The Trouble with Jesus

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at “The Trouble with Jesus” by Joseph Stowell.

 

Jesus declares He is the ONLY WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.  In establishing this once great nation, His rule book the Bible was the foundation for our founding fathers.  Today, in a post-Christian society we have reduced the God of Creation, Jesus Christ, to a tradition that now competes with other significant religions within our society.  Now, man declares, through his own understanding, that all gods are good gods and our jaded culture says this is the new normal.

All worldly religions have their leaders in graves; only Christianity has arisen Leader.  Our society will let Him live if we don’t speak of Him publicly or make any claim of His deity.  Make no mistake, Jesus is unequaled. He doesn’t compete.

To say that ALL religions are true means no religion is true.  Are we ready to stick up for Jesus and be His advocate, anytime, anywhere?

If you want to know how to speak the Truth that Jesus is the only way, how to speak it humbly and compassionately, how to speak it wisely and patiently in ways that honor Jesus, then prepare your heart to be steadfast in being light overcoming darkness. THE TROUBLE WITH JESUS is a great guide to achieve this.

Full Assurance

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green grabs “Full Assurance” by H.A. Ironside to explore.

 

There is a saying “Peace at any price” but most will not adhere to the certainty of peace because it does have a price.  The only one who can give full assurance of true peace says there are several absolutes for obtaining and enjoying the luxury of resting in your current circumstances and knowing joyful peace and calm.  Our society has done away with absolute thinking and accepted our own truth for having peace. This leaves us on shaky ground.

When doubts and fears arise to control our thinking and actions, our confidence in trusting anyone that offers peace with full assurance is dismissed as fantasy or out of date thinking. The Gospel message and the character of the Godhead are up for grabs as our logic and reasoning become our final authority and override the health manual of the Scriptures; as many regards that tool also out of date.

Full Assurance, by Dr. Harry Ironsides, realigns our thinking based on facts in faith. These are proven certainties readers can discover in choosing  Christ over the deception of the devil, or our fleshly desire.  This is a fascinating read with many stories and applications for encouragement to step onto the path of peace for whatever holds you from FULL ASSURANCE. From getting out of darkness, being set free from torments, finding hope to grow, standing on a solid foundation and handling the crisis of unplanned trauma or loss that we all may face, but all the while having the confidence to be well pleasing in all we do is the theme of FULL ASSURANCE.

A Christian Manifesto

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “A Christian Manifesto” by Francis Schaeffer from the shelf to examine.

 

Most of the Christian world of today know little or nothing of a biblical world view regarding life.  We may know scripture or have a sincere desire to serve the Lord; however, we lack an understanding of how to view life through biblical eyes. For this biblical world view, we need to use the word of God to define our decisions and actions regarding circumstances, situation, relationships, and choices that need to be made each day of our lives.

A Christian Manifesto is not an easy book to assimilate into the fabric of one’s daily walk.  It is a book that is worth making a commitment to read and understand the erosion in our world culture.

Christians have been slow to see the decay of values.  This is mainly due to our dividing between our “spiritual” and the “material” worlds.  True reality is the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of life.

What it is to know the True and Living God in a practical way; opening our minds, strengthening our convictions and consciences to impact ourselves and those around us.

 

9 Must-Have Conversations for a Doubt-Free Wedding Day

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes the book “9 Must-Have Conversations for a Doubt-Free Wedding Day” by Gary Thomas and Drs Steve and Rebecca Wilke and gives us an inside look.

There are a lot of challenges in life but making and keeping a happy marriage is a rare art form.  Less than 1% of marriages worldwide ever make it to the 50 year anniversary.  Expectations for an intimate relationship most of the time are based on desires, personal needs and wants.  When those are not fulfilled the pain and disappointments of living exposes our true character and independent personalities. People are not prepared to preserve and sacrifice for what they once held so dear.

Having the RIGHT premarital counseling can establish the priority of any marriage and set the goals for a couple that will thrive and not just survive in a “me first” society.  Marriage wasn’t created just to make us happy, but to merge two lives into one for the ultimate glory of God.  Helpful hints from this book can make falling in love a life long passion for staying in love.

The Porn Problem

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green tackles “The Porn Problem” by Vaughan Roberts. Sex is not simply recreational; it is profoundly relational.”  In just two short generations we have moved to a widespread adoption of liberal values, many that conflict with the Bible. Believers are finding themselves to be the misunderstood minority, and feeling at odds with where the world seems to be heading.

 

It is not just Christians who are worried about the tsunami of porn that has hit our society. Social commentators, medical professionals, and concerned individuals point to the negative impact it is having on body image, relational health, and development of adolescent sexuality. Porn wears many different faces and affects both sexes leaving many with shame and nowhere to find the door out of the driving desires that consume their lives.

There is a way out from the passion of porn. The author, Vaughan Roberts lifts the lid off this bondage and gives a short, but direct, understanding in finding help for anyone facing the enslavement of lust without any lasting satisfaction.

