To Speak Or Not To Speak?

"A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why can't we be like that wise old bird?" English language nursery rhyme

For several weeks I've been thinking of writing a post on people in the Christian community that feel the need to, or as they would express "bring to light" errors in Biblical teaching from certain teacher's and pastor's (I'll refrain from using names). These people probably feel they are being "led" to let us know about these misled Bible teacher's and pastor's. They probably feel it is their Christian duty, often quoting chapter and verse in order to back up their words. Read 1 Timothy.
With some websites and blogs it seems to be their focus to write posts, that will then be spread about throughout blog land, hashing and rehashing the same subjects on these "misled" teachers and pastors.
In America we have freedom of speech, being the author of a blog or website makes us instant publisher's. But, being a Christian sets us apart in how we should speak and live!
Sometimes it is necessary to council with someone who is not understanding the Bible. Sometimes it is necessary to gently rebuke someone who is teaching incorrectly. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-3 and Proverbs 15:1.
But, it is never okay to tear someone apart, nor to cut and paste quotes from various places in order to have "evidence" on that teacher or pastor that is in error. It is never okay to defame them, nor to spread gossip. It is never okay to use nasty or snide remarks. It is never okay to lower ourselves in our own character to the point that we are no different than the carnal world.
Sometimes I am ashamed of the Christian community that I am apart of because of their prejudice and hatefulness, more than that it grieves me.

And on the other side.

I am reading more and more from the secular community about those dogmatic, flagrant, prejudice, holier than thou, don't drink and don't dance, close-minded, Calvinistic Evangelist Christian's. 
I have a sample of a book on my Kindle about the Civil War. The author used the word Evangelist so often it became redundant and twangy.
Interesting how each side accuses the other and yet neither realizes each of them are being dogmatic and prejudice.
I read on another blog that maybe Christian's need to toughen up their skin. Maybe. Or maybe we need to follow Jesus' example.

I studied the Gospel of Mark last week and made notes of every time Jesus was angry, rebuked someone, was bold and direct, passionate, and when He was silent.
Jesus never called anyone derogatory names, He was the perfect listener, when He reproached or rebuked someone He was direct and to the point, He did not belittle anyone, no long speeches. 
He associated with everyone, He gave everyone a chance to come to Him.
And a lesson for me and for us, when someone turned their back on Him, He let their decision lay with them.
He did not take it personally by attacking them back.

Everyone has an opinion it's our human nature. But there is a time to speak and a time to remain silent. Choose your words carefully, choose your battles even more carefully. When we do speak, make sure we do it out of love, not out of proving we are correct in order to elevate our ego. Because if we allow ourselves time to think about it, pray about it, it just might be we were wrong, or that we need to rephrase what we were going to say.

The world is watching, paying closer attention to us than probably we are to them. Take it seriously.
Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and Hebrews 4:12-13.

For another article on this same subject by Tim Keller, Scoffers, Scorners, and Snark.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: What Jesus Demands From The World by John Piper

Just by saying the word demand it makes most people want to turn their nose up and walk away. After all who wants more demands on our "important" grown-up lives.
Yet, do we really think that after we become a Christian that that's all there is? No strings attached perse.
We are saved by grace, so we can all go home and just continue doing what we've always done?

John Piper's website:
http://www.desiringgod.org/

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Jesus-Demands-World-Piper/dp/1581348452
Hardcover $15.10
Paperback $12.23
Kindle $7.39

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/what-jesus-demands-from-the-world/john-piper/9781581348453/pd/348452?item_code=WW&netp_id=449412&event=ESRCN&view=details
Hardcover $14.49
eBook $7.99

Link for the book @ Crossway Publishers:
http://www.crossway.org/books/what-jesus-demands-from-the-world-hcj/
Hardcover $16.50

Published by Crossway September 2006/400 pages
Non-fiction/Christian Growth

I know you are going to be shocked but this is the first book I've read by John Piper. I know you're asking, "where have I been?" Well reading other books of course, but until now I'd not read any by John Piper. I do receive his weekly emails on various devotional articles he has written. I have read many quotes from him that are in books by other author's. But after reading What Jesus Demands From The World I can state emphatically this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I truly love this book and look forward to reading more books from John Piper.

