I have been reading a lot this week, and I feel better for so many reasons!
First of all, the speaker at our youth rally this weekend offered a Gospel Challenge. He asked us to read through the Gospels in the month of March; so basically a book a week. I've tried this before, just trying to commit to a book a month, and I sadly and inexcusably wasn't successful. I'm so happy to say that as of now (day 4...it's still early, but it's progress!), I'm right on track. And I am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm hoping and planning to do the same challenge in April, reading a different translation. Who knows--maybe I'll do it each month for the rest of the year.
The Gospels are so important because they give us the true voice of Jesus while he was veiled in human form. Reading through his life's story, especially so many times, gives such insight into his character, his voice, and his love. And the more we know that, the more easily we will be able to recognize his presence in our lives.
I'm also reading Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. I started it about a year ago, but I wasn't on a health journey then, so the commitment faded quickly. However, I started the Advocare 24 day challenge this week, and this book has been an amazing partner for this journey. It has also been a great partner for the Gospel challenge. Because as I'm reading through all of these and making different food and exercise choices (and when I say different exercise choices, I mean choosing to do something...as opposed to the nothing that is my norm), it really is tying all together. I'm craving food less and my Bible reading more. It's a process, but I'm working through it.
Speaking of the 24 day challenge... I had gotten down lower than pre preggo weight while I was nursing again (did the same thing with Bella). But after I stopped, the weight started to crawl back up. And not only that, my eating habits were terrible and not changing. When my big clothes started to get tight, I knew I had to do something. Plus, I didn't really feel bad, but I knew without a doubt I could feel better. Several of my friends have had success with Advocare (especially my bestie who looks and feels more amazing than ever); since she sells it now and had experience, I jumped on board and bought the challenge. Being the dear that she is (and because I was nervous and kept putting it off), she decided to do it with me. It has been so much easier having a partner through it to check in and ask questions and be accountable to. I can't tell a huge difference yet, but I can tell you I'm not hungry all day like I figured I would be. And it has been easier (so far...) to avoid the snacking temptations that I gave into without any thought at all just a few days ago. I know that'll get harder somewhere down the line; hoping and praying for strength to fight through! I also know that my reading and praying will build in me self control and discipline to continue.
I also started The Best Yes (also by Lysa Terkeurst; she's kind of my BFF) last month and really want to finish it. The lesson she tackles in those pages is one I desperately need to improve upon.
And finally, I ordered a few books off of Amazon last week and cannot wait to dive into them. I may have a problem...finish a book before overloading yourself with more, Ang! I digress...
Several people I follow had posted that they had laughed and cried their way through Home is Where My People Are by Sophie Hudson (author of the BooMama blog). I had never heard of her, but this book got enough praise from some people I truly admire that I needed to have it. I've read the first few chapters and I can already tell it's going to speak to my heart. Oh, I love my people and I love my roots and I love my stories. This book is going to speak well to all of those pieces of me.
The other two books in that order were 7 and Interrupted by my newfound BFF Jen Hatmaker. I just love her. And I get to hear her husband, Brandon, speak at a conference I'm attending in a couple of weeks--so pumped! Anyway, I know both of these books are going to mess with me in some of the best and worst ways...but we all need that to happen sometimes; more often really...and I'm going to let Mrs. Hatmaker's Spirit-led words sharpen me over the next few months...
I will also be ordering Kid President's new book for my babes for Easter! Brad and Robbie are some incredible fellas who I've had the pleasure of meeting a couple of times; their mission to make the world more awesome is really a disguised way to spread the love of Jesus. And that right there is as awesome as it gets.
And I've gotten back to reading my blog friends' stories more often!
I'm a word nerd, so getting back into reading has been better for me than I realized it would be. I just get so swept up in mamahood and housewife duties and youth ministry biz and this and that and everything, that I convince myself that my brain just can't handle anything else. So I either turn on the tv and blindly watch something, or I whip out my phone and get lost in thoughtless games and social media. This week however, I've read. When K wakes up at night, I read. As I lay down to go to sleep, I read. While I eat lunch, I read. After everyone goes to sleep, I read. Before my kids wake up, I read. And I love it.
