Dramatic Audio Festival

Today I received a letter from someone who would love to read our books but
is visual impaired. They recently heard me speak so contacted me if I had
plans on creating our books in audio. I thought this would be a good insert
to place on the blog...the more praying about this opportunity the
better....exciting days ahead if God opens these doors (I would love
everyone's input on the festival below):

Dear________:
You have challenged me to be more aggressive to produce our books in
audio! To date we only have one in audio and that is Teddy's Button. It is
my goal to have at least 2 per year, but we may be able to increase this
number if we have the funding..so this is something you can be praying for.
I wouldn't mind you emailing me once month..it would be a good reminder and
a motivator for me.
Something else you can pray about is my desire to create a Dramatic
Audio Festival. My thought is to have homeschoolers and beyond, create
dramatic audios as a contest and then bring the best talent together for an
awards ceremony. This pool of talent can then be the beginning of the
Lamplighter dramatic audio series for radio and would be available on cd's.
I am letting you know all of this so you can be praying and also to know
that producing audios is a priority for me.
Blessings, and please keep in touch,
Mark Hamby
Ps. Have you heard the Radio Theatre audios? These would be high on my
list.

Take My Yoke

Recently a friend asked about the meaning of the yoke that Jesus refers when
he says, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of/from me, for I am meek and
lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls."

First I would like to point out that the proper translation for the word
"of" is better translated "from." Jesus wants us to learn "from" Him. This
takes place on a moment by moment basis...throughout the day. We need to
ask Him for His help, for His guidance...He will never leave us nor forsake
us. We can also learn "from" Him through His Word. This morning while
reading in the book of Ezra, I was reminded how powerful the Word of God is
in our lives. Because of jealousy and envy, the enemies of the Jews stopped
the word of the rebuilding of the temple. Their threats and guile, ceased
an important work However, when the prophets began reminding them of the
promises of the Word, they took courage and the rebuilding continued (Ezra
5:1; 6:14). For me, it really is that simple. Once I see it in the Word,
and am reminded of my responsibility and God's infallibility to help me
overcome all obstacles--I take courage and go on...
Notice also, that Jesus says that He is meek and lowly. When we
have truly learned from Him, we will act like Him. And since practice makes
perfect, He gives us the illustration of the "yoke." The yoke is actually a
double yoke, where two oxen would be yoked together. The younger and less
experienced ox would learn from the more mature experienced ox as they
carried the load together. It has been recorded that the more experienced ox
carried most of the weight as the learning ox was learning to follow. If
however the learning ox tried to resist, it would cause more work and become
less productive.
I hope this answers your question....
On another note...we had an exceptional time with the families at the
Cincinnati convention...it was a God-filled weekend! I was so blessed....a
huge thanks to my staff...they worked non stop...

happy

From the book, The Healing Power of Stories, by Taylor I found the follow
quote:

"The more we determine directly to make ourselves happy, esteemed,
fulfilled, actualized, and the like, the less likely we are to be so. Act
the way you should, and those things will take care of themselves."

"Do You Not Know That Your Body Is a Temple of the Holy Spirit?"

 

“Do You Not Know That Your Body Is a Temple of the Holy Spirit?” 03/26/2008 Each person knows that now his body is the temple of God: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Cor. 6:19). Indeed it is. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16). Okay— each of us is now the temple of God. So where, then, is the Holy of Holies? Your heart. That’s right—your heart. Paul teaches us in Ephesians that “Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” (3:17). God comes down to dwell in us, in our hearts. Now, we know this: God cannot dwell where there is evil. “You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell” (Ps. 5:4). Something pretty dramatic must have happened in our hearts, then, to make them fit to be the dwelling place of a holy God. Of course, none of this can happen for us until we give our lives back to God. We cannot know the joy or the life or the freedom of heart I’ve described here until we surrender our lives to Jesus and surrender them totally. Renouncing all the ways we have turned from God in our hearts, we forsake the idols we have worshiped and given our hearts over to. We turn, and give ourselves body, soul, and spirit back to God, asking him to cleanse our hearts and make them new. (Waking the Dead , 68)

Helping our teens find their career path

The following email was sent to a mom who had asked how to help her son who had graduated from high school find his career path. This is what I said:

For starters, I think I addressed some tests on my blog about this when reviewing Talent is Never Enough by Maxwell. I would start there. Next I would purchase this book, Talent is Never Enough, and go over the highlights with your son, unless he will read it for himself...pure gold! The skill discovery tests you can find on line…however, with limited experience, I do not think these tests can reveal a lot for you. Most often a person’s natural abilities are very observable. I would suggest asking his youth pastor, the pastor, his grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends….ask others what they see as your sons natural abilities and then write out the list. Ask your son…ask him what he enjoyed doing the most as a child, as a junior higher, as a senior higher….this can be anything…what was it that he enjoyed doing the most…can be a vacation to fishing to sports, to video games, to watching a movies or reading a book, bike riding or camping, building a bird house, landscaping, or puzzles. Find out what he enjoys doing this most…what were his most memorable experiences?

Whatever you find, then I would suggest, finding magazines and books that can stimulate these joys into passions and motivations. Here is how it works…when we value something, we become motivated…when we are motivated, we are willing to work hard and sacrifice for something greater…this is called worth…we move from valuing something or someone, to becoming worthy...it is difficult to value something or someone, if they themselves have not felt valued…so this is where it needs to start…sometimes, we don’t feel valued because we are selfish or sometimes neglected…selfishness is often corrected by sending our children off to see those who live in poverty…a missions trip etc..when we help others, it takes our attention off ourselves and new doors begin to open…

I think your husbands idea of letting him get sick of the video games was a good idea…now it is time to find a substitute for him…I would recommend praying, asking others, and seeking what will help your son as the highest priority in life…my wife and I did something similar with our son, and two years ago bought him a 2500. dollar professional video camera…we didn’t have the money, but I believe we can find the money when we really want something…we spend on what we value the most, and we value our kids. Then we bought him a mac computer…a year and a half later, he needed a larger computer, and we bought it…should he pay for some of it? Not just yet…he didn’t want us to buy it because he knew that things were financially tight with us because of our daughter’s wedding and medical bills…but I told him that this was an opportunity for me to show him a little bit what it was like for God to give his all for his children…God held nothing back and still doesn’t today…I told him that this was my opportunity to show him a little more of God’s sacrificial love…God holds nothing back…we are trying to do the same…and so far it is working…so we bought another mac lap top this time and final cut pro and the adobe package and he is already doing great stuff with video…he is a sophomore at Belmont University in communication design and doing well.

Concerning college being a waste…I couldn’t disagree with you more. Now I would agree that there are ways to get college degree without going into deep debt…but the disciplines that one gains by obtaining a degree and the breadth of knowledge…it is priceless…Solomon was a man of varied interests and was a scholar…we need to always be learning, growing, advancing…the children of this generation are wiser than the children of light! This ought not to be. College or junior community college would be great for him…a missions trip would even be better at first…apprenticing with someone would be excellent…the more experiences he can have these next five years, the better…he should volunteer. Before I became a teacher in the late 70’s, I drove 90 miles a day just to volunteer…in six months, they offered my a teaching position.

