the depth of love for me when my day comes as we did for him. When he passed from death to true, abundant life, it was the most special moment of my life. Sunday had been another really rough day with him calling in the middle of morning church needing me and my brother to come and help him immediately. This had happened a few times, so we knew the drill and took off. We were able to stabilize him and bring peace to some discomfort. Now, we were planning a big family gathering to celebrate my most “princess” niece leaving for college – but dad wasn’t up for it, which was not the normal. So, we chose to forgo our normal big family time and met up for Twister’s ice cream. And then my sweet sister-in- law messaged us to get home quickly. In that moment, I knew something was different. The ambulance was on the way again – my sister-in-law screaming for me to hurry from the top of the steps, and then “crisis-mode Heather” arrived again to the scene. My middle school nephew helped me launch him from the bed to the floor to begin chest compressions until the ambulance arrived. For nearly 12 minutes his heart was stopped. He was gone.
All the years of dropping everything and running to save him were over. He was gone.
Until he wasn’t – his heart started again. He was quickly taken to the closest hospital for immediate attention. For an hour we waited. No answers, and no updates – just wondering if he was going to pull through this one too like all of the rest. From the moment the word was spoken, the family rallied together. Brother and I sitting together again at the hospital – this time without our sister. We, of course, laughing at the many moments of opportunity to find something to laugh at in the strangest of circumstances in a hospital ER waiting room. After many hours of waiting, we were able to transfer to our preferred hospital at UT Medical Center – thankful by ambulance and not by helicopter. A story for another day. The team of experts whipped into gear. And they began to prepare us for the worst of news. At 9:30 AM, we received the news that we knew was coming. The benefit of a loving family and the importance of teaching your children to be good humans is that our parents also taught us how to think about things. My brother and I were perfectly aligned in every decision.
And the family was called – and they came. Every single one of them. Not a soul missing from the room.
As we gathered, it was difficult for many to see him living on a ventilator with small tremors due to neurological damage. It was difficult to see him without a smile on his face and his hand in the air with his notorious wave. A note to consider, this week of August, three years prior, we were living the journey of the pandemic and the loss of my sister. She passed away alone on a ventilator at UT Medical Center. None of us were there – which is not who we are. We are a family that does it all together – a unit. We hurt together and celebrate together. The number three in the studies of biblical numerology means “divine perfection”. And it is very clear on this day, this week was divinely perfected.
As we joined arms and hands to surround my dad – we each became the Kingdom Priests we were designed to be. We laughed, we cried. We sang, we prayed. We held one another. We joined together to celebrate the last moments of his powerful life. In the moments when they removed the ventilator, we each watched the breathing slow and the heart slow. As we did, the worship music continued as we watched him be ushered into his eternal Heavenly home. And then Dante Bowe’s song “Voice of God” came on, and we knew it would be soon. The pulse paused on 22 beats per minute for several moments. Breathing non-existent. There are 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet – all must be present to relay the message. All of the adults of our family were in the room. We all had to be present to hear the message.
The lyrics to Voice of God, Dante Bowe:
“And I can hear it on the wind of an early morning, When the fog is getting thick and the birds are chirping Oh, it’s just something I can’t explain, no But it makes me wanna cry And I can hear it in the hush of a midnight hour When I’m alone in my room, if I’m going under Oh, I just can’t explain, no But it brings me back to life It’s like the sound of a newborn baby crying, yeah Like the final breath of a loved one passing Oh, it’s a beautiful thing, yeah ‘Cause it leads me to the light”
As the song played on, we held at 13 beats per minute – 13. In scripture the number 13 holds a similar connection to the number 8 – new beginnings. There is a great study about numerology by EW Bullinger that gives intense insight into 13. But in this day – I am going with 8 + 5 = 13. Eight meaning new beginnings and five meaning grace. This moment was definitely one of new beginnings and grace – as we watched, healed, comforted, celebrated and embraced. We prayed for grace and mercy in this moment. We begged God to bring peace and to be quick in receiving my father, and he definitely did. As He always does. And He continues to confirm His steps in us using all the ways He created.
