Category: Book Reviews

My Utmost For His Highest. Sept 3

He would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. 2 Samuel 23:16

What has been like “water from the well of Bethlehem” to you recently— love, friendship, or maybe some spiritual blessing (2 Samuel 23:16)? Have you taken whatever it may be, even at the risk of damaging your own soul, simply to satisfy yourself? If you have, then you cannot pour it out “to the Lord.” You can never set apart for God something that you desire for yourself to achieve your own satisfaction. If you try to satisfy yourself with a blessing from God, it will corrupt you. You must sacrifice it, pouring it out to God— something that your common sense (and our culture) says is an absurd waste!

How can I pour out “to the Lord” natural love and spiritual blessings? There is only one way— I must make a determination in my mind to do so. There are certain things other people do that could never be received by someone who does not know God, because it is humanly impossible to repay them. As soon as I realize that something is too wonderful for me, that I am not worthy to receive it, and that it is not meant for a human being at all, I must pour it out “to the Lord.” Then these very things that have come to me, even within sight of the Celestial City, will be poured out as “rivers of living water” all around me (John 7:38). And until I pour these things out to God, they actually endanger those I love, as well as myself, because they will be turned into lust. Yes, we can be lustful in things that are not sordid and vile. Even love must be transformed by being poured out “to the Lord.”

BOTTOM LINE:

If you have become bitter and even outright sour from too much self-indulged sitting and soaking, perhaps it is because when God gave you a blessing you hoarded it? Yet if you had poured it out to Him, you would have been the sweetest person on earth. If you are always keeping blessings to yourself and never learning to pour out anything “to the Lord,” other people will never have their vision of God expanded through you. Perhaps scenario three is not so much about our rights, but rather about our responsibilities to others!

Further Reflection on WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else. “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord,” from The Highest Good—The Pilgrim’s Song Book, 537

In April Loretta and I watched a 2006 movie titled “The Ultimate Gift,” based on Jim Stovall’s novel so titled starring Abigail Breslen, Ali Hillis, Drew Fuller, Bill Cobb, Lee Merriwether, and James Garner in his final live action film appearance before his death in 2014.

Last evening two close friends and I viewed it together and once more, I was greatly enamored with its message. Reading its reviews today though gave me a nagging chill, as I must assume I’m quite out of my league in predicting what constitutes a professionally done and a worthy inspirational flick. That being said, there are times you must trust what you’ve known and credentialed in your heart for years experientially, even when some friends & family, etc., are momentarily convinced that their sources, are the new norm and worthy of your acceptance.

I still like the film, even if the ratings are low, and a ponzi scheme may have been involved, as “Its sincerity, optimism, and its tight and often compelling screenplay, sparkling dialogue and ‘first-rate’ production values,” flies in the face of Rotten Tomatoes, who gave it an approval rating of 33% based on 60 reviews, or a 5.20 /10.0.

I was also enamored with Carl’s message yesterday such that I posted it detailing the three major invitations Jesus offers us at the Starting Gates of Life and beyond:  First Decision, which gate; followed by which Direction we choose to travel, that ultimately, determines our final Destination.  

May I make a suggestion? I think “The Ultimate Gift” movie is an excellent follow-up and conversation starter for these three scenarios: 1.) for the seeker approaching the Starting Gates, or 2.) for the struggling soul under conviction as they are being propelled down on the broad road as if in a stampede, or 3.) for those on the narrow road approaching their final destination having checked the Decision  and Direction boxes with authenticity, even joy, but now with the Celestial City Destination in view, you’re experiencing a fall chill in the air, and you’re at a loss to risk engaging conversation, for what would others make of your questions, concerns.

So, as I say frequently, when we are in the third scenario, and quite apt to just sit there, soak, and eventually sour, I suggest you first consider professional empowered focused Christian counseling. Why, because if you’re thrived thus far on your journey, you know the basics, you are established, your close friends have shared so many exquisite bonding encounters with you, etc., so that now, I suggest this seeing a professional is merely helping you gain a new perspective, by helping you noticing the clues about you much as Andy Andrews does in his book “The Noticer,” when actually this fictitious Mr. Jones is the undercover professional focused Christian counselor, in that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others, for whatever reason,  simply miss, and he even points this out frequently to those with whom he therapeutically dialogues.   