There is another book I would recommend, if he and your husband will read it…it is titled Ishmael, and its sequel, Self Raised…this is a must book for your son…Ronald Reagan also said that the book, That Printer of Udell’s prepared him to become president of the US. I hope this all helps…God be with you!

Mark

Thoughts for young men is another great book for him and your husband at this time…but don’t forget about Talent is Never Enough. I know I have recommended many books, but this is where you will learn how to lead your son…it takes work…it is time to begin..

comment worth reading.

I just received the following comment on The Strength of a Man--A Woman and
wanted to share it with my readers...very beautiful and insightful. Though I
have not read the book and do not like sharing titles I have not read, I
think this one is worth taking the risk...her words have substance:

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Strength of a Man's
Heart--A Woman.":

My father died when I was six years old...I didnt know him much at all...he
was very sick for the time I did have with him....when I was 16-yrs-old..I
realized, at the first wedding I ever attended, that I would not have my dad
to walk me down the isle at my wedding...it was a profoundly difficult
moment to face...my mom's response to me was typical as she said to me "dont
be so silly and stop feeling so sorry for yourself.'.....my mom crushed most
of my dreams as a girl...I have forgiven her, and continue to do so...
But...when the book 'Captivating' came out, I was sure I wasnt going to read
it, there just wasnt anything in that little title that I wanted a part
of,...I mean I have worked hard...real hard to keep the desires of my soul
hidden, stuffed away and out of reach...to anyone...until...my journey with
My Heavenly Father had come to a place where His desires out-voiced mine...I
read the book...I read the book and found a treasure of refreshment, a
vulnerable spirit of a woman(and her husband) sharing what a womans soul
is...how it is supposed to be, how it can still become...beautiful....I may
not have the life I would like...because of my past, but today I can look
ahead and know that there is more...there is always promise..and hope...we
just have to be willing...to let Him lead.

The Strength of a Man's Heart--A Woman.

More from Eldredge…this reminds of the scene from Charles Dickens classic book and film, “Our Mutual Friend.”  The scene of which I speak is the one where the river boat girl runs away in order to hide her love for a gentleman.  It was unheard of for a girl from such common parents to be in a relationship with a gentleman of such societal standing. So she flees in order to protect the man she loves. He pursues but her love for him is stronger than his irrational desperate love; she proves her love by holding her ground.  Unlike what you are about to read below, Charles Dickens brings a man and woman’s love to one of the highest redemptive heights.  If there was ever a scene that could depict the highest and most pure love that a woman could have for a man….this tops the list.  I think Solomon when he penned Proverbs 31, understood this well, when he said, “She does him good and not evil, all the days of his life.”

The Great Stories 03/24/2008 Every man wants a battle to fight. It’s the whole thing with boys and weapons. And look at the movies men love—Braveheart, Gladiator, Top Gun, High Noon, Saving Private Ryan. Men are made for battle. (And ladies, don’t you love the heroes of those movies? You might not want to fight in a war, but don’t you long for a man who will fight for you? To have Daniel Day Lewis look you in the eyes and say, “No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you”? Women don’t fear a man’s strength if he is a good man.) Men also long for adventure. Adventure is a deeply spiritual longing in the heart of every man. Adventure requires something of us, puts us to the test. Though we may fear the test, at the same time we yearn to be tested, to discover that we have what it takes. Finally, every man longs for a Beauty to rescue. He really does. Where would Robin Hood be without Marian, or King Arthur without Guinevere? Lonely men fighting lonely battles. You see, it’s not just that a man needs a battle to fight. He needs someone to fight for. There is nothing that inspires a man to courage so much as the woman he loves. Most of the daring (and okay, sometimes ridiculous) things young men do are to impress the girls. Men go to war carrying photos of their sweethearts in their wallets—that is a metaphor of this deeper longing to fight for the Beauty. This is not to say that a woman is a “helpless creature” who can’t live her life without a man. I’m saying that men long to offer their strength on behalf of a woman. Now—can you see how the desires of a man’s heart and the desires of a woman’s heart were at least meant to fit beautifully together? A woman in the presence of a good man, a real man, loves being a woman. His strength allows her feminine heart to flourish. His pursuit draws out her beauty. And a man in the presence of a real woman loves being a man. Her beauty arouses him to play the man; it draws out his strength. She inspires him to be a hero. (Captivating , 17–18)

 

Poured it all out

The meaning behind the woman who pours out the entire bottle of expensive ointment upon Jesus has alluded me for thirty years.  I do not know what it means when Jesus said that this action of hers would be told as a memorial for her, wherever this gospel is preached.  Jesus even goes so far as to say, "Truly I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman has done, be told for a memorial of her." What is puzzling is that the actions of this woman are rarely told, let alone told everywhere in the whole world.  So what does this mean that this woman’s actions would be told for a memorial of her everywhere in the whole world wherever this gospel is preached? I would love to hear your answers. The only thing that I have been able to come up with is the fact that she poured all of her ointment out.  It is possible that this ointment represented her entire savings as some scholars have suggested. I do not have proof of this but if this was true, then her actions would be a part of the gospel that is so often left out today.  The part that I am speaking of, is the part of holding nothing back to a Savior who gave His all.  Yes it is true that if we call upon the name of the LORD, we shall be saved. But it is equally true that when we call, we cannot be holding anything back…he wants all of us…and for some of us, this may require a pouring out…and emptying of ourselves, so that He might be able to fill us to make us truly useable.

            The contrast in that house that day was remarkable---she poured out everything; Judas and the disciples wanted to hold on and keep back; she kissed his feet with tears in silent humility; the disciples murmured, speaking critically of her actions giving Jesus only grief;   

Do you believe in EASTER?

I shared this story last year…a friend just shared it with me again, I believe it is worth sharing again.

THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, " Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillip s thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they start d calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut." She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.

Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

 

FW: and we complain about the weather...

Another amazing story of God’s sovereign plan worked out for His glory…without God’s perspective this story could have been so different!

 

May this encourage us to know no matter what obstacle we face  we can overcome thru Jesus Christ and getting a right perspective

Read his story you will be challenged and hopefully grateful for all our blessings.. Our attitude does make a difference.

 

---

 

My name is Nick Vujicic and I give God the Glory for how He has used my testimony to touch thousands of hearts around the world!  I was born without limbs and doctors have no medical explanation for this birth "defect".  As you can imagine, I was faced with many challenges and obstacles. 

"Consider it pure joy, my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." 

....To count our hurt, pain and struggle as nothing but pure joy?  As my parents were Christians, and my Dad even a Pastor of our church, they knew that verse very well.  However, on the morning of the 4th of December 1982 in Melbourne(Australia), the last two words on the minds of my parents were "Praise God!".  Their firstborn son had been born without limbs!  There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it.  The doctors were shocked and had no answers at all!  There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a brother and sister who were born just like any other baby. 

