Reading Meme

My online buddy, Kay, posted a reading meme in her blog today.

Here is the meme as it is supposed to be played:

The Rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages), or whatever book you are currently reading.

2. Open the book to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the next three sentences.

5. Tag five people.

I am reading several books, but chose Be Still and Know that I Am God Compiled by Amy and Judge Reinhold.

"And time spent letting His love flow through you to others is an investment in eternity. Ask your Friend to slow you down and teach you the value of wasting time with Him. Take some time and meditate on how much God loves you and wants simply to be with you today."

I'm not going to tag anyone, but feel free to leave a comment here if you decide to play along.

When the Nile Runs Red by Diann Mills

When the Nile Runs Red is a novel set in Sudan written by Diann Mills. Follow the journey of several characters of various religious beliefs in this action packed story. One of the main characters, Abdullah changed his name to Paul following his conversion to Christianity because of the similarities between his life and that of Paul of the New Testament. His wife, Larson is a doctor providing aid in the war torn country. They are in constant danger from many sources as they live out their faith with courage.

John Garang, the first Vice President of Sudan is mentioned in this story.

At the end of the book Ms. Mills offers information on organizations that provide aid to the Sudanese around the world.

Across
Head Office
P.O. Box 21033
00505 – Ngong Road
Nairobi
KENYA

Aid Sudan
7561 FM 1960 East # 301
Humble, TX 77346

Christian Solidarity International USA
870 Hampshire Road, Suite T
Westlake Village, CA 91361

SEA Partners
PMB118
1221 Flower Mound Road, Suite 320
Flower Mound, TX 75028

Tortured For Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3

I just finished a tough book that is on the reading list for my church's missions group - Tortured For Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand. I highly recommend this book to all Christians because we need to know, care, pray and do something about the plight of our brothers and sisters in the Underground/Persecuted Church. It is unbelievable to us here in the land of plenty to think about the sacrifices they obediently make just to tell one of their neighbors about Jesus. They truly love their fellow man enough that they are willing to be tortured, imprisoned and martyred for their faith. Below are some quotes from the book that spoke loudly to my heart:

Pastor Wurmbrand said, “In the first days after my conversion, I felt that I would not be able to live any longer. Walking on the street, I felt a physical pain for every man and woman who passed by. It was like a knife in my heart, so burning was the question of whether or not her or she was saved. If a member of the congregation sinned I would weep for hours. The longing for the salvation of all souls has remained in my heart and the Communists are not excluded from it.” How can we turn our heads when we see our neighbors in need of what we possess and keep it to ourselves?

“Persecution has always produced a better Christian – a witnessing Christian, a soul-winning Christian. Communist persecution has backfired and produced serious, dedicated Christians such as are rarely seen in free lands. These people cannot understand how anyone can be a Christian and not want to win every soul they meet.”

Goals of The Voice of the Martyrs

1. Provide Christians with Bibles, literature, and radio broadcasts in their own language in restricted nations where Christians are persecuted. Page

2. To give relief to the families of Christian martyrs in these areas of the world.

3. To undertake projects of encouragement to help believers rebuild their lives and witness in countries that have suffered Communist oppression.

4. To win to Christ those who are opposed to the gospel.

5. To inform the world about the atrocities committed against Christians and about the courage and faith of the persecuted.

For more information or to make a contribution please contact:

The Voice of the Martyrs
P.O. Box 443
Bartlesville, OK 74005
800-747-0085
www.persecution.com

Signs of Life by David Jeremiah

Since Monday is the start of Random Acts of Kindness week (February 11-17, 2007) I wanted to share a little from a book that I am reading, Signs of Life by David Jeremiah. I was planning on just giving you a little taste of a few of his ideas, but I couldn’t decide which ones to eliminate because they are all terrific ideas. I'm sure I'll have more to say about the book, once I finish reading it next month.

Before I give Pastor Jeremiah's ideas to you, I challenge you as his book has challenged me to make a list of five people you plan to encourage this week – and write down an idea or two about how you might encourage each one of them.

So what are some specific ways we can roll up our sleeves, use our muscles, and sweat out some kindness for Jesus’ sake? The simplest answer is the oldest one: find a need and fill it. Ask God to show you a specific need and then to empower you in meeting it.

· Do you know someone undergoing chemotherapy who could use a meal brought in on the day of the treatment?

· Does a single mother in your neighborhood need help with lawn mowing or yard work?

· What about volunteering at your local school or hospital? Or visiting a nursing home to chat with the elderly, pray with the lonely, and perhaps organize visits by children’s choirs or choral groups?

