Donald James Parker and Francine Locke Lead Actors in the film
"In Gramps Shoes". (Click HERE to get your own copy today)
"In Gramps Shoes". (Click HERE to get your own copy today)
On Kathy's Corner:
Movie Duo Feature of the Month on the resources page
by Sword of The Spirit Publishing
"In Gramps Shoes" and "Gramps Goes To College"http://donaldjamesparker.com/
Written by Film Maker Donald James Parker.
Visit Donald and see what books and movies he is currently working on, then order your own copy of Silver Wind, Gramps Goes To College, The Unexpected Bar Mitzvah and more!
~Kathy
Movie Duo Feature of the Month on the resources page
by Sword of The Spirit Publishing
"In Gramps Shoes" and "Gramps Goes To College"http://donaldjamesparker.com/
Written by Film Maker Donald James Parker.
Visit Donald and see what books and movies he is currently working on, then order your own copy of Silver Wind, Gramps Goes To College, The Unexpected Bar Mitzvah and more!
~Kathy
A Gentle Answer Ministries
White Dixie Plate - Torry Martin from Anthem Pictures on Vimeo.
Check out the Award Winning film "Covering Your Tracts" Written by Torry and his writing partner Marshal Younger!
MEET OUR FEATURED ACTOR/COMEDIAN -TORRY MARTIN
I first met Torry Martin at a Writer's Conference in Kansas City a few years ago. I had become friends with Torry through social media as we had several friends in common.
I was fascinated by his life stories and his message of how he became a Christian.
No, not the story of when he became a pretend Christian... faking it like many of us have at one time, but how he became a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Since then I have had a chance to follow Torry's work and sit in on a few of his classes.
Torry teaches Nationwide at various writer's conferences and film festivals. His classes include the topics of networking, screenplay writing, writing comedy, and using your gifts to glorify God in the Body of Christ. Although Torry has a passion for acting, he is also a very talented event speaker, writer, and teacher.
Torry uses his own life situations and stories to bring the message of hope found in Jesus. While he has the ability to use reality, and even tears to capture the attention of his audience, it is Torry's ability to draw folks into his stories with comedy that brings them to a biblical truth or application. “If I can keep folks laughing while they’re learning it doesn’t hurt their brains as much.”
Torry takes seriously the call to be a catalyst between his friends and co-workers in the Media Arts Community. Posted on his computer in his home office, Torry has a list of things to remind himself to be a better writer and actor, but most importantly to be a believer in the body of Christ using his talents as he feels the Lord leads.
Torry says, “Each day, I tithe about half an hour to an hour first thing in the morning promoting others.”
You can often find Torry with a hat turned around backwards working on his next project. When wearing his writing hat, this award winning writer has created many articles, columns, and sketch comedies; co-written the book "Shameless Self Promotion" with Mike and Paula Parker, and created the character of Wooton Bassett for the Focus on The Family series Adventures in Odyssey.
Get to know this creative Christian artist...you will be blessed and entertained!
(You can find out more about Torry's acting, comedy, writing, screen writing workshops and speaking availability by visiting Torry's own website: TorryMartin.com )
by Kathy Lonsinger
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT ARE FOLKS SAYING ABOUT TORRY MARTIN?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Torry Martin’s style of home-spun humorous ‘parables’ are sure to entertain and touch the hearts of church- people everywhere. As a person and performer he exudes a natural charm and humility that’s refreshing in this day of ’super slick professionals.’ His whole demeanor is so unaffected and natural-I can understand why he is in demand. Take Garrison Keillor and put a spiritual perspective to him and you have Torry Martin.”
-Paul McCusker- Author of a variety of Christian plays and novels. Paul has also worked as a writer, director and producer for the “Adventures in Odyssey” radio series.
Dunn Edwards design article on Torry's Home Office
Article about Torry Martin from Cheryl Ariaz Wicker at Christian Movie Connect
I was fascinated by his life stories and his message of how he became a Christian.
No, not the story of when he became a pretend Christian... faking it like many of us have at one time, but how he became a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Since then I have had a chance to follow Torry's work and sit in on a few of his classes.
Torry teaches Nationwide at various writer's conferences and film festivals. His classes include the topics of networking, screenplay writing, writing comedy, and using your gifts to glorify God in the Body of Christ. Although Torry has a passion for acting, he is also a very talented event speaker, writer, and teacher.
Torry uses his own life situations and stories to bring the message of hope found in Jesus. While he has the ability to use reality, and even tears to capture the attention of his audience, it is Torry's ability to draw folks into his stories with comedy that brings them to a biblical truth or application. “If I can keep folks laughing while they’re learning it doesn’t hurt their brains as much.”
Torry takes seriously the call to be a catalyst between his friends and co-workers in the Media Arts Community. Posted on his computer in his home office, Torry has a list of things to remind himself to be a better writer and actor, but most importantly to be a believer in the body of Christ using his talents as he feels the Lord leads.
Torry says, “Each day, I tithe about half an hour to an hour first thing in the morning promoting others.”
You can often find Torry with a hat turned around backwards working on his next project. When wearing his writing hat, this award winning writer has created many articles, columns, and sketch comedies; co-written the book "Shameless Self Promotion" with Mike and Paula Parker, and created the character of Wooton Bassett for the Focus on The Family series Adventures in Odyssey.
Get to know this creative Christian artist...you will be blessed and entertained!
(You can find out more about Torry's acting, comedy, writing, screen writing workshops and speaking availability by visiting Torry's own website: TorryMartin.com )
by Kathy Lonsinger
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT ARE FOLKS SAYING ABOUT TORRY MARTIN?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Torry Martin’s style of home-spun humorous ‘parables’ are sure to entertain and touch the hearts of church- people everywhere. As a person and performer he exudes a natural charm and humility that’s refreshing in this day of ’super slick professionals.’ His whole demeanor is so unaffected and natural-I can understand why he is in demand. Take Garrison Keillor and put a spiritual perspective to him and you have Torry Martin.”
-Paul McCusker- Author of a variety of Christian plays and novels. Paul has also worked as a writer, director and producer for the “Adventures in Odyssey” radio series.
Dunn Edwards design article on Torry's Home Office
Article about Torry Martin from Cheryl Ariaz Wicker at Christian Movie Connect
The GRACE Card
We welcome Michael Joiner as our feature writer this week on "HAPPENING NOW". Michael shared this story with us originally on the Teachable Moment. Michael is possibly best known for his talent as a stand-up comedian. Dubbed "God's Smart Aleck", Michael is one of the top Clean Comedians in the entertainment industry.