Until next time...
love, angie
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Reads: Current, Soon, and Suggestions
I love words and therefore I love books. The written word captivates me and does something to my mind, encompassing me in a whole other world. And I just long for that sometimes.
Currently, I'm reading:
 |
| This book is the focus of our ladies class for church onWednesday nights. We're enjoying it so far. |
 |
| My sister-in-law sent me this book about being the wife your husband needs. I'm all about any tool to strengthen my marriage. I'm not very far into it yet, but am enjoying the thoughts it's provoked so far. |
I would like to read soon:
 |
| This is Sheila Walsh's newest book and after hearing her speak last weekend, it seems like one that will pierce deep into the wounds of your soul and help you find healing through God's grace. Who doesn't need that? |
 |
| I've wanted to read this for a while now, as I've had several friends sing its praise. |
 |
| Hearing him speak is one of the luxuries I've had in my life. I'm anxious to read several of his books, but this one sticks out in my mind for some reason. |
 |
| I have also had the privilege of hearing Dr. Henry Cloud speak--he's just incredible. This book is one that I have heard innumerable praises for, and it teaches over a concept which I (and many, many other people) need to learn: how to set and adhere to boundaries in life. |
Books I've read and strongly encourage you to:
 |
| It was just great. It's long, but the story captivates you. It really puts the movie to shame. |
 |
| Read whichever and all fit the seasons of your life. These books will help you understand how others need to be loved, and also help you realize the ways in which you feel the most loved. |
 |
| A truly incredible story of a very young boy's visit to Heaven. It's hard to believe until you read it for yourself! |
 |
| This is the best literary tool for marriage counseling I have found yet. I strongly encourage any and every one who is married, engaged, or planning to marry some day to read it. Its pages hold wisdom. |
 |
| Anything by Nicholas Sparks. I am a helpless romantic at heart, and he never fails to trigger the water works. |
 |
| I've blogged about this book before. Francis Chan is magnificent with his words and challenges your ways of thinking in this book. |
 |
| Just finished these lovely beauties--over the course of six days (with a Women of Faith conference thrown in there too!)...They were just fantastic! A great mix of suspense, symbolism, and pure romance. |
 |
| I loved Mary Higgins Clark's writing in 9th grade when we read Where Are the Children? in English. And I haven't stopped loving her writing. These books wrap me up in them and I just can't put them down until the mystery has been solved! |
 |
| You wanna talk about making you think? This book is the one to do it. I was "born and bred" in the church and this book made me look back at all I had learned and the way I live and go, "huh?" It's truly mind-blowing--in a great way. If you struggle with your faith or understanding of the great commission; or better yet, if you are living and breathing and able to read...read this book. |
 |
| This one is a true story of a rich white man and a homeless former slave who somehow through God's graces form an incredible relationship. Warning: you will need tissues. But the story is very moving and heart warming. Another book that allows you to witness God's glory and plans. |
 |
| Wow. I mean that's really all I can say about this book. I actually need to read it again really soon. It's another one to make you think. But again, having been "born and bred" in the church, this book gave me a clearer understanding and picture of how the Trinity works together than anything else I'd ever encountered. You have to approach it with an open mind, but if you do, God will use it to fill the openness. |
“The ability to read awoke inside me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive.” --Malcolm X
|
“A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy.” --Edward P. Morgan
Hope you enjoy! And if you're not a reader, become one :)
love, angie
|
Thursday, February 23, 2012
What's your love language?
More importantly, what's the love language of the people you love?
If you haven't read any of Gary Chapman's books on the five love languages, I strongly encourage you to do so.
Obviously this is a great tool for marriage. If couples will find out how to treat to each other in the way that makes the other feel loved, imagine how much stronger the relationship becomes. Too often, we treat others the way that makes us feel loved--but they don't feel the same way about our actions that we do. And this leads to many misunderstandings and arguments.
However, this tool can be used in any relationship you have in your life. I was privileged while teaching to attend a conference given by someone who referenced this book often. It made me look at my students completely differently. Also, close friends, people at church, coworkers--if you take the time to examine them and notice what you think their love language might be, a more solid relationship has the chance to blossom.