 

God is Not Fair

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger pulls “God is Not Fair” by Joel Freeman to examine. The really big question is how do we live, as we are called to live if  God is not fair?  A beautiful, yet simple solution, awaits you as discover the answer.

We often hear our children complain about a situation  that did not go the way they thought it should and say, “that is not fair.”  Fair according to what standard?  Is there an alternative to being fair? God assures us that according to His standard “fairness” must yield to justice under His loving wisdom.  Where did “fairness” become our “guiding light” for circumstances that happen in our lives?

The best of men have asked that question: Moses, John the Baptist, and even Job have all wondered why and how God allowed His Own to incur such horrible messes when they thought they were faithfully serving Him.

Joel Freeman portrays and outlines,  from start to finish,  of how we fall into this way of thinking as being justified by our own evaluations.  He uses examples from the logic of man to reveal the mind of God on where our thinking has a false view. “God Is Not Fair” awakens our conscience, in how the enemy can erode our seeking to explain the difficult things that happen.  This will hold the attention of anyone from 15-75 years.

 

Heaven Part Two

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green continues with Part 2 of “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. It will bring joy to our spirits and rest to our souls as we anticipate our forever together.

 

  • Eternal life in the immediate presence of the triune God.
  • All that diminishes the quality of life on earth will be gone in heaven.
  • The heights of joy on earth will be eclipsed in heaven.
  • Failure and its consequences will be a thing of the past.
  • No more temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
  • Knowledge will no longer be limited.
  • The body will no longer suffer from mental, emotional, physical anguish.
  • Seeing our loved ones, making new relationships and getting acquainted  with those that paved the way before us.

HEAVEN IS BETTER BY FAR THAN THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF EARTH

Heaven Part One

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green begins to share insight into “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn.

 

Most of us believe there is an afterlife.  Even if the body returns to dust for an unknown period of time, we do live on; but where?  Luke 16 gives a description of one who chose to live for himself here on earth, and after dying, tells a grim story for those who reject the way of Life in Jesus Christ. In that same chapter, there is a great insight for those that trust, no matter difficult life was while walking on earth. Many that are confident in their home going to Heaven still have questions about facts of their future.

  • How do we Gain Entrance into Heaven?
  • Is Heaven a Place or a State of Mind?
  • Will We Know One Another in Heaven?
  • What Will Our Resurrection Bodies Be Like?
  • What Will We Do in Heaven?
  • What are the Mansions like that Await Us?
  • Who Will Receive Rewards in Heaven?

And so many more questions.  The Word is very specific on some issues and gives glimpses into other matters that cause us to need to know the Word and accept, by faith, our Heavenly Father when “unknowns” to us still exist.

 Heaven by Randy Alcorn, define answers that bring great peace and comfort to those that want the “real deal”.

This World-Playground or Battleground

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores “This World-Playground or Battleground” by A.W. Tozer.

 

We live in a time of great prosperity and one whole generation has known life as having it “your way” with “75 choices” of instant fulfillment. Society and culture offer options gratifying to the senses of pleasure, desire, lust, and comfort. When situations occur and threaten that lifestyle, especially for the Christian that accepts the world’s standard as their own, chaos and confusion with division brings unbelief and destruction to our faith. The focus is no longer centered in the Bible and person of Jesus Christ.

If you are a student of the Word you will know we are promised seasons of suffering, and a playground was never an option. Oh, yes, there awaits times of refreshing and a dimension so wonderful that our Lord Jesus declares in Ephesians 3:20, He is exceedingly abundantly able to do above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.  There is a life NOW that is worth the living when holding to the plan of God.  When we choose the world system for life untold loss awaits us, now and in the eternal purpose planned by God.

AW Tozer cuts through the glitz and glamor with an honest and balanced appraisal of desiring a playground rather than a temporal calling of a battleground.  We need to wake up and count the cost of believing that our God knows what is best for us, NOW AND FOREVER.

Things Which Become Sound Doctrine

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at “Things Which Become Sound Doctrine” by Dwight Pentecost.

 

This study is based on fourteen tremendous words of faith. Words that have deep meaning in establishing our beliefs. This study was written because the average believer retreats from the word doctrine, feeling that it belongs to the seminary classroom or the minister’s library shelf. However, the believer is not “to be  carried to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” So to free us up in understanding and wisdom we need to become familiar with these foundational Truths of Scripture.

THINGS WHICH BECOME SOUND DOCTRINE by Dwight Pentecost offers simple explanations with clear examples that remove the “fear” in learning.

The Greatest Thing in the World

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “The Greatest Thing in the World” by Henry Drummond to take a look at Love.

The word LOVE has many different meanings in the Greek and are all translated into English without making a distinction.

 

EROS: From which we get the word erotic and is never used in the Bible.  It has to do with the love between a man and woman which embraces longing, craving, and desire.  We can love each other without having the ultimate love. Usually has sexual overtones, a need love.

