An Unexplainable Life by Erica Wiggenhorn

Book Description

What can God do with fifty days?

In only fifty days Peter was radically transformed. He went from being a man in the shadows denying even knowing Jesus, to a man boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus in the middle of the temple courts. How did the change occur? And more importantly, can such a change occur within us—today, in the here and now?

For fifty days, I invite you to dwell in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Here we meet Peter face-to-face and encounter the source of his power. We become challenged to grab hold of that power ourselves, believing that God wants to do something in and through us that is unexplainable apart from Him. Let’s give God fifty days and see what He might do.

My Review

I've not done but a couple of Bible study books in my lifetime. In fact, most of the ones I come across never seem to appeal to me or when I do they aren't very well written and I would put it back on the shelf. Not with this one!

From the moment I read the description I knew this one would somehow impact my life, but the little skeptic gremlin in me said hold back on your enthusiasm, it could be just as well written as the others you've read. So, I waited. I got the book in and from page one it was amazing! In the first week I knew this was the book for me! 

Each day is filled with Verse-by-verse study. Sure, when some read that you're going to think "boring" or "tedious." But the way this book is set up it's never that. The questions make you think but without being confusing or obscure. You're asked a question and then a verse to find the answer. You see the connection and pieces of God's plan. How they fell into place when Jesus came, died, and resurrected. And this is all in the first week!

Other books are short and too simple or too complicated and tedious. An Unexplainable Life is perfectly balanced, it inspires me to further read and search and know the answers. It doesn't let me be lazy by just telling me everything, it turns me straight to the Bible for the answers! I think that's what I love most about this book. Erica doesn't give her interpretation of the Bible and expect you to follow whatever she says, she turns you straight to the Bible, to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit! 

I hope she makes more (like a second book on the rest of Acts perhaps!) like this and that they will be just as amazing. I recommend this book to all my friends. I had one friend just glimpse inside a couple of pages and she was amazed, she said, "I already love it, it makes me think about the answers!"

Great job Erica Wiggenhorn! Thank you!

I highly recommend this book! I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Moody Publishers Bloggers Review program.

I Am Found by Laura Dingman

Book Description

Are you tired of battling shame?
Long to be truly known and deeply loved?
Hesitant to show others the real you?

We are all made for connection, but many of us live with walls up and hearts closed. What would it take for us to let go and stand tall and unashamed?

I Am Found guides us in just that. This six-week Bible study on shame and identity explores how we can own our stories, trust God’s affections, and relate honestly with Him and others.

Each week begins with biblical teaching and is followed by five days of guided reflection. Drenched in Scripture, and allowing plenty of space to journal and savor biblical truths, I Am Found welcomes you on a personal journey of transformation through God’s Word.

Laura Dingman invites you to build your life on a beautiful, liberating truth: Jesus loves us in our weakness, but He doesn’t leave us there.

My Review

When I saw the title of this book I intrigued, when I read what it was about I wanted to read it, when I read it I was pleasantly surprised! I am found is a beautifully written Bible Study to encourage women not to hide in shame but be found and loved by God. We can't hide from God, he knows all, but we do it anyway. He wants us to be upfront with Him, choose to come and share the things that we want to conceal from Him and the rest of the world.

I think the only thing I wish is the word "hide" was used a lot when asking things like "How are you hiding from God?" I felt other words could've been used to describe what was being asked or would've helped better understand some of the questions in my study time. I looked up the definition for 'hide' and that helped and then the synonyms. Words like 'conceal', 'disguise', 'mask,' helped me to see how I was hiding from God and others.


I really enjoyed this Bible Study. It's encouraging, enlightening, and a pleasure to read and share with others. I liked that it didn't take me 2 hours to do each day, in fact, I liked it enough when I had time I did two in one day, but for the average person this is a great day-starter! For those who wanted to take more time could easily go back to and dig more.


I give this book a 4.5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Moody Publishers Bloggers Review program

HCSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible

Book Description

The Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible combines two hot trends: Bible journaling and adult coloring. Through unique illustrations included on every page spread, readers, illustrator’s, and notetakers alike learn to engage the biblical text in a new way. The exceptional design offers a unique balance for everyone from seasoned artists to the creatively challenged, allowing for guided creativity and meaningful personalization of the Bible reading experience. From filigree, Scripture quotes, and unique images, these line-drawn illustrations are waiting to be brought to life.

Features include:

Over 600 images, including text designs, images, and filigree
Unique illustrations on every page spread
Open margin space for creating new, personalized images

Light grey illustrations allowing readers to add color to each image

Lined margins for note taking

My Review

This is an awesome Bible! The cover is sturdy, the paper is durable for coloring with markers, and the pictures inside are pretty but fun; I can't wait to color them all in! There's plenty of room for note taking in the margins. It's clean and neat, not messy or cluttered. I'm really impressed actually at how well put together it is and neat it looks. It's all very organized and neatly made. Even in the back there is also a "Read the Bible in a year" week-by-week check list for those interested in reaching that goal! 

