A Look at Life from a Deerstand

Every Perfect Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:58:00 +0000

Depending on where you live, snow may or may not be something you get to see very often. Our winters here in Missouri typically consist of several light snows with one or two “heavy” snowfalls (5”-8”) throughout the season, although this year has been exceptionally mild and we’ve only been hit with a few inches thus far. I know a few people who are hoping for that sled-worthy snowfall to come before spring, while I’m personally just thankful I haven’t had to drive in the stuff too much.

Of course anybody who enjoys nature has to admit that snow is the most beautiful form of precipitation God has designed. Sometime when you’re not slipping and sliding on the highways, you should take a few minutes and actually enjoy the beauty of our Lord’s handiwork. There’s something about the resilience of a snow-covered evergreen and the intricacy of each snowflake that reminds me life is about more than the problems I’m facing or the latest news headline. God has surrounded us with untold blessings, and yet I’m often too busy to notice them.

So today let me encourage you to stop and consider the things that truly matter, and then take some time to thank God for them. Watch the sunrise. Build a snowman. Play your guitar under the stars. There are so many things we take for granted, and even more things we just don’t take the time for. Don’t spend your whole life wishing for what you don’t have and thus miss out on what you’ve already been given. After all, the greatest gifts of all come without a price tag.

Dodging Bricks

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:47:00 +0000

So how are your New Year’s resolutions going? You know, those commitments everybody made a few weeks ago that they’re already trying to forget about? My guess is that, if you’re anything like the rest of us, your vision of the future probably isn’t a reality quite yet.

How do I know this? Because life never goes as planned. Just as you are gathering the courage to go on that mission trip, a family member will suddenly take ill and need a caretaker. The very month in which you plan to increase your giving will always be the month that the car breaks down, and spending more time with God is a lot harder when your boss asks you to take on an extra shift. Life happens, and it usually does so at the most inopportune times.

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

-Genesis 50:20

The worst part of it all is that many of us become so discouraged when things don’t go our way that we give up on change altogether. Just because you’re struggling with reading through the Bible in a year is no reason to quit studying the Scriptures, nor is a rocky start to your diet an excuse for another year of unhealthy living. As David Brinkley once said, “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” By giving up in the face of adversity, we’re actually losing out on the opportunity for growth that far surpasses what we could have planned with a pen and paper.

Maybe life has thrown quite a few bricks at you over these last four weeks. Maybe “successful” is the last work you would use to describe the month of January, and you don’t yet see any silver linings or light at the end of the tunnel. If this is you, don’t be discouraged by the obstacles you’ve encountered. Instead, learn to view every hardship as an opportunity for growth and realize that God’s plans for you are far more significant than your own. What you may view only as another brick to dodge, God may see as building material.

Defending Your Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:23:00 +0000

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

-1 Peter 3:15

I’m someone who enjoys debate. Not that I enjoy disagreeing with another person over trivial issues, but, especially when it comes to God and the Bible, I always welcome the opportunity to defend what I believe. An ability to defend the Faith is one of the most important skills a Christian should have, not only because it deepens his personal understanding of spiritual things, but because it enables him to be used by God in revealing these things to others.

Of course no person, however knowledgeable of the Scriptures, is able to impart saving faith to another (Rom. 2:4). We can preach night and day of justification and propitiation, and yet there will always be those who disagree with us regardless of how plainly the truth is presented (1 Cor. 2:14). I’ve met professed-Christians through the blogosphere who hate what I have to say about salvation, yet will contradict me without the use of even a single Scripture and insist that everybody goes to heaven. It’s during these times that discernment must be exercised so we are able to avoid fruitless conversations with a person who simply refuses to see the light (Matt. 7:6). Certainly God may lay it upon our hearts to continue reasoning with them for a time, but at some point we must redirect our energy toward reaching those truly hungry for truth.

The key, as Peter wrote, to being a successful defender of the Faith is not a huge reservoir of head knowledge. Yes, knowledge undoubtedly helps, but it doesn’t save people. Before all else, we must “sanctify the Lord God in our heart’s”, knowing that our efforts to evangelize are vain if we have not first presented ourselves as living sacrifices before the only One Who can reveal the Father in all His fullness (Matt. 11:27; Col. 2:9). Once we have Him working in us and through us, the task of reaching people for the Kingdom suddenly gets a lot easier.

Perhaps there’s someone you’d love to reach for Christ, but your words just don’t seem to be getting through. This might be because you’re too close to them, like the father who shares Christ with his rebellious son every time they meet but to no avail, or because you are trying to sell them a faith that you yourself have neglected. Pray about what your next step should be and be prepared to respond to God’s direction. Whether it’s to continue defending your faith to that person or simply cultivate it through prayer and fasting, God knows how to make us most effective in His service.