STERGO: is only used 3 times in the New Testament and means love of kindred, especially of parents for children and children or parents.  The love between husband and wife and for others of close kindred. A love of family. Can still be lacking the ultimate love.

PHILEO: mainly denotes the attraction of people to one another who are close together both inside and outside the family.  It is a love of liking, an affection for someone or something that is the outgoing of one’s heart in delight to that which affords pleasure.  It includes concern, care, and hospitality to others and many times is a friendly love between members of the body of Christ.  However, as good as it is, we can still lack the ultimate true love of:

AGAPAO: The noun form is agape. “it is a love called out of a person’s heart by an awakened sense of value in an object which  causes one to prize it.” Love of approbation and esteem. A love that recognizes the worthiness of the object loved. This love is the soul’s sense of value and preciousness of its object. (Wuest)

Join Ginger as she opens our hearts to the wonders of “true love.” Hope it will create in you the hunger to live a life well pleasing.  Agape love is the love the Father desires we all mature in; with nothing lacking. “We love Him because He first loved us.”  Happy Valentine Day.

Know Why You Believe

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “Know Why You Believe” by Paul Little from the bookshelf to take a look inside.

 

If in today’s world you believe the Bible is from God and it is TRUTH, that is a good thing. However, if the time comes when you want to become a disciple, a learner, of what you believe to be true, then pushing forward is mandatory. If you desire to become a defender of WHAT you believe and taking the aggressive role in being able to present your case with conviction, then it is vital to know WHY you believe.

Global society is working very hard to wipe out absolutes from our history and moral values. We find ourselves regressing in our growth if we cannot understand and convey knowledge that will stand to man’s logic, reason, and rationalization. If what you believe cannot be proven by why you believe, then your creditability is destroyed. It is just another opinion.

When we are established in What we believe and Why we believe our foundation will be solid and well pleasing to God.  Furthermore, we will be equipped to do the good works we have been called to do and able to stand against the attacks from the enemy.  Knowing What and Why in our theology keeps us from being deceived because the Truth abiding in us sets us free. Without a solid foundation, we will be tossed about, falling into unbelief and confusion.

Listen carefully to the challenging discussion that causes us to question Why we believe.  

Know What You Believe

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “Know What You Believe” by Paul Little from the bookshelf to take a look inside.

 

What has established your beliefs about WHAT you believe? Family tradition, something you read or heard in social media, Church and Sunday School teaching, or first- hand bible study.

So many today have a theology built on second-hand faith. We may not be true disciples or learners as we accept whatever we are told is Truth without the discipline of daily searching the Scriptures. WE must be waiting on the ultimate professor of faith, the Holy Spirit to enlighten the doctrines, tenants, history, the God of the Bible and timely truth. Do you really know WHO you worship and hopefully center your life around or is your God a God of convenience and comfort for your benefit only?

Most Christians today cannot defend their faith or beliefs, even though they believe. It is a scary world in the Church today. To think of a soldier not sure what the rules of engagement are, not knowing the people in charge of his company or platoon, not understanding any of the directives given or how to implement them, the war would not be won. We are facing the same crisis within the Body of Christ and the daily attacks are being met with indifference or little concern of what is on the horizon coming straight toward us. We are not prepared!!

Take time out today to start a new commitment to put on your armor and understand the purpose of wearing it. In this day and age, if you are not willing to be a soldier/warrior living in dependence under your Commander, life will be filled with defeat and anguish. Yes, Grace always abounds, but there are “rules” to grace being properly appropriated. GET GROUNDED in WHAT YOU BELIEVE!!

Major Bible Themes

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “Major Bible Themes: 52 Vital Doctrines fo the Scriptures Simplified and Explained” by Lewis Sperry Chafer from the shelf to discuss.

 

Can you explain or defend the Bible and its purpose?  Have you ever wanted to know more of God’s role in our lives, understand the different interactions  God the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit share as they control, direct, and guide us through our time here on earth?  Most Christians lack the daily practical understanding of how God works.

Major Bible Themes addresses 52 questions we desperately need to rise up against the falsehoods that we are being asked to swallow as reality when in essence they are twisted fabrications of man’s thinking. Take some time out of life’s busy schedule and listen to what may be life-changing knowledge as the Holy Spirit grounds us in God’s Truth about Who He is and how He operates.  We will forever be going deeper and deeper into the depths of His grace as we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Your Eternal Reward

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at “Your Eternal Reward” by Erwin Lutzer.

 

There may be tears in heaven.  When we reflect on how we lived for Christ, we might weep on the other side of the celestial gates.  Although Christians have been justified by faith, Christ will still judge us for our “deeds done in the body whether good or bad.” How well or poorly we do here might indeed determine our status in heaven for all eternity.

