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Showing posts from May, 2013

Miscellaneous Web Sightings for May 31, 2013

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Deciding to Marry a Quadriplegic: Couple Tells Love Story ABCNews story of Ken and Joni Earkeson Tada! Joni and Friends ministry website See their links that include Wheels for the World (to get wheelchairs to those that need them) and Kids' Why? Booklet that answers the questions of suffering and tragedy so a child can understand Book for Men:  Free for a Limited Time on the Kindle The Masculine Mandate:  God's Calling to Men 191 pages with a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5 from 40 of the 42 reviewers Nigeria—Pastor Murdered by Muslim Militants Source: Voice of the Martyrs Psalm 34:18 On May 14, Pastor Faye Pama, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State and Senior Pastor of Rhema Assembly Church, was murdered by Boko Haram militants. The attackers reportedly followed Pastor Pama to his home in Maiduguri after he left a Bible study at his church. The gunmen dragged Pastor Pama out of his house and shot him to death in front of h

Review of I Am A Church Member by Thom Rainer

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This is the first book by Thom Rainer that I have read.  In what I have discovered about him in general, but as a result of following his blog in particular, I have developed quite a bit of respect for him.  His latest did not disappoint. Published on April 14, 2013,  I Am A Church Member is available in Kindle e-book or hardcover versions and it is just under 100 pages long. I read the book in Kindle form in less than 2 hours.  It is easy to read, digest and sensitively but unashamedly addresses issues like gossip, a "what's in it for me" mindset, worship wars and more. Rainer asks the reader to consider what he believes is a biblical attitude of church membership and how that differs from the culture's definition of membership. Unlike other books of this type, Rainer doesn't ignore Scripture but brings them forth alongside research and experience to offer a compelling description of what a church member is and should be and the difference that would m

Kindle Deals Worth Noting Including Free Ones -- updated on 05/29

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I Am a Church Member new from Thom Rainer reduced to $4.99 for a limited time on the Kindle CBD is selling a hard copy for $5.00 Free on the Kindle until Tuesday (05/28/13) at Midnight  (now 2.99 - as of 05/29) Claim:  A Novel of Colorado by Lisa T. Bergren If the Shoe Fits - still free 05/29/13 by Sandra Bricker A cute, funny, modern twist of Cinderella 39 out of 41 Amazon reviewers loved it (gave it a 5 out of 5) Five Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter 99 cents -- now 9.99 (got to jump on these!) -- 05/29 * Your are more than the sum of your body parts. * Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. * Sex is great and worth the wait. * It's OK to dream about marriage and motherhood. * Girls' gone wild are a dime a dozen - dare to be virtuous. Understanding the Times by Ken Ham 53 pages free on Kindle! Called Home: Finding Joy in Letting God Lead Your Homeschool 99 cents on Kindle by Karen DeBeus 24 out of 24 give it 4 or 5 stars

Memorial Day: the Women Who Gave Their Lives, the War on Terror's POW-MIA, Etc.

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Second Lt. Ruth M. Gardiner died in an aircraft crash en route to evacuating patients in Alaska in July 1943, making her the first Army Air Forces flight nurse killed in a combat theater. She was one of 17 flight nurses who died during World War II and one of more than 500 military women who lost their lives. (U.S. Air Force photo) http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/05/24/women-who-also-gave-their-lives/#ixzz2UV5LGNox The Women Who Also Gave Their Lives by Cate Lineberry The Secret Rescue: An Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines by Cate Lineberry Our POW-MIA of the War on Terror - Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl   Idahoan’s Unlikely Journey to Life as a Taliban Prisoner  -- New York Times ELISABETH BUMILLER reports, "The story of Sergeant Bergdahl, 26, America’s only known current prisoner of war, is one of the strangest and now most consequential mysteries in the 10-year involvement of the United States in Afghanistan. He was captured unde