· If there’s a homeless shelter or soup kitchen in your area, consider offering your time on a regular basis.

· Establish a family tradition of taking a basket of groceries to a needy home every Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.

· Ask your church leaders about the congregation’s benevolent ministries and find a place to help.

· Take the lead in helping your church adopt a section of local roadway to keep clean.

· Consider taking a missions trip to help build a church, give immunizations, teach VBS, or renovate an orphanage.

· Investigate the possibilities of helping refuges settle in your town or city.

· Volunteer to teach English as a second language in your church or community.

· Donate books to the local prison, linens to the local rescue mission, or tutoring time to the local school.

For additional ideas to let your neighbors know you care go to Actions Speak Loudest.

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of his fiction and some of his non-fiction. His books have helped me change my perspective on a lot of things most importantly eternity. He takes the fear (and some of the sadness) out of death and gives the reader a longing for being united with Jesus and reunited with loved ones who have gone on ahead to their eternal rewards. Randy’s books have encouraged me to delve deeper into God and HIS Word.

About a year ago, I found the book Safely Home at the library and could barely put it down. It is a gripping story of two college friends who met in the United States. Both had the potential to become influential in their chosen fields. Twenty years later, they live a world apart in many ways, but find themselves reunited in China under disturbing circumstances.

American business executive Ben Fielding has no idea what his brilliant old college roommate is facing in China. After 20 years he expects to pick up where they left off. But when they're reunited in China, the men are shocked at what they discover about each other. The paths they've walked have shaped their lives and loyalties in radically different ways.

Thrown together in an hour of encroaching darkness, watched by unseen eyes, both must make choices that will determine not only the destinies of two men, but two families, two nations...and two worlds.

Quote from Safely Home
“One moment after men die,” Li Tong said, “they know exactly how they should have lived. But then it is too late to go back and live their lives over again. Too late for the unbeliever, in the jaws of hell. But also too late for the believer, who cannot relive his life, remake his choices, this time following his King more faithfully.”

Starting this month Randy's blog will feature a book giveaway of the month! Each month three randomly drawn winners will receive a brand new, signed copy of one of Randy's books. Go check out his blog and leave a comment for a chance to win Safely Home. If you don't win, check your local library or buy a copy from your local Christian bookstore or from Randy's website, its a book that could change your life or at least the way you think about the persecuted church and those who would be thrilled to have one page of God's Holy Word to read.

In my opinion, one of the most exciting things about this book is that the author and cover artist pledge to donate all royalties to help the persecuted church around the world. Let's all strive to do something that matters for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

*February 25, 2008 - Update*
For winners to the contest check Randy's Blog.

Turn: Remembering Our Foundations by Max Lucado

Max Lucado wrote a book that focuses on returning to the foundations of our faith. It is the official 2005 National Day of Prayer Theme Book. He expands on the Scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." He gives advice in four basic turns:

Turn #1 Toward God's Glory
Turn #2 Toward God in Prayer
Turn #3 Toward God's Word
Turn #4 Toward God in Repentance

In the first turn the author suggests the reader to apply the filter of 1 Corinthians 10:31 to our government. With the presidential primaries in full swing, its a good time to consider this quote, "Elect officials for the glory of God. Not for the glory of Democrats, Republicans, or Independents. Not for the glory of my crusade or your cause, her race or his gender, but for the glory of God." Why do we elect a candidate?"

In the second turn Max reminds us of Jesus teaching on prayer: "Did Jesus call us to preach without ceasing? Or teach without ceasing? Or have committee meetings without ceasing? Or sing without ceasing? No, but He did call us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

In the third turn he challenges each of us to apply God's Word to our lives. "Apply it to your finances. Test God’s Word on your job. Test the Bible on your relationships. But most of all, apply the Bible to your soul."

In the fourth and final turn he discusses repentance. He modernizes the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18, "In the same meeting, a man of humble heart, too contrite to even look to the skies, prayed, “God, have mercy on me – a sinner. Like m brother on welfare – I’m dependent on Your grace. Like my sister with AIDS – I’m infected with mistakes. Like my friend who drinks – I need something to ease my pain. And like those You love who are gay – I need direction, too. Have mercy on me a sinner." That makes it real by bringing it into our neighborhoods!

I pray that this book of less than 100 pages is both an encouragement and a challenge as we look deeply into the Word of God and make applications in our prayer lives.

Note

I just logged on and found out my music was somehow changed without my permission to music I do not know or appreciate. I removed that option for the time being until I have time to investigate further and I changed my password.