Be prepared to have your understanding of the judgment seat of Christ challenged, provoked, and perhaps permanently changed.  Will you answer the heart of God that is seeking a bride who can sit with Christ on His throne and rule forever or will you be given a rebuke from Christ and have “shame at His coming?”  The choice is yours!!

Every Body Matters

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Every Body Matters by Gary Thomas.

Weak beliefs about the importance of caring for your body produces weak commitments.  The highest authority  gives us some motivation.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 are words that need to be taken to heart, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price.   Therefore honor God with your bodies.”  We were purchased with a high price to be redeemed and given eternal life in the Son, Jesus Christ.

Every Body Matters doesn’t focus on fad diets, and extreme practices for the body, however, since the body is the  dwelling place for His Spirit in ministry for us and others, we need to evaluate the importance we give to the  body as  we are stewards of what has been given to us. 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required in a steward to be found faithful.”

Crazy Busy

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung. This book begins with a root issue of our Beliefs. What we believe to be true can differ from what we KNOW to be  true. Life experiences can feed us misinformation about God.  If we do not rely on God solely for our every need, we become busy attempting to meet  our needs and establish our security through our own efforts. Scripture does not teach responsibility ….it teaches faithfulness.

 

As we desire to be faithful we can walk without fear of failure. If we go through periods of failure as we unscramble, we can claim the truth:  “if we are faithless, He will remain faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13

Author, Kevin DeYoung offers seven diagnoses to help you identify the areas of your life that are contributing to your special brand of “crazy busy” and the one thing necessary for lasting change.

I, Jesus

Chances are, Jesus isn’t who you think he is.  No matter what you have read before about this first-century rabbi from Nazareth, there is a good possibility that you have been misinformed.  In fact, maybe you have been wrong from the start about the most amazing man who ever walked the surface of the earth.

 

I, Jesus speaks in His own words, about Himself, His Purpose, His Nature, and His Mission.

If you desire and want an intimate relationship with Jesus as your First Love, then this is a valuable portrayal of our Savior,  Servant, Shepherd, Messiah, and King .

 

The Way of the Shepherd

Today, Ginger Green pulls The Way of the Shepherd by Don Baker from The Fireside Bookshelf to explore. We all need and want to be cared for by someone who really loves us.  We are made in His image where love is paramount. Understanding the ways of a shepherd and what he sacrifices in knowing every need of his sheep, being sensitive to their surroundings is what allows the sheep and lambs to lie down and rest in green pastures and drink the quiet still waters. Under the care of a good shepherd, sheep lie down in quiet and serene sense of gentle contentment.  “Godliness with “contentment is great gain.”

 

The Way of the Shepherd will bring delightful joy to the heart and the beautiful pictures captivating the message in each chapter. The beauty of the book is that it equally reaches out to the heart that is troubled or to a person struggling with the issues of life that must have a shepherd to protect and carry us, to a place of safety.  Expressed in the 23rd Psalm and illustrated for us is the correlation between sheep of the field and we as Christians being sheep of His pasture. Tension is released as we see we are never abandoned and always have the Shepherd there for us when we are unable to help ourselves.  Great comfort and understanding comes from practical illustrations that are given to David as he learned from his Great Shepherd.

Wounded Heroes

Today from The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green shares “Wounded Heroes” by Elizabeth Skoglund. Wounds come in all forms from tragic events, daily pressures of continued stress, the “what ifs” of life looming over us, surprises of health challenges, broken relationships, losses  of many kinds.  It is certain that life is filled with UNCERTAINTY.  Choosing right responses is necessary in understanding unavoidable pain, suffering which does not immediately go away, even when we try to get rid of it. Finding meaning in our suffering can keep the joy  and hope for now and whatever may be ahead.

Common life mixed with the divine, practical details lived out in the light of eternity, blessings from buffetings: these are God’s ways of putting our theology into shoe leather. Centuries of saints show us the “how to” of being a faithful wounded warrior.

Crazy Busy

Today on The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung. This book begins with a root issue of our Beliefs. What we believe to be true can differ from what we KNOW to be  true. Life experiences can feed us misinformation about God.  If we do not rely on God solely for our every need, we become busy attempting to meet  our needs and establish our security through our own efforts. Scripture does not teach responsibility ….it teaches faithfulness.

As we desire to be faithful we can walk without fear of failure. If we go through periods of failure as we unscramble, we can claim the truth:  “if we are faithless, He will remain faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13

Author, Kevin DeYoung offers seven diagnoses to help you identify the areas of your life that are contributing to your special brand of “crazy busy” and the one thing necessary for lasting change.

Every Body Matters

Today on The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Every Body Matters by Gary Thomas.

Weak beliefs about the importance of caring for your body produces weak commitments.  The highest authority  gives us some motivation.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 are words that need to be taken to heart, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price.   Therefore honor God with your bodies.”  We were purchased with a high price to be redeemed and given eternal life in the Son, Jesus Christ.