This week Michael was the Keynote Speaker for the Gideon Media Arts Conference at Ridgecrest/Lifeway.
Michael plays Mac MacDonald in the film which opened across the country in theaters in February. Michael is an actor, comedian, writer, filmmaker and producer, but his favorite role is that of Christian, husband and father. We know you will be blessed by the story he shares this week on A G A M online magazine. Grab some friends and go buy your copy of The Grace Card August 16th and enjoy Michael in Action…but now…enjoy “Faith In Action” by Michael Joiner.
Faith In Action
by Michael Joiner
Mark 2: 1-5 (1)A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. (2)So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. (3)Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. (4)Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. (5)When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
The men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus did ALL they could, even to the point of cutting a whole in the roof…and sure enough, Jesus respected their “faith in action” and healed their friend.
How many people are complaining, “I asked God to do this... or that... and he didn’t”? Yet, a closer look will usually show that they haven’t done a thing to MOVE toward what they HOPE God will do. God requires faith on our part. Time after time in Jesus’ ministry, after he would heal someone he would say, “YOUR faith has healed you.”
We often see that most of the time the person came to Jesus, they didn’t wait for Jesus to come to them. God is ready and willing to give you a break-through spiritually, mentally, physically, financially…but what “steps of faith” are YOU taking?
Do you pray over your troubled marriage, but in your heart and out loud call your mate negative words? Or complain that he “will never change.” How is that faith?
Over 20-something years ago, when Joel Osteen’s mother was told she had only weeks to live, she didn’t just sit around and “hope” God would heal her. She got up every day and confessed her healing scriptures and walked around and cried out to God. She didn’t watch some “doctor” on TV…she asked everyone she knew, to pray for her and with her. You can call it what you want, but she is alive and well today because God honored her faith.
When I moved my entire family to Hollywood in 2002, I was auditioning a lot and my career looked like it was slowly but surely on the rise. However, in April of 2009, when we had to sell our house and move back to Kansas City, MO (because of the bad economy) some may have thought just the opposite. I could have easily looked at my impossible circumstances and given up…and indeed a few times I almost did. But, if God has taught me anything it’s that HE can do ANYTHING, from ANYWHERE, at ANYTIME! I just knew in my heart that God had assured me that this was all in his plan, and that he was going to give me the desires of my heart as an actor.
So with that understanding and hope, I continued to “do all I can with what I have.” I studied my acting technique daily, as my L.A. acting teachers always told me to. I updated and sent out my picture and resume wherever I could. I networked on Facebook and other acting websites. I even signed up with a local Kansas City agency who landed me a few small, but well paying, commercial and print gigs. Above all, I prayed and read God’s Word daily and let God know I believed he could do anything, and that I was also willing to go wherever he wanted, and do whatever he called me to do.
Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
What happened soon after was simply a miracle. Not only did I land a lead role in a full-length feature film starring Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. and a film crew that had worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but I landed that role without so much as an audition. A friend (Producer/Director Kyle Prohaska) of the director David G. Evans told him to look at my acting reel online. He did, and decided right there that I was the only person for that role. To those of you not in the film industry, that type of thing is unheard of, even in low budget films. On top of that, I found out later that a few “name” actors were interested in taking my part. One big producer even called them foolish for getting a “no name” like me, instead of the star of their own movie.
In mid November we wrapped the film after 4-plus weeks of a heavy, yet wonderfully blessed, shooting schedule of...The Grace Card.
Since then God has opened even more doors for our movie. For example, SONY/PROVIDENT bought the film after only one viewing and agreed to distribute it in theaters (Opening date is 2/25/11). Three of the nation’s top Christian Music acts (Including Toby Mac and Third Day) signed up to have their #1 hits on the soundtrack. Test audiences across the nation are standing up and cheering (even as they wipe away tears) at the powerfully moving ending.
I can say for certain that regardless of how big the filmThe Grace Card becomes, I am confident that whoever watches will be positively affected. And I can also say for certain that whatever trial or hard time you are going through, God wants to prove himself faithful in your situation. God not only knows you have your back to the wall, but (if you are a Christian) he is the one who put you there!
Why? For the same reason God led the Israelites to the Red Sea as they were being chased by a relentless enemy. So he can show you who HE is and what HE can do. You see, God could’ve had some boats waiting for them when they got to the Red Sea. But how much would that have increased their faith in God? Not much. And no doubt many would have attributed something like that to “coincidence”. No, God led them to that impossible situation so that he could show them he is the GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE. And I can assure you that, the folks who were blessed the most when God parted the Red Sea, where the ones who never doubted him.
C.S. Lewis once gave us this quote which I believe is the secret to balancing out our part vs.God’s part in our faith walk.
He said, “Pray as if it all depends upon God, but act as if it all depends upon you.”
Apply this principle in whatever impossible situation you find yourself, and I can say from experience, God WILL part the Red Sea… for you!
Ephesians 2:8
~For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~
Learn More about The Grace Card by going to www.gracecardmovie.com.
You can visit Michael Joiner's Fanpage on Facebook or Twitter
Michael's Stand Up Reel
Mark 2: 1-5 (1)A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. (2)So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. (3)Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. (4)Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. (5)When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
The men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus did ALL they could, even to the point of cutting a whole in the roof…and sure enough, Jesus respected their “faith in action” and healed their friend.
How many people are complaining, “I asked God to do this... or that... and he didn’t”? Yet, a closer look will usually show that they haven’t done a thing to MOVE toward what they HOPE God will do. God requires faith on our part. Time after time in Jesus’ ministry, after he would heal someone he would say, “YOUR faith has healed you.”
We often see that most of the time the person came to Jesus, they didn’t wait for Jesus to come to them. God is ready and willing to give you a break-through spiritually, mentally, physically, financially…but what “steps of faith” are YOU taking?
Do you pray over your troubled marriage, but in your heart and out loud call your mate negative words? Or complain that he “will never change.” How is that faith?
Over 20-something years ago, when Joel Osteen’s mother was told she had only weeks to live, she didn’t just sit around and “hope” God would heal her. She got up every day and confessed her healing scriptures and walked around and cried out to God. She didn’t watch some “doctor” on TV…she asked everyone she knew, to pray for her and with her. You can call it what you want, but she is alive and well today because God honored her faith.