The whole church mourned over my birth and my parents were absolutely devastated.  Everyone asked, "if God is a God of Love, then why would God let something this bad happen to not just anyone, but dedicated Christians?"  My Dad thought I wouldn't survive for very long, but tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy just with a few limbs missing. 






"And we know that in all things God works for the best for those who love Him."  That verse spoke to my heart and convicted me to the point where that I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence, that these "bad" things happen in our life. 

I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all.  I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of fifteen after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him."  I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His Awesome Power.  Later on I was given the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something, if it's God's will, it'll happen in His time.  If it's not God's will for it to happen, then I know that He has something better. 

I now see that Glory revealed, as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used. 

I am now twenty-three years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting.  I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available.  I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers.  I am also a speaker in the corporate sector. 


    



I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow. 

I have many dreams and goals that I have set to achieve in my life.  I want to become the best witness I can be of God's Love and Hope, to become an international inspirational speaker and be used as a vessel in both Christian and non-Christian venues.  I want to become financially independent by the age of 25, through real estate investments, to modify a car for me to drive and to be interviewed and share my story on the " Oprah Winfrey Show "!  Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!" 


 


 

I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all!  What's worse is putting limits on God who can do all things.  We put God in a "box".  The awesome thing about the Power of God, is that if we want to do something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability for we know that it is God through us and we can't do anything without Him.  Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on?  God's! 


 

 
 

 
 


May the Lord Bless you in Christ,
                                    
Nick Vujicic 
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be UNDERSTOOD"

So, tell me now?   Did I hear you say, I can't ?

 

Manasseh's Prayer

            One of the wickedest kings of all of Israel, if not the most wicked, was Manasseh, son of Hezekiah (2nd Chronicles 33).  The stories about his life in 2nd Kings and 2nd Chronicles are filled with biblical lessons for us and our children, for today. What is just fascinating about his life and the reason behind why God chooses to record all of his dirty laundry makes this story, one of my all time favorites in the Scriptures. It would appear that God truly favored David as his sin of murder and adultery are neatly tucked away with David remaining a man after God's own heart.  But Manasseh gets the roughest of treatment of any king.  God's judgment results in him being fish hooked through his nostrils and led to Babylon as a slave. The text in 2nd Chronicles 33:11 says he was captured with "hooks."  I heard Dr. Smith lecture that this referred to a fish-like pronged hook that was yanked up through the nostrils, attached to a line.  Sounds pretty nasty; but he really got what he deserved.  This king was a real low life as you can see from the summary in 33.

            As the drama of 2nd Chronicles unfolds, you will find that this low life king becomes blessed by God and twice the Scriptures records that his prayer was what turned God's heart favorably toward him. I find that impressive...can a simple prayer have that much influence upon the heart of God?  Indeed!

            For the last three weeks I have been coping with what appears to be a migraine headache.  I rarely get headaches.  This morning around 5am, I laid in bed talking to the Lord but not really able to keep focused. I moaned and groaned a few prayers for my friends, staff, family, myself, and the future of Lamplighter, but it was very difficult to remain focused, especially when you have this kind of headache.  I then came downstairs to read and when I came across this text, I was reminded again of the three things that are really important in life. The first is was demonstrated for me by king Manasseh in 33:12:

            "And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.  He prayed to him and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God."

            What an amazing turn around…what an amazing God.  He will hear our prayers and he will act favorably toward us, IF we will humble ourselves GREATLY and just pray. Later in the text, Manasseh’s life is summarized and both his sin and his prayer (two times!) are recorded.  It must not be overlooked, that his sin is recorded as well as his prayer.

            It should be mentioned that one of the reasons for Manasseh’s wicked life was his absent “godly” father, Hezekiah.  Hezekiah was so focused on his career that he had little time to prepare his son for the responsibilities of kingship.  Manasseh was 12 years old when he began to reign.

            If you enjoyed the focus of this writing, then you will not want to miss tomorrow…Manasseh’s son Josiah, who was one of the most righteous kings!  But his life did not end well, as did his father’s.  more tomorrow.

           

 

           

healthy drinks

Recently I was introduced to the Acai berry.  It is a berry that comes from South America, growing on the Acai Palm, found in wet lands.  I was first introduced to it in the form of a smoothy:  one frozen Acai bar, one banana, one fist full of granola, and several cups of no sugar Almond Breeze (Acai is sweet enough);  This drink is rich in antioxidants and minerals and is delicious!  I have been adding blueberries lately....out of this world.

 

Another drink a friend just told me about is: one orange, a fist full of spinach, ice, and water.

 

A blender will work for the Acai drink, but a Vita Mixer works best to liquefy spinach and other vegetable and thick fruits. 

 

Note: my local health food store didn't have the frozen Acai, so I told them about the Sambazon company who packages it, and they had it in one day.  Acai breaks down quickly, so i am not sure if Acai in liquid form would be as good as it is frozen.

 

I realize that recipes is not the norm for my blog, but as I was reading in 1Kings 4:33, I was inspired by Solomon's vast knowledge about everything and realized that there is so much to learn...and so much that God has created for us to know and redeem...we are to subdue the earth and have dominion...there is so much yet to be discovered...listen to what is said about Solomon:

And he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springs out of the wall: he spoke also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.

 

 

A Powerful Lesson from ER

This is a very powerful presentation of the gospel…I highly recommend showing this to unsaved loved ones…

If you have trouble reading this email, go to the online version.

March 17, 2007     A Powerful Lesson from ER A number of people called our attention to this clip from the popular TV series ER. It really is amazing for secular televison. The "Fair Use" law allows us to teach from it without violating copyright laws. Please send it all over the internet.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06HGc_jb6tk

 

Awkward Love

I had to share this one from Eldredge…this one hits the nail right on the head…it is just as true for men as it is women.  God be with us all.

 

Awkward Love 03/19/2008 Honest communication in love is the only way to live and grow in friendships. There are ebbs and flows. There may be real hurt and disappointment. But with the grace of God firmly holding us, it is possible to nurture and sustain deep friendships. We are designed to live in relationship and share in the lives of other women. We need one another. God knows that. We have only to ask and surrender, to wait, to hope, and, in faith, to love. We must also repent. For a woman to enjoy relationship, she must repent of her need to control and her insistence that people fill her. Fallen Eve demands that people “come through” for her. Redeemed Eve is being met in the depths of her soul by Christ and is free to offer to others, free to desire, and willing to be disappointed. Fallen Eve has been wounded by others and withdraws in order to protect herself from further harm. Redeemed Eve knows that she has something of value to offer; that she is made for relationship. Therefore, being safe and secure in her relationship with her Lord, she can risk being vulnerable with others and offer her true self. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable . . . The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers . . . of love is Hell. (C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves) (Captivating , 181–82) See also the Ransomed Heart Podcast at www.ransomedheart.com/podcast