Every Body Matters doesn’t focus on fad diets, and extreme practices for the body, however, since the body is the  dwelling place for His Spirit in ministry for us and others, we need to evaluate the importance we give to the  body as  we are stewards of what has been given to us. 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required in a steward to be found faithful.”

Waiting on the Lord

Today on The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green discusses the book Waiting on the Lord by James Smith

During the days of demands and deadlines, the need to wait on God many times “feels” like just one more demand of our precious time. However, taking the time to maintain the atmosphere in quietness of heart to wait is a mandate, so we can meet those demands and deadlines.

Faith says I will trust God.  Experience confirms the benefits of this attitude and action.  God nowhere promises that faith will receive all its desires immediately but waiting on Him daily will provide the patience, wisdom, assurance, guidance, hope that He is sufficient for all things, moment by moment.

Take a few moments now to renew your desire and commitment to Wait on the Lord.

Authentic Christianity

Today, Ginger Green explores Authentic Christianity by Ray Stedman. Jesus died for us that He might live in us.  Christ in you, the hope of glory. Our goal is to move beyond religion, doctrines, rules, rituals,  into that life-changing experience of being intimately connected with Christ at the very core of your being-for that is authentic Christianity. This is our only hope to finishing  well!

 

Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, can actually come to live within a human being, and intertwine his life with our own. God’s plan of salvation is aimed in our human will, our decision-making ability.  We must make a choice to surrender as authentic Christians, not through intellectually comprehending and accepting historical facts.  Our life must be joined to his life.

This “read” outlines the phony from the genuine with  illustrations of practical experiences confirmed through the Scriptures.

Courage to be Protestant

Today on The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores The Courage To Be Protestant by David Wells. Whatever your choice, Courage to be Protestant will give you the facts and consequences in  world of cultural change.  Read and then decide which camp you belong to and why.  Great book for all believers from 18-80 years.

 

The evangelical world of today looks quite different from a few decades ago and appears to have divided into three rather distinct constituencies. These three groups are classic evangelicalism, marketers and emergents. The last two groups are transitional and are stepping-stones toward a more liberalized Christianity. Over time, the capacity to think doctrinally has been lost as new leaders emerge and the older pastor-theologian model to newer entrepreneurial organization builders promotes a new method of ‘selling” the Gospel; attracting the people in need with a more comfortable appeal.

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken

The old saying “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”  The idea that words never hurt is a false myth and we know from experience that words can devastate, destroy, and may have lingering consequences for years to come.

 

On the other hand the right words spoken according to Proverbs 25:11 are ”like apples of gold in settings of silver.”  Where do we find such comforting, guiding, healing words? In the promises of God given to us in the Scriptures.

Jesus never spoke with a “double tongue.”  What He said He will do and fulfill.  Knowing the Scriptures is to know the authentic, real, and true words, not some counterfeit and fake  as Psalms 55: 21: describes:  “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” From the mouth the heart speaks.

The Greatest Words Even Spoken teach us the words of Jesus that have changed the course of history by changing, millions of lives, one life at a time.

A Christian Manifesto

A Christian Manifesto is not an easy book to assimilate into the fabric of one’s daily walk.  It is a book that is worth making a commitment to read and understand the erosion in our world culture.

Most of the Christian world of today know little or nothing of a biblical world view regarding life.  We may know scripture or have a sincere desire to serve the Lord; however, we lack an understanding of how to view life through biblical eyes. For this biblical world view, we need to use the word of God to define our decisions and actions regarding circumstances, situation, relationships, and choices that need to be made each day of our lives. Christians have been slow to see the decay of values.  This is mainly due to our dividing between our “spiritual” and the “material” worlds.  True reality is the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of life.

Come join Fireside Bookshelf with Ginger Green for another chapter in learning what it is to know the True and Living God in a practical way; opening our minds, strengthening our convictions and consciences to impact ourselves and those around us.

Psycho Babble

Psycho Babble directs us how to find the straight and narrow path to Truth that transforms.

There is a saying “The Truth doesn’t cost anything, but a lie  could cost you everything.”  2 Peter 1 lays a foundation on how we may be assured of not falling into the trap of modern psychology lies.  Should we decide to favor the foolish wisdom of this world we will sin grievously if we reject and neglect divine truth.  Verse 3 declares ‘His divine power has given to us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness.”  Verse 4 affirms “exceedingly great and precious promises are ours so that we may be divine partakers of the divine nature.”   Know and apply the promises so you won’t be caught in the lies.

Intelligent Design- Uncensored

Intelligent Design is a term declaring  we DID NOT evolve from a glob of goop. It has been debated for centuries by those that want to do away with a need of God in Creation.  For years we have been told the Scriptures requires blind faith because there is really no science to back up the word of God; since science is supposed to be  the final authority in understanding.

Charles Darwin introduced his theory of evolution to argue that blind nature had produced all the species of plants and animals around us and a Creator could not be found in nature.  This thinking entered our educational systems over 100 years ago and has  been eroding the thinking of professors and students alike.  The scientific community has been divided in this area.