Mighty to Save

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:25:00 +0000

I played this song in church yesterday and thought I’d share it with you guys. It’s probably one of my new favorite songs to play on guitar, easy to learn and easy to sing.

Book Review: “40 Ways to Get Closer to God”

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:16:00 +0000

I’m a big fan of devotional books. Perhaps it’s just something about the 40-day format that intrigues me, but each time I’ve read a devotional like this it always ends up becoming a new favorite of mine. Author Jerry MacGregor could easily have ruined this book with legalism and false doctrines, yet instead was able to very well illustrate the need for both grace and personal discipline in one’s life.

Each day MacGregor focuses on one important aspect of the Christian life. Early on, practices such as prayer and Scripture memorization are introduced, being punctuated by a daily challenge that forces you to enact the truths you just studied. As the book progresses these challenges seem to become more and more creative, though it would honestly be difficult to complete all 40 of them. Perhaps the most challenging one I can remember came on day 12: “Sit down and read one of the gospels in its entirety.” Obviously this is an achievable goal, but is certainly not for everybody.

All in all I consider this book to have been worthwhile investment of my time and hope to read it again someday. If you’re looking for spiritual growth throughout this new year (and I hope you are!), then definitely think about moving this title near the top of your reading list. It held my attention for a full 40 days, which, especially in our fast-paced and electronic age, is not an easy task. It won’t change your life, but can help lead you to the One Who can.

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

Getting Started

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:23:00 +0000

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow…”

-James 4:14

Can you believe the holidays are almost over? It seems like just a few short weeks ago that we were carving turkeys and putting up Christmas lights, yet my calendar tells me that the old year has just ended and a new one just begun. 2012, now officially upon us, offers us a fresh start at things we may have done less than succeed at in 2011.

I typically don’t make an official list of resolutions for the New Year, but I do of course have a few things I’d like to improve on throughout the months ahead. Things like buying a car and graduating were fairly simple goals for me to come up with, whereas some soul-searching was required to realize the areas that need changing on a much deeper, spiritual level. Add my name to the list of Christians determined to pray more, study harder, and live a godlier life this year than ever before.

What changes have you slated for 2012? Regardless of what goals you’ve set, let me encourage you to take proactive steps toward making that happen. Do you want to get in shape? Then sign up for a 5k run in August. Do you want to start praying more? Then turn off your computer and go pray. As simple as it may sound, changing something in your life requires actually changing something in your life! You can’t expect to do the same things you’ve always done and get closer to God or lose weight; a positive change requires decisions to be made and action to be taken.

The mistake we often make with New Year’s resolutions is in believing they are one-time decisions – something we commit to once and then can simply watch for the results. If you’re really serious about accomplishing something, however, then it’s probably a commitment you’ll have to renew at least 366 times throughout the coming year¹. Tomorrow when you wake up, the will to improve your relationships or get out of debt won’t greet you with a morning kiss; you’ll have to again remind yourself of just how much change is truly needed and pray for the strength to make progress in your war against complacency.

Tomorrow is a day which always holds the best intentions, yet never does any good because it’s always 24 hours away. The worst mistake you could make next to discarding your resolutions altogether is to put off making a difference until tomorrow. Decide now to fulfill the resolutions you talked about yesterday and make 2012 a year to remember, not for failed attempts, but for fulfilled commitments. This could be your best year yet and it starts today.

_____________________

¹ It’s leap year.

The Mind: Our Ultimate Battleground

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:56:00 +0000

“For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

-Hebrews 12:3

We’ve all heard people say that what happens in your thought life is unimportant. Unfortunately, even some Christians have been tricked into believing the lie that sin is okay so long as you don’t let it go further than the confines of your imagination. It’s as if we’ve created an imaginary barrier between what we think and what we do, not realizing that our thoughts directly affect our actions and vice-versa. The truth of Scripture reveals to us, not that our hands and heart are at a disconnect, but that what we fill our mind with will ultimately affect every other aspect of our life when simply given the time (Prov. 23:7).

Imagine with me for a moment what it would look like if every thought you entertained throughout the course of a day was recorded in a book and put on display. Would you hold a book signing and give away free copies to all your friends? Probably not. Yet despite the embarrassment it would likely bring if our innermost thoughts were shared with the world, remember that the very God Who created us hears our thoughts just as clearly as He is able to hear our words (Matt 9:4). Every selfish ambition and secret lust resonates loudly in His ears, even if we’re blissfully unaware of how serious these transgressions truly are.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

-Philippians 4:8

Truth, honesty, justice, purity, and loveliness are the things Paul said should saturate our mind on a daily basis. What fills our head will also fill our heart, and so purifying your thought life is the first and most important step toward purity of the soul. Have you ever tried to break old, sinful habits without first praying for a clean heart and a right spirit (Ps. 51:10)? If so, then you know from firsthand experience that this is a futile attempt. To yield our mind to the enemy of our soul is to grant him the greatest foothold he could ever seek to gain, and is an advantage he will absolutely take advantage of (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 4:27).

