Yawning at Tigers: You Can't Tame God So Stop Trying by Drew Dyck

I am encouraged by the number of books appearing lately regarding recognizing the power of God. Yawning at Tigers is one such book. We can become so "churched" that we forget we are worshipping and serving the God who created the universe. In this selection Dyck reminds us of His power. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you to take bolder steps in your faith walk, this is one you don't want to miss.  

I found this selection full of biblical truths and modern day examples of how God continues to move in the lives of those who serve Him. One of my favorite examples given in the book of how God pursues us is the reference to the movie Taken.  The author weaves many current media examples into sharing how God wants to operate in our lives. Dyck did an excellent job in posing questions to cause me to examine my boldness in my personal walk with God. Many parts in the book caused me to stop and reflect on the subject matter.  

I would definitely recommend this book for a personal or group study. The discussion guide at the end of the book is great for either time alone in reflection or with others.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Proper Introduction

Hello readers! I've been pondering the proper way to introduce myself to you so when you read my blog contributions you have an understanding of my perspective of life.  Writing an introduction seems like a simple enough task, but yet as I sit staring at a blank screen it is proving more difficult than I expected. I guess I will start with the basics.  

 

I'm a 38 year old mother of two daughters...and one dog. I've lived in the Charlotte, NC area for nine years after relocating here from Massachusetts. I had lived there for ten years after growing up in rural Virginia. The south is definitely what I consider home, but I still love to visit New England. I worked for a large bank for 13 years. The pay and benefits were decent. However, 4 years ago God spoke and I was stubborn enough to listen. I use the word stubborn because many advised against being obedient.  I quit my job at His prompting and the journey ever since has been an adventure to say the least. This may be why I find it so hard to describe myself! 

 

In the last four years I've had the opportunity to do things I never imagined. Even with all these adventures, I know it is only the beginning of the plan God has for my life. I think that applies to all of us! We are told God will do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).  

 

At the moment I work two jobs. I have my own house cleaning business and I also work with a local anti-human trafficking ministry. Both involve, in some way, cleaning up other people's mess. And I love it! The cleaning job allows me flexibility in my schedule so I can be available when my daughters need me. When I worked at the bank I had to miss much of what was happening in their lives. Now I'm there every afternoon to pick them up from school. I can attend programs, meetings, athletic events, etc without worrying about losing my job because of being absent from work. I have regular cleaning customers who are amazing people. My benefits now include fresh eggs from a customer who has chickens in her back yard, fresh vegetables from the customer who has a garden, the latest bestselling books from the customer who is an avid reader and lets me borrow from her, and priceless wisdom from the 97 year old I get to see once a week. 

 

In the ministry job I have the opportunity to learn a little more of what it must have felt like for Jesus to walk the earth. I see both the worst humanity has to offer, but also the beauty in a life being restored and redeemed. I have the opportunity to show love, mercy, and grace to others in the same way God has shown the same to me. In fact, I still have to ask Him for more of those daily.  

 

I guess the one detail I've left out of my introduction is I'm also single. So my writings may include stories of my ventures into the world of online dating or the joys of single parenthood. Some days I love being single (I can serve cereal every night for dinner and nobody complains!) and other days it feels like the thorn in my flesh (sleeping alone is well....lonely).  

I pray God will lead me to write the words you need to hear and He wants me to share. I pray we can all grow together. As God is working in me, I pray He uses it to inspire, encourage, and motivate you to allow Him to work in you also. Blessings and I'll be talking to you again soon!

Ex-Muslim by Naeem Fazal

I should first start off by saying I read this book in less than 24 hours time. Not that I had that much spare time, but once I started, I couldn't put it down! Living in the same city as the church Fazal pastors, I was familiar with him and some of his story so I was eager to read this book. Pastor Fazal has a writing style that is easy to read and comprehend and a story that is powerful and a testimony to God's relentless pursuit of us, no matter our background. 

In "Ex-Muslim," Pastor Fazal details his journey to faith in Christ thought what most would deem unusual circumstances. His description of demonic encounters reveal how someone raised in a completely different faith can come to personally experience the power in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I enjoyed reading his story and was encouraged by his audacious faith to surrender his life completely to Christ and the path chosen for him. I enjoyed that the focus was on Fazal's story, but not primarily about how to witness to those of other faiths. I did receive a powerful reminder of how the greatest witness opportunities we have are through the way we live our lives daily. There are people around us who are watching every move we make and listening to every word we say. To quote Fazal, "If people don't see the teachings of Jesus lived out in us, they won't want to listen to a word we have to say about Him." 

