Book Review: gods at war by Kyle Idleman

I jumped at the opportunity to read Kyle Idleman's new book, gods at war.  However, my "preacherman" husband received first dibs at reading it and was helpful in writing this review.

I recently read the book “gods at war: Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart” by  author Kyle Idleman.  This was a challenging and insightful book that will push even the most devout Christian to reexamine their lives and not only throw out idols but, replace them with a deeper love and commitment to God.  The author’s witty and playful writing style makes this an enjoyable read and a book that I will definitely be adding to my library.

The first half of the book addresses the development of idols in our modern context and the last half of the book addresses specific idols such as entertainment, pleasure, sex and achievement.  At the close of each chapter are probing questions that force you to struggle with whether this is an idol in your life that needs replacing.  This book is based on solid Biblical principles and as a pastor I plan to develop a sermon series later this year based on the concepts I have learned from reading this book. 

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Booksneeze program for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: Shattered by Dani Pettrey

I anxiously awaited the opportunity to review Dani Pettrey's second installment to the Alaskan Courage series.  I previously read and reviewed the first book in the series, Submerged, where I was introduced to the McKenna family in Yancey, Alaska and the suspenseful romance of Cole McKenna and Bailey Craig.

The sequel, Shattered, picks up with a focus on the youngest McKenna sister, Piper.  The distant and rarely heard from McKenna brother, Reef, returns to Yancey and is arrested and jailed awaiting trial for murder.  Piper sets out to prove his innocence at all costs.  Deputy Landon Grainger is a long time friend of the McKenna's and desires to believe Reef is innocent.  However, due to the overwhelming evidence that is mounting against Reef, Landon is finding it difficult to believe him to be innocent.  This presents further complications as he is aware of his ever-growing feelings for Piper and his desperate need to protect her from the danger she chases.

My biggest dilemma when writing reviews on fiction novels is trying to convey enough of the story line without revealing too many of the surprises.  My review of Shattered is no different.  This book was a fun and enjoyable read.  I finished it quickly and would read it again.  I enjoy a good, modest, suspenseful, romantic read.  Dani Pettrey is quickly emerging as one of my favorite authors at the top of my list with Dee Henderson, Kristen Heitzmann and Irene Hannon.  I think readers of Submerged will similarly enjoy Shattered.  It provides familiar characters and a new and twisted plot.  If you haven't read Submerged, I suggest picking it up first to get better acquainted with the McKenna family.  If your reading interests are similar to mine, I think Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series will find a permanent spot on your bookshelf.  I will now anxiously await the release of book three, Stranded, set to be released in the Fall of 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.

My Word for 2013 - Part 2

I've known the topic of this blog post since I wrote the first post, My Word for 2013.  I'm an infrequent blogger as you can probably see.  My posts are often formed in my head long before they ever make it to written form and often times they never make it here.  This is one of those posts that if I had to be honest, I'd probably "forget" about writing it and try to move forward.  Yet, I am completely aware that this is one of those lessons God desires to teach me on my road to moving my desire to be Holy above my desire to be Happy.

The 2012-2013 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) theme this year is Plunge!  As part of the steering team this year I helped to create and assemble some theme verse pens at the beginning of the MOPS year in September 2012.  I knew the first lesson on this learning journey God wanted me to tackle the moment I looked down at the pen in my hand in Sunday School on one January morning and read the theme verse. "Love as if your life depended on it." 1 Peter 4:8

Love?  Really?  I love my husband.  I love my girls.  I love my family.  I love my friends.  Unfortunately, I knew that this was definitely an area that I could expand and grow.  It is easy for me to love those who love me, talk to me, spend time with me, share common interests with me.  It is very difficult for me to love those who are unkind to me, talk about me or my family, do not share my interests or have an overall bad attitude. Rick Warren refers to these people as the Extra Grace Required people in your life.

I LOVE my Monday night bible study girlfriends!  They are all so precious to me.  In the two and a half years we have been in Augusta, we have shared so many joys and heartbreaks together, laughter and tears.  One thing I have come to learn from this group of friends is that they are faithful to pray for your requests and God is faithful to answer.  Our current session of study began on February 4th.  My request was that God would help me to understand this piece of the holiness journey better and how to put it to work in my life.

Later that same week, my husband did something he has never done before.  We were in the kitchen as Preacherman was helping me with the dishes and he turns to me and asked me something similar to this, "If you were going to preach about loving difficult people, what does that look like practically?"  I just looked at him for a moment.  My mind has been trying to wrap itself around this lesson of love for a month now.  Preacherman was aware of the "holy" journey God had called me to this year, yet he was unaware that the first part of that journey was about love, specifically loving those people who don't really seem to love me.  I then began to spew out the mess of verses and thoughts that had been invading my mind for the last month.

God answered my prayer for understanding as my husband took in everything I spewed out and put it together with the message God had already led him to and summed it up in a 30 minute message on Sunday morning.  Maybe someone else in the congregation needed this message as much as I did, but as far as I'm concerned, my God was speaking directly to me.  Below are my sermon notes from this message.  A constant reminder for me to keep practicing love even when it is difficult.

Sermon Notes

February 10, 2013

Crib Notes: Loving the Extra Grace Required
James 2:8-9
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself, " you are doing right. But if you show favortism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

• We love EGR people by praying for them.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?"  Matthew 5:43-46

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice."  Proverbs 24:17

• We love EGR people by serving them.

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.  The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."  John 13:3-5

In these verses Jesus served the ones who would betray him and deny him and fall asleep in his greatest need.

• We love EGR people by learning to take a punch.

"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person.  If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."  Matthew 5:39-41

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  Romans 12:17-21

"His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said.  But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them."  Genesis 50:18-21

• We love EGR people by practicing until we get it.

Even when what we know to be truth and our heart are disconnected we must act on what we know to be truth, to bring the disconnect closer together.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 

1 Peter 4:8

Questions Kids Ask

It is the end of Spring Break and due to illnesses and cold weather here in Kansas, we haven't really accomplished much fun on this Spring Break.  In hopes of making a memory or two, we toted the family to the pool at the YMCA on this cold Friday night.  We had the privilege to bring along Crazy Horse's BFF for our memory making fun.  The night seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary.  The pool was relatively uncrowded and the water was warm - the way this momma likes it.  Preacherman and I divided and conquered most of the night (with the exception of my 15 minutes in hot tub bliss) each taking turns with Little Princess and Rockstar.  Crazy Horse and her BFF were usually at the far end of the pool.  I think we may have already entered the "I'm too cool to be around you" stage.  However, they did come around a time or two. One of those times is what made this evening a blog worthy moment.

Preacherman and I are playing with Little Princess and keeping close eye on Rockstar and her new friends when Crazy Horse and BFF swim over.  Crazy Horse always poses the real serious questions to Preacherman.  I guess she figures he is best suited for those questions.  So what do inquiring minds want to know while swimming at the YMCA?  

Crazy Horse to Preacherman:  "Dad, what is a thong?"

Preacherman and I were a bit shell-shocked at the question, and inquired to the context, as we look into the big eyes of these curious tweens.

I bet you are curious too.

Have you ever read the Water Park Rules that are posted on the wall at the YMCA?  Well apparently tween girls who spend 1 1/2 hours at the far end of the pool laughing, splashing and chatting do read those rules.  One of which states something of this nature:  "Proper swimwear must be worn at all times.  No cut-offs, shorts, thongs, etc."

Preacherman stepped up to the plate and did a stellar job of answering the questions of these inquisitive tweens.  In an effort of completeness we threw in the bonus "sandal" answer too, which we are pretty sure no longer exists and obviously was not the context of the signage. 

Our apologies to the parents of BFF.  Please let us borrow your daughter again in the near future.  Maybe next time we will go to the zoo for another educational experience. 

Happy 7th Birthday Rockstar!

It's that time of year again when we celebrate part of our musical life God has blessed us with by celebrating that memorable day our blonde haired, blue-eyed Rockstar entered our world.  Here is a pictorial glimpse into this past year with our young Rockstar.