When I moved my entire family to Hollywood in 2002, I was auditioning a lot and my career looked like it was slowly but surely on the rise. However, in April of 2009, when we had to sell our house and move back to Kansas City, MO (because of the bad economy) some may have thought just the opposite. I could have easily looked at my impossible circumstances and given up…and indeed a few times I almost did. But, if God has taught me anything it’s that HE can do ANYTHING, from ANYWHERE, at ANYTIME! I just knew in my heart that God had assured me that this was all in his plan, and that he was going to give me the desires of my heart as an actor.
So with that understanding and hope, I continued to “do all I can with what I have.” I studied my acting technique daily, as my L.A. acting teachers always told me to. I updated and sent out my picture and resume wherever I could. I networked on Facebook and other acting websites. I even signed up with a local Kansas City agency who landed me a few small, but well paying, commercial and print gigs. Above all, I prayed and read God’s Word daily and let God know I believed he could do anything, and that I was also willing to go wherever he wanted, and do whatever he called me to do.
Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
What happened soon after was simply a miracle. Not only did I land a lead role in a full-length feature film starring Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. and a film crew that had worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but I landed that role without so much as an audition. A friend (Producer/Director Kyle Prohaska) of the director David G. Evans told him to look at my acting reel online. He did, and decided right there that I was the only person for that role. To those of you not in the film industry, that type of thing is unheard of, even in low budget films. On top of that, I found out later that a few “name” actors were interested in taking my part. One big producer even called them foolish for getting a “no name” like me, instead of the star of their own movie.
In mid November we wrapped the film after 4-plus weeks of a heavy, yet wonderfully blessed, shooting schedule of...The Grace Card.
Since then God has opened even more doors for our movie. For example, SONY/PROVIDENT bought the film after only one viewing and agreed to distribute it in theaters (Opening date is 2/25/11). Three of the nation’s top Christian Music acts (Including Toby Mac and Third Day) signed up to have their #1 hits on the soundtrack. Test audiences across the nation are standing up and cheering (even as they wipe away tears) at the powerfully moving ending.
I can say for certain that regardless of how big the filmThe Grace Card becomes, I am confident that whoever watches will be positively affected. And I can also say for certain that whatever trial or hard time you are going through, God wants to prove himself faithful in your situation. God not only knows you have your back to the wall, but (if you are a Christian) he is the one who put you there!
Why? For the same reason God led the Israelites to the Red Sea as they were being chased by a relentless enemy. So he can show you who HE is and what HE can do. You see, God could’ve had some boats waiting for them when they got to the Red Sea. But how much would that have increased their faith in God? Not much. And no doubt many would have attributed something like that to “coincidence”. No, God led them to that impossible situation so that he could show them he is the GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE. And I can assure you that, the folks who were blessed the most when God parted the Red Sea, where the ones who never doubted him.
C.S. Lewis once gave us this quote which I believe is the secret to balancing out our part vs.God’s part in our faith walk.
He said, “Pray as if it all depends upon God, but act as if it all depends upon you.”
Apply this principle in whatever impossible situation you find yourself, and I can say from experience, God WILL part the Red Sea… for you!
Ephesians 2:8
~For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~
Learn More about The Grace Card by going to www.gracecardmovie.com.
You can visit Michael Joiner's Fanpage on Facebook or Twitter
Michael's Stand Up Reel
 |
 Michael and Michelle Joiner Red Carpet Premier of The Grace Card.
Memphis 2/23/2011
|
THIS JUST IN:
Fans disappointed that the entire cast of the new Harry Potter showed up to the premier in invisibility jackets. Several demanded money refunded...or at least a really cool magic wand. News at 11.
Visit us on Twitter and Facebook
Visit us on Twitter and Facebook
Finding Direction...At the Cross Original Story 2011
by Kathy Lonsinger
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
A few years ago our family spent New Year's Eve with friends. We simply relaxed and ate pizza and played games and giggled at our host's dogs who had wonderful tricks to show us.
Both of our friends work in a very stressful fast paced environment of hospital emergency rooms, one a physician and one a P.A. who often sees the difficult side of life and often death.
They both have a wonderful sense of humor, as you could imagine would be necessary to balance the difficult nature of E.R. physician's lives.
Our friend Jayne had a cute little ginger bread house sitting in the middle of the dinning room table that, upon further examination, revealed quite the display of unusual characters on the outside of the lawn around the house. Instead of turn of the century Christmas carolers, there was a dog with sun glasses, a police officer, and a few not so "ladylike" ladies etc.
You see, Jayne worked in San Antonio before moving back to the mid-west. She had collected several little figurines that depict the culture of a Barrio in character form which were popular "gumball machine" items in that area. Her husband, our friend Cecil, recently surprised her with a collection of several more of the unique (and even controversial) characters. The art work and imagination that went into making these small figurines was very interesting. We really enjoyed studying them and coming up with the back story for some of them.
Before we left their home on Saturday, Cecil handed me my favorite of the collection as a gift.
I put it in the window of the car going home and happened to snap a picture capturing directional signs in the background. I thought it was a very appropriate reminder for a New Year's Day . Some of us will need to turn (completely) and find our direction.
You see, many of us will be facing new chapters, new opportunities, second chances. At the crossroad...will you turn or face the same rut of doing it our own way one more year. How has that been working for ya?
I believe we each have the opportunity to start this year off...Finding Direction...At the Cross!
Walk in the light this year friends...His name...Is Jesus.
Just Thinkin',
Kathy
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Thank you Cecil and Jayne for this precious reminder; Here's my photo...
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
by Kathy Lonsinger
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
A few years ago our family spent New Year's Eve with friends. We simply relaxed and ate pizza and played games and giggled at our host's dogs who had wonderful tricks to show us.
Both of our friends work in a very stressful fast paced environment of hospital emergency rooms, one a physician and one a P.A. who often sees the difficult side of life and often death.
They both have a wonderful sense of humor, as you could imagine would be necessary to balance the difficult nature of E.R. physician's lives.
Our friend Jayne had a cute little ginger bread house sitting in the middle of the dinning room table that, upon further examination, revealed quite the display of unusual characters on the outside of the lawn around the house. Instead of turn of the century Christmas carolers, there was a dog with sun glasses, a police officer, and a few not so "ladylike" ladies etc.
You see, Jayne worked in San Antonio before moving back to the mid-west. She had collected several little figurines that depict the culture of a Barrio in character form which were popular "gumball machine" items in that area. Her husband, our friend Cecil, recently surprised her with a collection of several more of the unique (and even controversial) characters. The art work and imagination that went into making these small figurines was very interesting. We really enjoyed studying them and coming up with the back story for some of them.