For those that will study the evolution theory they will find it has more holes than a sieve, however most people will not take the time to know how to DEFEND THE FACTS OF THE TRUTH. This book lays the foundation for understanding the “logic of the lie” and explains the evidence, from both science and Scripture, that confirms Intelligent Design in creation. A vital read that parents should digest and instruct our youth in a counterattack, because a world without God is a world without hope.

 

The Danger of Self Love

There is a belief that self-esteem, a good self-image, provides the necessary foundation for a wholesome personality and successful behavior.  This theory is accepted in secular and evangelical society, no longer as theory, but as established truth.

A noted psychologist speaking to a group at a well known company was asked what  impact the self-esteem movement had in todays world.  The answer was “it was a  complete disaster.”  Paul Brownback has provided us with a explanation and solution to this problem that has misguided so many in our society.

Ginger Green eloquently shares the TRUTH of self-esteem and the author Paul Brownback, graciously provides  an analysis of an alternative that may be found in our TEACHING HANDOUTS.

Click hear for your  Study Suppliment

The Truth About Money Lies

Today on Fireside Bookshelf Ginger Green reviews The Truth About Money Lies By Russ Crosson. Listen for the money lies you may have believed.

‘Everyone picks up a book for a reason. It could be to learn, laugh, engage, or escape. But behind any of the reasons is a desire to change. We want something about ourselves to be different when we put the book down. So when we pick up a book, we say to the writers, “teach me something I don’t know or take me somewhere I’ve never been.” Those are certainly our goals with The Truth About Money Lies.‘     By Russ Crosson

 

Destined For The Throne

And they sang a new song, saying:“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Revulations 5: 9-10

If you are not satisfied with cradles and pacifiers for the Christian life, desiring to be more useful in our Master’s service, then here is a meaty volume of practical value.

This book, DESTINED FOR THE THRONE, challenges us to see the Church in all her glory, where we have originated, where we are going in God’s eternal purposes. It ties intercession into the why of our existence. Where do you fit into this program?  If you want to taste the fullness of knowing who you are IN CHRIST, open your ears and heart to this message by Paul Billheimer.

David’s Spiritual Secret Pt. 2

We continue to explore the life of David and encourage you to spend some time in the book of Psalms. What a treasure for our hearts to be given a picture of the grace and love given David just as we are called to live a life of holiness and trust in our Father God. Oh, what a sad picture when we choose to go our own way, even if just for a “season”.

Click hear for David’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. John Barnett

We continue to explore the life of David and encourage you to spend some time in the book of Psalms.  There you will read the songs David wrote to express his personality and disposition as he was used by God to give us wonderful examples on how to keep our eyes toward heaven. We learn how to see God in the dark times, as well in the times of praise and rejoicing as a guide.  Many Psalms written by David start out in the “pits” of discouragement and despair, but David reaches deep down into his inner being and always finds God there; waiting on David to find hope, security, and reason for going on: IN HIM, his Great Shepherd and friend.

David’s Spiritual Secret Pt. 1

If you want to see “raw” emotions and how they play out in life, David is a man to study. If you want a guide to see how to stay focused throughout your life, David is an excellent example.

Click here to order David’s Spiritual Secret 

One of the most talked about people in the Bible is David.  The Bible does not hold back on the strengths and weakness in his life.  From peace and tranquility to chaos and crisis David moved in and out of perplexing circumstances. He experienced every possible emotion. From joyous “highs” to lonely “lows” with anger, discouragement, depression, and rejection in between ( and many a result of his own choices); David nevertheless, was a man after God’s own heart. What comfort can be found in seeing the faithfulness of God as David lived out his life in open communication with his Great Shepherd.

Who Switched Off My Brain

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5.

An intriguing book by a Christian doctor describing how God formed us to function in easy to read format. .  Many drawings and illustrations to further simplify each chapter.  Science with applicational simplicity. Many people who  do not understand the battles they fight, found with clarity and a new confidence, a smooth path in thinking that  is available to those who want to understand how to keep a healthy brain, resulting in a healthy body.  When the body is functioning the way God designed it to be  life takes on new luster and the Spirit can be at ease within us for His leading.  A beautiful combination of spiritual foundation with science agreeing.

 

 

With Christ in the School of Prayer

“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray” Luke 11:1.

Ginger Green takes a journey with us through the pages of “With Christ in the School of Prayer” by Rev. Andrew Murray. As long as we look at prayer, chiefly as a means of maintaining our own Christian life, we shall not know fully what it is meant to be. But, when we learn to regard it as the highest part of the work entrusted to us, the root and strength of all other work, we shall see that there is nothing that we need to so study and practice as the art of praying aright. This classic is clearly written and arranged in such a way, as to break it down into perfectly proportioned bites.

Wounded by God’s People

Wounded by God’s People by Anne Graham Lotz is pulled from the Fireside Bookshelf to have a look inside.