He has written The Five Love Languages, which covers just about any relationship. However, I was also able to find the version for teenagers and for children. I have not finished either of those, but the little that I have read, I have already been able to apply to my relationships with children in those age brackets. It truly is amazing how much your relationships with people can improve if you take the time and resources you have to find out what makes them feel loved.
If you're interested in finding out your own love language (to maybe share with others or help you better understand yourself) you can take the test here. Have your spouse or close friend take it as well; then you can do things for each other that reach out to their primary language.
The test will give you a brief description of the language, but I strongly encourage you to read the book to get the full explanation and conceptualization. It'll change the way you treat people!
love, angie
If you haven't read any of Gary Chapman's books on the five love languages, I strongly encourage you to do so.
Obviously this is a great tool for marriage. If couples will find out how to treat to each other in the way that makes the other feel loved, imagine how much stronger the relationship becomes. Too often, we treat others the way that makes us feel loved--but they don't feel the same way about our actions that we do. And this leads to many misunderstandings and arguments.
However, this tool can be used in any relationship you have in your life. I was privileged while teaching to attend a conference given by someone who referenced this book often. It made me look at my students completely differently. Also, close friends, people at church, coworkers--if you take the time to examine them and notice what you think their love language might be, a more solid relationship has the chance to blossom.
 |
| This is a great tool for teachers, youth ministers, and parents. |
He has written The Five Love Languages, which covers just about any relationship. However, I was also able to find the version for teenagers and for children. I have not finished either of those, but the little that I have read, I have already been able to apply to my relationships with children in those age brackets. It truly is amazing how much your relationships with people can improve if you take the time and resources you have to find out what makes them feel loved.
 |
| Great tool for elementary teachers and parents |
If you're interested in finding out your own love language (to maybe share with others or help you better understand yourself) you can take the test here. Have your spouse or close friend take it as well; then you can do things for each other that reach out to their primary language.
The test will give you a brief description of the language, but I strongly encourage you to read the book to get the full explanation and conceptualization. It'll change the way you treat people!
love, angie
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
One of my absolute favorite habits that Hunter and I have gotten in to is reading every night before we go to sleep. We don't read the same book (right now anyway), but it's a nice, peaceful way to wind down, but yet it still feels like we're spending time together. Now those of you who know Hunter may be surprised to find out this little tid bit. It took me years to get him to read a book; and now he's unstoppable! But like any "librarian" knows, you just have to find what interests someone. I started him on The Shack and then Fireproof. Since then, he goes through books left and right! He discovered that he really enjoys reading historical and political non-fiction (gag me, but to each his own!).
Anyway, that long and crazy introduction was to introduce the book that I am currently reading. I had started Irresistible Revolution, but gave it to Hunter's brother B.A. to read and I wasn't quite finished with it. It is absolutely phenomenal and will deserve it's own post when I get a copy of it and can finish and quote it. Absolutely a must read. So anyway, this sudden lending of my book left me searching my shelves for my next target. Books are one of my worst weaknesses. I love them. I have shelves of books (I just purged them with the help of my loving sister, Michelle) that I haven't even read yet! So as I perused my collection of colorful spines, my eyes fell on Crazy Love. That was the one I wanted. I had picked it up at Lifeway a long time ago because it sounded like a promising read. Now over the course of time since I bought it, I've heard of so many small groups using it in their studies, friends who really received a lot from it, and our latest youth camp at Lubbock was focused on it. So it seemed to be time for me to start it.
As I flipped through the pages of chapters 2-4 last night, a specific section spoke to me and I felt the need to share it. I think it was even more powerful as I read this following Irresistible Revolution (if it gives you any hint at how powerful these words are: I HATE "dog earring" pages in books. I cringe when I see others--including my husband--do such to those beautiful pages! But both of these books have caused me to dog-ear several pages in them!).