John Piper states that "the aim of this book is God-glorifying obedience to Jesus. The ultimate goal is that God be glorified."
Read Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
According to my MacArthur NASB Study Bible in reference to verse 20. "The kind of evangelism called for in this commission does not end with the conversion of the unbeliever. God is with us!"
That is what Immanuel means--God with us. Since God is with us the next question is, how then do we live? 
Our purpose is not to just hang out on planet earth trying to have a good time till our body dies, whenever that may be.
We are here for one purpose, to glorify God. So the answer to the previous question is we live for His glory and to give Him glory.
How do we do that? By obeying Him and by being His witness.
John Piper in What Jesus Demands From The World shows us from all 4 Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John---50 demands that he sees that Jesus' followers are to obey.

"Demand #1 You Must Be Born Again"
From John chapter 3. You must be radically about face dramatically changed. The outward exterior shell of your life reflects that inward spirit changed difference.

Examples of other demands are:
"Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me"
"Strive To Enter Through The Narrow Door, For All Of Life Is War"
"Your Righteousness Must Exceed That Of The Pharisees, For Every Healthy Tree Bears Good Fruit"
"Love Your Neighbor As Yourself And As Jesus Loved Us"

One of my favorite chapters because it spoke directly to me:
"Demand #16 Humble Yourself By Making War On Pride." Whew, after reading that chapter I had to really take a look at my motives, my role in life, my heart. Because "to be humble is to be a servant." I can not say that I am Christ's servant unless I am humble and I desperately want my life to ring loudly in that. In this same chapter John Piper wrote that, "self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing....The need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire is not really for others to see them as helpless but as heroes." Ouch.

I feel this would be a great book to study individually or in a group.
It could easily be used as a daily devotional because of the short chapters, then giving yourself time to reflect on each chapter during the rest of the day.
John Piper explains himself well and he seems to be so gentle yet direct in subjects that many would be offended by.
I wish I owned this book, but do not, it is a library copy.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

Good Sunday Morning to you and Happy Father's Day!
Recent photographs of my dad and husband in honor of them.

In the past week I finished reading Mark in the NASB. This was the 2nd time this year to read Mark.
I also finished reading Romans in the Common English Bible. This was the 6th time to read Romans. This year I am reading Romans in 10 different translations, spread out over 10 months, 1 translation per month.
The Common English Bible has been available in the New Testament since 2010. The entire Bible--OT and NT will be available July 2011.
The Common English Bible is approachable, easy to read, and a modern translation for reader's that may not have been interested in reading the Bible before.
At their website you can download Genesis for free. 
An example from Romans 8:37-39 Common English Bible
"But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. I'm convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created."

Also.......maybe you remember I am memorizing 2 Scripture per month along with Beth Moore and about 2,712 other women. Her inspiration and encouragement to memorize Scripture is such a blessing!
From the 1-15 of this month I memorized,
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NIV
For the 16-30 of this month,
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13 NIV
We are 1/2 the way through in the year in memorizing Scripture, 6 more months to go!

Are you reading your Bible?
Annette

Book Review: Restored! God's Salvage Plan for Broken Lives by Dan Schaeffer

The Old Testament story of Naomi and Ruth is brought fresh again and made applicable to our lives!

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Restored-Gods-Salvage-Broken-Lives/dp/1572934549/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307723666&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.19

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/restored-gods-salvage-plan-broken-lives/dan-schaeffer/9781572934542/pd/934543?item_code=WW&netp_id=829171&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $8.79

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.dhp.org/Products/Restored-%E2%80%94-Gods-Salvage-Plan-for-Broken-Lives__M5496.aspx
Paperback 10.75

Published by Discovery House Publisher March 1, 2011
160 pages/Non-fiction/Old Testament/Growth/Trust/Naomi and Ruth

I appreciated it that in the introduction the author stated that this is not a feel good type book, not a "trouble makes us stronger" theme.
He states in the introduction that distress in life has value and purpose. We may not "feel" that any good thing can come from distress, but God has a plan and a purpose for us.
"Distress is unchangeable, immutable; and pain blurs perspective."