“Almost everyone I know has been wounded to one degree or another. It doesn’t matter if a person is young or old, rich or poor, intelligent or ignorant, healthy or infirm, educated or illiterate. We’ve all experienced wounds.”

Wounded people wound other people.  Whether the wounds are valid in wrongs done, the solution to keep from passing that pain on is the subject of this study.  Ann Graham Lotz is honest in her own struggles and reflects on how she learned to be the victor, not the victim of  others.  Also, she gives us an in-depth look as to ways wounds can form and take over without us realizing.  But sometimes, the wounds are through thoughtless, careless, “being right” in my choices, and then we must learn how to make our wrongs right.  A book that requires more than one reading.

100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know By Heart

100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart By Robert Morgan is pulled from the Fireside Bookshelf to have a look inside.

“Study to show yourself a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Because, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Why? 1 Peter tells us “that we have been given great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the  world.”

Here we have the purpose, the power, and the plan for discovering what the mind of God is for His  children in knowing Him.  There is nothing that can still our hearts and mind, giving a quiet confidence and drawing us into His presence as hiding the promises of God within our soul.

As a child of God we want to grow up and become disciples (learners) that desire to sit at His feet and learn of Him.  In memorizing the promises we can be pleasing to His heart and His Word brings life, comfort and hope to us.  Take some time to focus on the promises of God and in communion with Him, ask that they be made real in your life.

Limiting God

The phrase “Failure is the back door to success” certainly has merit.  Do words like fearfulness, selfishness, unbelief, failure, pride, laziness, ignorance, immaturity ever cross your  mind as you stop and have conversations with yourself about how you wish you did not have to do battle with these patterns in your thought life?  You know the Word says to  bring every thought  captive, but when swimming with strokes of repetitive thinking, these words have developed into lifestyles of living.  So, really what is the harm if you are just coping?

The main reason this way of living should not remain dominant is that without change your life will be LIMITING GOD in all that you do.  We have been given precious promises for living an abundant life now. Stopping short of that goal pulls us into fake and false thinking as an acceptable standard for who we really are as children of God. This in turn robs us of the joy, peace, calm, contentment, and an inability to grow in grace and knowledge, having Christ formed in you, with  waging war against the enemy that Jesus Christ defeated on the Cross. It is the fruit of blessing when our walk and talk are consistent and others can benefit from our testimony.

The Old Testament examples are given to help us see and understand the New Testament principles and how they can be applied.

Limiting God is an analysis of Christian failure with the sure answer for success in Christ.

 

Learn the Bible in 24 Hours

The New Translation in Everyday English expresses 11 Timothy 3:16 as follows:  All Scripture is breathed out by God and useful for teaching, for conviction, for  correction and for disciplined training in righteousness, in order to make the man of God adequate, and fully to equip him for every good task.  This is the heavenly solution for our earthly problems. However, to be able to use this precious resource we need to be in the Word and a student of discipline study to glean all that is available to us, NOW.

Proverbs 3:5-7 gives us sound advise to Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding; but in ALL our ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.

What joyful exhortations we are given to make our center of reading and study the Word of God.   Chuck Missler has combined decades of personal living in the good times and not so good times to provide us with a tool that short cuts years of random searching into a detailed outline  giving us a foundation to move forward with knowledge of what is taking place from Genesis to Revelation.

Today’s recap from Ginger Green will draw the hungry heart and seeking soul into an expanding world often gone unnoticed by most.  Learn the Bible in 24 hours has a study guide, workbook and videos to start a home study or study within your church.  If we claim ignorance or indifference to digging into the Bible, we will find that we are the loser and our lack of discipline may impact ours and others destiny.  That should never be the case  when such a great resource as this is  available to us.  Thank you Chuck, for a life that fought the good fight, finished the race, and shares in the Eternal Glory of our Triune God for all Eternity!!!

 

The Light and The Glory

As we celebrate the 4th of July this year it is a good time to reflect on our roots.  There is a saying in Christian circles that history broken down spells his-story.  How God reveals His means and methods in time, as to how He wants to bring all things back to the original plan before the fall.

America was founded on Biblical and moral Truth; a reason for America’s blessings and survival for the last 200 plus years.

America was never a “perfect” nation but a light and testimony to the world that she honors God and His people (Israel).

A slow, but sure, erosion over time has been eating away at her values and roots.  As she has prospered her people have changed their character and choices in how they want to live and be governed.  Now many educators are changing how history is being re-written and  remembered.  Many of today’s citizens have never been to war, except maybe in riots on our own streets and campuses . They have never had to go through loss and a valley of tears or had a spirit of strength to fight for what they really believe is best for the nation based on our original values.  We are a nation that has gone selfish and soft.

Let’s travel with Peter Marshall back in time as he traces the decline of the American Dream and see what happens when a nation compromises its beginnings and blessings.