I've never used a HCSB version but I look forward to using it in the days ahead! If you're looking for something different then I'd surely check it out. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of B&H/Lifeway Bloggers Review program

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Book Description

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

My Review

And what an exciting ride it was! I've never read any of Melody Carlson's Christmas stories before, but now I think I am going to make it an annual tradition! Christmas Joy Ride was full of the Christmas spirit. I wish Joy Jorgensen was my neighbor. I would have been Miranda, making sure she wasn't crazy for doing this, but in the end thanking God the ride. 

As the adventures goes, Miranda heads off with Joy down Route 66 to bring the spirit of Christmas to residents in a nursing home, a diner owner and her daughter, a rehab center for young adults, a hair salon, foster parents and their kids, and a young girl, and her widowed father, who lost her mother, at Christmastime years before. 

All of the stories touched my heart and was filled with laughter, but the message in them all that reached me, was, "No matter what, joy is just around the bend. Especially, if you take the time to let it in your heart and then go to those around you." {Romans 15:32}

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

"Well, I have more to say to you, but I don't want to say it in a letter. For I hope to visit you soon and talk to you face to face. Then our joy will be complete." {2 John 1:12}

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Revel Review program.

It's December!

It's that time of year again. Jack Frost is nipping at our noses, decorations and holly are up, and Christmas is only... 20 days, 21 hours and 35 minutes away! Ha ha!

I know I have been absent the last few months. I sincerely apologize for just dropping off the face of the earth. I was going through some stuff--don't worry, nothing serious or bad, just needed to spend some time with Jesus. I'll share some of the things I've been learning in my time away. Because of the holidays it sadly won't be until after the New Year. But I can't wait.

If you will, pray for me. I love blogging and I have so many idea's and thoughts I want to share, I just need more energy to stay ahead and keep up these days. I appreciate all of you who read my blog regularly and those of you who only pass by it.

I'll be working on some posts in the coming months, including an update on what's been going on in my life the last few months. A lot of good things, I can't wait to share them.

Until then, stay safe, stay warm and

MERRY CHRISTMAS! JESUS LOVES YOU!

Bible NLT, Compact edition, Large Print Review

My Review

I was very happy with this Bible! I wanted to get my sister a bible for her birthday. I redeemed it using my points on Tyndale Rewards and couldn't be happier with it!

It's compact, easy for carrying around everywhere.  Gold-lined pages. And the imitation leather felt amazing with its TuTone, Brown and Tan. It's a beautiful little bible.

I was first surprised when it said Large-print and it turned out to be about the same size as my regular print bible. But then, I realized that compact bibles are MICRO print. So, calling it Large print is accurate under this category of bibles. It's very readable. I really liked the middle column references. It has Jesus's words in red, which was a major factor in picking this bible.

I loved this bible for my sister because she would have a harder time carrying around a full size bible and I wanted something easy for her to tote everywhere (I'm going to get one for myself now!) I had it engraved with her name for $7 and gave it to her just this weekend for her birthday.

SHE LOVED IT!

When she saw her name on it, she was tickled pink!

I absolutely recommend this compact bible for anyone. Whether it's for a friend, family member, or just for convenience, its a great bible!

I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!

Let Me Remember...

Don't you just love when your browsing YouTube and God guides your cursor to just the perfect song to speak the words you needed most to hear?

I do.

As I mentioned in "A Shout for the Lonely" I've not been very strong the past year. Constantly battling this sort of sadness, emptiness, inside. I've been trying to figure out what I had lost that keeps me on this roller coaster. I've been searching for the answer for almost a year, but God gave me that answer today when he lead me to this song by Jason Gray.

HOPE.

I lost my spirit of Hope. Or better said, I forgot to hope. I forgot what it meant to me. I've always been one to look at the brighter side, to purposefully be optimistic.

The year before, I had been constantly let down by someone very close to my heart. By the time we went our separate ways, I'd been tapped dry of almost joy. I guess my hope went down with it.

Proverbs 13:12 (NLT)

 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

What does Hope mean to me?

It means to trust and expect that what we desire for, wish for, pray for, could in fact happen. Remaining confident in my trust in that God will have the last word and make it good. 

You know, no matter how much things hurt we have to keep hope alive in our hearts. Hope is what carries us through our sorrows, anxiety, and pain. Being positive when the rest of the world screams to be negative. It's time to bring hope back to life!

God bless!

Romans 5:5 (NLT)

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

A Shout for the Lonely

I've really been struggling with loneliness the last month... No, for the last year. My hearts been broken one too many times by people who were my friends. Who lashed out at me for no reason or just abandoned me.

I'm not a social butterfly, my younger sister inherited those gene's. But, I don't like being alone. I'm best with close intimate friends and family surrounding me.

I've always been the strong one. The encourager. The shoulder to lean or cry on. To cheer them up and make them smile again. I've always been glad to be there for others.

But this past year, I just haven't been strong enough to be that person. Not because I don't want to be. I wish I could just say "Bibidi Babadi Boo" and revert back to being the strong one. I feel like all my reserves have been tapped dry.

