Books Read in 2013*

Happy New Year!

Listed in no particular order here is a list of the best books I read in 2013.


The Hour That Changes The World

This book was first published in 1978 but I was not familiar with the book. The title caught my eye on a vendor's table at the Georgia Home Education Conference in 2013. I downloaded it to my tablet and immediately wondered why I had never heard of the excellent book on prayer.


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And When You Pray: The Deeper Meaning of the Lord's Prayer

A closer look at the prayer Jesus gives in the first 5 verses of Matthew 6 written by Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries 



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Through The Eyes of C.H. Spurgeon

This book is a collection of powerful quotes from C.H. Spurgeon.



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Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church

This message was preached on October 22, 2008 by Paul Washer who served as a missionary in Peru for ten years. Powerful word for the Church.


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Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart: How to Know For Sure You Are Saved

Don't let the title fool you, this is an excellent book on the assurance of salvation based on the finished work of Christ not on praying a one time prayer. Easy-believism is a blight on the modern church. This book can help a lot of people: saved and lost.



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Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1 & 2

Edited by Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis, has provided Christians with an excellent resource to help equip them be able to "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you"



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The Insanity of God

Powerful! See how God is working through His Church around the world. Persecution and suffering is a very real and normal part for many around the world. God is faithful. Their faith is strong and vibrant. Would our "faith" here in America stand or would it be exposed as a shallow fake?



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Total Truth

Addresses how Christians have developed a wrong way of looking at life.  In the culture war your worldview does matter.



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The Masculine Mandate

A book that calls men back to biblical manhood - masculinity.  Not very popular in 21st century America but very much needed in a the confused culture of our day.



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Discover the Mystery of Faith

How worship shapes believing.



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Walking East to West: God in the Shadows

Ravi Zacharias, distinguished Christian apologist, tells his story.



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50 People Every Christian Should Know: Learning From Spiritual Giants of the Faith

Warren Wiersbe provides brief biographies from church history.



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*  I am not including the Bible in this list. I strive to read through the Bible every year.  I agree with Tony Reinke (author of Lit!), there are two genres of books:  genre A - The Bible and  genre B - All other books.  The books included in this list are from genre B.

Tell Your Children...

July 10

Evening "Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." Joel 1:3   In this simple way, by God's grace, a living testimony for truth is always to be kept alive in the land--the beloved of the Lord are to hand down their witness for the gospel, and the covenant to their heirs, and these again to their next descendants. This is our first duty, we are to begin at the family hearth: he is a bad preacher who does not commence his ministry at home. The heathen are to be sought by all means, and the highways and hedges are to be searched, but home has a prior claim, and woe unto those who reverse the order of the Lord's arrangements. To teach our children is a personal duty; we cannot delegate it to Sunday school teachers, or other friendly aids; these can assist us, but cannot deliver us from the sacred obligation; proxies and sponsors are wicked devices in this case: mothers and fathers must, like Abraham, command their households in the fear of God, and talk with their offspring concerning the wondrous works of the Most High. Parental teaching is a natural duty--who so fit to look to the child's well-being as those who are the authors of his actual being? To neglect the instruction of our offspring is worse than brutish. Family religion is necessary for the nation, for the family itself, and for the church of God. By a thousand plots Popery is covertly advancing in our land, and one of the most effectual means for resisting its inroads is left almost neglected, namely, the instruction of children in the faith. Would that parents would awaken to a sense of the importance of this matter. It is a pleasant duty to talk of Jesus to our sons and daughters, and the more so because it has often proved to be an accepted work, for God has saved the children through the parents' prayers and admonitions. May every house into which this volume shall come honour the Lord and receive his smile. (taken from July 11 Evening reading in Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon) Too many Christian parents are naive when it comes to the dangers facing their children when they go to school or off to college. We must prepare our children to grow up and live godly. The Bible is very clear about the father's responsibility to his children. (See Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalm 78, Proverbs 4, Ephesians 6:1-4). The faith cannot be assumed, we must be intentional in passing it on to the next generation.  They must have real faith, they must know what they believe and why. You had better believe that the devil and the world are going to be intentional in trying to lead your child down the wrong path. "The reality is that when you now come to America’s colleges you have to know who you are or else someone will tell you who you are. There is so much pressure on students to drop certain beliefs, and it is very difficult to stop dropping other beliefs once you give in."  Don't let your kids go into battle unequipped!  Sunday religion will not get the job done. Come on Dad, get in the battle. Your kids are worth fighting for! Soli Deo Gloria, allan