 

My Word for 2013

I began this year reading a short article in The Baptist Digest titled "Not My Enemy!" and the truth within it has been following me around now for about 26 days waiting to be written, yet not completed.  Yesterday I was knocked into bed with some type of bug that completely zapped me of all energy and made every joint in my body ache.  Today as I continue to rest and recover I determined to put this New Year's thought down in writing. This post is only one of many that should follow as God works in my life throughout 2013 and beyond.   

 The most thought provoking quote (of a quote) in this article that I have been trying to digest over the last several weeks is "I love how Dr. Gary Thomas asks in Sacred Marriage, 'What if God intends to make us holy and not happy?'"  This quote has left me in a quandary.  My mind has been consumed with thoughts and questions such as -  My happiness is not directly related to the holiness God desires I develop.  Holiness and happiness are not the same (didn't I know this?).  Do they co-exist?  What is it in those unhappy moments that God is trying to teach me about holiness?  It seems as I further explore these thoughts, God brings to mind verses of wisdom in those "unhappy" moments that indicate to me there is a long journey ahead.

I was also challenged in this Proverbs 31 Ministries post by Rachel Olsen to chose one word to focus on for the year.  One word that is representative of what I hope Jesus will do in or through me.  One word that will help give me direction.  Yes, you've probably guessed it.  I've chosen my word.  Maybe my word chose me.  Regardless, the word, my word is holy.  Although I may have tried to avoid it and delay the post that might make it official.   It was the first word that provoked serious contemplation as I began 2013.  It continues to challenge me in my thoughts and actions.  I struggle.  I struggle hard.  Especially as I see the areas God is trying to teach me to be holy even at the expense of my happiness.  This is no small word.  This is no simple task.  It can't be accomplished in one written blog post, not even one or two days, months or years.  It won't be accomplished by church attendance or fellowship functions or even in Sunday School - although each of these things can by good and helpful.  This word, this process, is a lifelong challenge to become something I am not, yet something God desires me to be.  Holiness is not an accessory that I can wear when it matches my outfit.  Holiness is what God desires from me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  His word speaks to me, it calls me to be holy, to be set apart, to be light in the darkness.  The goal is set before me.  The finish line is not in sight, but the race is underway.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  Hebrews 12:1

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."  Ephesians 1:4

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."  Ephesians 4:22-24

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"  1 Peter 1:15-16

Bible Study Review: Chase by Jennie Allen

I recently reviewed the dvd-based study, Chase, by Jennie Allen.  The study is published by Thomas Nelson and contains an eight session dvd, member's bible study book, leader's guide and discussion cards for use during group discussion times.  In the Chase study, Jennie Allen leads us to explore the question, "What are you chasing?" by looking into the life of David and the defining events in his life.

The dvd contains eight video segments approximately 10 minutes each of bible teaching from Jennie Allen. The segment titles correspond with the study and include:
1) Chase - the introduction
2) Identity
3) Courage
4) Obedience
5) Belief
6) Repentance
7) Surrender
8) Chased Down

The leader's guide provides tips and information for preparation and leading a small group.  Each session is broken down into two parts: the main idea and the main goal.  The main goal section includes homework discussion questions to help foster direction in small group time.

The medium sized, 156 page member book provides focused bible study and projects designed to be completed individually throughout the week.  Each week includes approximately 15 pages of individual study and projects with plenty of "white space" for notes and answers to your study questions.  I did not find this study to be as intensive as previous studies I have completed by authors such as Beth Moore, but the study will provide many opportunities to respond and grow as you read and study the life of David.

My favorite part of the study is possibly the most unique way I've seen the use of discussion questions in a bible study.  The "ask" question cards.  There are approximately 12 question cards and a scripture card for each week.  It is suggested that you distribute the cards for each week and take turns reading the questions and discussing them as a group.  Also included is a scripture card for the week to help bring home the focus of the scriptural truth for the week's study.

This study is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of your specific group.  It can be used for a one-hour study group or expanded to a longer time frame that allows for more in-depth conversation among group members.

I found Jennie Allen to be real and transparent in her own struggles of what she loves in life and those things that often take priority over God, His kingdom and His word.  She uses personal examples of her life, her children and her family's adoption experience throughout the video segments.  I especially liked how she spoke directly to the camera in her video segments to her viewing audience.

I received this study for free from the Booksneeze blogging program in exchange for my honest review of this material.