Abundant Love and Reading

One of my favorite Bible verses is from the Apostle Paul "Though the
more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."
On a drive through what is called the "Grapevine" in California, a
young lady around ten years of age asked me what my favorite Bible verse
was. After going through about forty verses I realized this was a very
difficult question to answer...but she wrote them all down and I hope to
share them with you as soon as she emails them to me. Hiding God's Word in
your heart is one of the most important Christian disciplines we can
practice. It was how Jesus rebuked Satan during his temptation and it is
what will keep us from succumbing to temptation as well.
I am working on chapter four from Talent is Never Enough and hope to
share it with you later tonight...i am also reading Amusing Ourselves to
Death by Neil Postman...another must read! One of the reasons America
became the greatest nation on earth was because of men and women who were
readers of the Word and other great literature with a strong moral base. Our
media based forms of communication today has dumbed down not only our level
of comprehension but our ability to discern between good and evil. "As
Richard Hofstadtler reminds us, America was founded by intellectuals, a rare
occurrence in the history of modern nations. 'The Founding Fathers,' he
writes, 'were sages, scientists, men of broad cultivation, many of them apt
in classical learning, who used their wide reading in history, politics, and
law to solve the exigent problems of their time. A society shaped by such
men does not easily move in contrary directions."
As I consider the upcoming elections for president I am reminded of
the decline in intellectualism and spiritual understanding. When for example
Douglas was to debate Lincoln, and not for a presidential or even a
congressional seat, Douglas was given three hours to address the audience
and then Lincoln was given four hours for a rebuttal. Can you imagine?
Today they are given two minutes, and three minutes! Why? Because then,
they had something of substance to say? Why? They were widely read. Lincoln
often commented upon the value of a good book as his best friend. If you
want to know the views of someone, then ask them what they have been
reading.
Not only did those who were running for office have something to
say, but the audience had the comprehension skills to listen and understand.
How many audiences would listen for seven hours to two men who weren't even
running for Congress? Again, people were engaged in a high level of
intellectual communication and they eagerly looked forward to these
discussions. Today, we no longer have discussion. We have a one way
dialogue of watching a movie; and our culture continues to be stripped of
the core values that made us great. We are disintegrating before our very
eyes and few seem to see what is happening.
In closing, I was speaking in a church not long ago and shared some
of the great books that God has used to challenge my life. The pastor, said,
"Oh, you don't have to share books with my congregation, they don't read."
What a sad commentary on this church...and it was in the very place where
America was birthed!

Most

A friend shared this short film with me tonight...it is worth viewing...

 

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=13a4a045cd290bc2ae2d

 

"A video I created for my church. It features scenes from the short film "Most; ""Most" received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Live-Action Short Film. For more information on the film, or to order a copy for your church, visit MostTheMovie.com. This is a fan-made video, and not affiliated with the producers, director, or actors in any way. I simply loved the message of this film and wanted to share it with as many people as possible to give it the recognition it deserves. God bless!"

Marketing Director for Lamplighter

Below is a dialogue between me and someone who asked some excellent questions about the marketing position.  I thought this would be helpful to share:

 

You have given me a lot to think about. . .and I agree with you 100% about our current culture and the lack of values these days. . .let's see if any of these thoughts are new to you or one's you've already considered.

 

Scholastic Book Fairs - a big thing here.  The Book Fairs are sponsored by the school's PTA - usually held in the Fall, then in the Spring.  Sale Rep would call on the PTA president.  PTA keeps a certain percentage of the sales.  Christian schools, too, run Book Fairs. 

            We have school contacting us all the time to run book fairs for their schools.  First Scholastic has an excellent system in place that makes ordering, shipping, and set us easy.  You can view out book fairs and fund raiser programs here: book fairs and fund raisers.  Once you look at these programs you will see that we have everything in place…just need someone to make it happen. But again, the stories really have to create a genuine passion that is unquenchable…if not, I know that a person will not succeed.

Our main problem is that we are too short staffed…and not the right staff yet…I am searching…

 

What about sales reps, regionally, in large cities?  Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles as an example?  Post the jobs on Career Builder, Yahoo, Monster, Craigs List?  Another opportunity would be through a State Department of Labor (usually these are free).

            I have taken a little different approach.  Since a rep cannot sell these books without first having experienced something personally life changing, we have created a position called Malachi.  We have parents selling our books around the country…the program runs fair and does generate the amount of revenue that I would have hoped for…unless it is someone’s livelihood, and they care where their next meal is coming from, people lack initiative and motivation.  One of my reasons for starting this was to give families and children an opportunity to become entrepreneurs.  If someone was in charge of this, it might work better but I don’t see it ever taking off unless there some teens catch the vision and really start selling.

 

Would think calling on the larger churches with programs in place (missionary, youth programs, etc.) is the best way to go at the beginning.  There are many that fit this criteria here in the Atlanta Metro area and across the US as you know. 

            With the right person, this is the brain child…with the right person, the right passion, the right energy; a person who knows how to open doors to get the right contacts, this person will be able to open the flood gates for Lamplighter books to go far and wide.

 

What about schools of Theology for placement of the books?

            Umm…this would be a slow going process without a lot of return, at first.

 

Call on organizations such as the Southern Baptist Convention and their counterparts in other religions.

            Yes, once the Southern Baptist’s along with their main distribution arm like Life Way Christian Resources, Lamplighter books will begin a spontaneous chain reaction…once families begin to read these treasures, they will become captivated…

 

City/County Libraries - would call on city/county officials and present your program.  If successful, then books are placed throughout all of their facilities.

            I have spoken at two state library conferences and have found that libraries are becoming more of a resource library that meets the needs of our visually addicted society rather than life changing content…however, if properly promoted, and librarians see the powerful impact these stories have on character development, and their classic background, then this would be an excellent avenue for sales.  So far you have mentioned quite a few avenues…someone with marketing experience, and a lot of initiative and energy, there is no limit.

 

What does it take to be placed on amazon.com?  Is this a viable outlet?

            Yes, another avenue, untapped…however, some people once they buy our books, do sell them on Amazon..some sell for less and some sell them for more than they buy them for.  We have one Malachi rep. who buys our books and sells them on Amazon…this was not he purpose of this program but we have let it go at this point. 

 

My son’s radio station offers free Public Service announcements to those trying to get their information out to the public.  The announcements aren't just offering a service - they are varied and Lamplighter could easily 'qualify' for these types of PSA's.  Justin actually does interviews and the program runs for approximately 30 minutes.  So, free publicity.

            Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now I need someone who can put their ideas into action..with passion, commitment, and ownership.

 

What about hiring a marketing firm rather than a marketing director?  The marketing firm could be hired on a contract basis, perhaps saving you some dollars at the beginning.  They should have the contacts and expertise to be able to get your word out via newspapers, radio, TV.  As to TV, however, it may  be necessary to start more at the local network level and cable networks first - then work up to national.

            Yes, we have thought about this for some time now.  The problem I have found is that most markets that they would try, are not ready to receive our books, just because they are promoted and advertised. Our books need to be conveyed by someone who is passionate and articulate.  Markets such as TBN, Christian radio, and links with other Christian ministries and churches is the direction that we need to go.  Retirement communities would also be an option.  We need to focus on those who love to read and those who are concerned about their children and grandchildren’s moral development.

 

Hospital gift shops?  St. Joseph's Hospital is a large Catholic sponsored one here in Atlanta, as an example.