In the Heart of the World by Mother Teresa

I found this little book, In the Heart of the World by Mother Teresa, at the library yesterday and read it quite quickly. It may have few pages, but they pack much wisdom and compassion. Basically it is a book of stories, thoughts and prayers that help us focus on meeting the needs of others, thereby meeting the needs of Jesus in (many times) a distressing disguise.

"It may happen that a mere smile, a short visit, the lighting of a lamp, writing a letter for a blind man, carrying a bucket of charcoal, offering a pair of sandals, reading the newspaper for someone – something small, very small – may, in fact, be our love of God in action. Listening, when no one else volunteers to listen, is no doubt a very noble thing."

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be challenged and encouraged to serve and love others.

How to Read the Bible So It Changes Your Life by Aletha Hinthorn

My Pastor's wife (Thanks Mary!) always has a new book in her hands and one day last fall, she had this one - How to Read the Bible So It Changes Your Life by Aletha Hinthorne. I checked our public library to find out if they had it in their collection, but they didn't so I requested that they purchase it and they did!

Its an easy to read, yet challenging book.

The back cover says:

Is God's Word Changing your life? or...

* Are you having trouble developing the discipline to get into His Word regularly?

* Are demands on your time squeezing out the time you spend with Him?

* Have you been ignoring God's still, small voice calling your to fellowship with Him?

In How to Read the Bible So It Changes Your Life, Aletha Hinthorn teaches you to read the Bible so that your daily life is impacted. Her insights bring God's Word to life in the mundane, everyday world you live in.

Whether you're on the mountaintop or in the valley, you can learn to turn to God along every step of life's journey.

How to Read the Bible So It Changes Your Life gives you the solid foundation you need to discern what God has to say to you today!

At the end of the book there is a two year Daily Lectionary that is arranged according to the church year so you are reading about the birth of Christ at Christmas and the crucifixion at Easter, etc. I recommend to this book to anyone who wants to get more out of their Bible reading time.

Justice in the Burbs: Being the Hands of Jesus Wherever You Live by Will and Lisa Samson

Wow! Justice in the Burbs already feels like a keeper and I'm only on the second chapter. Will and Lisa Samson have united their talents and taken a creative approach at sharing a story and a challenge. Each of the twelve chapters are divided into three sections. The first section is a story written by Lisa about fictional characters, Matt and Christine Marshall, a suburban couple who are taking an emotional and life-changing journey by asking themselves the hard questions. Will tackles the second section which is a discussion of issues related to Lisa's narrative. Finally each chapter ends with a meditation in response to the story.


This book reminds me some of one of Lisa's other novels, which I enjoyed tremendously, Quaker Summer. If you get a chance, I'd recommend that you read it also.

The back cover of Justice in the Burbs says:

In the suburban world of nice homes, neat lawns, and new cars, it can be easy to forget about social justice. Life keeps us busy, and the poor and disenfranchised of our world are invisible as we go from our garage to our workplace and back again. But suburbanites can be a force for social justice in the world.

In this unique book, you will take a journey with a young couple from the burbs as they learn to notice and act on the issues of justice that abound everywhere. This engaging narrative will help you kiss apathy and ignorance good-bye in favor of a life of concern and action.

For more info and reader reviews check out the Justice in the Burbs Blog. For some thought provoking quotes go to Think on This.

Are you up for a challenge? Are you ready to let go of the status quo? If so check your local library or bookstore or here for this enlightening book, Justice in the Burbs: Being the Hands of Jesus Wherever You Live.

Justice in the Burbs Video Promo

They Saw Only Feet by Dean Nelson

I finished reading one of the missionary books put out by my church today, They Saw Only Feet by Dean Nelson. The call of a missionary often means sacrifice and surrender. Nobody knows that better than their children. Yet as the missionary kids in this book will tell you, God is faithful to care for His own. Between these pages you’ll meet men and women whose life experiences on the field changed them forever. Listen to their hearts, and let your own faith be strengthened as you do.

It is a book that details experiences and lessons learned of five missionary kids (MKs) stationed all over the world. What they shared was humorous, interesting and profound. One story in particular really encouraged me. Anita Birchard Reglin shared that her grandparents preached and played the organ in an empty building (church) for a full year. How discouraging that could have been, but they saw feet outside the building and continued following God's call on their lives. So often I tend to judge the results NOW, but in God's economy we are not the judge of effectiveness. We are just called to obedience.

Ted Esselstyn shared about the death of his brother Jimmy while on the mission field in Africa. Ted described that tragedy as a miracle. "God was at work. We forget sometimes that God performs more than miracles of healing; He performs miracles of transformation. And the greatest of all those mireacles is when He let His own Son die for us. Jesus died, enabling our own transformation." Pray for transformation in the lives of all Christians as we strive to become more like Jesus.