Now, if telling you to seek out a counselor offended you, just chill and read the book, or watch the movie, “The Ultimate Gift.” I also highly recommend reading two other books if you’re in the third trimester of approaching the Celestial City and are already experiencing a chill in your spirit pending your transitional delivery: 1.) “Going ‘Till You’re Gone” by Berlin OH. Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) prolific author, Gary Miller, and 2.) John Burke’s two most recent books, “Imagine Heaven” and “Imagine the God of Heaven. Three very different books but so uniquely spiritually anointed to minister to those of you struggling in scenario three as you prepare for eternity.

I’ll not bore you again but I credit my remarkable recovery after my 9/18/18 accident and instant unplanned retirement, such that within 12 months I stupidly racking up a $100,000 in debt; to first of all developing a daily routine including writing this blog, now over 400 posts (actually, I’m told writing is excellent therapy improving one’s mental health!), reading & reflecting on Utmost, reading & reflecting on dailylightdevotional.com, reading & reflecting on One Year Bible, Loretta’s major love and research, and John Burke’s Imagine Heaven book.

This post this Labor Day evening, 52 years after we buried my mother, Stella Mae Gingerich Erb, Labor Day 1972, 2 PM, came out of last night’s movies ferment. I almost forgot to include the 12 valuable life lessons the movie illustrates and follows on the screen after the credits. Profound. I didn’t even know there was Fox Faith production entity.

The Ultimate Gift based on a novel by Jim Stovall

The movie highlights the twelve gifts of Life:

1.) Work: “when you enjoy work like you just did, you can do anything.”

2.) Money:

3. Friend: “I plan to know Jason for the rest of my life.”

4.) Learning: “Do you truly know how to learn?” 

5.) Problems: “You don’t begin to live until you’ve lost everything, heck, I’ve lost everything 3 or 4 times, it is the perfect place to start.”

6.) Family:

7.) Laughter:

8.) Dreams: Your need to be free to dream…  “Actually, I don’t know if I can dream. I do know I can help others fulfill their dreams though.”

9.) Giving: “I do have to give away some money away….”

10.) Gratitude: “apparently, someone came by and paid my back rent, was it you? Thank you.”

11.) A Day

12.) Love: I love you Son. Good-by

Sometimes I think that this movie ought to be a requirement prior HS graduation, sorta like I now realize I should have taken some Home EC cooking classes. Same principle in operation.

Leading actors/actresses

Emily Rose – Abigail Breslen, Alexia – Ali Hilis, Jason Stevens – Drew Fuller, Theophilus Hamilton – Bill Cobbs, Miss Hastings – Lee Merriwether

Music:

“My Mom Says I’m Cool.” Arlen, RAE MUSIC

Dodge City Rockers

“Crazy” written by Willie Nelson, performed by Patsy Cline

“Gotta Serve Somebody.” written & performed by Bob Dylan

“Simple Gifts.” Shaker Hymn adapted and arranged by Aaron Copland

“The Thrill Is Gone.”   written by Rick Darnell & Roy Hawkins performed by BB King

“The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” written by G. F. Handel performed by the LA Guitar Quartet

“Caramba” performed by Tierra Caliente

“Arrullo” performed by La Voz De Ninos Dios

“On Fire” written by Jon Foreman and Daniel Victor, performed by Switchfoot

“Breathe Me” performed by Dan Carey & Sia Furler

“Something Changed” written & performed by Sara Groves

“Legacy” written by Kelly Morrison & performed by Ed Goggin

Day 148

“Their message has gone out to all the earth.” Psalm 19:4

God is the author of two books described in this Psalm. The first half of Psalm 19 describes His Book of Creation (vv1-6); the last half describes His Book of Scripture (vv. 7-11). Psalm 19 then concludes with a fitting prayer of confession and commitment in verses 12-14.

The psalmist opens with a sweeping appreciation for God’s handiwork in the skies. The sun, he said, is a runner who starts a sky race every morning and completes it each evening. It’s a star 93 million miles away, composed of hydrogen and helium, a literal fireball of remarkable energy generated by nuclear fusion reactions, producing 10 million megatons of energy per second. Its temperature is about 10,000 degrees on the surface and approximately 25 million degrees at its center. If it were a little larger, its gravity would pull us into it and we’d burn up; a little smaller and we’d and we’d drift off into deadly coldness. If it were a little hotter, we’d be consumed; a little colder and we’d freeze. If it were a little brighter, we’d be blinded; a little dimmer and our world would be perpetually dimmed.