Nowadays, if someone comes to me, needing advice or a friend to lean on, my mind draws a blank. I don't know what to do anymore. I feel like whoever I used to be has withdrawn into the deepest cave and is nowhere to be found. And, I feel everything I try to say or do isn't real. Like, I'm just acting what I think I know. Maybe I am subconsciously just second guessing myself. Every where I turn is another blank space. And, that that's why I can never find her.

I wonder.

Am I not meant to find her again and merely grow into something new?
Or is that my heart has hard chiseled edges now that need to be smoothed out?

I don't know which one it is, but what I do know is that they both need Jesus.

Jesus to lead, Jesus to rub off those rough edges.

It's hard. It hurts. Sometimes, a lot. I have to keep remembering, learning, building, keeping my foundation in Him.

And right now, that's all I can do.

~~~~~

A challenge to all of you.

Be patient with those around you.
Initiate with people who surround you.
Don't wait for them to come to you.

Let them know you are thinking about them, and keep interacting without expecting anything in return.
Sometimes, all they need is a pair of arms wrapped around them and to be reminded that "everything is going to be okay".

It's as simple as that.

~~~~

A shout out to those of you feeling alone.

Jesus knows your pain, He too suffered, but not just because of that. Because of his love for you, he hurts whenever we hurt. Have you ever hurt when you saw someone close to you hurting? That's how Jesus feels about you. He seeks to comfort you every time your heart feels empty. To catch every tear you shed. He know and never leaves your side.

So, really, you aren't so alone.

God bless and be with you, Amen.

Lord, I Lift Up My Friend To You

I came across this song just a few minutes ago and it made me think of my best friend, Christina Jamison, that I mentioned in a Prayer Request.

It's the prayer that is now imbedded into my heart, put into song, and worship.

Please continue to pray for her. It's been a hard couple weeks for me, being unable to talk to her, share my joy and laughter with her. To see and know how she is doing. I miss her, a lot. More than any other friend before.

Lord, I lift up my friend to you, my best friend in the world I know. I know you love her more than I ever could. I know you can and will take care of her, because you love her. And because you know how important she is to me, too. Send your angels to surround her, protect her. Show her the way, Lord.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. 

Don't Hate the Blind

"But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." ~1 John 2:11 (AMP)

Reading this verse gives me courage. I know, your probably thinking, "How do you draw courage from a verse like that?" Maybe to some of you it sounds like, "If my brother/sister/friend hates me, then their not a real christian. They're choosing to walk in the shadows of their hatred, not me." Some might see it as a confirmation of their not having done wrong, its the other persons fault. Rather than making it about the blind man, we turn it around to be about ourselves.

That's not what I read when I see this verse. When I see this verse, I hear God whispering to me, "She doesn't know what she's doing, don't abandon her." And the verse rings out.

"If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble." ~Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)

See, we're not their salvation, but by not abandoning them we are given the opportunity to show them the light through Jesus Christ. We're not always able to be with them in person; sometimes it doesn't matter if we're standing right beside them. Their still walking blind. So, what do you do?

You pray them through!

Jesus is the one and only Salvation. The light that can shatter any, and all, darkness and open the eyes of the blind.

I believe God takes us out of the picture, to gaze at it from a distance, so we can focus solely on praying for them. Because there is something going on in their life that need your complete focus and attention and that require stepping away to see to that need.

If you have a friend, brother, sister, relative, that has pushed you away, don't turn your back on them. Because, they still need you even if they don't see it. Through prayer you are still with them, in Jesus. Fighting for them, shielding them, blessing them, loving them.

I'd like to pray over your friend or family today. Leave a comment below with a name(s) (doesn't have to be full name if you don't wish to) and I'll put them in my prayer journal. Maybe even make a special post in prayer just for them.

God bless in Jesus name, Amen!

Prayer Request for my Best Friend

Christina Jamison. None of you probably know her, but she is my best friend, my sister, my twin. In the words of Anne Shirley: my bosom friend. We met online in a christian group about 5 years ago and we were instant friends. She knows everything about me. I keep nothing from her. I love her like my own sisters. Care about her. Text her whacky and crazy texts in the middle of the night (though she wasn't usually asleep... usually!) just to make her laugh and smile in the morning. When she hurt, I would hurt too. She felt the same. She stood by me when I was lost. She comforted me when I was down. She helped me when I didn't know what to do. We made each other laugh till we literally couldn't breathe, for hour 5 hours at a time.

I have never had a friend like her in my entire life. 

I was without internet for almost 3 months and unable to talk to her as frequently as we were used to, but we did call and chat about once a week. But then, around November 2014, she stopped taking my calls. Stopped answering my texts. I knew she'd been sick, so it made me worry when I didn't hear from her. Weeks dragged on, still no word from her but she was still reading my texts and listening to my voicemails. But, I still didn't know why she wasn't responding. Unless, she was so sick she couldn't respond and maybe it was just her mom looking at her texts.