I highly recommend this selection! I promise you won't be disappointed and will be challenged in your personal walk with Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How to Pick Up a Stripper by Todd and Erin Stevens

This has to be the best titled book I've ever read. Once you read the subtitle, you understand the subject is not what you might think. How to Pick Up a Stripper is about how to live your life in the mindset of servant outreach. Outreach does not have to happen only when organized as part of a large group or as part of an outreach week or event. The opportunity to serve others happens every day and this book shows how we can make it part of our lifestyle.

As someone who works in ministry to women coming out of prostitution, this title immediately grabbed my attention. I read in just a couple days and would highly recommend this for everyone! The authors do an excellent job showing how every personality type, whether introvert or extrovert, can be called to serve others on a regular basis. Several examples are given of ways the authors church has implemented a servant attitude towards others. I have already shared many of these with my pastor in hopes of changing the culture of my own home and church.

We are called as Christians to love others as Christ has loved us. This selection challenges us to love not only those who we like, but also those who we may see as our enemies and others who are very different from us. If you want a book to challenge you to live more like Christ, then this is definitely a great one to read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Invisible People

Something happened tonight that I feel I need to share. I'm not sharing in an attempt to call out or point the finger at a particular person or group of people. However, what happened caused me to stop and ask myself the question if I have been guilty of committing the "offense" I experienced. 

Tonight I took Olivia to a Vacation Bible School at a church near my house. It was the first night and instead of the usual group style VBS, this first night was a time of fun and games. There was food provided as well as bounce houses, face painting and more. Parents were encouraged to stay with their children while they participated in the activities. Great! Sounds like fun, right? 

I should mention here I have never attended this church and I knew nobody. What a great opportunity to meet some new people and neighbors! Sadly, this was not the case. After an hour of milling around the different activities I realized that with the exception of the women who worked at the registration table when I first walked in, not one person had spoken to me. I saw plenty of people in conversation with each other. They were laughing and many seemed to know each other. That was when this thought struck me...

What if I wasn't a "church" person? 

What if I hadn't stepped foot into a church in years, or ever in my life? 

What if I was broken, lost, and hurting? 

My heart was grieved as I wondered how I would feel if I was an outsider to the church world and had been courageous enough to enter this environment and nobody spoke to me. Then I wondered how many times I have been guilty of this myself. Have I been so caught up in seeing friends that I overlooked the one who wasn't a member? Have I not taken the time to notice a new face? 

So, in light of how I was feeling I decided to take a moment and look around the room. I noticed a woman who had been sitting by herself for the same hour I had been there. I sat next to her and began a conversation. Sure enough, she didn't attend that church either. So I spent the next hour talking with her. 

Church, we have to do better. If we can't even reach out to the ones who walk through our doors, then how could we possibly be effective at reaching those outside of our doors? Nobody there knew me so they didn't know my story or situation. What if I did not know Christ and left tonight and was in a car accident. What if I had left church without anyone even knowing I had been there? The reality is every Sunday many of us go to church and overlook those who are there with us. Do we really take the time to SEE them? Are we aware enough to recognize a new face? Do we notice when someone's eyes look a little different because they are fighting a battle and they are tired? Or do we rush past with a quick hello and carry on about our business? 

Lord, 

Please forgive me for every time I have overlooked someone You have placed in my path. Please help me to always keep my eyes open. Please help me to be aware of those around me, not just when I'm in the grocery store or at my child's school as we often see these as our "mission fields." Father, please help me to see those who enter Your house, but who may not know you. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity tonight to see where I may be failing by personally feeling the loneliness so many experience who are apart from You. Please help me to have Your eyes and Your heart towards all people, not just those outside of the church. 

As I'm finishing this prayer, the following song came on. How timely is our God?

Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

Merlin's Nightmare is the third book in the Merlin Spiral series. This is by far the best series you haven't read! This story picks up years after the previous book ended. As Arthur is coming of age it is time for him to learn his true heritage and birthright. In order to take his place he must face the people responsible for the deaths of his family.