BOTTOM LINE:

In every way, the sun perfectly matches earth, making our planet the only known spot in the universe for human life. There’s no locale or person on Earth where the sun doesn’t shine. God’s creation is accessible to all, telling everyone of God’s majesty and declaring His glory.

All to Jesus: A Year of Devotions. Robert J Morgan 2008

MY FURTHER REFLECTION: The potential hypocrisy of my (man’s) heart’s past, present & future belligerence to acknowledge God as the sole Creator of our universe, considering the preponderance of evidence now known, or, yet being discovered, even within the human body (brain, genetics, nutritional & chemical influencers, etc), or beyond our bodies, in such as by the transforming power of His Holy Spirit in matters of our relationships past, present, & future, not to mention the healing impact of His Divine Love throughout our lives at this very moment…

We are truly blessed beyond our mere comprehension. How can I even begin to worship His creation and works in me appropriately?

Next, consider the marvel His salvation provides us, and the “access” to life He provides us?

Today, and in the future, the key word in this techie world may be “ACCESS.” How does one insure continual access to whatever? Avoid the ACCESS DENIED caption!

Next, consider the invitational Jesus of the Scriptures, and our timely response to insure our future access…   

Next, consider the perspective of “Our puny rituals” vs. “His endless realities of Love!”

Go forth today celebrating His abundance that is NOW accessible to you! Indeed! The message has gone throughout the earth! Psalm 19:4

As I conclude this post, I am reminded that my very first computer purchased in 1984 was indeed named “Access” housed in a black box cube with a hinged lid. Weighing 43 lbs., Monochrome of course, 2 floppy drives, with both phone modem receptacles top side as well as an Epson printer, and we were in business and on the move! I’m now just reflecting now how well named it was. I’m wondering now what power it’s developers had access too?

About all I remember now is that I wrote a check for $2000 and picked it up at 8 am at a unmarked side door in a nondesript warehouse in N. Canton just up from the Toyota dealer. I presume my dairy nutrition guru friend Donovan Beyeler, formerly of Orrville, then of Elkhart, was instrumental in arranging the sale as he was continually researching the then dribbling pipeline of portable home business computers prior the introduction of laptops… as I certainly was not knowledgeable of the latest and greatest. And it was because of Don, I’m sure that they even took my check!

But here again, we return to ACCESS, don’t we? It is the WHO we know! Be it via “puny rituals” or His “endless realities.” Don’t you love that we serve an “invitational Jesus” capable of both empowering us and opening the necessary doors? Pure Kingdom Joy! None of this fabricated synthetic Chicago misnamed vocab! First, the New Agers hijacked His rainbow, now even the word joy! May we concertedly live every moment “invitationally alive” with Jesus. Do not become consumed by the encroaching dark deception about us. It is so temporary!

I’m reminded today(Aug 28) of Job’s words in the One Year Bible from Job 24:22-24 “though they become established, they have no assurance of life. He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but his eyes are on their ways. For a little while they are exalted, and then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain.”  And if you were ever “privileged” to monotonously gaze into a combine header watching the heads of grain being gathered in, you better understand being brought low and gathered up like all others, be it spiritually, or mechanically!

Seriously now, today (Aug 28) One Year Bible has these verses from I Cor.2: 14-17 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in joyful triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the Word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

Now read it from the Message. Both are powerfully inspired! 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (MSG) In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance.
Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.
But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on?
No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.

Got the picture? Then I must act accordingly!

Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:18

As familiar as many of us are with the Passover and Exodus, one aspect of that great event is often overlooked: God redeemed His chosen people from bondage to Pharaoh for the purpose that they might become servants (slaves) to Him. Freedom for the sake of absolute freedom from all responsibility was never God’s purpose. The children of Israel, once they came out of Egypt, did not suddenly scatter to the four points of the compass to do whatever they wished. God’s desire was that they might walk in His Will and invest their freedom from bondage in obedience to His Will. Why? So that He might bless them! When they failed to obey Him, He did not revoke their redemption and send them again into bondage! Indeed not! But they did miss out on the temporal blessings of continued obedience.

BOTTOM LINE:

The parallel between the nation of Israel in the Old Testament and the individual believer today is inescapable. We should invest our freedom from slavery to sin, not indulging the whims of the flesh, but in seeking to serve the God who redeemed us, WITH ALL THAT LIES WITHIN US! 