Finally, she posted something on Facebook that I thought was meant for other people, people who didn't care about her or truly love her as friend, sister. As the caring and loving friend, I texted her yet again. I felt, in case I had offended her in some way I should apologize for it. I would never set out to hurt her. Still, no word back. So, I finally texted one last time that I would give her some space to breathe and wait for her to get back in touch with me. I conveyed to her one last time how I cared and loved her as my sister and that I would be here when she was ready.

Christmas Eve, she removed and blocked me from her facebook. And posted that she had removed me to all her other friends.

To this day, she still hasn't reached out to me or told me why she's mad at me. We didn't have a fall out of any kind, so I'm still in the dark.

She's really been on my heart this week, to pray for her. She's usually in a lot of pain, she has to get nerve blocks every month (sooner if she could afford it) and has had terrible migraines, etc,. She has a disorder that causes them.

I'm asking all of you, followers and passer-by, to pray over her. Not for our friendship to come back together (though that would be appreciated too. I miss her) but for her to get well. In spirit and body.

A friend shared this verse with me to prayer over her with and I've come to praying it over Christina as well.

"May the Lord bless you 

and protect you.  

May the Lord smile on you 

and be gracious to you.  

May the Lord show you his favor and give you peace." 

~Numbers 6:24

Thank you and God bless you for taking time out of your day to prayer for her.

Feeling Aimless?

I've been wondering a lot lately what part I play in the world; or what part I will play. Everyone stops and ask, wonders, what your doing with your life: job, school, marriage, etc,. I never know what to say because I don't know. All I can think is, "I'm taking it one day at a time; one step of faith at a time." But, sometimes it gets to me that I don't have an answer. People stare back at me, and I know what they're thinking.

"Your an adult, shouldn't you know?"

Here's the thing. God has my life planned out and sometimes he chooses not to let the right hand know what the left hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3) By that, I mean, he works ways in our lives that he chooses not to let us see in the moment he is working. Sometimes he chooses to make us wait until the project is finished and the time is right, for us and Him. And, to see if we will truly be patient and wait on him. (Psalm 27:14)

To have faith. To trust Him.

Sometimes, I have sat in my room and just cried out to God, "When?"

• When will it be time? 
• When can I stop wandering in this dessert? 
• When can I stop feeling like a failure, a nuisance, a burden?
• When can I start feeling like the princess?

Then I heard this song.



God answered my prayers with this song today; showed me that He is listening. That he hasn't forgotten.

Answers to When:

• Soon, very soon
• Keep your eyes on me, I will lead you, fill you up
• I Love You
• Now

We each have our roles to play out, whether we know them yet or not. Our biggest part is to seek more of Him and wait patiently for Him to fulfill our hopes and dreams. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) And, that's going to be my answer from now on. :) 

I hope you all can see what a beauty and treasure you are to God, our Father. Today, tomorrow, and forever. I'm still learning to own my title as a Princess in God's eternal Kingdom. May you see his light shine through your darkest clouds and fill you with love and peace. He is always with you, forever. Amen. 

God Bless!

Has It Been a Year Already?

I say that every year after the ball drops, announcing the new year; and every year is sounds just as corny as the last. LOL. But, occasionally I get a laugh or two. ;)

I am glad to be posting again. It's been quite an exhausting, but eventful, few months. Everything from moving, to near death experiences with Devine intervention, to saying goodbye to a dear friend and preparing to welcome new ones.

It's been a tough few months, but The Lord has always promised to be with me, always; that I'm never alone. And, in the last few weeks he's been showing me he is there. It's a remarkable thing, too.

In the next few months, I'll be trying out some new things. I'll be adding more to my blog; and not just more books. Things like:

• Music
• Movies
• Daily Life
• Reflections
• Crafts
• Story Writing Updates
• Blog Tweaking
• Bible Widgets (Like one of these: Matt 28:20, Matthew 28:20; still testing!)
• Nail Art 

You heard right, nail art. I've really gotten into the last 8 months! But I'll save all that for another post. I'm really excited to get up and going again. This year is going to be a fresh start and I hope you all enjoy and come to visit!

God bless!

Putting on the real Armor of God and not the Costume

I've been faced recently with things I thought I knew, but instead I have discovered I was ignorant and maybe even comfortable not knowing. A friend of mine and I have been talking about demons and evil spirits this week. I have alway believed they were not real. That after Jesus died on the cross, that, they somehow vanished completely after that. But as I was talking and thinking, something wasn't settling with me and I felt the Holy Spirit pull me to seek out the truth. I needed to know the truth so I could fight. Whether it was finding out they were not real or were in fact real, I needed to know how to fight whatever lies the Devil was trying to throw at me and my friend.

"so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes." 