Before we left their home on Saturday, Cecil handed me my favorite of the collection as a gift.
I put it in the window of the car going home and happened to snap a picture capturing directional signs in the background. I thought it was a very appropriate reminder for a New Year's Day . Some of us will need to turn (completely) and find our direction.
You see, many of us will be facing new chapters, new opportunities, second chances. At the crossroad...will you turn or face the same rut of doing it our own way one more year. How has that been working for ya?
I believe we each have the opportunity to start this year off...Finding Direction...At the Cross!
Walk in the light this year friends...His name...Is Jesus.
Just Thinkin',
Kathy
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Thank you Cecil and Jayne for this precious reminder; Here's my photo...
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
There Will Come A Time
Considering the world events of the past week, this repost of an earlier devotion was requested.--------------------------------------------------------------Scripture reads:
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. (2 Timothy 3:1-5a RSV)
Does any of this sound familiar?
There will come a time....when it will be too late to decide what you believe.
Why you believe what you believe is important. What DO YOU believe?
We believe, at A Gentle Answer Ministries, that the bible is a good place to start learning what in the WORLD is going on.
Just Praying!
If you have concerns or questions and would like to ask a Pastor or Bible Teacher about our changing world, leave your request and someone will help you.
Devotional: July 4th Weekend 2011
"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to emplore His protection and favor."~George Washington~
Let's be sure to keep praying for our Nation, our men and women in the armed forces, our elected public servants and May God Bless America.
Father,
We are thankful for your protection and favor. We acknowledge you are the creator and that your will shall be done, whether we cooperate or not. You have shown favor to the Nations that trusted in you. So please, help us to become once again a Nation that seeks your will. Grant wisdom to those in office as they begin or, for some, continue in public service. Help us to pray for those in office whether we agree or disagree with them.
It is in the name of Jesus we ask,
AMEN
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Timothy 2
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
In life, look for the Teachable Moments~ ~Feb. Issue 2011 A G A M Magazine
We welcome Pastor and Teacher Jeff Schreve as our guest writer for this edition of the Teachable Moments section of the magazine.
(Photos of Pastor Schreve and wife Debbie courtesy of Image Forward Photography)
Remember, just like our policy for A Gentle Answer Ministries Copyright 2011, applies to guest writers such as Pastor Schreve's material as well.
Share and repost freely but please request permission to use in written or printed material and apply proper links.
(unauthorized use of this material or any on this ministry site will cause itching, swelling, guilty conscience and or physical trauma)
Share and repost freely but please request permission to use in written or printed material and apply proper links.
(unauthorized use of this material or any on this ministry site will cause itching, swelling, guilty conscience and or physical trauma)
WHAT TO DO IN TOUGH TIMES
by Pastor Jeff Schreve
Everywhere you look these days, people are running scared.
They are scared about the
failing economy… they are scared about their finances... they are scared about their job…
they are scared about the future. Have you felt the fear welling up inside of you as you
turn on the news and hear report after report of depressing information?
What does God have to say about it all?
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the
flame burn you.” Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love
you…” Isaiah 43:1-2, 4
God tells you and me not to fear… and He gives solid reasons why we don’t have to.
1. He has redeemed you. He has bought us back (that is what redeemed literally
means, to buy back). 2000 years ago, Jesus died on the cross and rose again from
the dead to purchase you. Now the transaction does not become complete until
you give your life to Him… but when you do, you can rest assured that you are
His. AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE HIS!
2. He is with you. The moment you give your life to Jesus, He comes to live inside
of you by His Spirit. Can you comprehend that? The great God of the universe
lives inside everyone who has truly given his/her life to Him. What possibly
could you and I have to fear when Jesus is with us?
When my kids were little, they often got scared at night. I remember times when
one of my daughters would show up at my side of the bed at 3:00 a.m. after
having a bad dream. The fear factor was HIGH! I would open the covers and
have them get in bed with me. As I wrapped my arms around their little frames, I
could just feel them relax. No nightmare monster was going to harm them while
they were in the strong arms of their daddy. SUCH IS THE CASE WITH YOU
AND ME!!!!
Notice that Isaiah 43:2 says “WHEN” not “if” when it speaks of rivers and waters
and fires and troubles. Those difficulties are a reality of life. Everyone will face
them… but a Christian never faces them alone. He is with us. Our Creator who
can speak worlds into existence is with us.
Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den. Yet God was in there with him and Daniel
suffered no harm. Yet, when the evil men who manipulated the king to throw
Daniel to the lions where thrown in, they were consumed before they even hit the
ground. When God is with us, we face our problems with His strength and protection.
How cool is that?!!!
3. He loves you. God makes it clear that we are precious to Him. He loves us and
says we matter to Him. Anyone who loves you enough to die for you is worthy of
ALL your trust. And because He loves you, you can be assured that He will never
drop you in the grease. He will be faithful to bring you through and bring you
home, safe and sound.
My friend, in these stressful and fearful days, make sure to hide these three comforting
truths in your heart. God is truly able… and He will see you through! How do I know?
Because He said so!
Love,
Jeff Schreve
Pastor
failing economy… they are scared about their finances... they are scared about their job…
they are scared about the future. Have you felt the fear welling up inside of you as you
turn on the news and hear report after report of depressing information?
What does God have to say about it all?
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the
flame burn you.” Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love
you…” Isaiah 43:1-2, 4
God tells you and me not to fear… and He gives solid reasons why we don’t have to.
1. He has redeemed you. He has bought us back (that is what redeemed literally
means, to buy back). 2000 years ago, Jesus died on the cross and rose again from
the dead to purchase you. Now the transaction does not become complete until
you give your life to Him… but when you do, you can rest assured that you are
His. AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE HIS!
2. He is with you. The moment you give your life to Jesus, He comes to live inside
of you by His Spirit. Can you comprehend that? The great God of the universe
lives inside everyone who has truly given his/her life to Him. What possibly
could you and I have to fear when Jesus is with us?
When my kids were little, they often got scared at night. I remember times when
one of my daughters would show up at my side of the bed at 3:00 a.m. after
having a bad dream. The fear factor was HIGH! I would open the covers and
have them get in bed with me. As I wrapped my arms around their little frames, I
could just feel them relax. No nightmare monster was going to harm them while
they were in the strong arms of their daddy. SUCH IS THE CASE WITH YOU
AND ME!!!!