            Yes, but this will take a lot of oversight…

 

Summary:

            Here it is in a nutshell..i started Lamplighter 14 years ago, after finding some books that really had an impact upon my life.  I speak around the world conducting seminars on various subjects…usually subjects that I have been a complete failure in, and now give insights how not to make the same mistake or do it the right way…you know…marriage, parenting, character, etc..in ten years we began publishing our own books and to date we have 101 published…we have printed over a million copies…we are a non profit with an annual revenue of 1.4 million…with about 130k left over…all goes back into publishing.. We sell most of our books during conference season (Spring and Fall) and Christmas catalog…we don’t advertise because we can’t keep up with what we are doing now…once we start advertising and marketing (we don’t have a marketing person…if we did,)  sky is the limit.

            A set of our books for example sells for $1700…that 101 books…if we had a rep selling these books to schools, churches, especially having churches send a set to the missionaries they support, or have the books as an outreach tool for the community..single moms, children in need etc…if a rep did this, they could make 800 on each set…however, most reps would probably give a 20% discount, and would then make around 600…anyway, the market is ripe for our product because the culture is falling apart, and the content of these stories are having a profound impact upon children, teens, and families…we have hundreds of letters and testimonies from many changed lives.

            That scenario would be for reps…the marketing director would be a person who would connect Lamplighter to a variety of new markets…bookstores, wholesalers, radio broadcasts (last year we did one broadcast, where they interviewed me and it reached ten million listeners…our sales went through the roof!); I need a marketing director who can take the initiative to get me on TBN, Larry King, and Fox News…we have a story to tell…well you can see that I am passionate about this…

            The short of this is quite simple…if the stories don’t knock your socks off, then this wouldn’t be a fit for you…but knowing your heart and vigor of life, you would sure be a dream come true!

           

Laughter like medicine - Charlie bit me!

     Have you seen this?
                                 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM
 

darkness

The Way to Permanent Faith (from My Utmost for His Highest):

"Indeed the hour is coming...that you will be scattered." John 16:32

Do we not see God at work in our circumstances? Dark times are allowed and
come to us through the sovereignty of God. Are we prepared to let God do
what He wants with us? And God is never in a hurry. If we are willing to
wait, we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His
blessings, instead of in God himself."

friendly smile

Sometimes it is just a friendly smile or a meaningful wave of the hands that
shows others how much we care. It sure makes a difference for me...
It also made a difference to the man who had planned on jumping over the
Golden Gate bridge...that simple smile showing someone else he was valued.
Even if the smile or wave is not returned; it does make a difference.
"Turn us again O LORD God of hosts, cause your face to shine; and we shall
be saved." Psalm 80:19

Our Mutual Friend

            While reading the Scriptures this morning I came across, what I consider one of the most powerful life lessons recorded for us.  The text surrounds the life of King Hezekiah in 2nd Chronicles 31 and 32 (but you must also read 2nd Kings 20 to get the rest of the story).  In these chapters we learn that King Hezekiah tore down all of the "easy god" altars, restored the temple of Jerusalem, and fortified the city.  I call them "easy god" altars because that is why they were built--to make things easier for the people, so they didn't have to travel all the way to Jerusalem to worship.  It is very similar to today. If worshipping God with other believers isn't easy, we stay home and set up our own altars.  I am not saying that churches can't start in homes, but the church is not meant to be a protective covering for the family...it was meant to be a redeeming refuge for broken hearts and broken lives. It is a place where we who have been given so much, now give back.

            King Hezekiah was given so much by God, but he too didn't know how to give back. The text says, "But Hezekiah's heart was proud, so he didn't repay the LORD for His kindness." It is so easy to lose sight of what the LORD has done for us.  When we forget where we have come from, pride grows. In Charles Dickens classic tale, Our Mutual Friend, a servant inherits the large fortune of a dust miser. The inheritance was at first to go to the son but in what appears to be a tragic drowning, the servant inherits all. I must confess I watched the film and didn’t read the book!  But as the story unfolds, the servant who is now established among the ladies and gentlemen of “society,” begins to turn greedy and proud.  He begins by firing his secretary who possesses the highest character, and then estranges himself from his only future heir.  All of this occurs rather abruptly and the reader, or viewer in this case, is left with a sense of great disappointment. It is interesting that when the wealthy “servant” at first acts with a sense of humility, you feel a sense of moral justice and vindication against the snobbish elite.  There was a sense of enjoyment watching one who came from such humble beginnings, to now mingle with society’s elite with honor and integrity—above the conceited rich of his day. But as in all of Dickens’ stories, there is a twist that takes you quite by surprise. But in the end, you witness the greatest sense of humility borne from the most unlikely character—one who understood well, where he came from. If you haven’t read the book or seen the film, I highly recommend it (not for young children because of the river dead; no profanity; no sexual content; the only objection to some will be the low cut dress of that day; main themes: character testing, honor, redemption, love of money, and you reap what you sow)

            Keeping ourselves reminded, from where we have come, is paramount in giving back to God what he rightly deserves. If you look at 2^nd Kings 20 and 2^nd Chronicles 32, you will see that God sent ambassadors from a foreign nation to test the heart of Hezekiah. They came because they had heard of the great miracle that God had performed on Hezekiah’s behalf. But when Hezekiah met with them, he only focused on what great wealth and accomplishments he had achieved. Therefore, God’s judgment came upon Hezekiah, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Our decisions of forgiveness and humility today may, no, will, have generational effects. We must never forget that we have been saved to serve.

John Eldredge tour

Below is an email I received and thought I would pass it on to you.  Please understand…I am very appreciative of John’s ministry and insights, but I do not endorse all of his teachings…nor should anyone embrace any man’s teachings to there entirety.  John Eldredge however, provokes Christians to start thinking…thinking about God as a person..an approachable person, yet a mysteriously powerful, and tender person.  If you are unable to attend one of these events, I would recommend at least listening to the video link below where it says to download.

 

 

Friends, we are so excited to let you know that John will be doing a tour in April! (See the list of cities below!). As you know, this is pretty rare for us to do. Normally, you’ve got to come to Colorado to hear this message live. What we’ve got planned is a special 1 ½ hour evening event, where John will be talking about finding the life Jesus offers by developing a conversational intimacy with God! He’ll also be doing some Q and A with the audience! We are REALLY hoping you can join us there! Seating, as always, is limited. Tickets are available at www.Itickets.com (not through Ransomed Heart). We are also REALLY hoping you can help us spread the word! Forward this email to everyone you know in these cities (or anyone you know would want to get there!). Also, we’ve created posters and a way cool DVD trailer you can download and use at your church, your home groups, schools, businesses. This is a really great opportunity to share the message with your friends and family! Download them by clicking here April 13 Nashville April 14 Spartanburg, NC April 15 Atlanta April 16 Dallas April 17 Houston April 18 Denver April 20 Seattle April 21 Los Angeles Thank you for praying for these events. You know we’ll need those prayers! Hoping to see you in April, Your friends at Ransomed Heart

 