At the end of the book a Call to Action is given:

After reading this book, please consider doing one or more of the following:

1. Pray for missionaries serving around the world, that God will protect, guide, and sustain them.

2. Talk with your pastor or missionary president about how your congregation can provide better support for missionaries who might have special ties to your church.

3. Pray specifically for the children of missionaries, that the Lord will protect them and use their unique experiences to draw them closer to himself.

4. Find ways to "adopt" a missionary kid (MK) in college. Support him or her with prayer and small gifts throughout the year.

5. Pray for those who shared their stories in this book that God will continue to bless them and honor their faithfulness.

Teaching Your Child about Sex by Grace Ketterman

I just happened to come across a blog - Bold and Free this evening that I am going to put in my favorites so I can check in often.

Jan is running a contest and will give a free copy of Teaching Your Child About Sex by Grace Ketterman, MD to the winner. It is a book that helps parents teach their children about sex. See her blog entries regarding the contest here and the book here.

I don't know much about the book, but its definitely a topic that all parents will have to discuss with their children at some point. I found this description at Christian Book Distributors:

Unsure about how or when to discuss "the birds and the bees" with your children? In her updated classic, renowned expert Dr. Ketterman equips you with the perfect words to explain the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sex in age-specific increments - from infancy through adolescence. Now includes chapters on current issues such as sexually transmitted diseases and homosexuality.

River Rising by Athol Dickson

River Rising is an excellent book that I highly recommend. Many books can be figured out in the first few chapters, but River Rising is not among them. You can look at this novel on multiple levels. Simply put you can consider it historical fiction from an isolated Louisiana town on the Mississippi River in 1927 or you can take it to a deeper level and view it as an allegory that at minimum encourages the reader to acknowledge some thought provoking questions that need to be answered. If you are looking for a simple story with a crisis and resolution or crime and justice this isn’t the story for you – in many ways it’s disturbing, yet it leaves the reader with hope for a better tomorrow. We might find ourselves identifying with one (or more) of the characters which can help us address issues in our lives.

For a great review of River Rising check out Kay's blog or go to Athol Dickson's blog for more background info and study questions. SPOILER ALERT - don't go to the study questions until after you have read the book.

The Shack - Part 2

I sent an email with a question and comments to William Paul Young and he replied...

My question was: I'm wondering from reading the book, do you think that all people will be in heaven? Do you believe that all people will come to relationship with God at some point and make it to heaven?

He said it would be okay to post his reply on my blog...

Hey Robin,

Thank you soooo much for taking the time to drop me a note and for the warm and encouraging words...much appreciated. I am grateful that the book has touched your life in a way that breathes grace into your heart. Just like Sarayu to do that. Thanks too for the blog review and whatever you choose to do in the future...much appreciated.

As to your specific question, let me answer it as best I can, with the caveat that I don't want this particular issue to become the 'reason' I wrote the book...it is not. I wrote the book to express to my children what I believe about the One who I love so much that there really are no words adequate to describe.

Having said that, this is such a great question and is currently being highly debated in Christian circles. Let me tell you what I do believe, understanding that like all of us, we are all in a process of understanding the heart of the One who knows us best and loves us most. I do believe in Hell, that it must be spiritual in nature (since it was created for the devil and his angels). I also believe that everything that Papa does or creates, including Hell, has a purpose and that its purpose is motivated by love. I also believe that when all is said and done, Papa will win, completely...without violating anyone and in fact by burning away from each life that which inhibits the freedom to run to his embrace. How that all looks as it is all worked out...don't know. I love the Timothy passage that says, "This is a statement true and worthy of full acceptance, that Jesus Christ is the savior of all mankind, especially of believers." I firmly believe that it is what Papa did in Jesus that saves us, and that not even our limited ability to choose independence will ultimately be a rival to his purposes. I think that we must choose what exactly saves us, and the choice is between Jesus and our ability to choose. I firmly believe that only Jesus saves us.

Blessings on your day and all the surprises of grace that await you,

Paul ('willie')

The Shack by William P. Young

Someone at Naznet recommended "The Shack" by William P. Young some weeks ago and it sounded intriguing, so I requested that my public library purchase it for me and they did! All the reviews (here is a particularly informative review) I've read entice me and I can't wait to get started on it. I will post again once I've read the book or sooner if so inclined.

The back cover of the book says:

"If anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again."

~ William P. Young in The Shack