Naomi was a sad, lonely, bitter woman. Her husband and sons had all died and she was left with only grief. She had 2 daughter in-law's that both loved her, yet she was adamant in turning away from them, she encouraged them to go back to their families. Instead Ruth told Naomi she would not go back to her previous family and she would continue to make her home with Naomi.
"Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Ruth 1:16-17 ESV

"The process of becoming godly requires being fired in the furnace."
Naomi was being fired in the furnace. Ruth too had grief. But, it was Ruth that was the picture of godly character for Naomi. Ruth showed Naomi selflessness, trust and kindness. She loved Naomi extravagantly!
Her love for Naomi was a fragrant perfume.

I loved this book!
Several times during the course of reading it I paused to think back on my own life. The distresses that have happened over my 47 years.
The author breaks down several key elements that he believes Ruth modeled in character for Naomi.
He also wrote a chapter on Elimelech's bad decision, as well as a chapter on Boaz's character.
In each of these characters there are applications for us in our lives.
The author stated that we can turn away from the distress and towards an escape, or we can allow God to transform us in to the person He wants us to be.
God wants us to have authentic character! Not hide behind a word---Christian, but live that word in our lives.
My favorite question was at the end of the book,
"What are you rehearsing for? We are all being prepared for great moments in our lives. When that moment comes will your character reveal itself as authentic?"
This book is full of meaningful, thought provoking, heart stirring quotes.
Discussion questions are at the end of the book.

Thank you to Discovery House Publisher for my free copy for reading/review.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

A New Website

Kathi Macias alerted me to a new website for books, news, pod-casts, On-line articles, and more.
http://newhopedigital.com/

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

67th Anniversary of D-day

Today marks the 67th anniversary of D-day Normandy 6th of June. Veteran's of this battle are becoming smaller in number with each passing year. My dad is a D-day Veteran and is still living at age 88.

As a child growing up my dad would often talk of some of his experiences of World War II with mom and I. Most often he would share during our evening supper meal when we were all gathered together. Dad was selective in what he shared because I was a child, but as I grew older he shared more of his experiences with me. Yet, I know that it is impossible to fully express what combat is like, only a person that has experienced it first hand understands.

Photo by S. Gaulin

As I've gotten older and more mature, with each passing anniversary I hold my dad's heroism during D-day more precious. He is my daddy, age 88, with many aches and pains. I carry a list with me at all times with information on his lengthy history of past surgeries and current medications. He has become more frail and falls easily, and our trips to the doctor have become more frequent. But 67 years ago in 1944, he was a young man with hopes and dreams, he had a young body full of vibrance and strength. Yet, it is by the grace of God that he survived that day, and that he is still with us. He is such a blessing to me and on this day I honor him.
Thank you daddy.

Links for more information on D-day the 6th of June.
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/dday/
http://www.dday.org/
http://www.worldwar2history.info/D-Day/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43225629/ns/travel-destination_travel/
http://americandday.org/

The above 6 photograph's were taken during our trip to Normandy Omaha Beach in 1999. My dad is the man with the tan jacket. On that day in late October it was windy and with light rain. In the last picture the lone person on the beach, near the water is me. My thoughts at that moment were of what my dad went through. I thought about how long the beach front was, how far he had to go with sniper rifles and machine guns shooting at him. I thought about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. From that moment on no longer was it a story that my dad had told us, but it became more real to me, more tangible. The memory I have of that day on Normandy Omaha Beach is forever emblazoned in my mind.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

This past week!
I finished reading the Gospel of Matthew, reading chapters 22-28. I read 1/2 of Matthew in NKJV and the other 1/2 in NIV.
Next is Mark.
I also started re-reading Romans. I read chapters 1-3 in the Common English Bible.
This year I have a goal to read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. For the month of June it is Common English Bible.
There are 16 chapters in Romans. It has worked out wonderfully to read a chapter per day on calendar days 1-16.
I am also memorizing Scripture this year with Beth Moore. On the 1st and the 15th of every month we post on her blog the verse we've chosen to memorize. We are encouraged to memorize 2 per month. At the end of the year we will have memorized 24 verses! Isn't that amazing?
The verse I started memorizing on the 1st of June is~~
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
For June 15th I've decided to memorize Hebrews 4:13 NIV
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
I am hoping in July to memorize the rest of that chapter, meaning verses 14-16 of Hebrews chapter 4. I really want to memorize whole parts of Scripture, not just single verses.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette