Sometimes you have nothing to say...

It's been awhile since I have posted.  As I was thinking about what topic to post on, I realized that I didn't really have one for now.

And that's okay.

Sure being a blog, people like to comeback to read something new.  For me, however, this is an outlet.  And as such, not always do I have something to blog about.  Perhaps, I'm too busy or too tired...or more recently, dealing with a family health issue.

Whatever the reason, I could kick myself for not posting, but I won't.  I will still post.  I'll get back into the swing of things...just not today.

And that's okay.

Book Review - "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have read many quotes by Bonhoeffer, and many people have quoted him and spoke of his amazing life.

A true disciple of Jesus if there was one in our modern age.  I highly recommend just finding out about the man, let alone reading "The Cost of Discipleship."

TCD is a challenging book.  Not because it's hard to read, or understand, but because it does just that - it's challenges.

If you've ever admitted that you "fall short" of the glory of God this book will show you more.

Yes, at times you will feel "guilty" and "convicted" but at the same time, you get a clearer, more direct, more honest look at your own walk with Christ - and how much we are not only falling short with God, but ourselves!

With Jesus, yes, we have great responsibility, but what a responsibility it is!  Truly, the cost of discipleship is high, but the rewards are even higher (and I'm not just talking about heaven).

Bonhoeffer doesn't pull any punches and gives insight to the Sermon on the Mount that perhaps you might not have heard - I know I hadn't.

It's a quick read, but don't let that fool you, it's a deep one as well.

This was the first book, or any writings for that matter, by Bonhoeffer I have read - I will certainly read more!

Billy Graham in Quotes - A Review

Where does one start?

If you've read or have heard Dr. Graham before you know the way he has with words. This book highlight, perhaps, the best of what Dr. Graham has had to say in his long life as an evangelist.

In the book, Dr. Graham is quoted on a wide variety of topics such as: Sin, Salvation, the world, Jesus, young people, family, evil, money, and a whole lot more!

What you read is straight-from-the-heart, no-holds-barred, and uncompromising. Billy says what he means, means what he says for sure.

To quote: "If we are at peace with this world, it may be because we have sold out to it and compromised with it." - From the chapter Billy Graham on compromise.

My only complaint, if you could even call it that, is the structure of the book itself. More to the point, how the chapters are ordered. Perhaps I've ready way to many Christian books, but it is odd to find Jesus in the middle of the book, rather than at the end. Or maybe not!

One thing is for sure, I can say this isn't a book you would regret taking the time to read. It will both inspire and challenge you, for which you will be all the more better because of it.

And as always: I have received this book free for my review through Booksneeze. In no way was my review influenced by the author or publisher of this book. For more information please visit: Booksneeze.com

Ministry Today - the magazine

First, did you even know there was a magazine called "Ministry Today?"

You can check them out HERE!

But let me back up a second...

I am a sucker for kids selling stuff.  Maybe because I had to sell ads and wreaths growing up and hated every second of it - I am NOT a salesman.  Whatever the reason, if I answer the door - you'll probably make a sale!

The long/short of it: I subscribed to Ministry Today...as I was starting (still working on) my ministry and thought maybe this mag could help.

My thoughts?

It's just another magazine.

Articles to sell ads.

The cover looks no different than what you'd expect for any other magazine - a list of articles promising the latest fad or "technique" to do __________ (whatever you are looking to do).

Really?

Sure the "content" is different, yet the style and execution is exactly the same.  My current issue states the following on the cover:  "Discover IHOP-KC'S Strategy for: Keeping platform ministry pure, spirit-led children's ministry, fasting more effectively...

What?

Fasting more effectively?

How is that different than when Men's Health has an article on: More effective push-ups?

I hate to be cynical (okay, maybe I don't) but what the he(xx)?

Effective fasting?

Have we reduced following Christ to "effective fasting?"

Want to know how your music can "go beyond worship?"  (also in this edition)

I'm not sure what I expected, but I know it WASN'T this.

But before I get tooooooooo cynical, I take the words of Jesus to heart: Those who aren't against us, are for us.

So, while I may disagree with their methods (as I'm sure they would certainly disagree with mine) I leave it to God to decide.  If he is cool with it, than I will be as well - though I don't have to support them by renewing my subscription, which I won't.

Are nuggets of gold to be found?

I'm sure...in fact, I found an article written by a friend's pastor (which I gave him the issue).  If even for that fact, alone, the magazine is worth it.

When it all comes down to it - who am I to knock them down?

If this magazine might possibly influence the new Billy Graham, than I shall humbly step out of the way....

A humble thanks...

Last month IFC podcast hit 500 downloads!

Now, I don't have the software to show me who is downloading the podcast, but regardless - I am quite humbled.

That 500 people would subject themselves to one man rambling on about his faith...

...makes me wonder: don't they have anything better to do?!

So, I guess I should say thank you for listening, but then I ask myself: do I have anything worth listening to?

After all, I'm just a man working out his faith...I don't pretend to have anything to offer than my thoughts as they come to me.

If you have suffered through one of my podcasts (and are not my mom!) then I humbly thank you for at least your attention and hope that you could take away...something.

Chris

The God Delusion - A quick review.

I was planning to do a multi-part review of Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion.  However, after further consideration, I have decided not to.

This blog, this ministry, I wish to focus on positive things.  And while someone might think tearing down TGD is good, it doesn't help.

Let's be honest, my review is not going to change any minds - much like the book failed to change mine.

For the book, I will say this: I was disappointed.  If it challenged ANYONE to seriously question their faith, I would wonder it's strength to begin with.

If you do wish to find a critique on this book can find many out there.  Mine, however, will not be one of them.

Chris

Book Review - The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

"This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words."


This is the premise of Andy Andrews' book The Final Summit. A very unique book. I haven't read something quite like it. The main character, David Ponder, is whisked away to presumably heaven to have a "final summit" other "travelers."

I'm not entirely certain what a traveler, but in they include various people from the past: Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, etc. David Ponder, leads this group of travelers in the final summit to save mankind. Their answer can save mankind, if they can only discover what the answer is, and if they can do it in the time provided.

The answer?

Two words.

The Final Summit is filled with interesting historical events and "personal" accounts of such event from "those who were there" This Final Summit will keep you interested in discovering the answer. And while the answer may not be as “exciting” or “big” as you would expect, once you think about it, it starts to make sense.

(NOTE: I have received this book for free through Booksneeze.com.  The review is my own.  I did not recieve this book in return for a positive/negative review.  For more information visit Booksneeze.com)