Crazy Love as the title of a book...hmmm. What's that number one and two commandment of the New Testament again? Oh yes, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22: 37-39 (NIV) It sounds like such a simple task, but it is one that so many, labeled Christians in particular, struggle with. There's a popular country song out right now, "Love Like Crazy". People understand that--when it's people that love us back, people who are like us. But what about a complete and absolute surrender to love for God as we're commanded? And who exactly is my neighbor?
The section that caught my heart last night was on being lukewarm in love. Now those of us who grew up in the church have surely heard the lesson written to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3: 15-16: "I kow your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." But what does it mean to be lukewarm? Going to church when you should? Tithing to the church? Reading your Bible and praying a certain amount every week? I speak from experience and the only person I'm judging on this matter is myself. As I read the notes last night, which I'm about to type below, my heart was pricked. I am often guilty of being a lukewarm person...
Chan, Francis. Crazy Love. David Cook, Colorado Springs: 2008. (pages 68-80)
"...the American church is a difficult place to fit in if you want to live out New Testament Christianity. The goals of American Christianity are often a nice marriage, children who don't swear, and good church attendance. Taking the words of Christ literally and seriously is rarely considered. That's for the 'radicals' who are 'unbalanced' and who go 'overboard.' Most of us want a balanced life that we can control, that is safe, and that does not involve suffering. Would you describe yourself as totally in love with Jesus Christ? Or do the words halfhearted, lukewarm, and partially committed fit better?"
See if you can relate to any of the following examples he gives of being lukewarm. I know it was a wake-up call for me...
--"Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe 'good Christians' do, so they go." --Isa. 29: 13
--"Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right?" --1 Chron. 21: 24, Luke 21:1-4,
--"Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives." --Luke 6:26, Rev. 3:1, Matt. 23:5-7
--"Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they only want to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one." --Rom. 6:1-2
--"Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for 'extreme' Christians, no average ones. Lukewarm people call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all of his followers." --James 1:22, James 4:17, Matt. 21:28-31
--"Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion." --Matt. 10:32-33
--"Lukewarm people gauge their morality or 'goodness' by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street." --Luke 18:11-12
--"Lukewarm people say the love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives." --Luke 9:57-62
--"Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals." --Matt. 22:37-38
--"Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people the know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached." --Matt. 5:43-47, Luke 14:12-14
--"Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give." --Luke 18:21-25
--"Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often that eternity in Heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, 'If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.'" --Phil. 3:18-20, Col. 3:2
--"Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, 'Jesus never said that money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is.' Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel 'called' to minister to the rich; very few feel 'called' to minister to the poor." --Matt. 25:34, 40, Isa. 58:6-7
--"Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be 'good enough' without it requiring too much of them. They ask, 'How far can I go before it's considered a sin?' instead of 'How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit?' They ask 'How much do I have to give?' instead of 'How much can I give?' They ask, 'How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?' instead of 'I wish I didn't have to go to work, so I could sit here and read longer!'" --1 Chron. 29:14, Matt. 13:44-46
--"Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God." --1 Tim. 6:17-18, Matt. 10:28
--"Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a 'Christian nation.'" --Matt. 7:21, Amos 6:1
--"Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens--they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them--they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live--they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis--their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God." --Luke 12:16-21, Hebrews 11
--"Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less that average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong." --Matt. 23:25-28
Makes you think doesn't it? "We are all messed-up human beings, and no one is totally immune to the behaviors described in the previous examples. However, there is a difference between a life that is characterized by these sorts of mentalities and habits and a life that is in the process of being radically transformed."
love, angie
Anyway, that long and crazy introduction was to introduce the book that I am currently reading. I had started Irresistible Revolution, but gave it to Hunter's brother B.A. to read and I wasn't quite finished with it. It is absolutely phenomenal and will deserve it's own post when I get a copy of it and can finish and quote it. Absolutely a must read. So anyway, this sudden lending of my book left me searching my shelves for my next target. Books are one of my worst weaknesses. I love them. I have shelves of books (I just purged them with the help of my loving sister, Michelle) that I haven't even read yet! So as I perused my collection of colorful spines, my eyes fell on Crazy Love. That was the one I wanted. I had picked it up at Lifeway a long time ago because it sounded like a promising read. Now over the course of time since I bought it, I've heard of so many small groups using it in their studies, friends who really received a lot from it, and our latest youth camp at Lubbock was focused on it. So it seemed to be time for me to start it.