~2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT)

Growing up, I always thought demons were just an evil thing that people used to scare others and push them away from Jesus. I thought I knew what I was talking about when I said there were no such things has demons and evil spirits. But I was mistaken. Watching a sermon from Pastor John Hagee's early series, I found I was doing the same as many christians had done in the past. They claimed Satan wasn't real; I was claiming demons and evil spirits weren't real. But just because you say it, it doesn't make it any less real. I'm still learning. Learning what it all means, learning how it plays a roll in my life, learning what I'm to do with this revelation. I'm waiting patiently and listening for our Lord to teach me what he wants to teach.

Now, I don't want the focus to be on just that demons exist because there is obviously much more to that story. I'm not about to start hunting demons to cast out, I'm not about to blame demons for my, or anyone else's, problems, because that's just not so, but if I do happen upon one in my lifetime I want to be fully prepared. Jesus is just as real and he has ALL power and authority over any and all evil! Christ's death, his sacrifice, on the cross and the blood that he ransomed assured us victory over death for those who believe and accept Jesus Christ! And by Jesus Christ I am saved!

Why don't you follow me to the kitchen for a moment. I have something else on my mind and it's quite hilarious how these two coincide and came together in the same day!

Just this morning I read about Kirk Cameron urging Christian to celebrate Halloween. I have always loved Kirk Cameron since the old days of Growing Pains and Left Behind! I practically grew up with this guy. But I was sort of taken aback by what he said. Do I think his heart was in the right place? Absolutely. We should definitely be spreading the word of the gospel, especially on a day where so many celebrate death and evil. Do I think he's mistaken? I think so. I felt he missed the target on this dartboard. Though he was or is accurately stating that All Hallows Eve was attributed to a day to remember the dead by Catholics and some Christians. Like remembering a husbands or child's birthday, even though their time on earth has passed, and coming to put flowers on their graves. But that's not all true, that's not how it all started. Without going into a long history lesson, it is as I learned growing up. A day where people of unholy beliefs believed the spirit of the dead came back to earth and they'd sacrifice livestock and other living things. It's been about worshipping Satan and evil spirits. Not to say that at some time in history christians took the reins and did things their own way. That's not the point I was going to make though. Something struck a very wrong cord in me when I read this article on Kirk Cameron.

"When you go out on Halloween and see all people dressed in costumes and see someone in a great big bobble head Obama costume with great big ears and an Obama face, are they honoring him or poking fun?" Cameron asked.

"They are poking fun at him," the actor said, answering his own question before comparing the concept of costumes to early Christianity." ~ChristianToday.com

Something I learned growing up, not from my parents, not from any religious leader, but from God's word. Don't mock demons and don't mock Satan.

I think Kirk Cameron is wrong in what he said. We shouldn't be poking fun. We shouldn't mock Satan. We shouldn't mock demons. Not because anyone thinks any of these things as more powerful than Jesus, that's a complete lie, but because we are called to act like Jesus.

"But even Michael, one of the mightiest angels, did not dare accuse Satan of blasphemy but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you." ~Jude 1:9

First, look at the meaning of the word Rebuke. It means to express sharp disapproval and criticism. To correct. Second, Michael says "The Lord rebuke you." Not "I", not "Michael", not "John". It is the Lords place to rebuke, to correct, Satan. We have the power to call on His name to come correct Satan. We are not to pick a fights with him, we are not to revile him like we're some bully on the playground.
What does revile mean? It means to criticize in an abusive or insulting manner; to verbally abuse.
Think of how we argue with people here and now. Think how we begin to judge others and insult them because we feel we are better than they are and know more than they do. We stoop to the Devil's level (no rhyming intended, but it was funny. You laughed, I know you did!) when we begin to think we are mightier than others. We become fools when we allow ourselves to grow haughty, strutting our tail feathers.

"A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered." ~Acts 19:13-16 (NLT)

When Jesus cast out demons, he indeed publicly humiliate them by casting them out but only by showing he had that authority. He didn't turn to the crowds pumping his fists in the air saying, "Look at them, so weak and puny. They could not even stay in that person's body. Take that demons! Take that Devil!" He didn't rub it in their faces how they were defeated or taunted their defeated.
Think how today, it's not good sportsmanship to rub in your opponents face when you make a good play or score. You can even be panelized for going to far with any kind of taunting, insulting, behavior against apposing sides.

We know what team we're on, right? Jesus, the one son of God. The one who defeated death and called us to follow him. If you're not, then you need to hurry on over red rover, red rover, send [insert whosever's name] right over! Because nothing can break the bond we have with Jesus!

"Early on, Christians would dress up in costumes as the devil, ghosts, goblins and witches precisely to make the point that those things were defeated and overthrown by the resurrected Jesus Christ," Cameron continued. "The costumes poke fun at the fact that the devil and other evils were publicly humiliated by Christ at His resurrection. That's what the Scriptures say, that He publicly humiliated the devil when He triumphed over power and principality and put them under his feet. Over time you get some pagans who want to go 'this is our day', high holy day of Satanic church, that this is all about death, but Christians have always known since the first century that death was defeated, that the grave was overwhelmed, that ghosts, goblins, devils are foolish has-beens who used to be in power but not anymore. That's the perspective Christians should have." 
~ChristianToday.com

Just because Christians did something in the past, doesn't mean they too weren't mistaken.
Jesus only humiliated Satan, death, demons and evil spirits, through his almighty power, not by flaunting it. Why do we have to dress up in jest as the very things Christ died to defeat to make a point that they were defeated? We're giving more time and attention to Satan rather than praising God for his defeat. Let's rejoice in that fact we don't, as Christians, have to worry about death anymore! We who believe in His son of everlasting peace and life and have put our lives in his hands is worthy of praise! Praise Jesus! Let's spread the word of the gospel without dressing up as the wolf in sheep's clothing. If we really want to take back the Lords day, because all days belong to Him, than let's do things Jesus's way and lets put on our armor!