Initiative chapter 3 Talent is Never Enough

While I am trying to recover from these headaches, it was my plan to rest
and do nothing; well since this is rather impossible for me to do, I thought
we should continue in chapter 3 of Talent is Never Enough. Oh by the way,
since my dad went to be with the Lord, my mom has been staying with me. She
is the best cook in the world! Cleans constantly and washes and irons my
shirts, even if they don't need to be washed! I thought this would be a
good introduction to this chapter on Initiative.
Here goes: Talent~plus people don't wait for everything to be
perfect to move forward. They don't wait for all the problems or obstacles
to disappear. They don't wait until their fear subsides. They take
initiative. When it comes to initiative, there are really only four kinds
of people:
1. People who do the right thing without being told
2. People who do the right thing when told
3. People who do the right thing when told more than once
4. People who never do the right thing, no matter what
A Chinese proverb states, "He who deliberates fully before taking a step
will spend his entire life on one leg."
Jazz musician Jimmy Lyons remarked, "Tomorrow is the only day in the year
that appeals to a lazy man." In Santa Fe, New Mexico there is an old faded
sign on a store wall that reads, "Tomorrow we will give away everything in
the store." For a moment, a customer got excited. Then he realized that the
sign would say the same thing tomorrow.
Greek philosopher Socrates said, "To move the world we must first
move ourselves." Responsibility and initiative are inseparable. Don't wait
for others to motivate you; you must motivate yourself.
"The greatest time wasted is the time getting started." Dawson
Trotman
Novelist Louis L'Amour, who wrote more than 100 books and sold more than 230
million copies, advised, "Start writing, no matter what about. The water
does not flow until the faucet is turned on." Desire isn't enough. Good
intentions aren't enough. Talent isn't enough. Success requires initiative.
Michael E. Angier, founder of SuccessNet, stated, "Ideas are worthless.
Intentions have no power. Plans are nothing...unless they are followed with
action. Do it now!"

New Virus Threat

I sent the following to me staff.  The information below will help you avoid having a damaging virus enter your computer.  The video demonstration is very helpful.  I received this information from an international company I trust: Mark

 

In the last few days over 200,000 web sites have been attacked and infected with a new virus.  Simply browsing to these sites will attempt to launch infected code on your machine.  Most of you know that my mantra for web-browsing is "Just say NO!".  If any site asks you to install software in order to view the page, you should cancel the install - Just say NO.

 

If you would like to see a video of what an infection looks like, please see the following:

 

http://www.avertlabs.com/research/blog/index.php/2008/03/13/follow-up-to-yesterdays-mass-hack-attack/

 

I know I usually frown on streaming video during business hours - but this is important for your safety.  Our various security systems in the office should protect you while on the Voit network, but new threats (sometimes called "Zero-Day") can sometimes sneak in.  Also remember that once you leave the office, if you have a laptop, you are no longer protected beyond basic virus scanning.

 

Please always use caution when browsing the Internet.  We have not seen a virus outbreak inside Voit's network in years, unlike our competitors.  Let's keep that record up!

 

- Jim Sillasen

 

new addition to True Stories - Theodore Roosevelt

Here at Lamplighter we are always trying to raise the bar. Many of our
covers and spines have been redesigned, our illustrations improved, books
re-edited with added footnotes and appendices, and additional text when it
will make the book unforgettable! We are presently working on updating True
Stories of Great Americans for Young Americans and have added two more great
stories. The first addition is about THEODORE ROOSEVELT. Here is an
except...i just love to read about those who overcame great obstacles:

THEODORE ROOSEVELT was a New York boy. He was born in that great city on
October 27, 1858, and was taught at home to be active and industrious. He
told himself, "My father, all my people, held that no one had a right to
merely cumber the earth; that the most contemptible of created beings is the
man who does nothing. I imbibed the idea that I must work hard, whether at
making money or whatever. The whole family training taught me that I must be
doing, must be working-and at decent work. I made my health what it is. I
determined to be strong and well, and did everything to make myself so. By
the time I entered Harvard College I was able to take my part in whatever
sports I liked. I wrestled and sparred and ran a great deal while in
college, and though I never came in first, I got more good out of the
exercise than those who did, because I immensely enjoyed it and never
injured myself."
When he was a little fellow, Theodore was thin, pale and delicate. No one
thought he would make much of a man-if he lived to be one. He was taught at
home and in private schools, for his parents were afraid to trust him to the
rough play of the public schools. He did not like that. He wanted to be
strong and to do what other boys did, and when he was old enough he began to
do all he could to make himself strong. "I was determined to make a man of
myself," he said.
There was not much he did not try. He learned to swim, he learned to row, he
learned to ride. He climbed, he jumped, he ran, he tramped over the hills.
If any one asked him to ride, he said he would rather walk. If asked to take
a sail, he said he would rather row. That is the way the delicate child grew
to be a hardy boy and a man with muscles like steel. He showed what nearly
any weak boy might do, if he chose to take the trouble.

An Indifferent God - Eldredge

A Part Too Large
03/13/2008

---

The things that have happened to us often suggest that the real script of the play we’re all living in is “God is indifferent” rather than “God is love.” Deep down in our hearts, in the place where the story is formed, this experience of God as indifferent drives us to write our own scripts. Job apparently lived with this anxiety about God even before his tribulations descended upon him, as evidenced by his exclamation from the ashes of his home and his life: “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25, emphasis added).

Job was a God-fearing man and yet something in him suspected that faith in God did not necessarily translate into peace and safety. Of course, Job had no inkling of the discussion going on in heaven between God and Satan. It was a debate over whether the foundation of God’s kingdom was based on genuine love or power. And astonishingly, God was placing the perception of his own integrity as well as the reputation of his whole kingdom on the genuineness of Job’s heart. (See Job 1:6–12; 2:1–10.)

Indeed, when we consider how central a part Job was given in the drama God was directing, we are confronted with the reality that we, too, could be in the same position. It seems that the part God has written for us is much too big and certainly too dangerous. Paul confirms this thought in Ephesians when he tells us, “The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence” (1:22–23 The Message). Every human being is of great significance to God, but those whom God has drawn to believe in him are center stage in a drama of cosmic proportions.

(The Sacred Romance , 50, 53)

 

Compassion with Captors and My Golden Ship

In 2 Chronicles 30:8 - 9, the scribe writes, "Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you.  For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land.  For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him." 

What I love about this passage is how God changes the heart of our captors into compassion toward us. So often today, when we find ourselves in difficult situations, we make plans to bolt.  We are fleeing from relationships, from work, from church, even from difficult neighbors.  Where is the staying power? What would have happened if Joseph had decided enough was enough while a prisoner in Egypt? Was it easy for him in that Egyptian prison? I can't imagine what it was like, but we do know that God changed the heart of his captors to have compassion upon him.