When you lose a loved one, especially a parent, you never know all the things they did before you were born. You only know what they tell you. In navigating through his perfectly put together paperwork, we were able to see some of the many accolades He received, and never spoke of. Below I wanted to brag on my awesome dad –
“It is indeed a rare experience to be assigned such an outstanding individual as Airman Arnold…. His initiative and ability to readily comprehend carried him through a very trying time. He has amazed this individual with his intensive interest in his work. He has spent many overtime hours on his own, to achieve reporting accuracy. This zealous attention to duty is greatly appreciated by the Base Civil Engineer Cost Section and by me. Had it not been for Airman Arnold, it would have been impossible to meet the due date of the quarterly cost reports.” Department of Air Force, 1967
“It is my sincere pleasure to inform you that your son A1C Kenneth E. Arnold has been selected as George AFB Comptroller Airman of the Month for the month of April 1968. You may be justly proud of your son’s accomplishment. The criteria for selection are stringent and competition is exceedingly rigorous. Each individual selected must excel in a wide variety of areas including performance of assigned duties, initiative, job knowledge, special achievements, acceptance of responsibility, military bearing, courtesy, moral character, integrity, attitude and many others. A1C Arnold’s selection as Comptroller Airman of the Month reflects great credit upon himself and you, his parents. Again, may I offer my congratulations for our son’s very commendable achievement.” Major Saunders, USAF
“There has never been a piano player who played with such passion and talent.” Everyone he played with.
This man, our father, was truly one of a kind. I pray the life I live and the lives I shepherd are always a reflection of his life well lived.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
No book on this earth can replace the power of the Word of God. No words on this earth hold a candle to the power find through opening the Holy Word and soaking it in. There is not a book greater than His Book, the love letter written with me in mind. We are what we put in. If I enjoy my cheeseburgers and cheesecake every day of my life, my body will be a reflection of that. The same holds true for the soul. If I neglect the very words that bring life to my soul and mind, I will flounder in the wind.
I’ve been asked many times “what are you reading?” or “is this a good book?” or “what can I do to change my circumstance or be more joyful?” A few weeks ago, I began to really look at my bookshelves and realize the books I have read over the course of my short 37 years have brought great impact to my outlook on life, my perspective on my circumstances on life and what I have chosen to impact my head space. So, this blog is a little unique, as I am sharing the books that have meant something to me – but come highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree with all of the authors stance on many things, so please do not use this message as an attempt on anything ugly. I am stating that these specific books pushed me, challenged me, and encouraged me. These books below are never meant to replace the time spent with the Word of God – only to enhance the time spent. Here we go….
The Autobiography of George Muller; Corrie Ten Boom; Prayers that Avail Much by Copeland; The Power of a Praying Wife by Omartian; Praying through the Names of God by Tony Evans; Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp.
These books are some of the books I have owned and read for more than twenty years and some I just added within the last five. These books keep me grounded in my faith as they are foundational reminders to the scriptures that are so dear to my soul and give the life that continues to keep me moving in my darkest moments. They are tools in guiding me to the quiet stillness moments with my Lord. They are the constant visuals of continued mission. Our days are difficult – my life is full of uphill climbs, and I am sure so is yours… but these are core foundational reminders to keep the faith and stay connected to the only Life Giving Vine we know.
Two of these are daily prayer books that can be utilized to assist in daily prayer time [#3&4]. Two of these are stories of people you cannot find in existence anymore – they walked so closely with God the earth shook when they awoke [#1&2]. The other three are made up of helpful reminders of the importance of time alone with God [#6], time of gratitude during every day darkness [#7] and a reminder that every jot and tittle are not wasted in God’s word [#5].
Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson; My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers; Upside Down Prayers for Parents by Bergren; Raising Kingdom Kids by Tony Evans; Kingdom Marriage by Tony Evans; Parenting by Tripp; New Morning Mercies by Tripp
These incredible books tell stories over my life. My Utmost for His Highest was first published in 1924 by Chambers’ widow [#2]. I can remember opening this devotional book for the first time in high school – I stole my mom’s book – and thinking about how timeless it was for our lives even today. These words ring loudly with wisdom and truths that are very uncommon to our culture, but dripping with the Spirit of God. Also, New Morning Mercies [#7], is a beautiful daily devotional read that was gifted to me by a very dear friend. They are full of powerful reminders a daily truths for today.
Praying Circles Around Your Children and Upside Down Prayers for Parents [#1&3] are also full of unique and counter-culture reminders and prayers applicable to the little humans you may be raising. Raising children is one of the most crucial positions and mission I hold and I cannot tell you how ill-equipped I often feel. These little reads are great reminders on how to stay focused on what truly matters and dismiss the rest. Numbers 4, 5 & 6 will give you great hope while dismantling all of the ugly found within your own selfish soul. I have a love and hate relationship with all three of these books because they enlighten me to many of my own character flaws which brings great pain, but it is the much needed, good pain. They have helped me grow more than so many other books I have touched.
The Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson; Grave Robber by Mark Batterson; You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan; Crazy Love by Francis Chan; You Were Made for More by Jim Cymbala; Spirit Rising by Jim Cymbala; Fresh Faith and Fresh Power by Jim Cymbala; Not Forsaken by Louis Giglio; For the Love by Jen Hatmaker; Seven by Jen Hatmaker; Here, Now by Kate Merrick; Adopted for Life by Moore; Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst; The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp.