The Whole Armor of God 

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

If you're interested in that sermon I listened to by John Hagee, just watch the video below from TBN.com and also checkout more of his videos on GETV.org, like Satan: Master of Deception. I found this one is very enlightening!

God bless you all! Have a wonderful autumn, Jesus Christ-filled Day!

Sex is Not the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris

Book Description

Lust isn't just a guy problem – it's a human problem. And unless we honestly confront it, lust will destroy our relationships and our lives. Joshua Harris, author of the runaway bestseller I Kissed Dating Goodbye,calls a generation bombarded with images of sexual sin back to the freedom and joy of holiness. This "PG-rated" book – straightforward without being graphic – speaks to those entrenched in lust or just flirting with temptation. Honestly sharing his own struggles, Harris exposes lust's tactics and helps readers create a personal plan for fighting back. Men and women will find hope in God's grace and learn the secrets to lasting change. 

Neither sex nor sexuality is our enemy. We need to rescue our sexuality from lust so we can experience it as God intended. 

My Review

In a world saturated with immorality, lust is easy to find but with Christ it is defeated. In Joshua Harris's book, Lust is what we're fighting! 

When I first saw this book, some 3 odd years ago, I thought, "Seriously? I bet you my mind will turn to mush reading it." Most books on these kind of topics make you think more on the subject than you ever wanted to and you feel like your mind was dragged through the mud with details. Let me tell you, if you thought the same as I did, we were both 100% wrong! This is not only the cleanest, you won't mind telling your friends about it either. Like his previous books, I Kissed Dating Goodbye  and Boy Meets Girls, it's all about coming back to Jesus and honoring Him. This time it's just about sex and how we can conquer the lust that perverse what God intended sex to be for us. 

Joshua Harris talks not just to the men, he talks to the woman too. That lust is not just a problem with men but women experience it as well. Who would have ever guessed, right? I know, as a woman, lust is not just for men. That's why I picked up this book. Our world is so full of lustful things, it's not a surprise women too are having trouble with it. 

"When we lust, we take this good thing--sexual desire--and remove from it honor towards fellow humans and reverence from God." ~ Joshua Harris

When we let sin and lust take over our lives we're saying "I don't care what you want, I'm going to do what makes me happy, right now." Lust is a creature that will never be satisfied!
One of the wonderful things about Joshua Harris, he points things out plain and clear but always points you to Christ and reminds you "Jesus has already won". So even if you have problems with lust of any kind in your life, it's not hopeless because we have Jesus. Because, sex, really isn't the problem. One of the quotes he uses describes lust perfectly:

"Lust is sexual desire minus honor and holiness." ~ John Piper

Joshua Harris shares his own struggles, as well as from others, with lust, even now as a married man. And what he does to fight it and how we can fight it too. With God's word and continuous devotion to Him. Reclaiming sex the way God made it.

He really wrote this book to help people like you and I. I've never seen an author tell you "if you can't afford it, just go to the bookstore and read the chapters." It really made me feel he was truly genuine in his message and desire to help other fight against lust.

Dispelling the pleasure of lust with the pleasures of God and the promises of superior happiness.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Even if you have not experience lust in the same way as others, it's a good insider how to help your fellow brothers and sisters in the world. It had already helped and changed my life.

Checkout his other two books I reviewed:

• I Kissed Dating Goodbye
• Boy Meets Girl

You will love them as well!

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

Book Description

Tired of the game? Kiss dating goodbye.

Going out? Been dumped? Waiting for a call that doesn't come? Have you tasted pain in dating, drifted through one romance or, possibly, several of them?

Ever wonder, Isn't there a better way?

I Kissed Dating Goodbye shows what it means to entrust your love life to God. Joshua Harris shares his story of giving up dating and discovering that God has something even better-- a life of sincere love, true purity, and purposeful singleness.

My Review

Timeless is the only way I can describe Joshua Harris's books.

Almost 18 years ago, Joshua Harris decided to write a radical book on dating or saying goodbye to it. Now I know what some of you might be thinking "giving up dating? How am I supposed to find the love of my life?"
Here's the thing, he's not saying goodbye to the love of your life, he's saying "find the love of your life God's way, not the worlds way"! This book is not filled with rules and regulations on what to do and not do but rather opens our eyes to the way the world is dating.