THREE CHORDS & THE TRUTH: WAITIN' ON A WOMAN

"Country Music is three chords and the truth." - Harlan Howard

 

 

WAITIN' ON A WOMAN
Writer: Wynn Varble and Don Sampson

Sittin' on a bench at West Town Mall
He sat down in his overalls and asked me
You waitin' on a woman
I nodded yeah and said how 'bout you
He said son since nineteen fifty-two I've been
Waitin' on a woman

When I picked her up for our first date
I told her I'd be there at eight
And she came down the stairs at eight-thirty
She said I'm sorry that I took so long
Didn't like a thing that I tried on
But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty
Yeah she'll take her time but I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

He said the wedding took a year to plan
You talk about an anxious man, I was nervous
Waitin' on a woman
And then he nudged my arm like old men do
And said, I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it
Waitin' on a woman

And I don't guess we've been anywhere
She hasn't made us late I swear
Sometimes she does it just 'cause she can do it
Boy it's just a fact of life
It'll be the same with your young wife
Might as well go on and get used to it
She'll take her time 'cause you don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

I've read somewhere statistics show
The man's always the first to go
And that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready
So when it finally comes my time
And I get to the other side
I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any
I hope she takes her time, 'cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman
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Thankful for my wife and daughter!

I am so blessed!!

"Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind Waitin' on a Woman!"

Soli Deo Gloria,
allan

THINGS NEEDFUL

Thou Eternal Source,

Author of all created being and happiness,

I adore thee for making man capable

of religion,

that he may be taught to say:

‘Where is God, my Maker, who giveth

songs in the night?’

But degeneracy has spread over our

human race,

turning glory into shame,

rendering us forgetful of thee.

We know it is thy power alone

that can recall wandering children,

can impress on them a sense of divine things,

and can render that sense lasting and effectual;

From thee proceed all good purposes and desires,

and the diffusing of piety and happiness.

Thou hast knowledge of my soul’s secret

principles,

and art aware of my desire to spread the gospel.

Make me an almoner to give thy

bounties to the indigent,

comfort to the mentally ill,

restoration to the sin-diseased,

hope to the despairing,

joy to the sorrowing,

love to the prodigals.

Blow away the ashes of unbelief by

thy Spirit’s breath

and give me light, fire, and warmth of love.

I need spiritual comforts

that are gentle, peaceful, mild, refreshing,

that will melt me into conscious lowliness

before thee,

that will make me feel and rest in thee

as my All.

Fill the garden of my soul with the wind of love,

that the scents of the Christian life may be

wafted to others;

then come and gather fruits to thy glory.

So shall I fulfil the great end of my being –

to glorify thee and be a blessing to men.

from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

REDEEMED, HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT!

1 Peter 1:18-19 (HCSB)
¹⁸ For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold,
¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.

Words by Fanny J. Crosby

Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.

 

Chorus:

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know I shall see in His beauty
The King in whose way I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night

 

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"All my theology is reduced to this narrow compass - Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners." - Archibald Alexander 

 

Redeem - to buy back or to free from what distresses or harms. Man has been separated from God by sin.  Christ paid the penalty for our sin to satisfy divine justice.  He has freed us from the shackles of sin's bondage and God's eternal wrath. A realization of this redemption causes the ransomed to want to sing! "Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb..."

^"Let the redeemed of the LORD proclaim that He has redeemed them from the hand of the foe "

Psalm 107:2

Soli Deo Gloria
ah



NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

Hebrews 9:22b (ESV)  ... without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Words and Music by Robert Lowery

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Refrain

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Refrain

 

 

 

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The Bible is very clear concerning the forgiveness of man's sin. Only a perfect blood sacrifice would satisfy the Father's requirement. The gift of salvation required Jesus blood. No other sacrifuce would do.  "Oh! precious is the flow that  makes me white as snow. No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus."  Thank you Jesus for your precious blood that You shed for me on Calvary! Now when God looks at me He sees Christ's shed blood and declares me righteous for Jesus sake!