Notice that Isaiah 43:2 says “WHEN” not “if” when it speaks of rivers and waters
and fires and troubles. Those difficulties are a reality of life. Everyone will face
them… but a Christian never faces them alone. He is with us. Our Creator who
can speak worlds into existence is with us.
Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den. Yet God was in there with him and Daniel
suffered no harm. Yet, when the evil men who manipulated the king to throw
Daniel to the lions where thrown in, they were consumed before they even hit the
ground. When God is with us, we face our problems with His strength and protection.
How cool is that?!!!
3. He loves you. God makes it clear that we are precious to Him. He loves us and
says we matter to Him. Anyone who loves you enough to die for you is worthy of
ALL your trust. And because He loves you, you can be assured that He will never
drop you in the grease. He will be faithful to bring you through and bring you
home, safe and sound.
My friend, in these stressful and fearful days, make sure to hide these three comforting
truths in your heart. God is truly able… and He will see you through! How do I know?
Because He said so!
Love,
Jeff Schreve
Pastor
Jeff and Debbie Schreve of From His Heart Ministries
Pastor Jeff Schreve’s real-life story is one of
personal transformation. His struggles and victories form the foundation of his
calling and intersect with the lives of people from all walks-of-life. From His Heart's weekly TV program is
seen worldwide each week on thousands of TV and cable outlets. The daily
25-minute radio broadcast is heard on over 400 radio stations across America
and worldwide on the internet. Jeff and his wife Debbie have three beautiful
daughters, one great son-in-law, and a new granddaughter, Emmy. For more information about From His Heart
Ministries, check out their website at www.fromhisheart.org.
Jeff is the Pastor for FBC Texarkana.
Leave your live post comment here: Blog Chat
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
To be further blessed by Jeff's teaching order your copy of his latest book by clicking this link to Real Encouragement for Real Life by Jeff Schreve. Then be sure to stop by From His Heart to see the work they are doing through television, radio, resources and other ministry work. We encourage you to support their work buy sharing as the Lord leads you. You can be a direct support by donating to the work of From His Heart...Donate today.
Jeff is the Pastor for FBC Texarkana.
Leave your live post comment here: Blog Chat
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
To be further blessed by Jeff's teaching order your copy of his latest book by clicking this link to Real Encouragement for Real Life by Jeff Schreve. Then be sure to stop by From His Heart to see the work they are doing through television, radio, resources and other ministry work. We encourage you to support their work buy sharing as the Lord leads you. You can be a direct support by donating to the work of From His Heart...Donate today.
December 10, 2010 Edition A Gentle Answer Ministries Online Magazine
A Partridge...A Pear Tree...Not Danny Bonaduce?...Not David Cassidy? Oh...my Bad!
The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Meaning Behind The Song
The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.
1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.
If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember:
"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34)
The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself.
The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.
So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.
The Meaning Behind The Song
The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.
1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.
If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember:
"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34)
The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself.
The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.
So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.
Are You A Willing Pencil?
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." ~MotherTeresa
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THE GAME OF LIFE by Author Paul Spite
Paul and Sally Spite
Author Paul Spite
November 19, 2010 Edition A Gentle Answer Ministries Online Magazine
Don't Touch...Wait
by Kathy Lonsinger
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
A smell, a sound, a song, a sight…all these things trigger memories. As my plane was taking off over Kansas City, I looked out the window of the plane to see a big red barn.
Instantly I was 5 years old again.
As a little girl being raised in the Shawnee Mission area of Kansas City, my parents took me to a restaurant called “The Big Red Barn” for my birthday.
What excitement! It's quite thrilling to be little and yet understand everyone at the table was there just for you! I don’t recollect much about the meal or the atmosphere other than it was in fact Big--- and Red--- and Barn like.
I can dimly picture where my parents were seated and how my brother and sister kept leaning on the table to a response of “get your elbows off the table or we’ll call ya Mable” from my mother.
Now dessert…dessert I REMEMBER!
It’s seared into my imagination.
Actually and more specifically…it was seared into my hand.
My hand, you ask?
At the Red Barn they brought the birthday boy or girl a huge cup cake just for one. It was stacked with frosting and right smack dab in the middle was a flaming blue fire in lieu of a candle. I remember being mesmerized by the blue flame. My father said “Kathy, wait…don’t touch it yet…it’s hot”. Just as he was gently warning me, the stranger (the waitress who brought the cupcake to the table) mentioned the thing on fire was actually a sugar cube.
Sugar cubes? Oh, yes, those rare treats that went into my mom and dad’s morning coffee- which we were allowed to consume on rare occasions. I had been known to break into the pink and white box of precious sugar treasure from time to time when its irresistible and unmistakable flavor called to me from the pantry.
My father warned me…he asked me to wait…but the woman said “SUGAR” and I just blatantly and willfully and on purpose-- reached across the table and grabbed the flaming cube with my thumb and forefinger! My father did not say I couldn’t have the sugar cube…he merely told me to wait until the flame was out.
Before my parents could reach my hand to save me from the pain, I had the burning cube melting into my hand.
There seemed to be a delay in processing the pain and I just froze with the burning fire in my hand.
I remember the sad look in my father’s eyes…
Well, I finally managed to drop the cube just as my mother was pouring a glass of water over my fingers, therefore extinguishing the flame…but also destroying my beautiful birthday cup cake!
I will tell you - I have done the very same thing to my Heavenly Father. I have gotten distracted by pretty and alluring flames of sin at times when I know He had asked me to wait.
Sugar is so sweet and tasty - when not on fire!
What blessings have I missed from my Father?
What treasure has been lost as a casualty of my sin?
What gift have I never received that God intended to give me...if I had only listened and waited?
When have I resisted God’s gentle instruction by grabbing on to a flaming lie from Satan disguised as sweet and good and desirable?
You?
Psalm 27:14 Wait upon the Lord. Be strong, take heart, and wait upon the Lord.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart
Just Thinkin’,
Kathy
Instantly I was 5 years old again.
As a little girl being raised in the Shawnee Mission area of Kansas City, my parents took me to a restaurant called “The Big Red Barn” for my birthday.
What excitement! It's quite thrilling to be little and yet understand everyone at the table was there just for you! I don’t recollect much about the meal or the atmosphere other than it was in fact Big--- and Red--- and Barn like.