 

When we find ourselves in difficult situations we must be willing to wait upon the LORD while His great power changes the heart of our captors into hearts of compassion upon us. Our captors come in many styles: a spouse, a boss, a neighbor, a friend, a leader, a family member and enemy, etc. Six months ago, I found a children's book that we just printed which should be available in about 2 months. The book is called My Golden Ship.  I was captivated by the story from the very beginning. Though a children's story, ages 8 to 14, the author crafted a story within a story...one for children and the other for adults, particularly for those who find themselves struggling in a difficult marriage, a difficult job, a difficult addiction, and a difficult health situation. This wordcrafter was both ingenious and courageous. Writing what she wrote in this book would not be acceptable today for many.  But what this author wrote, I believe is the true biblical model for reconciliation and redemption for anyone who finds themselves in any difficult relationship or situation. In this story you will see 2nd Chronicles 30:8 - 9 come alive on a multi dimensional scale...one that you and your children will never forget. I am so thankful to the LORD that he enables me to find these incredible treasures...i truly believe that these stories, and this one in particular, will turn many from the error of their way, thus saving souls from death, and hiding a multitude of sin, for generations to come! (James 5:20).

Hemmed In

One of my readers sent me this reminder this morning...it too is one of my
favorites!

One of my favorites from Ransomed Heart: Hemmed In

Why did God curse Eve with loneliness and heartache, an emptiness that
nothing would be able to fill? Wasn't her life going to be hard enough out
there in the world, banished from the Garden that was her true home, her
only home, never able to return? It seems unkind. Cruel, even.

He did it to save her. For as we all know personally, something in Eve's
heart shifted at the fall. Something sent its roots down deep into her soul
- and ours - that mistrust of God's heart, that resolution to find life on
our own terms. So God has to thwart her. In love, he has to block her
attempts until, wounded and aching; she turns to him and him alone for her
rescue.

Therefore I will block her path with thorn bushes;
I will wall her in so she cannot find her way.
She will chase after her lovers but not catch them;
she will look for them but not find them.
Hosea 2:6-7

Jesus has to thwart us too - thwart our self-redemptive plans, our
controlling and our hiding, thwart the ways we are seeking to fill the ache
within us. Otherwise, we would never fully turn to him for our rescue. Oh,
we might turn to him for our "salvation," for a ticket to heaven when we
die. We might turn to him even in the form of Christian service, regular
church attendance, a moral life. But inside, our heart remains broken and
captive and far from the One who can help us.

And so you will see the gentle, firm hand of God in a woman's life hemming
her in. Wherever it is we have sought life apart from him, he disrupts our
plans, our "way of life" which is not life at all.

Like Father Like Son

In a previous blog we talked about king Uzziah who sought the Lord and
prospered. He was also a man who had a love for God's creation. Chapter
26:10 says "he loved the soil." You don't find that kind of comment
anywhere else in the Bible. But as he grew strong, he also grew proud. As
a result, the text says, "For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God and
entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar..." This act of
burning incense was only for the priests and not for the king. But because
of his pride, he thought himself above others...I imagine his thinking went
something like this: "why should I the king allow these low life priests to
have higher privileges when it comes to serving God?"
This is what I love about God...no one is above another in his eyes.
He is looking for a broken spirit and a contrite heart...this person, God
will not despise (read Psalm 34). When we think we stand, take heed lest we
fall. And fall he did...and what a fall it was, being struck with leprosy
right in the temple.
But this was not the worst of it. Uzziah had a son--his name was
Jotham and to my surprise "he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD
according to all that his father Uzziah had done, EXCEPT (the rest of this
article will appear in the enewsletter that will be sent out tomorrow!...one
of my favorites too!)

Take Courage

In 2nd Chronicles 15:7 we read, "But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded."  Wonderful words aren't they?  What is next is even better.  "As soon as Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah...he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land...and he repaired the altar of the LORD...And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, but whosoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman...And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around."

            This revival was sparked because they listened to and heeded the Word of God...and their work was indeed rewarded.  Oh, that Christians would give themselves wholeheartedly today to a worthy cause to serve the LORD, sparked by the written Word.  In the words of D.L. Moody, "The world has not yet seen what God can do through one man or one woman wholly committed to Christ." 

Preparation

Alexander Hamilton one of our Founding Fathers and first secretary
of the treasury was considered a genius in his day. He said, "Men give me
credit for genius; but al the genius I have lies in this: When I have a
subject on hand I study it profoundly." Hamilton was a disciplined and
highly productive man. He understood that no matter your circumstances,
resources, or natural talent, certain things were always within your
control--your ability to work harder and smarter than anybody else. That
bears remembering as you prepare yourself for the challenges that lay ahead
of you. (John Maxwell...Talent is Never Enough)

How to find your talent

            Someone asked recently how to determine their natural talent  There are several ways to determine this.  The first and best way is simply to ask God. He gave it to you, so I am sure he wants you to discover what it is and use it for His glory and your good. Next is to ask others what they think you possess.  I have had many jobs throughout my lifetime, but only three since I was twenty-four years of age.  Prior to twenty-four I worked in a variety of jobs where I learned what I would not want to do with my life...worked at a golf course (I enjoyed this but it didn't give me purpose or meaning), worked at a gas station (hated this), worked at a salt mine (good pay but factory work was not for me), worked at a bar (enjoyed this one a lot! but after becoming a Christian, learned serving alcohol was not the path God was choosing for me.  What I enjoyed about this job was socializing with the people and sharing our stories); worked as an iron worker with my dad one summer (great money, very dangerous, exhausting..but after the man who drove me to work one morning, fell through the beams and was killed before my very eyes, I knew this career path wasn't for me.)  So how did I know what was for me?  Something that would fit my God-give giftedness?

            Like I said, it could be as simple as asking someone or asking God.  If you are still unsure, then the next step is to ask God to open doors for you to serve Him.  As a result of serving God and others, I believe a person can more readily discern what it is that they do best. When I was a young Christian I became involved in every opportunity that the church had.  From evangelism, to missions work, to Scripture memorization, to working at a Christian summer camp, to teaching Sunday school, I became involved. As I look back, it was this day by day, week by week, month by month involvement with serving the Lord and learning, that my gifts began to emerge.  People began commenting on what a good teacher I was. I began to receive confirmation. But in the end, I learned that I hated to teach...i actually loved to speak and tell stories.  Telling stories that do the teaching can be traced all the way back to my childhood. I loved listening to my mother reading to me...and I loved retelling the story in my own version...always better of course.

            So here I am today at age 52, telling stories...stories that have biblical content (this is what I love most), and stories that can bring healing and change to broken lives.  If you are searching to know your natural talent, then I would start by asking God and others, and then to begin serving and getting involved in as much ministry as possible. 

            After these steps, I would recommend taking the Myers Briggs or the DISC personality tests or the many other skill tests that are available...you can simply ask you pastor to let you know what is available.

            Lastly, I love the encouragement that Psalm 16:11 brings in this quest.  Proverbs is also an excellent source for help in this process of discernment for one's career choice.  Reading Maxwell's book Talent is Never Enough(this will be on our site soon) I highly recommend and one of the best is Finding a Job You Love.

Take Courage

In 2nd Chronicles 15:7 we read, "But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded."  Wonderful words aren't they?  What is next is even better.  "As soon as Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah...he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land...and he repaired the altar of the LORD...And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, but whosoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman...And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around."