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

ah

From or Out Of: God Always Delivers His People

January 24

Morning

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler."Psalm 91:3

God delivers his people from the snare of the fowler in two senses. From, and out of. First, he delivers them from the snare--does not let them enter it; and secondly, if they should be caught therein, he delivers them out of it. The first promise is the most precious to some; the second is the best to others.
"He shall deliver thee from the snare." How? Trouble is often the means whereby God delivers us. God knows that our backsliding will soon end in our destruction, and he in mercy sends the rod. We say, "Lord, why is this?" not knowing that our trouble has been the means of delivering us from far greater evil. Many have been thus saved from ruin by their sorrows and their crosses; these have frightened the birds from the net. At other times, God keeps his people from the snare of the fowler by giving them great spiritual strength, so that when they are tempted to do evil they say, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" But what a blessed thing it is that if the believer shall, in an evil hour, come into the net, yet God will bring him out of it! O backslider, be cast down, but do not despair. Wanderer though thou hast been, hear what thy Redeemer saith--"Return, O backsliding children; I will have mercy upon you." But you say you cannot return, for you are a captive. Then listen to the promise--"Surely he shall deliver thee out of the snare of the fowler." Thou shalt yet be brought out of all evil into which thou hast fallen, and though thou shalt never cease to repent of thy ways, yet he that hath loved thee will not cast thee away; he will receive thee, and give thee joy and gladness, that the bones which he has broken may rejoice. No bird of paradise shall die in the fowler's net.

(taken from January 24 Morning reading in Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon)

The snare of the fowler metaphor represents the plots and schemes that come against the believer. We are foolish and weak like poor helpless birds that are easily lured into the fowler's snare. God is watching out for us. He is our deliverer and our protector.  Some  will be protected from the snare and some will be delivered out of the snare. As believers we have reason for confidence in God's protection. He is in complete control. He always comes through with just what we need no matter what the dangers or fears of life that we may be facing.

Soli Deo Gloria,
ah

From the Womb To the Tomb (Sanctity of Human Life)

 
Today is the 40th Anniversary  of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. Since January 22, 1973 over 50 million unborn babies have been killed legally in the United States of America.

Over 50 million unborn babies. Let that number sink in: over 50 million.  Heartbreaking!

That is more the eight times the number people who died in the Holocaust.

Look at the number of people we have lost to war casualties in America:

AMERICAN WAR CASUALTIES (from US Army Military History Institute)
Revolutionary War               25,000
War Between the States   ~625,000
World War I                       116,516
World War II                      405,399
Korean                                  36,516
Vietnam                                58,209
Afghanistan                            2,145 (thru 11/2012)
Iraq                                         4,486
War on Unborn           52,008,717+ (10/1/2010 from Bethlehem Baptist Church)
 


"Imagining a concrete picture can bring abstract truth to life. To help us understand what this month's 40th anniversary of legalized abortion in the United States means, one Care Net website offers this picture:  
    [I]magine Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and Miller Park in Milwaukee filled with fans. Now consider this: to host more than 55 million people, all three of these stadiums would need to fill to capacity 290 separate times!"

The sanctity of life refers to the idea that all life is sacred. God is the creator of life and any attack on life is an attack on His authority and His worthiness to be worshiped, be it abortion, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research etc. Human life is precious to God. (Genesis 9:5-6)  Life is sacred and should be valued and treasured from conception to natural death (from the womb to the tomb).

God is our creator (Genesis 1:1; 1:26-27; 2:7) so He has authority to rule and govern our lives.
We know that Jesus came to save, restore and renew life. (John 3:16-17; 10:10b)

Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 8:44; 10:10a)

The birth of Moses and Jesus saw a massive slaughter of innocent children. (See Exodus 1:15-22, Matthew 2:13-18)

Pagan worship in the Old Testament often involved child sacrifice (Jeremiah 19:4-5; Psalm 106:36-38)

Satan is still attacking God using abortion & euthanasia to destroy His image-bearers. "To murder a person is to attack one who is the image-bearer or God." R.C. Sproul

Proverbs 8:36b (ESV) ³⁶   all who hate me love death.”


3801 Lancaster is a documentary film about Dr. Kermit Gosnell - an infamous abortionist who got rich selling abortion services to poor minority women in west Philadelphia.  It is difficult to watch but we do not need to turn our eyes away from the evil of abortion.

Further reading:

We Know They Are Killing Children - All of Us Know by John Piper


Anniversary Pictures: Remembering Roe vs. Wade by Kathleen Neilson  What should we do?

1. Remember  2. Pray  3. Offer Gospel Hope  4. Add Concrete Action


Abortion and the Gospel by Russell Moore


We have a responsibility to speak out for life from the womb to the tomb! (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Soli Deo Gloria,
ah

A Prayer for the New Year

2013
 

NEW YEAR

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed

in Thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains,

sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
but may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise;
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father as my harbour,
Thee, O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to Thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear be my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.

From The Valley of Vision page 112.