I can dimly picture where my parents were seated and how my brother and sister kept leaning on the table to a response of “get your elbows off the table or we’ll call ya Mable” from my mother.
Now dessert…dessert I REMEMBER!
It’s seared into my imagination.
Actually and more specifically…it was seared into my hand.
My hand, you ask?
At the Red Barn they brought the birthday boy or girl a huge cup cake just for one. It was stacked with frosting and right smack dab in the middle was a flaming blue fire in lieu of a candle. I remember being mesmerized by the blue flame. My father said “Kathy, wait…don’t touch it yet…it’s hot”. Just as he was gently warning me, the stranger (the waitress who brought the cupcake to the table) mentioned the thing on fire was actually a sugar cube.
Sugar cubes? Oh, yes, those rare treats that went into my mom and dad’s morning coffee- which we were allowed to consume on rare occasions. I had been known to break into the pink and white box of precious sugar treasure from time to time when its irresistible and unmistakable flavor called to me from the pantry.
My father warned me…he asked me to wait…but the woman said “SUGAR” and I just blatantly and willfully and on purpose-- reached across the table and grabbed the flaming cube with my thumb and forefinger! My father did not say I couldn’t have the sugar cube…he merely told me to wait until the flame was out.
Before my parents could reach my hand to save me from the pain, I had the burning cube melting into my hand.
There seemed to be a delay in processing the pain and I just froze with the burning fire in my hand.
I remember the sad look in my father’s eyes…
Well, I finally managed to drop the cube just as my mother was pouring a glass of water over my fingers, therefore extinguishing the flame…but also destroying my beautiful birthday cup cake!
I will tell you - I have done the very same thing to my Heavenly Father. I have gotten distracted by pretty and alluring flames of sin at times when I know He had asked me to wait.
Sugar is so sweet and tasty - when not on fire!
What blessings have I missed from my Father?
What treasure has been lost as a casualty of my sin?
What gift have I never received that God intended to give me...if I had only listened and waited?
When have I resisted God’s gentle instruction by grabbing on to a flaming lie from Satan disguised as sweet and good and desirable?
You?
Psalm 27:14 Wait upon the Lord. Be strong, take heart, and wait upon the Lord.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart
Just Thinkin’,
Kathy
Homeschooling:
|
Denise Trost: Wife, Mom, Teacher, and not afraid of dragons!
___________________________________ Every moment... is a Teachable Moment
Denise with her three school age children. ___________________________________ A Gentle Answer Ministries would like to thank Denise for sharing the Teachable Moment for this weeks online magazine. Denise is married to Tracy Trost, founder and President of Trost Moving Pictures. You can find out more about this award winning Independent Film Studio based in Tulsa, Oklahoma by visiting their website at http://trostmovingpictures.com/ TMP is currently in post production of the movie THE LAMP.
|
~In life, look for the teachable moments~ November 1, 2010 Issue A Gentle Answer Ministries Online Magazine
WHO AM I?
by Tony Mendoza
I often struggle with the dreaded “identity crisis”. Yes, at times, I struggle with my own identity. Who am I?
~I’m a full time soldier with the Nevada Army National Guard, who recently returned from conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.
~I’m a filmmaker who has recently finished the production phase (3weeks - 12 hours a day) of my 1st feature film and am now in post-production.
~I’m a father living in a home with three women. One who is an Italian, raised
on the south side of Chicago (draw your own conclusions), a 17 year old daughter, with
her “own thoughts”, and my thirteen year old daughter who seems to think she is an
expert in most things.
~I’m a college student attempting to finish my education before my military
retirement. Being around these young people, causes me to puff myself up at times with
thoughts of being better because I’m older and have more experience, while at the same
time, feeling old and out of touch. I’m only 36 years old by the way.
And last (but not least)
~ I am a Christian.
I'm not just your shirt and tie, Sunday service attendee but... a Christian that not only prayed with his troops for God to protect us while on patrol, at the beginning of each patrol week in Afghanistan, but also to have the enemy present themselves so that we could strike them down.
So, when I say… at times I struggle with my own identity… it is based on the fact that there are many facets that make up my life.
As a jeweler uses many different tools and many cuts to make a gemstone, all of these contrasting attributes from the hippie filmmaker to the hardened soldier, to the Christian family man, are each a “facet” necessary to tell you who I am. One tool that must help shape me remains in the forefront of my mind, and that is DISCIPLINE.
I was recently given the opportunity to speak in church on a Sunday morning, and the subject I shared was on discipline. This is something that the Lord has been impressing upon me for the past couple months.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul teaches about the required discipline of a fruitful spiritual life by sighting the example of an athlete preparing to compete for a “crown” prize.
This passage of scripture does not promote exercise "P90X" style just to stay in shape, but this race is run for an award, for recognition, for approval. Aren’t we (as Christian men and woman) seeking to be recognized by God? For God Himself to hear our prayers and to interact with us? Is not acquiring eternal life the goal, the prize?
It is my opinion that God politely pushes us as new believers (at times) in the proper direction much the same way a parent gently bumps a young baby first learning to walk. But as we grow older in our faith and survive certain life lessons, I also believe God, at times, begins to expect us to act appropriately because of our increased spiritual maturity. And this is where it can become sticky for most of us, especially for me. I am constantly fighting being too hard, or too soft, or too artsy, or too rigid. But regardless of whatever personality I’m favoring at the moment, free will does exist, and sometimes my choices can hinder the running of my life race. We have freedom of choice through both actions and thought. If I use my freedom, combined with spiritual maturity, I truly think I am able to run the race in a way that pleases God. You see, I believe, God would rather have us serve Him by pure choice and not for the sake of legalism.
I understand that we are saved by grace and not by works. But the bible also tells us faith without works is dead. So what does that mean? One word sums it all up… BALANCE. If we get stuck on works alone, we can easily become legalistic and judgmental. On the other hand, living only under grace with no accountability for our actions, can grow us to become lazy. And from what I observe today, we (as a Christian church- including myself at times) have become lazy. How do we combat this judgmental, lazy attitude while running our race?
Four training tools come to mind:
1) Fasting – practice making our body do what we want, not the other way around.
2) Quiet time with God - going to a quiet place as we shut our mouth and just wait on God’s presence.
3) Study the Word - this is both spiritual food and an offensive weapon to combat sin.
4) Fellowship – I never went on patrol in Afghanistan by myself. You must fellowship with other believers. There’s no such thing as a “Lone Ranger”
Christian, but even the Lone Ranger had a few companions!