Despite the overemphasis often placed on “positive thinking” by the world, the mind is the most crucial battleground any person will ever tread. If we subject ourselves to the discouragement of “being wearied and fainting in our minds”, then we have little hope of being the conqueror God has called each of us to be (Rom. 8:37). Win this battle and you’ll be well-equipped to win the war.

Persecution–Embracing the Will of God When It’s Hard

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 01:04:00 +0000

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

-Romans 8:31

The moment you choose to follow Jesus is the moment you choose to head down a path of persecution and worldly opposition (2 Tim. 3:12). Of all the promises afforded us by the Scriptures, none guarantee our life will be easy or comfortable but instead assure of just the opposite: “If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you,” was the warning of Christ to His disciples, yet they counted the sufferings of this present time unworthy to be compared with what they knew their Lord could offer (John 15:20; Rom. 8:18). We are told from the beginning exactly what we’re getting ourselves into by becoming a Christian and it should be anything but surprising when trouble comes our way.

It’s helpful when we understand that, just as no man can serve two masters (Matt. 6:24), it is impossible for a person to feed their soul while indulging their flesh. How many of us actually faced persecution when our soul was being starved of truth? In most cases it’s not until a person embraces things of eternal importance that they begin to encounter opposition, and so rather than despairing when rejected for your faith, learn to “rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt 5:12)

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

-1 Peter 4:16

Not only should we expect persecution, but should follow the example of the apostles by learning to rejoice in them (Acts 5:41). Certainly the trial itself gives us no reason whatsoever to be joyful, but the knowledge that we are living in obedience to the Scriptures and their Author in a noticeable way is reason enough to leap for joy (Luke 6:23). For each hardship, consider both the physical and mental sufferings of Christ which far surpassed what any of us are able to experience or imagine. Did He agonize and weep? Of course! That’s never the problem, as long as we can pray the same prayer He did in the garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) Nobody ever having prayed these words from their heart was given a heavier load than they were able to bare (1 Cor. 10:13).

Book Review: “Dug Down Deep”

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:50:00 +0000

In “Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths that Last”, Joshua Harris covers the basics of his Christian faith in 231 easy-to-read pages. Unlike many theological books written for the average believer, Josh is obviously gifted when it comes to getting a complex idea across without dumbing down its message or using so many unfamiliar terms that you don’t understand it. He reminds me somewhat of Max Lucado in his writing style, unafraid to use plain English and even throwing in a fragment or two on occasion.

Orthodoxy, a term introduced early on by Harris, seems to be his goal throughout the book. He introduces his reader to the “established, proven, cherished truths of the faith”¹, but little more than that. Topics like justification, redemption, and the Trinity are covered, while controversial issues such as predestination are largely avoided. Honestly, this is probably a good thing since I found myself disagreeing with him on many of the deeper issues he covered. For example:

“These days I find myself less interested in the labels of charismatic and non-charismatic, less interested in arguing about whether there is a distinct “baptism of the Spirit” or only ongoing fillings of the Spirit throughout the Christian’s life, less interested in whether gifts like tongues and prophecy still function today.”

“Personally, I do speak in tongues. And I’ve been encouraged by it…”²

It should go without saying that, if somebody regularly speaks in tongues, they should be very interested in whether or not it is even a gift available to them. Unfortunately chapter nine, entirely about the Holy Spirit, seemed wishy-washy to me and called very few things certain other than that there is indeed a Holy Spirit and raised more questions than it answered. Whether or not this reflects the beliefs of the author or simply his unwillingness to step on any toes I don’t know, but I was certainly disappointed in the lack of certainty he presented on this crucial topic.

Overall, even though this book is one I may someday read again, it’s not something I would recommend to a Christian seeking to establish their beliefs but rather to those already “dug down deep” and able to exercise discernment. If at this point you’re still willing to give it a try, my advice is to head to the library before you head to the bookstore.

My Rating: 3/5 Stars.

Rate This Review for Your Chance to Win a Free Copy of “Dug Down Deep”

¹ Page 14.

