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Tag: Small Group

Be Joyful Always?

Written by tmadmin on . Posted in FF Video Blog.

FinallyFree124 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Be joyful always?  Really?  This has been a tough week in so many different ways.  Every time I turn on the news I’m reminded of the lives and homes that were lost in OK.  So much devastation.  There are senseless killings here and abroad…..one person horrifically claiming “an eye for an eye” as a reason for brutally murdering an innocent man walking down the street in London.

Then there are things happening in our personal lives.  Really tough things.  A sweet friend of mine had been praying for a liver transplant for her mom and it looked like God was working to make that happen.  Tiny miracles were happening along the way and she and her mom were both clinging to that each day.  Over the weekend her mom suddenly took a turn for the worse and she passed away a few days ago before a liver became available.  Be joyful always?

Joy in the midst of the storm is only possible with Christ.  I don’t know any other way to say it.  Is it difficult to live above our circumstances at times, you better believe it is.  But it IS possible and I’ve got to choose to have enough faith to live that out in my own life.  The verse from 1 Thessalonians wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t possible.  God’s not a game player using us as His pawns for entertainment.  He wouldn’t tell us to live a certain way if it wasn’t attainable.

“Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

THIS IS NOT ALL THERE IS!  And I thank God for that!  It’s only when I keep my eyes fixed on Him that I have any chance at all of living above my momentary troubles still finding joy in life.

Today you may find yourself on a mountaintop or in the midst of a valley.  Either way, I would love to hear what is bringing you joy today?  Sometimes it’s good to just write it down as a reminder to ourselves.  You can comment below.

Books That Challenge Me

Written by tmadmin on . Posted in Books.

KT_Head_RTI love to read and occasionally I like to post what I’ve been reading in the hopes that these books can challenge others as well.  God has gifted so many in the area of writing and I’ve gleaned little treasures from some wonderful books through the years.  Here is what is impacting me currently:

  1. Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning – I read this book or portions of it at least once a year.  I don’t know anyone who writes more honestly or sincerely about the grace of God and our desperate need for it. He challenges me to look at things from a different perspective and I love that.  Brennan finished his race here on earth a few months ago and he will be greatly missed.
  2. The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen – What a powerful book about the parable of the Prodigal Son.  I never realized I resembled not only the prodigal, but also naturally the elder son.  Most importantly, I should strive to resemble the Father in the story. What a great reminder.
  3. Half the Church: Recapturing God’s Global Vision for Women by Carolyn Custis James – Have you ever heard the term ezer-warrior?  Carolyn discusses this term and what it means to be a woman today and an ezer-warrior for the Kingdom of God.  Women are strong and brave and it’s time we step up to our battle positions for His Kingdom!
  4. The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson – This book has forever changed my prayer life.  What do you want God to do for you?  Is it ok to even ask that question?  Mark talks candidly about deep desires and what happens when we seek God earnestly and “pray through” for His inspired desires in our lives.
  5. The Freedom Of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller – This is a power-packed little book.  It’s only 44 pages long, but I have most of it highlighted.  “What are the marks of a supernaturally changed heart?  A truly gospel-humble person is not a self-hating person or a self-loving person, but a self-forgetful person.”  Wow.  A deeply convicting book.

I would love to hear from you if you’ve read any of these books or if you want to share others that are impacting you right now.