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What a great old prayer from The Valley of Vision as we start this new year.  In 2013 may we all "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18 ESV)

Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Best Books I Read in 2012*

I was able to read some good books in 2012. In reviewing the books that I read in 2012, I am listing my 10 favorites in this post.  This is the first year that I have read more books in e-format.  Of the 10 books I have listed below I only have paper editions for 3 of them.  The other 7 are nook books. I am not ranking them other than saying these are my top 10. They are listed in the chronological order that I read them.  The topics covered include theology, marriage, parenting, education, leadership,  and government.

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With Mama joining Daddy in Heaven in November of 2011, I started 2012 finding my thoughts more and more on Heaven.  I read Randy Alcorn's book on Heaven and followed it with We Shall See God to start 2012.

Heaven by Randy Alcorn




We Shall See God: Charles Spurgeon's Classic Devotional Thoughts on Heaven by Charles Spurgeon & Randy Alcorn



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As a parent I need this reminder: Give Them Grace.  My kids need grace, I need grace!  God gives grace, I must give grace.

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids With The Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson




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Don't assume the Gospel. We have to get away from the moralistic, therapeutic deism that is so common today. The Gospel: "Don't forget it! You were saved by it, will be sustained by it, and are currently standing in it."

The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler & Jared Wilson




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This past summer my church did a Biographies Summer Teaching Series on Wednesday nights.  Jim Elliott was the biography covered one week.  A few days later I was in the local library returning some books the kids had checked out and on the used book cart for less than a $1 was Through Gates of Splendor.  I took this as the of Providence of God. I bought the book and read this classic. I had been hearing the story  of Jim Elliott since high school but had never actually read the book.  "He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he cannot loose."

Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot


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I think this book should be required reading for all parents, church staff members and educators. This is where we have lost the culture war. To quote Voddie Baucham, "If you send your kids to Caesar for their education don't be surprised when they come back as Romans." It has taken over 150 years of secular education for our culture to get in its current condition.   "Parents must take full responsibility for the education of their children." "Christians must understand the significant influence that education has on a person's life."

Kingdom Education: God's Plan for Educating Future Generations by Glen Schultz



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Written by a real American hero who was a POW for five and  a half years in Vietnam.  Leadership is so important and is so missing in this day and age.

Leading With Honor: Leadership Lessons From the Hanoi Hilton by Lee Ellis



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We lost a giant when God called Charles Colson home on April 21, 2012.  This book was originally published as Kingdoms in Conflict, this revised edition was published in 2007.   I like his original title. As Christians we must remember this world is not our home and while we are here we will have conflict. Although we are only passing through, while we are here we must be "salt and light".

God & Government: An Insider's View on the Boundaries between Faith and Politics by Charles Colson




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Marriage is under attack in today's society. What God has said about marriage has not changed. The Kellers have written a book on marriage that is solidly grounded in Scripture.

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Tim & Kathy Keller



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In this book Andy Stanley lays out his philosophy of ministry for North Point Church. "Churches should be theologically sound and culturally relevant."

Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley



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If you are looking for books to read in 2013 I can recommend each of these books to you. Reading them will be a good investment of your time.

Soli Deo Gloria
ah


*  I am not including the Bible in this list. I strive to read through the Bible every year.  I agree with Tony Reinke (author of Lit!), there are two genres of books:  genre A - The Bible and  genre B - All other books.  The books included in this list are from genre B.

Questions for Mary

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 ESV

In 1992 my sister gave me Max Lucado's book: God Came Near for my birthday.  I read for the first time "25 Questions for Mary". Questions that can't be answered and don't need to be answered.  They are only asked to remind us of the wonder and the mystery of the incarnation.  What happened when God became man and dwelt among us!  Later that same year I purchased Michael English's debut CD and he had a song called "Mary, Did You Know" on it. The song was written by Mark Lowery and Buddy Greene. Like the chapter in Lucado's book, "Mary, Did You Know" asks similar questions to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  20 years later, I still like the song and I still find these questions for Mary to be a helpful reminder of the importance of meditating on the mystery of the incarnation. To not miss the Majesty & Wonder of the Incarnation! To be intentional in stepping away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and take time to truly reflect and meditate on (ponder) the majesty and wonder of the Incarnation: Immanuel - God With Us - God in the flesh. Born as a helpless baby. Majesty in a manger! Fully God - Fully Man!