² Page 184.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

Tomorrow (don’t count on it)

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:36:00 +0000

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
-James 4:14

As much as I appreciate the blessing of tomorrow, I’ve also come to see it as a blessing too often abused. Though most people will readily admit their life could be snuffed out at any time, for some reason we continue to live as if there is always another page to be turned, another chapter to be written. Like the rich man in Luke 12 who fell into the lap of luxury only to “fall into the hands of the living God” when he least expected it (Heb. 10:31), many times we embrace unnecessary responsibilities today while postponing what God says is truly important until tomorrow.

What do I mean by unnecessary responsibilities? Well, let’s start with the obvious. Hunting trips, shopping ventures, and web surfing are all nonessentials. We could live without them if it became necessary. More subtle distractions such as extra-biblical literature and blogging may at times seem indispensible, but even these should be a distant second to our God and our family. We as Christians are called to demonstrate faithfulness, not just in the “big” things, but in the countless smaller responsibilities that shape our character and mold our relationships (Matt 25:23).

Of course that’s not to say whatever is unnecessary can also be categorized as sin. Solomon himself believed “there is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor.” (Eccl. 2:24) Our lives are a gift from God and should be enjoyed in holiness (Heb. 12:14), but putting your family on hold to accommodate a self-induced busy schedule is a sacrifice no one can afford to make.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

-Matthew 23:23

Just like the Pharisees, how often have we allowed our zeal for God to tear us down rather than build us up? Peter cutting off Malchus’ ear when His Savior’s life was threatened revealed an inner passion worth emulating, but in the end he earned only a rebuke from the One he was attempting to defend (John 18:10-11). Is it any different when a Christian passionate about truth spends more time reading Bible commentary than the Word of God itself, or can quote their favorite theologian more fluently than their risen Lord? We procrastinate making the changes we know are needed but somehow always make room for the lesser things we could do without. Isn’t it true that “procrastination is the thief of time”¹ God calls us to redeem (Eph. 5:16)?

God has a special blessing in store for those who make Him, not religion or good works, the focus of their heart and the love of their life. We “shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” someday to answer for the decisions we’ve made (Rom. 14:10), and this reality should encourage God’s church in the pursuit of holiness and “faith unfeigned.” (1 Tim. 1:5) There’s no need to wait until the 1^st of January to enact these commitments. Act now! Determine what you must do, put your hand to the plow, and don’t look back (Luke 9:62). It’s this kind of dedication we need to break the chains “tomorrow” can so easily ensnare us with.

¹ Edward Young

Happy Blogoversary to Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:14:00 +0000

Two years ago today, A Look at Life from a Deerstand was born. It would be four long months before I received a comment from anyone besides family, and over a year until I reached 100 followers. I poured my heart into this blog every day, and yet at first the rewards of this effort were delayed.

Since that time, I’ve been astounded at how many visitors have discovered this little piece of cyberspace (3,581 unique visitors and counting!), and even more amazed at how often my efforts to encourage others have turned into a direct blessing to my own soul. Every time I see a new word of encouragement posted at the end of my most recent devotional, or receive an e-mail from a new follower, I’m encouraged with the thought that this work has truly been worth however much time it’s required.

None of this would possible without God and His miraculous grace, or worth it without my amazing readers from all over the world. This simple blog has been displayed in all 50 states and over 60 countries including Tanzania, Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco, Egypt and Spain. Only the Lord can be credited for taking the restricted message of Christianity into the home of someone in Cairo who may never read another Scripture in his life! The only thing that could make this better is to know it pleased God to make room for this simple website in His grand plan of spreading the Gospel.

I know that I’ve been unable to post as frequently as I did 12 months ago, but I still rejoice in the blessing of my readers and take every word I type seriously. I can’t say what the next year will hold, but can only hope it will be as great as the last two have been and that you’ll be along for the ride!

Book Review: “Ascent from Darkness”

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:43:00 +0000

In “Ascent from Darkness”, once-practicing Satanist Michael Leehan shares the story of his life and conversion to Christianity in a book unlike any you’ve ever read. The details of his involvement with the dark side are documented in such a way that opens your eyes to the reality of the spiritual realm, while also demonstrating God’s superiority over Satan and the carnal weapons of his warfare.

Yet despite this book’s ability to hold my attention throughout its entirety, I closed it mostly dissatisfied.

Like the cover art itself, this book seemed to be primarily about darkness with a ray of light shining through only at the very end. Of the 226 pages authored by Leehan, it wasn’t until page 212 that I read of his actual repentance and professed salvation, and so finished reading without much of the encouragement the title caused me to anticipate. I’m not at all questioning the sincerity of Michael’s testimony or the authenticity of his experience, but would caution any would-be readers to take up this book with much prayer and careful consideration as I also found myself questioning his interpretation of many spiritual experiences and was disappointed in the lack of a Gospel presentation.

