Time for Testimony
We got our new sign made, hopefully they will install it sometime this week.
After reading "Never Unfriended" by Lisa-Jo Baker this month, I decided to try to set up a group of ladies that want to deepen their level of friendship. A group that will regularly go out and do things together.
School is out for the summer, two restless teenagers at home, all day, most every day, this is definitely going to be an experience. We have our Bible study lined up already, and Algebra that we are going to be learning, hopefully! And many adventures that will be coming up, I am sure.
Went hiking on Monday (Memorial Day) up at Lake Fort Smith, my children felt it necessary to go ahead without us, and didn't realize we turned back, (just like we told them would happen), waited over an hour for them to return, Gary wound up having to go get them.
Went to see the King Arthur movie, that was fun, but having her replacement retainer all of three days, Shannon left and lost it again at the theater.
Book Club
"What Are You Going To Believe"
~ Joyce Meyer
~ Joyce Meyer
I love this collection from Joyce Meyer. What are you going to believe about God? About yourself? Complete with scripture that tells you what you should believe.
A handy reference book for future perusing!
Out of this whole book, here is what I took away from it: Sometimes you can't feel God's presence, and that's ok.
There are reasons for it. Sometimes it's something you did, and sometimes it's not something you did.
~ Brandon Hatmaker
This was an excellent book. And I've quoted it a few times below in the Notables. It was filled with stuff not pertinent to me, but it was filled with a LOT of smack me in the nose stuff that I needed to hear.
If your relationship with God, His Church, and people in general is not satisfying, then spend some time in this book!
Never Unfriended
~Lisa-Jo Baker
This was absolutely a MUST read for anyone and everyone that struggles with friendship like I do.
Every chapter is chock full of tears and joy and laughter.
Ms. Baker was on the news recently and said if she could only make one point from the book it would be "Don't be afraid to go first". This is the reason I started the Ladies Group in Fort Smith/Van Buren, and hopefully it will help ladies in my area.
"We Saved You A Seat" is the Bible study based off of this book, that my daughter and I decided to do this summer. We are both looking forward to it.
Notable Quotables
"Here's a list of things John (the Baptist) did not tell them to do: memorize more Scripture, pray on your knees in the morning instead of in bed and half-asleep, get up in time to make it to Sunday school, wear shorts that cover your knees, only watch PG-rated movies, quit smoking, and, for the love, keep your hair off your collar.
Here's what he did say: "If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry" (v.11). "Dont take more than you need." Be content.
The good news doesn't begin with control, but surrender."
~ Shannan Martin "Falling Free"
"A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." C.H. Spurgeon
"I want you to call." That's an expression of urgency, intensity, and fervency. It’s an invitation to shameless and loud intimacy! God says, “Call to Me.”
Authentic Prayer by James McDonald
"Most of the people I see struggling with church today aren't frustrated because of what happens on Sunday mornings. Most are frustrated because of what's not happening. People are searching for connection on a deeper level. Maybe you can relate. You've got friends you tend to gravitate to in the hallways. You've got people who will grab a coffee with you if you ask. But you're starving for that deep connection with others you can literally do life and faith with. You're missing people in your life who can tell there's something wrong just by seeing the look on your face or by hearing the tone in your voice. You're hungry for true community. Biblical community. The kind we read about happening in the early church and the kind we saw with Jesus and his disciples."
A Mile Wide - Brandon Hatmaker
Yes, I can relate. And I'm loving this book.
"Teach me Your ways, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name" Psalm 86:11
"We must be teachable. There is something to be learned through every trial we face. God wants us to ook to Him, listen to Him, and live in such a way that honors Him."
Dr. Lee Sheppard, Mabel White Baptist Church, Macon, GA
"Sadly, people's memories are often dependent on their wills. Peter spoke of those who "willfully forget" God's works (2 Peter 3:5). There are thousands of people in the present day who are just as blind as the Jews were. They shut their eyes to the plainest facts and doctrines of Christianity. We point them to Christ, to the Person they need to be saved from their sins, but they do not believe what they do not like. It is a willful ignorance. They refuse to listen, read, contemplate, and see sincerely for truth. Jeremiah described foolish people as those "who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not" (Jer 5:21).
Sinful people don't want to hear about their sinfulness. They hated Jesus because He told the truth. They hate Christ's followers for the same reason. But that does not change the fact that we are called to love our neighbors and to share God's truth. Be prayerful, asking for opportunities to reach people. Be bold, knowing you can help others be set free by the truth. Be like Jesus. Share the truth in love."
-Dr. Rob Zinn, Immanuel Baptist Church, Highland, CA
"People can deny the Bible, the church, or religion, but they can't deny your testimony. Tell them what you know! Find someone to reach out to today. Someone will listen."
Dr. Rob Zinn, Immanuel Baptist Church, Highland, CA
I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but, by the grace of God, I am not what I was. ~ John Newton (writer of Amazing Grace)
Bible Studies
This study was a good supplement to "Never Unfriended", as was the Listen, Love, Repeat study, which focused on being a "friend" to others, by focusing on having an "other-centered" life. I recommend both of these studies highly!
At The Box Office
MUST SEE!!! I'm not going to spoil these other than to say:
Case For Christ: One man's journey to debunk, turned awry!
In Our Hands: The story of the 6 day war, and the recapture of East Jerusalem.
See these if you can!
MUST SEE!!! I'm not going to spoil these other than to say:
Case For Christ: One man's journey to debunk, turned awry!
In Our Hands: The story of the 6 day war, and the recapture of East Jerusalem.
See these if you can!
It's been a great and blessed May!
No comments:
Post a Comment