WOW – each of these books I can tell you were I sat and what season of life I was in while I was reading them. The Fresh Faith and Fresh Power Cymbala books take me all the way back to high school reading. I know I was a nerd and not the normal high school student, just ask my youth pastor who was charged with dealing with me and my constant push for more! And the Batterson books which helped my not long after the death of my sister with navigating who my God says He is. And of course the Hatmaker books which lightened my up from religion and thrusted me into more of relationship and laughter with my God. And the timely book that I had read many years ago, The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp, which taught me foundational truths before I knew I would really need them.
Here, Now – a wake up call to all who cannot seem to stop letting life control them. And Adopted for Life – the awesomeness about how we are all adopted in Christ and how that parallels for those littles among us adopted into our family home. Crazy Love by Chan will challenge you – if you think you love God, read this. It will make you think twice about what love really is. You Were Made for More by Cymbala – I remember reading all of NYC when me and my husband Clif went on a couples only weekend trip to hear from God and photograph the city. It was a powerful weekend of renewal and goodness for us both and this was my book of choice. Never would I dream our family and home would look the way it does now. Every day I am blessed.
And of course, You and Me Forever a great marriage book and tool to be the guideposts on this journey. And Forgiving What You Cannot Forget – speaks for itself. A Powerful Read to stop the victim card being played in your life. And Not Forsaken by Giglio – exactly that… all are must go to’s. And reminder books for life.
Prayers that Avail Much for Women, Copeland; How Successful People Lead, Maxwell; Minute Motivators for Leaders; Slow Down by Nordeman; Simple Truths of Service; Go-Giver; Rainmaker; The 12 Week Year; The Sensational Salesman, Cummings; Live Love Lead by Houston; Spiritual Leadership by Blackaby; FISH; Inside the Magic Kingdom – Disney’s Success; Customer Satisfaction is Worthless Customer Loyalty is Priceless.
Each of these are business, sales, leadership, customer service, good human books. I could go into detail, but honestly, each of these have nuggets of goodness and best practices for all. If you are in business at all – read them all. If you are a leader at all, read them all.
CS Lewis; Francine Rivers; Karen Kingsbury – best fiction authors with purpose
These are some of the best fiction books and series I have ever read with a greater purpose. The Magicians Nephew by CS Lewis is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia Series – A MUST READ. The Screwtape Letters is a book written by the demons who are trying to destroy a human’s life. It gives great perspective on our days of living today, even though written many years ago. Rejoice is in the first series of the 20+ book series of the Baxter Family books by Karen Kingsbury. I couldn’t find my first book, Redemption, I am sure I loaned it out – but these are a powerful fiction read of a family living life with problems growing their faith. I believe many of us can relate.
Angels Walking series is another set of books by Karen Kingsbury that speaks to how the angels walk among us – such a great fiction by bound in truth read! Francine Rivers is one of the most historical fiction authors I’ve ever read – she will create stories within a biblical era and do great things with not being against scripture, but building the stories out. Sons of Encouragement and Lineage of Grace are great examples of this. Also, my favorite series of ALL Time is the Mark of the Lion Series which begins with Voice in the Wind. Redeeming Love – read it the first time in 24 hours. I am thankful there is one who passionately pursues my soul in this way. Even after I leave and flee so very often. I highly recommend each of these great literary marvels!
Multiply by Francis Chan; Walking with God in Every Season- Ecclesiastes/SongofSolomon/Lamentations, Arthur/Delacy; Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther by Arthur/Delacy; 40 minute studies by Arthur/Delacy; Waymaker by Ann Voscamp; No Other Gods by Minter; Gideon by Priscilla Shirer; Radical by David Platt, The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp; Breathe by Priscilla Shirer; Covenant by Kay Arthur; not listed: PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT by Kay Arthur
Discipleship Books – each and every one of these have unlocked a powerful truth about my God. If you are looking for core foundational truths that challenge you and encourage you in your relationship with God, these are great studies that will grow you and take you deeper in fellowship with the Lord. Each of these will guide you in the Truth of the Word and the hope of tomorrow. The bible study of Gideon, for example, Priscilla Shirer unpacks the story of Gideon. The powerful truth of how our God looks at a scared man fearing for his life and calls him a “Valiant Warrior.” Even when our actions don’t line up, our God still speaks truth over us. A great place to start bible studies is on precept.org – they have studies for all walks of life and all ages.
I know this is a lot to share on this amazing Christmas Eve – but today is the day to start to read. Reading changes an atmosphere. What we are putting in is either bringing death or life. Choose to turn the TV and the Facebook off today and pick up a book that will bring life! Make the most of 2023 – make it different than the last.