This is definitely not a book to sit down and read as a family, but at the same time could probably benefit the right person should it fall into their hands. To that end I give it three out of five stars and am interested in seeing what else may be published by this new author.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

Don’t Play the Lottery

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:07:00 +0000

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

-Hebrews 13:5</

In these difficult economic times, many have turned to the lottery as a source of hope in overcoming debt and poverty. Unfortunately, the average consumer will spend far more playing the lottery than they will ever actually win. That’s why lotto companies are able to give a large share of their revenue to educational programs and yet still have millions to give away to that truly lucky individual who manages to win something.

What many fail to understand as they hand over their hard-earned cash in exchange for that microscopic chance of winning more, is that the lottery is a virtual tax on the poor. The possibility of being struck by a car and killed on your way to cash in is even greater than the chances of you winning in the first place! Nonetheless, these companies continue to rake in untold millions from the poor while awarding grants and scholarships to the rich and middle class as justification for their actions.

In addition to the foolishness of betting money on something that will never, ever happen, research has shown that the lucky winner is not always better off after winning. Many become drug-addicts, divorcees, and filers of bankruptcy. Billie Bob Harrell, winner of the $31 million Texas jackpot, admitted that winning the lottery was the worst thing that ever happened to him shortly before he committed suicide to end his miserable earthly life.

Certainly a statistically unsound investment, there are many ways to grow the money you would otherwise waste in hopes of winning the jackpot. Consider, for example, depositing the money you spend on that daily lotto ticket into a bank account or retirement fund. Even a low interest rate will eventually net you more than you’ll ever win playing the lottery – and that’s a guarantee, not a one in 18,000,000 chance!

Unworthy

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:40:00 +0000

“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.”

-Genesis 32:10

Let me know if I’m off the mark here, but it seems like Christians today have become increasingly consumed with self-confidence. Maybe it’s because the world would have us believe we are all worthless, but many who disagree with this have taken things to the opposite extreme by suggesting God couldn’t live without us and wants nothing more than for us to “ask Him into our heart” so we can fill a man-shaped hole in His. If you don’t know what I mean, simply tune in to your local Christian music station or visit the inspirational section of any bookstore. It probably won’t be long before you find yourself squarely confronted with the idea that God actually needs us as much as we need Him. “We were worth dying for,” is the message.

What I have a hard time with, however, is beholding the bruised and bleeding Son of God and thinking for any length of time that I was worth that. Certainly we must have held some value in God’s eyes if He sacrificed His very life to gain us, but God’s love is not the result of our own goodness. Did adulterous Gomer deserve for Hosea to take her back? No, and we didn’t deserve for Jesus Christ to be killed on our behalf. Since when are we the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46)?

In “Dug Down Deep”, Joshua Harris puts it this way: “I had always heard [the cross] explained in terms of my great worth. I am so valuable that God would send Jesus to die. The question [John] Piper closed his message with deeply challenged me. “Do you love the cross because it makes much of you” he asked. “Or do you love it because it enables you to enjoy an eternity of making much of God?"Turning the cross into a monument of humanity’s worth is to rob our Redeemer of the glory for the greatest thing He ever accomplished.

Again, I believe it’s important to combat the lie that humanity is worthless. Each of us has been created in the Divine image of our Creator, but to think that we were worth even a drop of Christ’s innocent blood turns His sacrifice into a mere transaction. Only when we recognize just how unworthy we truly are can we fully experience the joy of being God’s child.

A Dynamic Duo of Scripture Memory Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:34:00 +0000

A couple years ago I attended a two-day homeschool expo with my family. The last workshop I attended was unplanned until nearly the last minute when I decided to check out a class focusing on the importance of memorizing Scripture, which was something I had recently become very interested in.

While there I met Jim Woychuck, director of Scripture Memory Fellowship, and Phil Walker who is also very involved with the increasingly-popular Bible Bee, memverse.com, and his own international Scripture ministry located in Indonesia. In particular, Memverse and Scripture Memory Fellowship completely revolutionized the way I memorize and strengthened my commitment to continue doing so throughout the rest of my life.

SMF’s primary goal is to encourage people to systematically memorize Scripture in the most effective ways possible, while the main purpose of meverse is to make this process easier and less time-consuming. Though they aren’t technically affiliated, this dynamic duo of Scripture memory tools makes memorizing the Word of God easier than it’s ever been and leaves us without excuse before our heavenly Father.

Whether or not you are currently memorizing Scripture, I highly recommend taking advantage of these two tools. My decision to become involved with these ministries has truly transformed my walk with God by filling me with both a greater love for and knowledge of Scripture and I am confident they can do the same for you.