These four tools are useful in our personal race and are applied by the choices we make with our free will to come closer to God. If we exercise the choice to pursue God, He is faithful to meet with us and interact with us in a very tangible way.
So... Who am I?
I am, a child of God…running the race. I... am Tony Mendoza.
I Corinthians 9:24-27 24
~Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We would like to thank writer and director Tony Mendoza for sharing a "Teachable Moment" with us as this weeks featured writer for A Gentle Answer Ministries online Magazine. Pitching Hope is a story of a young, female college student who comes back home (after losing her scholarship) to compete in a high stakes game of horseshoes. Pitching Hope is currently in post production and stars Joni Adahl, Timothy Perez, Anita Cordell, and Barney Storms.
To read more, follow this link to http://www.pitchinghope.org/Home.html Visit the website today
(To Watch Trailer Click Here) Check out the trailer to Pitching Hope
Join the cast and crew on thisFacebook link and "Like" Pitching HOPE so you can get updates about the film.
I often struggle with the dreaded “identity crisis”. Yes, at times, I struggle with my own identity. Who am I?
~I’m a full time soldier with the Nevada Army National Guard, who recently returned from conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.
~I’m a filmmaker who has recently finished the production phase (3weeks - 12 hours a day) of my 1st feature film and am now in post-production.
~I’m a father living in a home with three women. One who is an Italian, raised
on the south side of Chicago (draw your own conclusions), a 17 year old daughter, with
her “own thoughts”, and my thirteen year old daughter who seems to think she is an
expert in most things.
~I’m a college student attempting to finish my education before my military
retirement. Being around these young people, causes me to puff myself up at times with
thoughts of being better because I’m older and have more experience, while at the same
time, feeling old and out of touch. I’m only 36 years old by the way.
And last (but not least)
~ I am a Christian.
I'm not just your shirt and tie, Sunday service attendee but... a Christian that not only prayed with his troops for God to protect us while on patrol, at the beginning of each patrol week in Afghanistan, but also to have the enemy present themselves so that we could strike them down.
So, when I say… at times I struggle with my own identity… it is based on the fact that there are many facets that make up my life.
As a jeweler uses many different tools and many cuts to make a gemstone, all of these contrasting attributes from the hippie filmmaker to the hardened soldier, to the Christian family man, are each a “facet” necessary to tell you who I am. One tool that must help shape me remains in the forefront of my mind, and that is DISCIPLINE.
I was recently given the opportunity to speak in church on a Sunday morning, and the subject I shared was on discipline. This is something that the Lord has been impressing upon me for the past couple months.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul teaches about the required discipline of a fruitful spiritual life by sighting the example of an athlete preparing to compete for a “crown” prize.
This passage of scripture does not promote exercise "P90X" style just to stay in shape, but this race is run for an award, for recognition, for approval. Aren’t we (as Christian men and woman) seeking to be recognized by God? For God Himself to hear our prayers and to interact with us? Is not acquiring eternal life the goal, the prize?
It is my opinion that God politely pushes us as new believers (at times) in the proper direction much the same way a parent gently bumps a young baby first learning to walk. But as we grow older in our faith and survive certain life lessons, I also believe God, at times, begins to expect us to act appropriately because of our increased spiritual maturity. And this is where it can become sticky for most of us, especially for me. I am constantly fighting being too hard, or too soft, or too artsy, or too rigid. But regardless of whatever personality I’m favoring at the moment, free will does exist, and sometimes my choices can hinder the running of my life race. We have freedom of choice through both actions and thought. If I use my freedom, combined with spiritual maturity, I truly think I am able to run the race in a way that pleases God. You see, I believe, God would rather have us serve Him by pure choice and not for the sake of legalism.
I understand that we are saved by grace and not by works. But the bible also tells us faith without works is dead. So what does that mean? One word sums it all up… BALANCE. If we get stuck on works alone, we can easily become legalistic and judgmental. On the other hand, living only under grace with no accountability for our actions, can grow us to become lazy. And from what I observe today, we (as a Christian church- including myself at times) have become lazy. How do we combat this judgmental, lazy attitude while running our race?
Four training tools come to mind:
1) Fasting – practice making our body do what we want, not the other way around.
2) Quiet time with God - going to a quiet place as we shut our mouth and just wait on God’s presence.
3) Study the Word - this is both spiritual food and an offensive weapon to combat sin.
4) Fellowship – I never went on patrol in Afghanistan by myself. You must fellowship with other believers. There’s no such thing as a “Lone Ranger”
Christian, but even the Lone Ranger had a few companions!
These four tools are useful in our personal race and are applied by the choices we make with our free will to come closer to God. If we exercise the choice to pursue God, He is faithful to meet with us and interact with us in a very tangible way.
So... Who am I?
I am, a child of God…running the race. I... am Tony Mendoza.
I Corinthians 9:24-27 24
~Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We would like to thank writer and director Tony Mendoza for sharing a "Teachable Moment" with us as this weeks featured writer for A Gentle Answer Ministries online Magazine. Pitching Hope is a story of a young, female college student who comes back home (after losing her scholarship) to compete in a high stakes game of horseshoes. Pitching Hope is currently in post production and stars Joni Adahl, Timothy Perez, Anita Cordell, and Barney Storms.
To read more, follow this link to http://www.pitchinghope.org/Home.html Visit the website today
(To Watch Trailer Click Here) Check out the trailer to Pitching Hope
Join the cast and crew on thisFacebook link and "Like" Pitching HOPE so you can get updates about the film.
I am....a Soldier......
Tony in Afghanistan
Silence
by Barbara Kerr Condon
I have been waiting for inspiration for days now regarding this column – which is due tomorrow! What should I write about, Lord? What do I have to say that would matter to anyone else? What do YOU want to say through me?
SILENCE – that's all I've been getting – SILENCE.
Not to mention I've been sick for the past two weeks, which didn't help my “creativity” all that much. So, again I asked, "Lord, what shall I write?"
and again… SILENCE.
There is a journey each of us takes daily as we go about our work. It doesn't matter if that work is in an office, outdoors, at home, etc. We wake up and begin the day of activity that lies before us. Typically God does not wake us up and speak to us with a list of duties to accomplish for the day. It's just SILENCE. We simply know what we must do and we begin doing it. Sometimes things go well and everything is smoothly flowing along as it should. Other times you wonder if you are EVER going to get any traction and see some progress.
