Doorkeeper's Journal

When is "Bad" Really Bad???

2010-07-30T08:01:00.007-05:00

As a person who spent many years as a "smoker", I will spend the rest of my life as a recovering nicotine addict. Usually, my days don't consist of fighting the urges anymore (been without for several years now). However, being around smoke-filled rooms and just basically around many smokers this week, the urges have been quite difficult. My relation to Scripture today comes in this question to

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made...

2010-07-22T16:50:00.005-05:00

This week, I've had a verse brought to my mind numerous times and thought maybe I should take a few moments to share. Somebody may be going through a difficult time...and this could be just what could help.Let's take a quick look into Psalm 139...verses 13-16..."For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

Transformation Study Bible - review

2010-06-30T09:52:00.003-05:00

This review will be my first of any form of Bible. The Transformation Study Bible has truly been a blessing in my quiet times, as the translation is well-done and the added features with this version make scriptures literally "jump off the page".Many of you will recognize the name of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe from his "Be" series. His thoughts and commentary are throughout this Study Bible, adding

New Layout

2010-06-28T10:51:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to ask for your personal ideas on the new layout and design of the blog. This is my second try at re-vamping the look of the blog, and I thought I would take a totally different approach at the whole visual concept. Thanks for your continued prayers and I have an idea for my next post, plus several reviews that are overdue. Have a blessed day and please let me know if you have a

Where to from here???

2010-05-21T14:04:00.005-05:00

As I sit thinking about the coming graduation and all the hopes, dreams and ambitions for those walking across that platform, I also think about the necessity of not facing the future without following that which has been taught since your youth. I know not all the graduates have been raised in Christian homes, but for those that have it would be tragedy to just "grow out of" the teachings

Can You Be Trusted???

2010-05-07T09:54:00.006-05:00

Too many times we seem to ask God why we can't have more than what we already have, right? Whether it be money, stuff, friends, etc. But, are we found faithful in the meager things we might have? Are we faithful in the smallest things? If we aren't faithful with what we have now, how can we expect to be blessed with more? Thinking on this brought to mind the passage found in Luke 16:10-12..."

Come Unto Me...

2010-04-30T13:50:00.004-05:00

Over the past week, I can't number the times I have heard others talking about the weariness they are experiencing through the trial and tribulations of this life. It's a normal thing that we will continue to face until Christ's return. So, where can we find a place to hide and recuperate?The best passage that come up in my mind is found in Matthew 11:28..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and

Carlos Whittaker - Ragamuffin Soul review

2010-04-28T08:13:00.004-05:00

Not very often do I find myself actually with a big interest in the CD release dates, but yesterday was a huge exception. Since beginning this blog, I have come across a great number of bloggers and have built multiple "social networking" friendships and have learned from some of the best. Yesterday, one of my favorite bloggers, Twitterers, Facebook friends, and one of the most "what you see is

You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be - book review

2010-04-20T08:43:00.002-05:00

Last night, I sat down and opened the latest book I will be reviewing. I have been a Max Lucado fan since just after graduating high school. His latest, "You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be" is a perfect blend of common-sense, Biblically sound and inspirational writing.The sticker on the front of the book states that it’s the perfect gift for the graduate. I would take it one step further.

The Voice of Psalms - book review

2010-04-09T14:17:00.003-05:00

My newest book to review is The Voice of the Psalms, which comes from the Ecclesia Bible Society and is published by Thomas Nelson. This was an easy read, from start to finish, and would be a great extra version for readers to indulge in when doing an in-depth study of the book of Psalms as well. The Voice of Psalms contains the entire book in the Voice translation, and also contains several

Called to Worship - book review

2010-02-09T10:16:00.003-06:00

You may remember that I have done some book reviewing for the Book Review Blogger program, which is now under the name of "BookSneeze" for Thomas Nelson Publishing. As a result, I received a copy of "Called to Worship" by Vernon M. Whaley.This book was an interesting read for many reasons. First and foremost, in my "day job", I serve as a Music Minister and am constantly studying the origins of

No More Pretending...

2010-01-20T13:55:00.003-06:00

Okay, we are into the New Year a couple weeks now. How are you doing with those resolutions? Did you make any this year, or just give up on even trying anymore? One of the things I am trying to keep focused on is being real. That's right...just be real. We are not expected to be perfect, but be real and let others see how we can face anything through the power of Jesus' name. With that thought in

All Things Really for Good???

2010-01-06T14:54:00.004-06:00

After the events of last week, which I have questioned continuously, I have been setting my mind on the verse notated above. Are you having issues come up in your life that just don't seem to make sense? Are there people getting the promotion you think you deserve? Is someone less qualified or passionate being exalted while you are being overlooked? Does your life and the circumstances

Thanksgiving Time...

2009-11-25T08:42:00.003-06:00

Today, I want to take a few moments and reflect upon the things that I am most thankful for in my life. That includes my family, friends, church and many others! First off, I am thankful for a Savior that doesn’t ask for us to clean up to come into our lives. He is there with arms open wide, waiting for the sinner to see the need of an all-sufficient Savior. I am thankful for His forgiveness

So Routine...

2009-10-13T09:02:00.005-05:00

Over the past two weeks, our Singles' Sunday School class has been working through the Chase the Goose study book by Mark Batterson. For more information, you can click here. This Sunday, we were talking about routines in our lives and whether or not they were just keeping us in a rut, or actually growing us as we seek to follow the Holy Spirit.One of the passages in the Bible that deals directly

Why Do I Fear???

2009-09-14T08:44:00.006-05:00

I know I can't be the only one having to deal with issues of insecurity and fears at multiple times in these days. You know, we can also be assured that what we are facing, even the greatest of New and Old Testament saints have battled with as well. The fears that we allow to chew us up and spit us out were overwhelming for even David, who was called a man after God's own heart(Acts 13:22)...

Remembering 9-11...

2009-09-11T09:58:00.004-05:00

I found this photo on Flickr that was taken just two days before the attack on the World Trade Center. Last year, we got a few responses back, but I would like to hear what you think of when you think about September 11, 2001. What were you doing? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear 9-11?When I think of 9-11, I think about a time in which we as a nation and a people were so

Fearless - book review

2009-09-08T10:23:00.003-05:00

My latest book review in association with the Thomas Nelson Publishers Book Review Bloggers program is the latest Max Lucado release, Fearless. The subtitle to the book states the main point of the entire work rather profoundly...Imagine Your Life Without Fear.With all that we face in these troubled times...financial woes, raising kids, gas prices, job instability...the list goes on and on...many

Are You Available???

2009-08-31T09:54:00.005-05:00

I have begun reading into the new book by Francis Chan entitled Forgotten God. Be on the lookout for a review in the coming week. The whole premise of the book is how we talk about Jesus and the Father, but too often discount the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thus, the image to your left!In the trailer for the book, Francis looks at Acts 4:13, which we will first view in the KJV..."Now

It Is Well video illustration

2009-08-28T10:21:00.004-05:00

Has been a tough couple weeks, with multiple funerals and situations that have come into our lives and those around us. Somedays, it seems like such a chore to be joyful in all we go through. I ran across this illustration and thought it was exactly what I needed...and thought maybe it would touch your heart too.Many of you have sung the song, but do you have any idea what circumstances lead to

Do you think you stand?

2009-08-19T09:39:00.004-05:00

Are we getting a bit full of ourselves??? Has pride taken over our Christian walk??? How about a confidence that we can handle anything that comes our way??? True, confidence is a good thing in the right respects, as long as we glory or brag on ourselves.The verses that come to mind on this subject are found in 1 Corinthians 10:12 & 13 (KJV)..."Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

2009-08-18T13:51:00.004-05:00

You know, many times when I get books to review, I open them with no thought on how this book could impact me personally or others. The Noticer, however, changed my mind rather quickly. This is the third book review in my being part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Program.Andy Andrews draws from not only personal experience, but also tells such a deep story of a small town affected by a

God's Chisel...

2009-08-18T09:44:00.004-05:00

This morning, I have been sifting through email and checked out some links to different sites, including Tangle. I came across a video from The Skit Guys, entitled "God's Chisel". It hit home quite well, because I too often am wanting God to work in my life, but only in my time and on what I see that needs work. The quote from the video that sticks out came when Tommy said how he had let God down

Worthy IS the Lamb!!!

2009-08-17T14:34:00.005-05:00

I have to admit that I was inspired to share this post by viewing a post over at WorldPrayer. Personally, I feel this is one of the most deeply touching worship songs in recent memory. If you've ever seen the movie "Passion of the Christ"...you left changed forever. This video puts the song to the backdrop of clips from the movie. How can we feel big or like God is honored to have us serving for

The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton

2009-08-05T09:11:00.005-05:00

As a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program, I have once again had the opportunity to read a high-quality book by one of my favorite people. In this book, Scott Hamilton keys in on the eight practices he has used to be happy in life, on and off of the ice. Most would remember Scott as the Olympic ice skater, or the enthusiastic ice skating announcer on TV. But, most wouldn't