            This revival was sparked because they listened to and heeded the Word of God...and their work was indeed rewarded.  Oh, that Christians would give themselves wholeheartedly today to a worthy cause to serve the LORD, sparked by the written Word.  In the words of D.L. Moody, "The world has not yet seen what God can do through one man or one woman wholly committed to Christ." 

Reading and Image--imagination

   Reading aloud may be one of the most important contributions that parents can make toward developing good character in their children. Why? For several reasons. First, because stories can create emotional attachment to goodness, a desire to do the right thing. Second, because stories provide a wealth of good examples - the kind of examples that are often missing from a child's day to day environment. Third, because stories familiarize youngsters with the codes of conduct they need to know. Finally, because stories help to make sense out of life.

     When we see others from the inside, as we do in stories, . . .we learn a new respect for people. In the June 1990 issue of American Psychologist, Paul Vitz, a professor at New York University, provides an extensive survey of psychological studies pointing to "the importance of stories in developing moral life."

     But why stories? Why not simply explain the difference between right and wrong to your children? Why not supply them with a list of dos and don'ts?

     Such explanations are important but they fail to touch children on the level where it matters -- the level of imagination. Imagination. The word comes from "image" -- a mental picture. When a moral principle has the power to move us into action, it is often because it is backed up by a picture or image.

     Plato said that children should be brought up in such a way that they will fall in love with virtue and hate vice. How does a child fall in love with virtue? By being exposed to the right kind of stories, music, and art, said Plato.

     Stories, because of their hold on the imagination, can create an attachment to goodness. The nature of stories enables us to "rehearse" moral decisions, strengthening our solidarity with the good.

Excerpts from Books That Build Character
by William Kilpatrick and Gregory and Suzanee Wolfe

 

Talent is Never Enough

There is so much to share about this book, Talent is Never Enough by John Maxwell.  First, let me address who should read this book.  This book is for parents and those who need to fan the flames of initiative in order to awaken their passions, resulting in the accomplishment of concrete predetermined worthwhile goals.   Here are some initial quotes from the book:

            :You've removed most of the roadblocks to success when you know the difference between motion and direction."  Bill Copeland

            "Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction."  President John F. Kennedy

            "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."  Will Rogers

            "A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.  Successful people forget.  They know the past is irrevocable.  They're running a race.  They can't afford to look behind.  Their eye is on the finish line. Magnanimous people forget. They're too big to let little things disturb them. They forget easily. If anyone does them wrong, they consider the source and keep cool.  It's only the small people who cherish revenge. Be a good forgetter. Business dictates it, and success demands it."  Elbert Hubbard

            "Develop the talent you have, not the one you want."

            "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

            "Those who wing it, will soon find other flying past them."

            "What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."

Thirteen Key Choices:

1.      Belief lifts your talent.

2.      Passion energizes your talent.

3.      Initiative activates your talent.

4.      Focus directs your talent.

5.      Preparation positions your talent.

6.      Practice sharpens your talent.

7.      Perseverance sustains your talent.

8.      Courage tests your talent.

9.      Teachability expands your talent.

10.  Character protects your talent.

11.  Relationships influence your talent.

12.  Responsibility strengthens your talent.

13.  Teamwork multiplies your talent.

 

The Ohio State Football Winners Manual states that talent is not enough, therefore players are required to be:

1.      punctual

2.      give more effort than required

3.      patient

4.      unselfish

These are the characteristics that define winners!  Talent is a gift, but you must earn success.

 

Frank Lloyd Wright noted, “The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.”  

 

Solomon said, “A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.”  He also said, “There is a way which seems right to man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”  But, “Show me a man diligent in his work, and he will stand before kings, and not before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29

 

King David said, “I will make known to you the paths of life; in his presence is fullness of joy, and his right hand are pleasures forever more.”

 

 

 

 

Anger and Leprosy

Yesterday I shared how young king Uzziah had sought the LORD and prospered. I would like to share that verse again: "...and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper." This is a conditional verse. In 2nd Chronicles 15:2 one of my favorite truths in the Scripture is found: "The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him he will forsake you." This does not sound like the God of the NT...where Jesus promises to be with us even to the end of the age, does it? But this is the God of the NT. To help you understand the process of God forsaking someone, let me define the word “forsake.” It means to relinquish control. When we are no longer a fit vessel for the master’s use, God relinquishes his control, which places us outside his blessing and protection. We are no longer abiding in the vine, therefore his life giving blessing is no longer active in our lives.

Looking at Uzziah of the OT, we find in 2nd Chron 26, his fame spreading far, but when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction (26:15,16). Then in a presumptuous move to offer incense upon the altar in the temple, which was a priests’ duty, he was rebuked and restricted by eighty priests who were men of valor. Unwilling to accept this rebuke and resistance, because of his pride, he becomes so uncontrollably angry that he breaks out with leprosy on the spot. Knowing that he has just broken out with leprosy he flees the temple and is never seen again in the house of the LORD or his own house.

Since Uzziah no longer sought the Lord, he not only ceased from prospering, God had forsaken (relinquished control) him. Does this mean that he was not God's son? No. It only means that the power and presence of God is no longer an influence in his life. The same is true in the NT. There are many references throughout the NT that teach Christians about the consequences of turning from God, particularly throughout the book of Hebrews, Acts, I John, and the gospels. Jesus had warned Peter that if he would not let Him wash his feet he could have no part with Him. This did not mean that Peter would no longer be a child of God, but he would no longer be under the influence of God's presence and power...fellowship would be broken. The God of the OT is the same as the God of the NT. If we forsake Him, He will forsake (relinquish control) us.

As long as he sought the LORD

In 2nd Chronicles 26:4,5 the chronicler writes: "And Uzziah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD according to all that his father Amaziah had done.  He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper."  It is noteworthy that Uzziah is only sixteen years old when he begins to reign.

            Earlier in the book of 2nd Chronicles, another young king, Josiah (seven years old), seeks the Lord God with all his heart, bringing blessing up an entire kingdom.  What the two had in common was a teaching priest. Our children need to be under the constant teaching of the Word...as we do.

            In prosperous America, I am noticing a trend where contemporary worship is replacing the exciting and life changing teaching of the Word.  I can remember in the 80's when John MacArthur was on the radio.  His in depth Bible teaching was what God used to disciple me.  Satan knew what he was doing when he goy the radio stations of the NE to withdraw their support for MacArthur.  Since that time we hear nice messages and music, but not the depth of teaching that a MacArthur brings.  By the way his materials are still available…I believe his toll free number is 1-800-55-GRACE.  I would start by asking for his most popular and most listened to sermons of the last thirty-years.

            The words, " ...as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper,"  should be our highest priority as parents.  But our children will not seek the LORD if we aren't.  Of all the books of the Bible, I have found 1st and 2nd Chronicles to be filled with an array of inspiring insights. I would encourage you as parents to study these books and then share those hidden treasures that you will be sure to find. 

            If you are looking for a great devotional that will make the Word come alive for your family, then you will want to read Shepherd of Bethlehem.  So far, the word on the street is that this is Lamplighter's all time best book!