Slavery is still going strong today. Slavery. Is it about the color of someone’s skin? Slavery. Is it about what country you are from or how much money you make? What about your age? Slavery knows no boundaries. Slavery goes beyond borders, skin color, age and further than bank accounts and financial statements. Slavery attacks all walks of life because slavery devours the slave and the master. A slave is defined as a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.
There are more slaves today than in any other point in the history of all mankind. And these slaves are black and white. Yellow and red. These slaves are from Asia, Africa, America, Europe, The Islands and Knoxville, Tennessee. These slaves are poor and rich.
More than 2 million children are exploited each year in the sex trade. Those children are white, black, yellow, red… one of us.
There are more than 27 million slaves globally. These can be in the sex industry working as prostitutes or on farms working in the fields. Those people are yellow, black, red, white… one of us.
Of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee, Knox County ranks in the top 4 in trafficked areas in the state. Knox County is where we live. Slavery exists right here with us.
Every 30 seconds another person is trafficked. Every 30 seconds. In the time that it will take you to read this article another 8 people have been enslaved.
My generation has become more concerned with the act of slavery that took place before our grandparents were born, instead of fighting the slavery that is going on right now, under our noses, in the parts of town we “avoid” around the people we “avoid”. Each child trafficked is someone’s child. Every person trafficked is someone’s someone.
Today, we watch news updates of black verses white and white verses black and it is all referencing slavery. Today, we are citizens in a nation with a black President. If a black man can hold the highest office in the nation voted in by the people, the slavery that once held our country in bondage, no longer does. At least not in the majority. Is it possible that by our focus being so strongly on the immediate hatred or slander against one another, we miss the real slavery still in existence? Is that the plan? While I raise many questions in this brief article. I only ask that you search yourself and the real data of who the slaves in 2016 really are and how do we help them?
A21 is an international organization that works to rescue those in bondage today and help restore them through the healing power of Jesus Christ. A21 EXISTS TO ABOLISH INJUSTICE IN THE 21ST CENTURY. A21 is a non-profit organization who believes that we can end human trafficking together. For the past three years, A21 has hosted the #walkforfreedom walk in numerous cities across the globe. The walk exists to reflect A21’s heart for freedom and justice, and it is ultimately designed to turn awareness into action. This year, Knoxville has been chosen as one of their host cities. Please feel free to go to A21.org for more information about A21 and the walk itself. The event is Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 8:30am beginning at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
Do we as a county, as a state, as a city want to continue fighting against the slavery that was abolished many years ago or do we want to face and fight for the ones that are currently in chains? The decision is ours. What shall you choose?
For more information, please go to a21.org/Knoxville or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
As I bounce around in this small piece of metal in the air with Your wind and Your rain, I am reminded of just how small I really am. There are many days that I feel strong, big, in control…. But today, I am just a blip on the radar of Your force and strength. You are bigger. You are much stronger. My body can only bend to where Your creation tells it to go. The wings of the plane bounce. Jolt. Every burst of wind forces this “heavy piece of machinery” into it’s mercy. Your Mercy. The rain falls and the wing gets wet. The winds blow and the wing moves. The light on the end of the wing never stops blinking. It never stops shining and it never stops reminding the creation around it that the plane is coming.
That it is coming.
And just like that, the clouds break, the rain stops and the city comes into view. Is the airplane wing different through the storm….
Okay, there is conviction… and then there is CONVICTION. This book has challenged me to study God’s Word to see what it means to truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have been a believer and follower of Jesus since I was 12 years old. In many ways, I have been blessed with Godly wisdom to avoid some of the major pitfalls of this life. However, in many ways the plumb line that I had used against myself was not the Living Word of God, and definitely not the Saviour of the Universe.
Now that I have seen, I am responsible.
I have always struggled with how the Living Word was supposed to scrub up against the life of the a 21st Century American Christian. This book has caused me to focus on 7 major areas of my life and hold them up against the Word of God. Those areas are: Clothes, Spending, Waste, Food, Possessions, Media & Stress. At first glace, you might think, “I do okay in those areas..”. If you feel like you are good and have accomplished all that Jesus has for you, read this book. If you feel like you are obedient in most areas of your life, read this book. If you feel like you have no real understanding of what God says about these areas, read this book (and then become a Berean and study it out).
Jen doesn’t seek to be the end all, be all about these issues mentioned. My understanding is that she just wants the American Church of Jesus to study out how our lives actually line up with the Word of God. Our view of Christianity is skewed by an American worldview, and not a Jesus worldview.
If you dare to go and pick this book up, be prepared to be challenged. Be warned, this book is not for the weary. Actually, the weary might just be the very one intended to read it!
Happy to you in finding your alter to fall upon with all of your idols! Get ready! Don’t say I didn’t warn you… (btw we all have idols). Remember we have a loving Saviour who is willing to show grace to all, may repentance be near.
e information, please go to a21.org/Knoxville or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
The Journey 