The author continues his genius in weaving together historically known characters with the story he is telling. There are numerous conversations between the characters that are humorous and endearing. As I was reading the epic battle scene descriptions I was able to easily envision the scene playing out. The faith of the characters is inspiring as they are facing the fight of their lives and remember to turn to God throughout the course of the story.

I would highly recommend this book (and the entire series) to anyone who is a fan of similar epic novels. This is a story that should be made into a movie and you definitely want to read the book first!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Like a Convict

Imagine this scene: 

A courtroom. 

Overwhelming evidence of guilt.

You are on trial and you know you are guilty of every charge brought against you. Not just of these charges, but also of crimes nobody else knows you committed. You know you have arrived at this moment fairly and it was only a matter of time before the real you was discovered. 

As you stand to hear the verdict, you hold your breath in anticipation of the sentence. You hear the words...

NOT GUILTY. All charges dismissed. 

How would you react in the above scenario? I believe I would collapse in shock and relief. How could I be found innocent when there is proof of my crimes? How can I not have to pay retribution for my evil? I would ask the judge and jury for clarification. So let's imagine again...

The judge turns to you and points to a man sitting in the corner. You had not paid much attention to him throughout your trial. You assumed he was another reporter or spectator who came to hear of your failures. As the man slowly stands, as if in pain, you notice the blood. You couldn't see it before the verdict was read, but now it's flowing down his face. You lean closer to get a better look at him and notice his clothing has changed. He was dressed in ordinary clothes throughout your trial, but now he is in torn rags. He begins to limp towards you. You observe he now has wounds that should make him unable to move! 

You become panicked as you are trying to understand why this man is here and what does he have to do with your situation. The judge says your name several times to get your attention. He asks if you have ever seen this man before. You search your memory, but are pretty sure you would remember seeing someone like him. But there is really nothing memorable about his face. You wouldn't notice him now if not for his beaten appearance. You respond in denial of knowing him and ask the judge to tell you more. 

The judge begins to tell you of all the man has been through. He tells you of the beatings. He tells you of the names the man has been called. He tells you of the pain he has endured. You know all you have done wrong, but were found not guilty. What horror must this man have committed in order to be treated so horribly! So you ask the judge what the man did to deserve such abuse. 

The judge hangs his head and with a sigh he responds, "Nothing. This man did absolutely nothing to deserve this punishment. But you did. Everything that happened to him was what the jury had sentenced for you. But he volunteered to take your place." 

You turn from the judge to see the man is now standing next to you with His hand extended. Breathless with tears flowing from your eyes, you take His hand. There are so many questions you want to ask, but you can't find words to speak. The emotions you feel are endless. You somehow find the breath to ask, "Why?" This man you have never met has taken the punishment you deserved. You have been given freedom despite the offenses you have committed. The look on your face begs Him to say something. After what seems an eternity of silence, He speaks. 

"I did this because I love you. I've loved you with an everlasting love. Before the world was formed, I knew you would be born at this time and I knew the crimes you would commit. I knew the wages of your crimes was too much for you to carry. So out of my love for you, I left my palace to be with you. That's right, I'm no ordinary man. I am a King. I am Royalty. But no Kingdom would be complete without you, my child, being there. I have come to save you and give you a new life. Not the life you have lived that led to this trial, but a life of joy, peace, and righteousness. These are the fruits of living in my Kingdom. Will you come live with me?"

Can you imagine this story? 

It's a true story. It's exactly what Jesus did for each of us. What we deserved in judgement, He received the punishment so we could be free. I know I can go through my daily life and forget where I should be and yet I'm free. I'm free from the person I used to be. I'm free from the sentence I deserve. When satan attempts to remind me of my crimes, Christ reminds me I am not guilty in Him. 

There is yet another element to this story. If after experiencing the above acquittal, would we continue living as we lived before? Would we walk out of the courtroom and go directly back to the life that led us to the trial in the first place? Or would we walk away thankful for new freedom? If you have experienced salvation through Christ, are you living as if you were free? Or are you continuing to live in the same way you lived before knowledge of Christ? Do you live the same way because you know you are forgiven and use that as your excuse to live in a way you know you should not live. Have you asked God for His opinion on the choices you make? Have you invited Him in your life not just as a spectator, but as a guide? 1 Peter 2:16 tells us, "Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God."

 Stop living like a convict when you have been found NOT GUILTY.