The measure of my success or failure is not the sum total of my social media followers or comments or likes or shares or hearts or thumbs up or retweets or pins or whatever the latest gratuitous praise symbol of the day might be.
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From the book: “Without this Cross, there is no tomb. No “He is risen.” No “firstborn from among the dead.” No Savior with the keys of death and hell dangling from His belt. No Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End. Before we can celebrate where He is not (i.e., the tomb) and why He is not there, we need to backtrack to where He’s been, how He got there, and what His presence there accomplished.”
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I found myself enthralled with his ability to paint such vivid scenes with his words. I found myself reading and re-reading the same day over and over again. I found myself in his plain straight-forward word pictures bringing to the fore that which is ugly, detestable, and foul. I found myself starting up at the Cross and simply asking myself, why would He do that… for me?
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This is a wonderfully written book by Priscilla Schirer. It was originally written 10 years ago but is now being all these years later. Based on Ephesians 3:20-21, the author takes up through it one word, or just one phrase at a time as she relates it back to her own life; witnessing and sharing God’s hand on her life and that of her family as she shares her joys and pains, and triumphs and losses.
As the author states, “I didn’t need to get past what I’d written, as if my real life had outmatched it; I just needed to get back in touch with what I’d written…. Saying and believing “God is able” is not a spiritual smokescreen intended to keep us from dealing with life’s hard reality. It is instead the bedrock truth that gives us the hope and strength we need for facing reality.”
I truly enjoyed this book as Ms. Shirer openly takes us into her life, with all its ups and downs, and shares her deep truths and what she’s learned after reflecting over 10 years. I couldn’t help but feel, as I was reading, that her talent as a gifted writer and down-to-earth relatability, it was like sitting down across from her and hearing her retell her stories firsthand.
Disclosure: I received this book free via NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.
From the book: “Is there an answer, a guide, a blueprint that reveals what you need to know to survive, to stand, and to prevail in view of what’s coming in the days ahead?
Has it been revealed to us in the appearing of a sign from an ancient mystery playing out in modern times before our eyes?”
Jonathan Cahn does it again. With impeccable research and an amazing ability to bring together ancient mysteries and text and modern-day America, he unfolds history to give us a front row seat into how and what is happening is not a surprise – it was ordained from the foundation of man.
This book serves as a guidebook for us to not just know what to expect, but how to survive and stand and most importantly prevail in what’s coming in the days of the end. As stated in Chapter VI, “The danger of living in an especially darkened culture and of fighting evil, as one must, is to become defined by that against which one is fighting, to let evil become one’s focus, to live in reaction to it, and become its reflection. The righteous must guard against that. They must not be defined by what they stand against but by what they stand for.”
Some may read this book and consider it a stretch to associate ancient Israel to America today. To me it was not a stretch at all. One need only listen to the news for a day to see that we are indeed watching it unfold before our eyes right here in America.
*Disclaimer: As part of a launch team, I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Can God do this? Can God fix this? Can God move mountains? Can God do the seemingly impossible when all around you say that it is impossible?
The answer is YES!
Recently someone I know reached out to friends and family asking for “divine intervention and good intentions” in a very private matter. I messaged that I would keep them and the family in my prayers. The reply from my friend was “no divine intervention will help”. This hurt my heart as I know that somewhere deep inside, this person knows the truth. Yet somehow over the years a conscious choice to deny the truth of God’s realness, goodness and grace was made.
Some may think that life altering crises happen only to people that have made the conscious choice to ignore or reject God. Oh if that were only true. Time and time again, we see historical evidence recorded throughout the Word of God of the days, weeks, months, years even generations of chaos, calamity and turmoil that erupted in and around the lives of God’s children – divorce, death, adultery, sickness, prison, torture, disgrace, scandal, ridicule, demons, treachery and betrayal – to name a few. In each of these instances, God shows us that there are times the road to the miraculous travels through the ugly, wicked and evil – and it does so because of FAITH – faith that is sure and certain and confident.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
It is easy to go through life’s disappointments, failures, fears and uncertainties and lose whatever faith in God you might have. Once you begin to question His reason for the pain and turmoil in your life, you can very easily come to the conclusion that God’s really doesn’t care about you or your crises. And if He doesn’t care about you, then He is not a loving God and if He isn’t a loving God, then why would you spend your time believing in some fairy tale. Sound about right? Continue reading
This is a re-post of this article first written in 2015. How sad is it that all we need do is to change the name of the Church or Synagogue and it is as relevant today as it was three years ago.
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My heart hurts today. The news on every channel is filled with images from South Carolina and the senseless killing of nine precious saints in the AME Church in Charleston. My heart weeps for the destruction.
satan has stepped up his unholy boldness; he is no longer lurking in the shadows. Oh no, he is taking his evil right to Main Street America.
his pervasive evil now invades our homes to steal our children right from their beds only to rape, maim and murder the innocents – all done in the name of evil. And satan laughs.
Evil now walks upright in the full light of day directly through the front door of our schools and opens fire on the innocents – killing all in its path; leaving a trail of destruction and tears that can never be repaired, never be forgotten – all done in the name of evil. And satan laughs.
Evil now boards our airplanes – unafraid and undaunted. It takes control and three thousand innocents are murdered – all done in the name of evil. And satan laughs.
Called to Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Most of us have felt it: that unexplained prompting in our hearts to stop and pray for a friend, a loved one, or even a stranger. Sometimes we dismiss the feeling as a stray thought about friends, families, or situations. Sometimes we are even awakened from a deep sleep with an even deeper need to go to God in prayer. Where do those urges come from? Are they truly from God? And do those prayers have any effect on the one we’re praying for?
In Called to Pray, Linda Evans Shepherd dozens of inspiring true stories of people who have felt God’s call to pray–and the astonishing results of those impromptu prayers. For those who wonder if prayer has any effect or doubt that God communicates with us personally, this heart-stirring book will amaze, inspire, and equip them to respond to those holy promptings”
This author, Linda Evan Shepherd knows prayer. Her life is a prayer. I have been a fan of Ms. Shepherd since I first read one of her books a few years back. This book, Called to Pray, is another in a long line of wonderfully written testaments to the power of prayer. This book in particular will fill your heart with hope and joy in all that our Creator sees and does in the lives of His children. Thank you, Ms Shepherd. I am so looking forward to future titles from you.
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Waiting on God: What to Do When God Does Nothing by Wayne Stiles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
“What do you do when the life God has promised you looks nothing like the life he has given you? We wait at red lights, in long lines, and for a person to change. But the most difficult waiting? Waiting on God.
We want to know God’s plan so that we can trust the plan–but often God hides his plan so that we will trust him. What can we do in the meantime while we wait for an answer to prayer, a change of heart, or a miracle of provision?”
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90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don’s body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don’s soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he’d never known before. Don was in Heaven.
When another pastor’s prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven’s bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life. The Piper family’s incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life – and death – will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.”
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Prevail: Discover Your Strength in Hard Places by Cindy Trimm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Your problems don’t define you; they refine you. Sometimes life feels like a roller coaster ride filled with ups, downs, twists, turns, and unexpected sudden drops. Instead of moving forward with peace and purpose, our lives spin out of control. When chaos and uncertainty threaten to make you feel helpless . . . what do you do? Don’t let life’s detours take you for a ride. Get back in the driver’s seat!”
Prevail by Dr. Cindy Trimm is the third book that I have read by this author and just when I think that she has said it all, I am wrong. Dr. Trimm has the amazing ability to have you take some of your life’s most heinous and hideous events and use them to bring success and fulfillment in your life.
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Saved Because of His Mercy 