Book Review: “The God Pocket”

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:38:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself eager to be used by God, yet totally unprepared when the opportunity to take a step of faith and obey His leading presents itself? This upcoming book by Bruce Wilkinson provides practical advice for those willing to open their hearts and wallets to the needy and presents the reader with what I would consider a radical and potentially life-changing concept: what if we are merely managers of God’s resources and not actually the owners? As the subtitle states, when we recognize God as the giver of every good and perfect gift, “suddenly, everything changes.”

My first impression when receiving this book was that it would be a general guide to handling money in a Christian way. Instead, what I had really found is the path to a truly unique method of generosity that relies entirely on God’s leading and provision. You probably won’t see this on any best seller lists or read it more than once or twice yourself, but within these pages lies a concept with the ability to completely transform the way you look at money. Not only is it God’s provision for you, but is in some cases His intended provision for others.

To those who enjoy a quick read with a powerful message, consider purchasing this book. Though I often find myself bored with authors intent on filling 300+ pages with a relatively simple idea, this particular volume took little time to complete and left me excited about what I’d just read. It doesn’t release until October 11, so don’t head to your local bookstore just yet; but do be sure to check it out as soon as you can get your hands on a copy. It’s worth it.

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

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Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

Discipline or Legalism?

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 01:05:00 +0000

“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

-Galatians 3:3

One of the greatest struggles for any Christian is finding the delicate balance between discipline and legalism. In my own experience there have been occasions when everything seemed to be going so well that I actually took mental notes on what I was doing at the time and determined to keep doing those things indefinitely. If spending 2-3 hours a day in my prayer closet seemed to do the trick, I would make that my standard and feel ashamed anytime I fell short.

Of course praying for hours in a day is excellent, but, as I soon learned, is not always possible. It’s certainly possible much more often than we’d like to think so, but the truth of the Gospel is that God gave us His very best and asks in return that we give Him ours. If our best gift to Christ is consistently offered we can rest assured in the truth He will be pleased with our service, just as He was pleased with the widow who offered her entire substance of only two mites at the temple’s treasury (Mark 12:42).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

-Ephesians 2:8

The key to true spiritual discipline is not always found in devotional books or Bible reading plans. These are indeed powerful tools, but, like all tools, are only constructive when used properly. I’m obviously not encouraging you to forsake routines which have proven helpful in the past, but simply to ensure these things are treated as stepping stones in your journey to heaven rather than an end in themselves. As the Apostle reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:19, if Christianity offered hope only in this life we would be “of all men most miserable.”

Good days and happy prayers are too small a thing to live for. If the yardstick whereby we measure our spiritual progress is nothing more than the minute hand on a clock, then we need to seriously examine ourselves in the light of Scripture and pray with David, “search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Remind Me Who I Am

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:36:00 +0000

This is one of the most powerful new songs I’ve heard in a long time. When you hear the story behind it, it seems to make the entire message that much more powerful and so I encourage you to check that out as well. Forgetfulness has always plagued God’s people and this song serves as a compelling reminder of who we are in Christ. Take a listen!

Spontaneous Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:26:00 +0000

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

-2 Corinthians 9:7

Unlike tithing, spontaneous giving is not usually planned far in advance. Whereas we might take tithes right off the top of our paycheck, immediately setting it aside for God, this kind of giving follows no definite pattern or system of rules; we give willingly when the need arises, remembering that the greedy are doomed to poverty and the generous promised a blessing (Proverbs 11:24).

Now to those of you already paying tithes, please don’t fool yourself into believing you’ve already done your share by giving 10%. Just because you do what many others fail to doesn’t earn you extra credit with God. Is a child considered prodigious when she obeys her father? She may indeed be above-average, but when sin is the average we can’t settle for that. God will use us if we let Him, but we can’t limit how much we’re willing to sacrifice.*

“I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

-Acts 20:35

Obviously I don’t recommend donating to every charity that shows up in your mailbox or reaching for your wallet every time you see a homeless person. I find it particularly frustrating when a Christmastime donation to feed the hungry turns into a year’s worth of solicitations which often cost more than you ever gave in the first place. We should always exercise discernment, while being careful never too become so cautious that we don’t give at all.

The need is out there, and we hardly demonstrate the love of Christ by withholding good from them to whom it is due (Proverbs 3:27). Let us instead learn to give just as our Lord did: not out of necessity, but from a heart overflowing with love and compassion. In a world where nearly every need has a ministry dedicated to its resolve, all we must do is realize which of these God has called us to support. Whether it’s a periodical sacrifice to bless the persecuted church overseas, or something ongoing such as child sponsorship, let me encourage you to discover through prayer which facet of ministry God is calling you to participate in. Few things bring greater joy than knowing you have made an eternal investment with otherwise temporary resources.