I happen to have been in the latter group recently. Discouragement: constantly trying to claim my focus. Doubt: attempting to overshadow commitment. Fear: spreading its false sense of eminent failure. I've waged battle with these emotions frequently in the past couple of months. But I never win the battle on my own.
Here I am, doing what I believe God created me to do, pouring my time, talent, and resources into the work. Why am I not seeing progress by leaps and bounds? Are all the circumstances, difficulties, and challenges so bad that I will never get this done? Did I misunderstand God's guidance? Am I not good enough to accomplish what is needed? In the middle of this emotional tail spin, I hear – SILENCE.
I am an actress, producer, and writer working in the entertainment business. By nature, I want important things in my life to be big, visual, and vocal. I'm a communicator. I want dialogue, not SILENCE!
Whenever discouragement, doubt, or fear begins to creep into my thoughts, attempting to overtake me, I run- not walk, but RUN - to the Lord. And I am able to cry out:
"Father, help me!"
~You tell your children to not be discouraged, but to take heart. "See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 1:20-22
You say we are not to doubt, wavering like waves going back and forth. “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”Ephesians 4:13-15
Your word says you do not give a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”2 Timothy 1:6-8
You say we are blessed when we believe what we have not yet seen. “Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29
You, Father, are truth personified. Your word is sure and your promises are trustworthy. I know from past experience I can rely on you and your promises. You are far more reliable than my emotions. I choose to trust you. With the power of your holy spirit I will continue with the work you gave me to do, even when I cannot see any positive results from my labor. I ask you to encourage my heart, strengthen my faith, renew the power of your love within me, and help me to believe. ~
This cry out to my Father does not rely on human emotions. It relies on the solid truth of his word. My experience confirms that no matter what I am feeling, I can count on him, the one who never changes. It is a matter of choice – do I want to allow my emotions to decide what I will and will not do? Or do I want to allow my completely trustworthy Father to lead me?
Once I focus my thoughts on him and his words, the emotions begin to change. Hope is restored, energy to work at the task at hand returns, new opportunities that might possibly solve the challenges I face begin to appear, and my belief in him is once more confirmed. I have experienced some of the most surprising moments of my life in these circumstances. Just when I think there is no answer - just SILENCE – he reveals himself in an unexpected way, and often reverses my emotions.
Perhaps that is not SILENCE after all. Perhaps he knows I need to deal with the battles to overcome discouragement, doubt, fear, and belief so he can teach me to completely trust him more and more. Even when I am not hearing his voice, I can know what he has to tell me through his word that he has etched into my heart.
And so, when I choose to listen in the silence:
Every time, he wins the battle for me. Every time, he renews me all over again. Every time, I am reminded why I serve him…
Even in the SILENCE.
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Find Out about Barbara's project Three Times a Lady by going to Facebook
A Gentle Answer Ministries online magazineCopyright © 2010-2011
I have been waiting for inspiration for days now regarding this column – which is due tomorrow! What should I write about, Lord? What do I have to say that would matter to anyone else? What do YOU want to say through me?
SILENCE – that's all I've been getting – SILENCE.
Not to mention I've been sick for the past two weeks, which didn't help my “creativity” all that much. So, again I asked, "Lord, what shall I write?"
and again… SILENCE.
There is a journey each of us takes daily as we go about our work. It doesn't matter if that work is in an office, outdoors, at home, etc. We wake up and begin the day of activity that lies before us. Typically God does not wake us up and speak to us with a list of duties to accomplish for the day. It's just SILENCE. We simply know what we must do and we begin doing it. Sometimes things go well and everything is smoothly flowing along as it should. Other times you wonder if you are EVER going to get any traction and see some progress.
I happen to have been in the latter group recently. Discouragement: constantly trying to claim my focus. Doubt: attempting to overshadow commitment. Fear: spreading its false sense of eminent failure. I've waged battle with these emotions frequently in the past couple of months. But I never win the battle on my own.
Here I am, doing what I believe God created me to do, pouring my time, talent, and resources into the work. Why am I not seeing progress by leaps and bounds? Are all the circumstances, difficulties, and challenges so bad that I will never get this done? Did I misunderstand God's guidance? Am I not good enough to accomplish what is needed? In the middle of this emotional tail spin, I hear – SILENCE.
I am an actress, producer, and writer working in the entertainment business. By nature, I want important things in my life to be big, visual, and vocal. I'm a communicator. I want dialogue, not SILENCE!
Whenever discouragement, doubt, or fear begins to creep into my thoughts, attempting to overtake me, I run- not walk, but RUN - to the Lord. And I am able to cry out:
"Father, help me!"
~You tell your children to not be discouraged, but to take heart. "See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 1:20-22
You say we are not to doubt, wavering like waves going back and forth. “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”Ephesians 4:13-15
Your word says you do not give a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”2 Timothy 1:6-8
You say we are blessed when we believe what we have not yet seen. “Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29
You, Father, are truth personified. Your word is sure and your promises are trustworthy. I know from past experience I can rely on you and your promises. You are far more reliable than my emotions. I choose to trust you. With the power of your holy spirit I will continue with the work you gave me to do, even when I cannot see any positive results from my labor. I ask you to encourage my heart, strengthen my faith, renew the power of your love within me, and help me to believe. ~
This cry out to my Father does not rely on human emotions. It relies on the solid truth of his word. My experience confirms that no matter what I am feeling, I can count on him, the one who never changes. It is a matter of choice – do I want to allow my emotions to decide what I will and will not do? Or do I want to allow my completely trustworthy Father to lead me?
Once I focus my thoughts on him and his words, the emotions begin to change. Hope is restored, energy to work at the task at hand returns, new opportunities that might possibly solve the challenges I face begin to appear, and my belief in him is once more confirmed. I have experienced some of the most surprising moments of my life in these circumstances. Just when I think there is no answer - just SILENCE – he reveals himself in an unexpected way, and often reverses my emotions.
Perhaps that is not SILENCE after all. Perhaps he knows I need to deal with the battles to overcome discouragement, doubt, fear, and belief so he can teach me to completely trust him more and more. Even when I am not hearing his voice, I can know what he has to tell me through his word that he has etched into my heart.
And so, when I choose to listen in the silence:
Every time, he wins the battle for me. Every time, he renews me all over again. Every time, I am reminded why I serve him…
Even in the SILENCE.
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Find Out about Barbara's project Three Times a Lady by going to Facebook
A Gentle Answer Ministries online magazineCopyright © 2010-2011
