Being United Methodist ~ J. Ellsworth Kalas

This book was done by one of the life groups at church.  I saw a friend reading it one day, and decided I needed to read it as well.  

I have been a Methodist for a wee bit over 2 years now.  Joining that particular church, not because we believed what they believed, but because we felt the Spirit in our souls telling us that this church was our home.  We had no idea the doctrines that this church adhered to, nor any of the history behind it.  We did know that they recite the Apostle's Creed, but do they believe it all? part? recite it because of habit or tradition?

I believe that many people that come to church do so this same way.  And honestly never know what those around them believe.  They just come to church because they think they are supposed to. 

I am not one that can do that.  I go to church to spend time in worship to God.  And in fellowship with other Christians.  

I know what I believe as far as doctrine goes, and honestly, I don't think there is a "church" out there that matches me 100%.  Methodism however, as long as you "think, speak, and live according to the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ" the theology and doctrine is pretty much left up to you.  And differences of opinions are ok, as long as they do not conflict with scripture. 

This book, gave me a much appreciated insight to the birth and growth of the Methodist movement.  A new found appreciation for the denomination that I am a part of.  And a much needed healing to some concerns that I have had. 

So many people that you come across have this huge awaking moment of coming to Christ.  I don't have that.  And reading this book, Charles and John Wesley didn't have that either.  That helped me a great deal, knowing that even though I came to Christ late in life, and I have a more open mind about scripture than most, I am not alone.  And my "Come to Jesus" movement happened over time.  And that is totally okay!

That's it for this one guys, I loved the book, and recommend it!  And if you're not Methodist, find the history of your denomination, and do their doctrines match your own?

Shalom!

Children of the Day ~ Beth Moore

This study... Children of the Day... is based on 1 & 2 Thessalonians.  And Paul absolutely packs these two letters full of stuff.  Every single verse is good , and important stuff.  

I bought it over a year ago, and scoured the cover to see if it had videos that went with it.  Cause Moore's videos are not cheap.  And brought this one home eager to get started on it.  I opened the cover and realized I should have done this in the store.  Very first page, "View the Video".  UGH!

Now you can do a Beth Moore study without the video.  But it's just not the same.  So on the shelf this one went.  A group at my church decided to do this study, Yeah! But it turned out it was a Tuesday or a Thursday night, I remember not which.  And I just don't like to be away from my babies any more than I have to be.  Nights at my house involve a family dinner, homework getting done, visiting about our days, baths, relaxing, and bed time.  I don't like to miss any of this time with them, because they grow up too fast, they need to know they are important to me, and they will be off on there own far too soon.  So I passed on the study at church.  UGH!

But then... My Monday morning Rubies decided 10 weeks ago to do this one.  YEAH!!!  I've waited so long.  I'm so ready.  

The study is 9 weeks long.  At has four different levels of interaction, which Beth asks you to choose ahead of time.  

Level 1:  Videos only

Level 2:  Videos + homework (Beth does love her homework)

Level 3:  Videos + homework + hand write both books of Thessalonians

Level 4   Videos + homework + hand write both books of Thessalonians + memorize both books

I opted for Level 3.  My brain is so covered in fat still (different story) that it's difficult for me to memorize anything.  

At this point, with all my build up, you are thinking I'm going to say this study was a dude! Well I wouldn't be surprised if you thought that, but guys, this study was awesome!  I loved every second of my homework, I enjoyed the videos.  I even enjoyed writing out both books of Thessalonians.  She provides a place for you to do this in the back.  She also includes for your option a 28-Day Challenge to help overcome sexual strongholds for anyone that needs it. 

There is so much stuff in Thessalonians, you have to understand, Paul went from one side of the spectrum to the other.  Covering everything that a church might have issues with, and explaining them, teaching, guiding, and giving them strength to stay strong.  

And Beth handles all of it in stride.  Beautifully taking the word and bringing it to life for everyone!

I recommend this study highly to anyone that wants to dig into the word, it was every bit worth the wait!  

Shalom and God Bless!