*I once met a man who had made it his goal to live on 10%.

Book Review: “Close Enough to Hear God Breathe”

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:30:00 +0000

“Through every generation, God has breathed His invitation to joyful embrace, the very essence of true pleasure. In His arms, every pleasure is safe but thrilling, the dissolution of death and the very fulfillment of life.” This excerpt from page 183 of Greg Paul’s newest book summarizes in only a few words the intended message of “Close Enough to Hear God Breathe” – a book with a compelling title but, regrettably, little more.

Even though we’ve all been told not to judge a book by its cover, the fact is that we all do to at least some extent. When I pick up a book with a title and description conveying the idea of Divine intimacy, I naturally anticipate the underlying pages to contain a similar theme. Perhaps I missed something, but during what times I was actually able to decipher the author’s countless stories and fairly unorganized writing style I often disagreed with him anyway. In chapter 14, for example, he portrays the Song of Solomon as little more than a lust-filled romance novel rather than a beautiful portrayal of the mutual love between Christ and His bride as it is in truth.

Intimacy with our Creator, however farfetched it may seem, is indeed possible. If you are as intrigued as I am at the idea of being “close enough to hear God breathe”, then my personal recommendation is to seek out the many Scriptures which teach us how this can be done (Hebrews 12:14 comes to mind). Unfortunately, this book offered me little more than the motivation to seek out a better resource on the subject and is not one I would recommend.

My Rating: 1/5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

Tithing

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:01:00 +0000

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.”

-Malachi 3:8

To tithe is to be blessed. Many people today claim it is no longer necessary under the New Covenant to give 10% of one’s income back to the Lord, but it seems to me both illogical and unscriptural to think God would suddenly stop providing for His ministry in this way. If the Old Testament expressly forbade the muzzling of oxen as they “tread out the corn” (Deut. 25:4), why then would Christians be encouraged to lay an even greater burden on their pastor by failing to provide him with financial support?

In the Old Testament tithing was instituted, not only to remind the giver of God’s right to their resources, but as the means whereby Levites (i.e. the priests) would sustain themselves and support their families. The Levites, in turn, would then pay tithes on their “inheritance” by presenting a tenth of this to Aaron the priest (Num. 18:25-28). If you think God’s asking too much of you by requiring a mere 10%, consider this: when all tithes stipulated by the OT Law had been paid, each Jew had contributed approximately 23% of their finances to the Lord. Surely things have changed somewhat since then, but wouldn’t you agree that acknowledging our subordination to God is more important than enjoying the unnecessary luxuries of American life?

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

-2 Corinthians 9:6

Naturally, the most common excuse this generation creates is that paying tithes simply cannot be afforded. Maybe you don’t waste a penny on frivolous spending and yet are certain you couldn’t make room for tithes your budget. If so, let me encourage you to give anyway! Did not David say he had been both young and old, having never seen “the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread?” (Psalm 37:25) “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,” says God in Malachi 3:10, “that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

In God’s perfect will, those who preach the Gospel also live of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). Certainly He has power enough to meet the needs of all humanity apart from our help, but as “laborers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9) we are called to join Him in the privilege of doing so. Let us never selfishly judge His commandments to be grievous, but instead embrace each one with joy as cheerful givers of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 5:3; 2 Cor. 9:7).

The Love of Money

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:11:00 +0000

One of the most common things I see people writing about today is how to manage one’s finances. From Dave Ramsey to Oprah Winfrey, it seems that anyone making more than the average fry cook has something to say on the subject. Of course this isn’t necessarily a bad thing since we obviously need financial advice as a nation, but whenever someone starts telling me how to retire as a multi-millionaire I can’t help but feel a little bit uneasy. Didn’t Solomon exhort us in Proverbs 23:4, “Labor not to be rich”?

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

-I Timothy 6:10

You may or may not agree with me on this one, but I truly believe America’s lust for money and desire to be rich is precisely why our economy has been a roller-coaster ride over the past several years and why so many families nationwide are losing their homes due to foreclosure and filing bankruptcy. Of course that’s not to say everyone who loses their home has been greedy or selfish with their money, but if our resolve to live a financially sound life stems from the very same desire to be rich that created our problems in the first place then how can we expect to be successful?

Of course none of us would say outright, “I want to be filthy rich.” Most of us even humor ourselves with the thought that we’re actually a content person. Really, we don’t want to be wealthy at all; we just want to drive what wealthy people drive and wear what wealthy people they wear. “If we had more resources,” we tell ourselves, “just think of how effective our ministry would be.” Apparently we’ve misread I Corinthians 1:26-29 and somehow think that, in order to be used by God, we have to have something to offer Him first.