Sanctuary: Finding Moments of Refuge in the Presence of God  David Jeremiah Aug 20

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

Today while traveling highways (such as 77 S, 70 E, 79 S to Morgantown WV) to take Loretta to return with Paul to DC to babysit our grandson Robin for the month of Sept, I encountered the stark reality of being grimly reminded of how grossly I did miss out on my earlier years of temporal blessings because of my “discontinued or interrupted” obedience.

Perhaps I didn’t encounter during my travels today, or even recent dreams, the enchanting ladder as Jacob, or the shady vine as Jonah, or the cock’s crowing thrice as Peter, but I did encounter the loving arms of my Father’s embracing restoration and glimpses into the gross depths of my missing the mark and how far down into the canyons of my sin He indeed reached to pull me up & out and present me faultless before a Holy God. What a Savior! And that a road trip today would so uniquely remind me of my derelict “life & times during 1977- 1993?”

In a way, I both pity, and yet envy you, if you have no such vivid recollections of how great a salvation you personally have been given at various times throughout your life to date, whether it be stimulated by a short road trip as I, OR for you, after browsing thru an earlier journal of yours from decades ago while relaxing in your recliner! We’re always to be ready to give an account for the hope that drives us on>>>>>

 Again, Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:18 Now, my only desire is to more fully revel as a slave in the joyful trappings of His righteousness… Free at last, Thank God, I’m free at last!

WHAT’S NEXT?

So, I’m increasingly being drawn to Transformational Power as His key! Here is what I think as I attempt to write! What’s the big deal or the point of talking about becoming His “inhabited” slaves of righteousness, if we continually choose to remain as the culturally inhibited while sitting, soaking, & souring on Christ’s sidelines contemplating our “profession of faith” while walking the tightrope avoiding going obnoxiously overboard while engaging or activating our “practices of faith.”

Wake up folks! Our western civilizations cultural demise is a spiritual problem that first begins in our marriages, homes, churches, communities, and then our local, state and national governments. Expecting any meaningful changes to begin anywhere else except those first four is quite preposterous! Although, I must admit the recent change of events in El Salvador does fuel ones spiritual optimism!

If our local churches today are as Menno Simon’s repeatedly identified in his writings, even remotely dependent on our rituals, and not on the realities of “being born again” and the all-sufficiency of Christ as outlined in scripture, no wonder our congregations are sliding toward hospice care. Should not churches be serving as an inspirational spiritual beacon and an effective rallying center for the leadership folks in our communities?

We’re not to be necessarily the quiet hiding out avoiding confrontation or messy politics in the land of the free, but rather, empowering the spiritual entrepreneurs engaging in all aspects of community life, whether in our expressions of worship, education, business, medicine, mental health, governmental entities, etc., with real answers in the marketplace of His creative ideas, beginning first with our invitational “unknown God,” such as Paul did on Mar’s Hill. Only when His love is visibly present, fruitful and forth-coming in our homes and churches, will we move His Kingdom beyond the scourge of hospice care into an ever expanding transformed source of His newly formed disciples fulfilling their Kingdom identities & destinies, much as Jamie Winship instructs.

The rampant “silent” doom and gloom today we’re permitting in our churches and communities is ironically deafening. Actually, it is the elephant in our midst. Are we going to ignore it and cower as the Saul’s army did before Goliath, or, will we as David take stock, prepare, and engage? We are not powerless, we’re simply not empowered. And primarily, because we’re playing games about professing our faith, (still counting the cost) and then, consequently, are not (actually, can not be) serious about practicing our faith, so in no way, will we become Holy Spirit empowered!

If we continue to skirt and dance about the issues in our churches and communities wringing our hands while seeking frantically “man’s new methods, materials & means to patch up our MESSES”, when we simply lack His explicit understandings:

Come unto me and rest, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, into His courts with Praise.

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14.

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40: 2-3.

Time to stop all this chronicling! It is time to Simplify-Come-Rest-Enter-Praise-Humble Ourselves-Pray-Seek-Pray-Praise-Then Communicate-Pray-Praise-Take stock-Pray-Praise-Prepare-Pray-Praise-Engage-Pray-Praise-Evaluate/Reassess-Pray-Praise >>>>>> repeat continually. Trust His Spirit! Yes!