The Devil's Smile in a World Gone Mad

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"The devil led the vilest form of evil down our driveway and he smiled at me before driving Tim away."  This is what a grieving widow said at a funeral for her dear husband who sought to sell his truck and paid for it with his life.  Such is the senseless of this crime.  Read more about it from Tim Challies' blog By now you have heard of the story of the British soldier who was killed in a vicious, broad daylight attack on a London street.  The details are very familiar but if you haven't heard them, you can find them here .  I saw a picture of his young widow with grief overflowing and I hurt for her and my eyes brimmed with tears as well.  These two stories horrify us because they strike at one of our greatest fears that somehow doing the most mundane of things we can find ourselves or those we love cruelly taken away by those bent on evil.  We could add the Boston Marathon bombings as an American tradition that was stained with the blood of participants tha

Miscellaneous Web Sightings for May 23 2013

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Free e-book offer:  Reading Your Male by Mary Farrar "There is a growing crisis among our men and boys in the area of sexual temptation and sin: pornography use is skyrocketing and increasing numbers of men find themselves entangled in a web they can't seem to escape. Yet many men feel greatly misunderstood by their women, while just as many women feel mystified and powerless to help their men." —Mary Farrar, Reading Your Male Reading Your Male de-mystifies inner male sexuality, exposes the enemy's tactics in taking down our men, and equips women to use their innate gifts in becoming a man's greatest ally in the fight for victory. Using biblical insight and up-to-date research, Farrar also tackles some of the most elusive questions women are asking today On the Kindle On the Nook On Google Play On Vyrso   A Father's Influence in His Daughter's Life, pt. 1   by Kevin Lehman and Kim Trobee A Father’s Influence in His Daughter’s Lif

Helen Roseveare: A Missionary Bio to Which God Led Me

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Sunday night preparations led me to a book of illustrations.  I was looking for a story or a quote to illustrate what we were going to talk about regarding God's sovereignty.   While looking, I found a wonderful tale about a missionary I have never heard of before, Helen Roseveare.  The quote was great but what happened next was one of those God moments. The next day, one of the blogs I follow regularly had a list of Kindle deals.  These are typically free and low-price e-books that he recommends from the likes of R.C. Sproul or some other Reformed brethren but not limited to them.  To my surprise, in his list was the missionary biography of Helen Roseveare!  I was so moved by Helen's story that I was instantly interested.  So, I took a look at the link and decided to purchase it.  In addition, I sought to look her up on the internet and would you believe there was a youtube interview with her as an aged woman giving advice to those who are younger believers.  I was captiva

My Thoughts on You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn

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You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader is the first e-book that I have read on my smartphone.  For those who do not have a Kindle but would like to get good books that are either free or at a discount, then go here to download a program for your PC, Mac, smartphone, iPhone or iPad .  I really enjoy the e-book technology and reading while waiting in line or stuck somewhere where your attention isn't constantly needed sure beats sitting there doing nothing. You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader is 128 pages of practical wisdom from someone who knows how to be a leader.  Despite its title, it is helpful for anyone who desires to be a better leader.  I think it is well worth your time to check this book out. Part I seeks to define the qualities that make a leader.  The points are illustrated by the examples of real people who despite not having titles made a difference where they were.  "I'm convinced at the heart of every successful organization is a title-l

Miscellaneous Sightings around the Web

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Order Thriving Family , a Christian marriage and parenting magazine from Focus on the Family, is free to anyone who requests it! Sample issue In every issue, you'll get: • age-specific parenting advice • faith-based family activities • marriage tips • book reviews • support for single parents and blended families and much more! AWANA Gospel Message App   The Gospel Message app, created by Awana®, is a fun and creative way to share the gospel with children, teens and adults. Now the gospel demonstration is only as far away as the nearest digital device! This free, versatile app includes three different versions geared specifically to each age group- kids, teens, and adults. The app uses what some may recognize as The Gospel Wheel- a very clear, interactive tool to share the gospel with someone. It allows you to have a conversation and meet the child, teen, or adult where they are at. This way, it is more of a conversation instead of a set presentatio

Marriage the Way It Was Intended: A Review of Gospel-Centered Marriage by John Stange

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Gospel Centered Marriage is a great book that can be read in a short period of time. In it, Pastor John Stange reviews the main biblical passages on marriage and concentrates on the concept of it depicting the relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church. There is practical, easy-to-read and understand wisdom. I think I just might make this required reading for future pre-marital counseling. If you are looking toward marriage or if you have experienced some bumps in the road of your matrimony, pick this book up. You won't regret it. Gospel Centered Marriage is free for a limited time on the Kindle and even when it is full price, it is a great bargain at 99 cents.  