"The world takes us to the silver screen on which flickering images of passion and romance play, and as we watch, the world says, "this is love." God takes us to the foot of a tree on which a naked and bloodied man hangs and says, "This is love." 

~ Joshua Harris. 

 I kissed dating is about God and how we can honor Him and love the people he has graced us in our walk on this earth. Worldly dating is selfish and hurtful. Not just for you, but the people you are involved with too. How are we to show the love of Christ to others if we're in such a hurry to take the very hearts intended for God and unwrapping them like they were just a simple candy wrapper for this amazing piece of chocolate? If we're not committed to eating the chocolate then why are we unwrapping it before it's time?
Joshua Harris covers just about everything, even questions I hadn't quite reached yet he answered. Like, "how should I get to know someone if I'm not dating?" And he goes beyond that. Treat all people of the opposite sex as brothers and sisters first and foremost and then if you are interested in someone, pray about he/him and see where God leads you.
He even asks you questions like "where are you in life? Are you ready to be in a committed relationship? Are you ready for marriage?" He even covers commitment and recreational dating and staying pure in the relationships we do/will have.

"Just because something feels good doesn't mean we should pursue it now. We have to remember that the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing." 

~Joshua Harris 

What I loved about it all was I didn't feel pressured to follow, rather I was inspired to follow and honor God! It made me realize how much I want a relationship that will glorify and make him happy. I almost forgot I was reading a book on dating, which is a good thing. So many people focus on  one aspect in a book that you don't learn what really matters and why it's important. Joshua Harris widened my spectrum to God's love and what I can do to love him back, as well as love and cherish that special someone I have yet to meet and take as my own.

"I encourage you to write a love story with your life that you'll feel proud to tell." 

~Joshua Harris

I am encouraged.

Checkout his second book I reviewed Boy Meets Girl. Saying hello to courthship. You will love it. A beautiful continuation, yet stand alone book, to this wonderful book. You won't be able to put either of them down!

One Year Anniversary!

It's October. Wow I can't believe it! One year since I embarked on my journey into the blogging world. One year since I realized there was so much more to blogging than just writing and clicking post. One year for my heart to grow in Jesus Christ's love and have more Faith in Him.

It's been such a growing experience both mentally and spiritually, I couldn't have asked for a better year. 

Thank You. To all my followers, my readers, and passer-byers (I know, not a real word! Haha)

May God bless you and touch your hearts. Keep pursuing Him in faithfulness and righteousness! He hasn't stopped pursuing you!

Altar-Cation: A Call to Prayer

I'm sure many of you have heard of the Ebola breakout in Africa on the news. I'm sure you've also heard of the the medical missionaries who have been stricken by this awful virus. I first heard about Dr. Kent Brantly when KLove Radio announced that he had the chance of getting ill but then the next morning I hear on the news that he had indeed become infected. I quickly prayed for him and his family.

I caught a cold the other day and as I was jokingly whining to my sisters about how much I hate being sick, God whispered, "at least that is all you have." He was right. I felt humbled and began praying immediately again for Dr. Brantly and his family, as well as the people who are now infected and dying from something much more serious than my little summer cold. 

Something really hit me last night though. As I was scrolling through Facebook I saw friends posting links from ABCNews and other news links about Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly who are ill with the virus and how they are coming home to America. I'm sure these people's families are glad to have their loved ones home even if they aren't quite together yet. At least they aren't thousands and thousands of miles away. However, it wasn't the news of the virus coming to America coming here that drew my attention and concern. Comments from people about the news is what took me by surprise.

"Greaaaattt." and "Pull out the masks, Atlanians."

Echoes of "We don't want you here" resounded in my subconscious. The same way people might have said or thought about Leapers in Jesus's day. Those are the mildest of comments on this matter but I didn't dare look through the rest. It would've broken my heart. I'm sure some people don't think there words will ever  really be seen or heard by anyone, but they are wrong. People hear, people see, and people follow. I'm all for not getting sick. Believe me, I hate it just as much as the next folk. But what has happened to us, as Christians? That all we think about is ourselves, our comfort, our own well being above that of our brothers and sisters? 

I ask: Would you really condemn them for doing what God called them, as missionaries, to do because it makes you uncomfortable when calamity happens? Of course, this virus is nothing to sneeze at.  I believe in taking precautions and it should be taken seriously... then why aren't we standing together as the Christian soldiers we claim to be and turning to God with all this? Why aren't we praying, asking him to heal those who are sick and protect those who aren't? Why are we closing our arms when we should be spreading them wide open? So, as long as they aren't right next door it's okay to send our prayers out to them without restraints, with full compassion and understanding? Instead, groans fill the air and people draw back into their shells. Taking all our support and prayers with them. Why are we so quick to give our opinions and decisions but forget to put our trust in God?

Jesus hung around sick people ALL THE TIME! People with illness's just as serious back then or more than what we face today. Back then there were no vaccine's to help, no comfortable beds to lie your head on as you rested and became well again. No, instead, you would be cast out, ostracized, cut off from the community, your family and friends. Have we put all our faith within human limits, which we know fails, and lost all faith in The Almighty who never fails?