As I flipped through the pages of chapters 2-4 last night, a specific section spoke to me and I felt the need to share it. I think it was even more powerful as I read this following Irresistible Revolution (if it gives you any hint at how powerful these words are: I HATE "dog earring" pages in books. I cringe when I see others--including my husband--do such to those beautiful pages! But both of these books have caused me to dog-ear several pages in them!).
Crazy Love as the title of a book...hmmm. What's that number one and two commandment of the New Testament again? Oh yes, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22: 37-39 (NIV) It sounds like such a simple task, but it is one that so many, labeled Christians in particular, struggle with. There's a popular country song out right now, "Love Like Crazy". People understand that--when it's people that love us back, people who are like us. But what about a complete and absolute surrender to love for God as we're commanded? And who exactly is my neighbor?
The section that caught my heart last night was on being lukewarm in love. Now those of us who grew up in the church have surely heard the lesson written to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3: 15-16: "I kow your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." But what does it mean to be lukewarm? Going to church when you should? Tithing to the church? Reading your Bible and praying a certain amount every week? I speak from experience and the only person I'm judging on this matter is myself. As I read the notes last night, which I'm about to type below, my heart was pricked. I am often guilty of being a lukewarm person...
Chan, Francis. Crazy Love. David Cook, Colorado Springs: 2008. (pages 68-80)
"...the American church is a difficult place to fit in if you want to live out New Testament Christianity. The goals of American Christianity are often a nice marriage, children who don't swear, and good church attendance. Taking the words of Christ literally and seriously is rarely considered. That's for the 'radicals' who are 'unbalanced' and who go 'overboard.' Most of us want a balanced life that we can control, that is safe, and that does not involve suffering. Would you describe yourself as totally in love with Jesus Christ? Or do the words halfhearted, lukewarm, and partially committed fit better?"
See if you can relate to any of the following examples he gives of being lukewarm. I know it was a wake-up call for me...
--"Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe 'good Christians' do, so they go." --Isa. 29: 13
--"Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right?" --1 Chron. 21: 24, Luke 21:1-4,
--"Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives." --Luke 6:26, Rev. 3:1, Matt. 23:5-7
--"Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they only want to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one." --Rom. 6:1-2
--"Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for 'extreme' Christians, no average ones. Lukewarm people call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all of his followers." --James 1:22, James 4:17, Matt. 21:28-31
--"Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion." --Matt. 10:32-33
--"Lukewarm people gauge their morality or 'goodness' by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street." --Luke 18:11-12
--"Lukewarm people say the love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives." --Luke 9:57-62
--"Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals." --Matt. 22:37-38
--"Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people the know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached." --Matt. 5:43-47, Luke 14:12-14
--"Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give." --Luke 18:21-25
--"Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often that eternity in Heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, 'If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.'" --Phil. 3:18-20, Col. 3:2
--"Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, 'Jesus never said that money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is.' Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel 'called' to minister to the rich; very few feel 'called' to minister to the poor." --Matt. 25:34, 40, Isa. 58:6-7
--"Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be 'good enough' without it requiring too much of them. They ask, 'How far can I go before it's considered a sin?' instead of 'How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit?' They ask 'How much do I have to give?' instead of 'How much can I give?' They ask, 'How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?' instead of 'I wish I didn't have to go to work, so I could sit here and read longer!'" --1 Chron. 29:14, Matt. 13:44-46
--"Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God." --1 Tim. 6:17-18, Matt. 10:28
--"Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a 'Christian nation.'" --Matt. 7:21, Amos 6:1
--"Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens--they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them--they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live--they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis--their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God." --Luke 12:16-21, Hebrews 11
--"Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less that average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong." --Matt. 23:25-28
Makes you think doesn't it? "We are all messed-up human beings, and no one is totally immune to the behaviors described in the previous examples. However, there is a difference between a life that is characterized by these sorts of mentalities and habits and a life that is in the process of being radically transformed."
love, angie
 |
| you should read it |
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)