Soli Deo Gloria
ah

“25 Questions For Mary”

By  Max Lucado

1. What was it like watching him pray?
2. How did he respond when he saw other kids giggling during the service at the synagogue?
3. When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood?
4. Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world?
5. When he saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did he act differently?
6. Did you ever see him with a distant look on his face as if he were listening to someone you couldn’t hear?
7. How did he act at funerals?
8. Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof?
9. Did you ever try to count the stars with him….and succeed?
10. Did he ever come home with a black eye?
11. How did he act when he got his first haircut?
12. Did he have any friend by the name of Judas?
13. Did he do well in school?
14. Did you ever scold him?
15. Did he ever have to ask a question about Scripture?
16. What do you think he thought when he saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body he made?
17. Did he ever get angry when someone was dishonest with him?
18. Did you ever catch him pensively looking at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod of dirt?
19. Did he ever wake up afraid?
20. Who was his best friend?
21. When someone referred to Satan, how did he act?
22. Did you ever accidentally call him Father?
23. What did he and his cousin John talk about as kids?
24. Did his brothers and sisters understand what was happening?
25. Did you ever think, That’s God eating my soup?

"25 Questions for Mary" is from Lucado's book: God Came Near 1987


Mary, Did You Know?

Lyrics written by Mark Lowery, music written by Buddy Greene

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Has come to make you new;
This Child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Has walked where Angels trod?
When you kiss your Little Baby,
You kiss the Face of God!

Oh, Mary, did you know?
Oh, Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb!

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Is Heaven's Perfect Lamb?
This sleeping Child you're holding
Is the Great I Am!

 

The Music of CHRISTmas: The Incarnation Celebrated in Song

I love the music and songs of Christmas!  The hymns about the birth of Jesus. The Christmas carols and fun songs of the season. This means I have alot of favorite Christmas songs. However, four of my favorite Christmas CD's do not have the traditional hymns or songs of Christmas.  What they do have are songs that really get to the real meaning of Christmas and what the Incarnation (God With Us) means. An added bonus, this makes them great to listen to all year long, not just at Christmas.

THE PROMISE: A Celebration of Christ's Birth



1991

"We have 'sentimentalized' the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. When we think of the birth we see wise men and shepherds and a star. The birth of the Christ is so much more than a 'birthday' to be observed once a year. Our focus must become the Incarnation, which we celebrate every minute of our lives. We must realize that the cry we hear drifting from the stable is the voice of the One who spoke the universe into being." (Jn 1:3, I Cor 8:6, Col 1:16, Heb 1:2) "If Christmas means anything to you, then it must mean everything!" - Michael Card Songs include: 1.  The Promise 2.  Unto Us a Son is Given 3.  What Her Heart Remembered 4.  Joseph's Song 5.  Vicit Agnus Noster (Our Lamb Has Conquered) 6.  Shepherd's Watch 7.  Jacob's Song 8.  We Will Find Him 9.  Thou The Promise 10. Immanuel

GOOD NEWS



1993

Kathy Mattea chose songs that embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

1. "What a Wonderful Beginning"
2. "There's a New Kid in Town"
3. "Brightest and Best (Star of the East)"
4. "Mary, Did You Know?"
5. "The Star"
6. "Emmanuel"
7. "Somebody Talkin' About Jesus"
8. "Nothing but a Child"
9. "Christ Child's Lullaby"
10. "Good News"

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD: The TRUE Tall Tale of the Coming of CHRIST



2004

"Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God is a beautiful take on the story of Christmas. While it is thematic and based on a story line, there's no speaking--only songs--some of which are intimate, some epic, some humorous, all with a purpose. That purpose is to convey the true tall tale of the coming of God into the world."

1. "Gather 'Round, Ye Children, Come"
2. "Passover Us"
3. "So Long, Moses"
4. "Deliver Us"
5. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
6. "Matthew's Begats"
7. "It Came to Pass"
8. "Labor of Love"
9. "The Holly and the Ivy"
10. "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
11. "Behold the Lamb of God"
12. "The Theme Of My Song (reprise)"

SAVIOR: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man

We Live in a Boken World ...

The horrible brokenness of this world is on full display today in the horrible evil that happened at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

My heart is so heavy for the victims of today's shooting in Connecticut. Praying for all the families and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. May they receive the grace and peace that can only come from the "Father of mercies and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3)
It is so senseless and unexplainable other than to say we know it is because of SIN.  Words are so in adequate for tragedies like this.