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

-I Timothy 6:8

Many times throughout my life I’ve asked the Lord never to make me rich; instead, my prayer has been like that of Agur’s in Proverbs 30:8-9 when he said, “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” It’s not that I think it’s wrong to have a big bank account. But I’ve seen a camel before and am pretty sure it wouldn’t through the eye of a needle (Mark 10:25). In fact, I doubt a $1 bill would either.

*Photo by Rein Nomm on Photo.net.

Cashing in on God’s Blessings *New Series”

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:26:00 +0000

I’ve been tossing around ideas for a new blog series all day. I’m usually able to fit all of my thoughts on a subject nicely into three or four paragraphs, but I’m afraid I would be doing the topic God has placed on my heart a great injustice by trying to condense it all into one post this time. Understanding what God has to say about money and finances is crucial, not only to pleasing God and receiving His full blessing on our lives, but is fully necessary if we wish to have true financial success as Christians. With that said, starting tomorrow I will begin a series of posts which will cover the following topics:

The Love of Money
Tithing
Spontaneous Giving

Obviously, I’m no financial expert. I’m not claiming to have any wisdom of my own in this area, but I do nevertheless feel a burden to share with you the Scriptures God has placed on my heart in this area. I’m open to suggestions for additional posts you think should be incorporated into this series, and hope you’ll check back tomorrow afternoon for the first post of what I trust will be an enlightening series for all of us. God bless!

Book Review: “Enemies of the Heart”

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:58:00 +0000

In “Enemies of the Heart”, Andy Stanley examines in depth what he considers to be the four most destructive emotions in the human experience: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. “Practically every conflict and relational wound you’ve experienced,” says Stanley, “can be traced back to one of these four.” (p. 48) Of course such a general analysis of sin leaves room for the occasional exception, but overall this rule stands up to the scrutiny of common sense: get rid of these things and your heart will undoubtedly be a much cleaner place.

For me, this book was both timely and very convicting. I was forced to look beneath the surface of my actions and figure out exactly what motivates my everyday behavior, and also given very specific advice for overcoming traces of these four “enemies of the heart” in my own life. Specifically, Andy names confession, forgiveness, generosity, and celebration as the most effective means whereby one can conquer sins which would otherwise conquer them.

The unfortunate truth we must all come to grips with is that, in this life, nobody gets their way in everything. Learning to handle conflicts and disappointments without contracting spiritual heart disease is fundamental to every Christian’s spiritual growth, and so I recommend this book to you as a wholly valuable resource in helping you do just that. As always, keep a Bible nearby and be prepared to compare each chapter with the truth of Scripture (perhaps reading Hebrews 10:26-29 before you begin chapter 11). If you can do this, then you’re all set to dive into a book that contains a message much bigger than its physical size: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

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Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

Be Prepared

noreply@blogger.com (Dakota) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:57:00 +0000

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

-Jeremiah 29:11

As do all young people, I spent a good part of my earlier youth looking forward to the privileges that come along with being an adult. I wanted to drive my own car, work at my own job, and fill those numerous credit card slots which lined the inside of my wallet. Ordering something off of TV would be the next step, of course, though I can’t really think of anything I’m just dying to have four of at the moment. (Am I the only one who’s noticed you can never buy just one of anything anymore?)

Even if you never shared those exact ambitions, I’m sure you can remember what it was like having your own list of things to do on that day when you finally grew up. For most of us that day came much sooner than we ever dreamed and we suddenly found ourselves faced with a handful of privileges and a truckload full of new responsibilities. In my own experience, those boring typing lessons from 6th grade suddenly became a valuable asset to take with me as I looked for my first job, while getting credit card has been officially been marked off of my to-do list. Simply put, preparing for future responsibilities has proven far more important than buying that dream car or owning a checkbook.

Now, for all of you nodding in agreement, consider this:

What aspect of your current future do you most look forward to? Owning a home? Getting married? Taking your son to Little League practice? For every privilege you hope to one day lay claim to there’s at least a dozen more responsibilities which will come along with it. You say you can’t wait to be a mother, but are you really strong enough to bear the unique responsibility of parenthood?

With all the uncertainties inherent to planning one’s future, one thing is absolutely certain: just as suddenly as you found yourself driving that new car or casting your first ballot, so, too, will you find yourself a spouse, a grandparent, or retiree. Waiting until tomorrow before preparing for it leaves a person with very little time to get ready and is a mistake none of us can afford to make. Are you prepared?