Truly Beautiful

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord , she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NKJV I love how the NKJV translates that verse.  I memorized it in the KJV but this captures an essential component on the discussion here: beauty is passing. It's not something that lasts forever.  As a pursuit, it is elusive, subjective and subject to changes outside of a person's control.   Billions of dollars are spent to take ordinary people or those who are less than the most beautiful people and turn them into gorgeous individuals.  Plastic surgery , make-up artists, cosmetics, beauty treatments, exercise regimens and fad diets abound.  Hollywood is so fixated on outer beauty and being more beautiful than the actress or actor next to them that the bar is set ever higher and the stakes are ever greater.  You don't have far to look on the internet to catch a glimpse of one of entertainment's gorgeous people spotted without make-up

Miscellaneous Sightings from the Web - including a free book for Kindle!

Thomas Nelson E-book Sale -- 65-90% off Includes the MacArthur Study Bible NKJV or NASB for $4.99 the NKJV Study Bible for $5.99 the Woman's Study Bible for $4.99 the MacArthur Daily Bible for $2.99 the Lucado Devotional Bible for $3.99 3 Maxwell Leadership books for $2.99 each John MacArthur study on Revelation for $1.99 Nelson's Bible Maps and Charts for $2.99 Popular Titles like Wild at Heart and Captivating for $2.99 and the most amazing, in my opinion, is The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volumes 1-35: Genesis - Revelation for $7.99 (a savings of $82.00) -- this is less than the individual volumes are selling at the same retailers! Prices valid through Monday, May 13 through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or iBookStore   Am I Receiving and Giving Criticism in a Godly Way? by Justin Taylor Sacred Cow Series:  Tithing     Marc5Solas Thought-provoking.  When I have time (oh boy), I will have to unpack this one with some more study of my own on

Kindle Deals -- Includes One Free for a Limited Time

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God Knows My Name -- free on the Kindle for a limited time! Amazon summary: Beth Redman is an evangelist, Dove-winning songwriter, and author (Beautiful, Soul Sister, and others). A native Brit, she recently moved to Atlanta to help plant Passion City Church with her husband Matt and her five children. 14 reviewers give it 4 or 5 stars Found:  God's Will (a John MacArthur study) for $3.73 Amazon summary:  Does God have a path for me? How do I make the right choices in life? Why is it so difficult to uncover God’s will? Trusted pastor and teacher John MacArthur answers these vital questions and more. Found: God’s Will shares six powerful principles that will give you direction, fill you with purpose, and give you the confidence to live out His plan for you. Behold Our Sovereign God: All Things From Him, Through Him, and To Him by Mitchell L. Chase $2.99 Great reviews from some well-respected sources: "As I read this book, four things came repeatedly to mind

Mother's Day Ideas, Articles, Etc. -- Keep coming back as I will update as I find more

Everyday Matters Bible for Women Giveaway  More Facebook likes, more Bible gi ven away Online descriptions:  Today's Christian woman is so busy handling the challenges of day-to-day life that spending time in the Word can easily become yet another 'should' buried in that growing list of daily 'musts.' Created in partnership with Kyria.com, Christianity Today's women's magazine, the Everyday Matters Bible for Women is designed to help women develop spiritual practices that will make their lives richer, not harder. It offers practical encouragement and tools to renew, reinvigorate and restore meaning to everyday life. This Bible features twenty-four disciplines-or practices-that position us to receive power and strength to do those things that we cannot possibly do on our own and make everyday life fuller and deeper. Each discipline is represented by a colorful icon whose illustration is a reminder of its meaning.  New Living Translation -- Nearly 150

When Your Plans Meet Life in a Head-on Collision, What Then?

Acts 16:6-10 (NKJV) 6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them . Disappointments, setbacks and detours abound in this life. We make plans and see them through. Working hard, praying hard, preparing and moving forward is met with the harsh reality of no, not here, not now. Emotions well up within us and we wonder what we have done wrong. We ask why? Is it some sin that I haven't dealt with?  Have I not prayed or prepared enough? Why do others seem to see thei