This horrible evil is a terrible reminder that we live in a dark time and Satan is  still on the prowl. It brings to mind the reality that Paul told us in Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."  This is the season we celebrate His first Advent, but it is also a time we should be looking forward to His second Advent. We know that Satan is still on the loose and spreading his carnage on this sin cursed world. Praise God, Satan's days are numbered. He is ultimately a defeated foe. Thank you Jesus!

Horrible evil like we saw today also reminds us that Satan especially hates children. The taking  of any life should "provoke outrage but there is something especially condemnable about the murder of children."(see Russell Moore's article on School Shooting and Spiritual Warfare)

 

Thus says the Lord:

"A voice is heard in Ramah,

lamentation and bitter weeping.

Rachel is weeping for her children;

she refuses to be comforted for her children,

because they are no more."

Jeremiah 31:15 ESV

Last, this tragedy is a reminder that America desperately needs a spiritual awakening and revival.
The days are dark and seem to be getting darker.

God help us! Have mercy on us and send revival.  Help us to be "salt and light" and make an impact on our dark world for Your glory.

 

 

Soli Deo Gloria,
ah

Thanksgiving 2012 (November 25 - 30)

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;

you are my God; I will extol you.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 118:28-29 ESV

Give thanks to the God of heaven,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 ESV

"Give Thanks

With A Grateful Heart!"

 

When I consider that I deserve punishment because of my sinfulness, and instead God gives to me His love and mercy, my only response should be one of thankfulness.

 

 

A few of the things I am thankful for:

 

 

Click here to view November 1 -10

 Click here to view November 11 -17

Click here to view November 18 - 24

NOVEMBER:

25 - the great hymns of the faith:

A Mighty Fortress is Our God (1529), Come Thou Fount (1758), How Firm A Foundation (1787),
 Blessed Assurance (1873), How Great Thou Art (1885), Great is Thy Faithfulness (1923),
Because He Lives (1971), In Christ Alone (2002),
just a few of my favorites but this list could go on and on.
 

the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,

singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 ESV

26 - new songs of worship:

Currently on the piano at home: 10, 000 Reasons (2011),
Forever Reign (2009), Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (2012)
 

I will sing a new song to you, O God;

upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,

Psalm 144:9 ESV

27 - Our blessed Hope
 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14 ESV

28 - 4th Grade Boys in Bible Fellowship Class (Sunday School)
 

Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:11-12 ESV

29 - AWANA Blue Team (3rd, 4th, 5th grade boys)
 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

 a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

30 - Weedend getaways with my wife
Asheville, NC in late November or December is a favorite getaway destination.
 

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

Proverbs 12:4 ESV

 

December 1 - the Season of Advent

Looking back to His first Coming

Looking forward to His second Coming!

Helps keep the focus on Christ!  He came as a baby, but didn't remain a baby.

He grew up and died to be our Savior.  We can't stop with Christmas, we must remember the Resurection!  You can't have Christmas without Easter. He is Returning for His Bride!

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ESV
 

 

Remember to Count Your Blessings Everyday!

We have much to be thankful for!



Thanksgiving 2012 (November 18 - 24)

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
1 Chronicles 16:8 ESV

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1 ESV

 

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,

 which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:4 ESV

"Give Thanks

With a grateful heart!"

When I consider that I deserve punishment because of my sinfulness, and instead God gives to me His love and mercy, my only response should be one of thankfulness.

 

 

I am thankful for:



Click here to view November 1 -10

Click here to view November 11 - 17

NOVEMBER
 
18 - Operation Christmas Child and  all the ministries of Samaritan's Purse

19 - the Bible, God's Holy Word
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

20- my church, Blackshear Place Baptist Church
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

21 - my country, the United States of America
God has truly blessed America and we have much to be thankful for as Americans. 
With all of her flaws, I am still proud to be an American!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psalm 33:12 ESV

22 - my extended family: aunts, uncles and cousins
It is always great to see family on Thanksgiving Day every year.
When we are all together you can always count on great food and alot of laughter.
Thankful for the memories of loved ones that are no longer with us,
but have joined the celebration in heaven!

23 - Laughter
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV

24 - my Lord who daily bears me up.
Blessed be the Lord,

who daily bears us up;

God is our salvation. Selah

Psalm 68:19 ESV

"Count your many blessings!"  What are you thankful for?

 

The First American Thanksgiving

Fall 1621

Described by Edward Winslow:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

Described by William Bradford:

"They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was a great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides they had about a peck a meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to the proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports."

A Thanksgiving Proclamation from Abraham Lincoln

By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

 William H. Seward,
Secretary of State