Out of the Cocoon: 2019

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Don't Baby Me

Last night my girls were invited by a friend to attend a service at a local youth retreat. They are close friends and were excited to go with her to this service. This morning I asked them about last night. My 13 year old explained how it was okay and they talked about some things they talk about at our church's youth group. She didn't sound too thrilled so I asked her to give me more details. She said, "Well, they brought up some subjects, but they didn't really SAY anything about them. They didn't talk to anyone specifically or say anything that would really help with those issues. I like that at our youth group, they don't talk to us that way."

After some more questioning, I got to what she was trying to say. They watered down their message. At the age of 13, she didn't want to hear about anxiety. She wanted to hear what the word of God says about how to deal with anxiety. She didn't want to be "babied" by the word, she wanted the hard hitting truth.

How many of us, as adults, are okay with being babied by the word? How quickly are we offended by those who speak the hard hitting, unadulterated TRUTH of God's word? Do we crave true intimacy with God? Intimacy requires time spent together. It requires honesty and openness to feedback. It requires us to be willing to allow God to speak to us as adults.

Have you ever had to confront someone on an issue and they responded like a toddler? They yell, pout, and then give the silent treatment simply because you challenged them on something. How often do we respond to God in the same way when He points out an issue in our lives. By the way, He usually uses other people to help point out those issues. Ouch!

So Church, it's time for us to grow up. Stop being offended by your pastor (and others) who speak the truth of God's word. Stop looking for churches and leaders who will baby you. Grow up. There's a whole generation following behind who need us.

My 13 year old gets it. Do you?

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

For HIS Glory

Today I was listening to a worship song and singing happily along with the lyrics. As many of us do, I was singing without truly paying attention to the words I was speaking. Then, as usually happens when Tasha Cobbs enters the music rotation, God starts speaking. Here is what I was singing.

Lord if I
Find favor in Your sight
Lord please
Hear my hearts cry

I'm desperately waiting
To be where You are
I'll cross the hottest desert
I'll travel near or far

For Your glory
I will do anything
Just to see You
To behold You as my King

For Your glory
I will do anything
Just to see you
To behold You as my King

After making this bold, heartfelt declaration, I heard God say "Really? You'll do anything? What about in ________?" I am inserting a blank here because the area God pointed out is one in which I have been struggling. You can insert your area of battle here for the sake of this illustration. Also, it's really none of your business what God called out on me. But I'm digressing.

He asked me....if it's for MY glory, are you willing to continue the fight? Will you quit before I get the glory? OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!

What if the very thing in life you are fighting is the exact thing God will use to bring glory to HIM? What will happen if you throw in the towel and quit? And I get it! Crossing the hottest desert and traveling near or far may seem like an easy option compared to the battle you are facing! Sign me up for the road trip any day!

Even Jesus asked for God to "take this cup from me" (Matthew 26:39) as He was facing His death. Yet, He followed this cry by saying "Not MY will, but YOURS." When facing His biggest fight, He asked God to take it away. But He knew that taking the burden away was not why He was created. Taking the cross out of the picture would not bring God glory. Dying to self brings God glory! Let me say it again...

DYING TO SELF BRINGS GOD GLORY. IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!!!!

So I will keep fighting. I will continue in the place I have wanted to quit. Because I know it will bring Him glory. I just want to be where He is, and He's in the battle. He's in the places where I am tired. He's in the middle of it all.

Click HERE to listen to For Your Glory by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

The Theft of America's Soul by Phil Robertson

If I read a book in two days, it's a good book. I read this in less than two days. In this writing, Phil Robertson reminds of the lies of Satan we have believed and the truth God says that contradict these lies. Using ten points, just as there are ten commandments, Robertson addresses the biggest lies we as a country have believed. Starting with the lie that God is dead and working through the lie Christians should be quiet and stop speaking the word of God that is "offensive."

I have been challenged in this book to examine what lies I have believed personally. Have I given in to the lies of the world and not trusted the truth of God's word? If you don't want to be challenged to examine your Christian walk, then don't read this book. But if you want to live more like Jesus has commanded, then take this book to heart. It is full of scriptural references. The thoughts expressed are not simply those of the author. They are the thoughts and commandments of Jesus. This is also for those who are seeking truth. If you are struggling in areas of your life and want to know how to be free, this is also a great selection for you. Second to the Bible, of course. I would love to hear your thoughts on this book also!

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.”

Sunday, April 21, 2019

I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

In a time when our culture demands we choose a "side" and defend it without really listening to any opposing views, this book is much needed! The authors do not agree on all issues, but discuss how to listen to each other honestly and openly. If you've posted anything even remotely controversial on social media recently, you know many of us do not know how to conversate in respectful ways.

I found the subject matter relevant and educational. It is possible to not agree on a subject and yet still show respect and kindness to those who feel differently. It is biblically relevant as we are called to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. This includes when we don't agree. The authors show how in order to grow in our faith, it is necessary for us to dialog and interact with those who have different backgrounds, cultures, and opinions than our own. This is how we will grow the Kingdom.

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.”

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Still In The Game by Devon Still

Still in the Game is an autobiography about how one young man overcomes great obstacles to reach one of the pinnacles of sports achievement and how his faith came into play throughout his journey. In his book, Still shares how growing up with both parents involved in his life made a tremendous difference in the choices he made, in spite of his surroundings and what his peers were doing. He shares how seeds planted in his childhood helped him to keep his focus on God during trying times.

I found this selection very easy to read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. As a football fan, I was familiar with Devon Still and the story of how his daughter fought cancer. However, reading this book allowed me to truly see his devotion and dedication to his daughter. I would highly recommend this book to others who are in need of inspiration to keep up their fight in life. It's very inspiring and Biblically sound.

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.”

Thursday, January 31, 2019

A Life Beyond Amazing by Dr. David Jeremiah

I found A Life Beyond Amazing to be a very challenging and Bible based book. The author walks through nine ways to improve your life and then supports each point with numerous Bible references. I found the writing to be easy to follow along with and understand.

None of the points made were new to me, but the author presented the material in a new way. If you've been a believer in Christ for even a short amount of time, you have likely also heard these points made. However, Dr. Jeremiah presents them in a way you will want to read. My favorite chapter is the one on compassion! Reading reinforcement that compassion is an action and not a feeling challenged me personally. Get your highlighter ready as you read. There are many statements made you will want to remember!