Lies, Fraud, or Theft?

I have a bug in my craw, and I just can't shake it.  So how about I put it out there, and then I can be done with it.  No reason whatsoever that I should carry it myself, and really I probably, truthfully shouldn't put it out there.  But even though this might hurt someone's feelings, it's truth as far as I see it.


If you borrow something from someone, and do not return it, you are a thief.  Pure and simple.  People don't buy stuff, have stuff, or loan stuff out, that they don't want, need or have proper ownership thereof.

If I have something, I do not mind at all loaning it to you.  BUT I want it back.  Unless the words, "you can have it" come out of my mouth, I want it back.  I don't care if I haven't used what I've loaned you in 20 years, it's still mine, and I want it back.

NOW

Let's look a little closer at this.

1st Scenario:

Let's say that I borrow $20 from you.  I tell you when I ask to borrow it that I will pay it back on Friday.  Friday comes along and something happened and I can't pay it back.  Things happen.  Things happen a lot.  SATAN makes sure of it.  If I can't pay it back, I should call you, explain what happened and tell you I can't pay it back.  And I should give you a time when I think I will be able to.  I should NOT ignore the fact that I said that I would pay you, and ignore you, until you forget about the money. If I come across the money sooner, I should pay to you first.  NOT go to WalMart and get groceries first, and hope that I have enough for you afterwards!

OOOOH...  I think I'm beginning to see an inkling of how God feels when we don't tithe our full share first.

I should also NOT assume that you have plenty of money, and don't need me to return it quickly.  I mean, why would you loan it to me, if you needed it right?

People of this world, simply and absolutely, do not think about anyone but themselves!

If you borrow money, and do NOT pay it back, that absolutely 100% is Theft!

2nd Scenario:

Starts out the same as the last one, I ask to borrow $20, I tell you I will pay it back Friday.  You decide whatever the reason I sold you was worth buying, and loan me the money.  BUT I have NO intention whatsoever of ever paying you back.  THAT, my friend, is FRAUD and THEFT! And a LIE!


3rd Scenario:

Let's say that you move somewhere that you have no family, but one really good friend.  You move there to make a living "off" the grid.  When you get there, you right off the bat, go "on" the grid.  And bounce from job to job to job, not ever getting ahead.  Because you didn't do what you had planned to do, nor what God wanted you to do, and you just can't make it work.

You decide, that you have to bounce out of the state to avoid OCSE...  Again!  And move back to where you have some family.  You decide (without asking your friend) to put some of your stuff in her attic, until you can afford to have her ship it, because you simply don't have enough room in your car for all of your stuff.

THEN, you never send her any  money to ship it.  WHAT do you really expect her to do with your stuff?

Well, after a year, I am sending it to you at my expense.  Knowing full well that you will probably NEVER pay me back for the shipping.  Which isn't cheap.  I should just throw it all away, but my heart, conscience, or God one won't let me.

You had some nerve, to put your crap in my attic, where I couldn't reach it, (I had to get someone to get it down).  THEN, without my asking, you said, "I'll send you money next week".  AND didn't.

WHY?  YOU knew you weren't going to send me any money.  You KNEW I wouldn't just throw your stuff away.  What if I wanted to sell my house and move? What if I forget it's up there?

Thank you, for putting you above me, with my space and money! And for lying to me after the fact.  JUST DON'T!


Summary:

Don't be one of the people in the previous scenarios.  You should be thinking about other people, before yourself.  Do not say your going to do something if you're not.  And don't take liberties with stuff that's not yours!


I am done with my rant.  Thank you all for listening!

Shalom!

Blessed Life ~ Robert Morris

Have you ever read a book, that you really didn't need to read?

This is an excellent book.  It explains the tithe in such a way, that absolutely every one needs to know this information.  I, however, already know this information.  I know without a doubt, the more I give others, the more God will bless me!  The more I give to the church, the more God will bless me.  The more time I spend with Him, the more He will bless me.  It's as simple as that guys.  If you do not already understand this concept... READ this book!