I spent many hours writing this because I truly felt God calling me to share these words. This is not a rant. This is not a blame game. These fingers are not pointing at you, these hands are crying out, "Lift up! Lift them up to the sky!" Rather than moaning and casting stones, praise God for not being ill stricken like these people in Africa. Praise God that you are not suffering through a loved one who has fallen ill like these families are experiencing right now. Praise God that he is with us ALWAYS! 

God says, "giver your worries to me for I care for you." He is not just saying, "I care about you and you're well being." He is saying, "I will take care of you".

Those are action words. 

We need to act as well. Don't just say, "I am praying for [insert your prayers]" but truly do it as often in your day as you can, and then some. Do it when your washing the dishes, driving to work, playing with your family. Steal as many moments of prayer as you can. No one needs to know how much your praying either. Just talk to God as if you were talking to your brother or sister, husband and wife, friends. 

"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." ~Matthew 6:6 (NLT)

We are followers of Christ. Let's gather together and not let the devil get a foothold in our hearts and our country. Let's take up our cross and instead of groaning and constantly worrying, pray for God's healing and protection and then believe he will do it!

Honestly, all these dystopian movies Hollywood is producing and these books being published, it's setting a fear in peoples hearts that wasn't meant to be there. Will the world end one day, yes! Read Revelations to find the truth, because all those movies and books are nothing but man-made fiction intended to scare you. 

See this diagram below? The top example shows the switch; it looks like a door to me. What if that is the door we are allowing the Devil to put his foot through? If you know anything about electricity and circuitry I applaud you When its open it stops the flow of positive energy and it can't reach the light bulb.

However, when that switch is closed the light bulb comes to life. Much is the same for our way of faith. If we let the devil get a foothold into our life and into our hearts the positive energy gets disrupted and it can't reach its destination. It can't light up the darkness.

"Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous." ~Psalms 112:14 (NLT)

"No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house." ~Matthew 5:15 (NLT)

Let's close the door on Satan and let God's current of life, love, flow through us and shine his wondrous light in this world blinded by fear. Let's bring our worries and cares before the altar of The Lamb. Let's encourage those around us not to be afraid and rest in the assurance of Christ. Because I believe even the least negativity is still negative.

Lets pray over the souls we have yet to meet but who need healing, physically and spiritually. Because if they believe and have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior then even if their, or your, bodies, perish here on earth their spirits move on to be with God forever in Heaven. Let's not forget who we are. We are children of God, his warriors, his cherished and beloved ones. He loves us and we need constant communication with Him if we hope to see change in the world. If we truly believe in God and his love than what do we really have to be afraid of? 

Prayer Starter: Dear Jesus, we ask you to be with Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol. They were out there helping those less than they and were attacked with this awful virus. Heal them of this sickness, fully and completely. We know they are coming home and people are worried they might get sick as well. Keep them safe from harm Lord and put their minds at ease because I know you are with us. Change the hearts of those who are worried and help them welcome these missionaries home. 

Have compassion on the people in Africa and have mercy on them. Show them your loving kindness through the midst of this tragedy and pain. Help us to not act out wrongly in fear and to trust you more with our lives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

Authors Note: I got the idea for the title of this post as I was thinking about bringing our worries before the Lord. How we bring our burdens to the altar and the word Altercation came up. Altercation means to have a loud disagreement. So I played on the words. I looked up "Cation" and it is the positive ION charge in things like batteries. I think you can piece together the rest from how the post went. God didn't just have me write this post but had me praying the entire time. For the peopling coming to the US, their families, and for all of you out there reading and not reading this. I don't think I've ever felt quite that way before. Have a wonderful day! 

GOD BLESS!

Brave!

Let's face it, sometimes life just seems so crazy hard! One of my closest friends told me once "you are so brave, I've never seen anyone who could handle the things the way you do." That was one of the greatest complements I received, but I couldn't take the credit for it. It was Jesus that made it all possible. He made me strong though I was weak and couldn't breath, He caught every tear I spilled than dried my face and built me back up.

I think the word "brave" has has received a bit of bad reputation because people throughout history went from using it as a way of encouraging and building people up to a way of telling you to hide it all away. What is the true definition of brave?

Definition of Brave:

1. ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage

Jesus doesn't say to hide away but to not be afraid, to lean on him and take courage because He is with you! {Matthew 14:27 NLT}

Definition of Courage:

1.  the ability to do something that frightens one

God gives us the ability to be brave when we seek him in everything we do. In the joy and the sorrow of today and tomorrow. Don't think being brave means shoving the things you are afraid of in the closet, but take them before our Lord and He will take care of you {Psalms 55:22 NLT}. The struggles, the trials, the battles we face today are put before us to make our faith and trust stronger in HIM.

" These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." --1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)

 How can Jesus make you brave today? Leave your comments below.

Hobby Lobby Needs Our Prayers Update!

They WON! Praise Jesus!