 

The Cross in Faith and Conduct

The one purpose which our Father has in view, in all His ways, is to conform us to the image of His Son.  This may  explain our perplexities as to the past, it will govern our behavior in the present; it is to be our  guidance in the future.

The chief concern of our Lord is not to instruct us about a multitude of details , not to explain to us the reason for the trials which we are called to pass through.  He is working out everything to serve His supreme purpose in displaying the character of His Son in His children He has purchased through the Cross and the shedding of Blood for man kind. If that is where His heart is, then how shall we live to fulfill His plan?

Written almost 100 years ago when  our Christianity was centered in  the Cross and the fear of the Lord was preached in the pulpits, a call to awaken us that the  Truth of Christ never changes and what was needed then, is still needed today more than ever. The Cross in Faith and Conduct gives practical counsel in making this one purpose applicable.

 

If You Will Ask

“Prayer” changes things” is a phrase we use a lot.  Oswald Chambers would change that phrase to “prayer  changes me,” and then I  change things. Sometimes we pray but God does not answer in the way we want and His silences troubles our senses.  If that is the case, our understanding of grace is very elementary.

One of our main problems is that we focus our prayers on ourselves instead of on God. The purpose of prayer is not to get healed,  get a job, get our house sold or whatever else we want.  It is to get “the life of God in us;” to be transformed into Himself, knowing Him as the Giver, not just receiving good gifts from Him.

We may faithfully pray for others only to hear the silence on Heaven.  He never promised that He would answer in “your time”, but in His time, and in the meantime redeem  the time for the days are evil.

Ephesians 6 gives us a glimpse into the purpose  of prayer; the role of a warrior.  We are  called to stand against the enemy and putting on the armor to wage warfare is where victories are seen.  Persevering supplications and intercessions should be a part of our daily walk.  What stop the flow by our busyness.  Busy people do not have time to pray and we all  suffer loss.  Learning how the Lord asks us to pray, according to His mind should be a privilege and priority. We are called to be overcomers and so there must be some conflict to overcome.  IF YOU WILL ASK lends instruction, hope, and comfort for  a life of change.

The 7 Check Points

The Seven Checkpoints by Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall cover the critical beliefs that  our youth question within their belief system. It exposes the world’s point of view that compromise their thinking resulting in actions and lifestyle which set them up for disappointments, confusion, and just plain trouble.

From learning how to establish moral boundaries (how and when sex is a part of their lives) to choosing friends and the consequences, whether good or bad, Seven Checkpoints  sets a foundation they can see and accept with clarity.

Having a copy of this book at your fingertips will have you ready to offer solid solutions that are obtainable and supplies a path of guidance for parents and youth leaders wanting  to fulfill their role God has given to them.

When You’re Tired of the Symptoms…

We search for relief from our problems, instead of searching for a cure. Anything that will achieve temporary rest from anger, fear, frustration, unforgiveness and bitterness.  It is a repetitive cycle of survival and we become addicted to the short-term escape.

There is a long-term  cure and the first step of “cure” is to SEE  your need in the problem, call it what it truly is and ACCEPT the need as your wake-up call for change. The word for this process is repentance; to turn from the old thinking, emotions,  and actions.  Repentance  consist of confession of sin and submission to the authority of Jesus Christ. Because of God’s cleansing grace, healing comes.  Learning to see the need and not excusing with some popular modality is a big part of the challenge.  Follow Dr. Brandt through the maze of not treating the symptoms, but finding the real cure.

 

Waiting On God

Waiting on God is an important part of worship.  It is becoming a lost art in our daily lives as our culture tells us we must always be busy;  whether in earing a living, serving in a ministry, raising a family to the dictates of our society.  Quietness, in today’s pop thinking is mainly for the sick, elderly, or seeking solitude just long enough to recharge our batteries to be on the go at break neck speed.  People complain about being emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, overworked, overloaded, overstressed, but continue the rat race instead of the stable quiet pace for true rest and renewal.  It is our choice no matter how we deny it.

Tragic end of life news blares at us each day about  the famous, desperate youth, leaders from every walk of life, saying they have lost purpose and hope for anything more and life is empty.

This is in direct opposition for why we were created.  Yes, we were told from the Creator, Himself, through His Word, that we would see hard times, tribulations, and even some persecutions; even unto death.  However, there is a bigger picture that requires us to see life from God’s perspective and that includes NOW and ALL of eternity.

When we take the time to stop our busyness and experience what it is to relax in conversation and mediation with our Lord, our Great Shepherd, and the Holy Spirit, our guide and  comforter, we enter a whole new realm of understanding and wisdom, that gives way to joy, peace, security, and living in a strength other than our own.

Deceived by God?

Ginger Green joins Proverbs 31:30 Ministry with The Fireside Bookshelf. She scours the literary world, both past and present, bringing some of the best Christian books relevant to today’s believers and the pursuit to biblical truth. Airing every Wednesday at 12-noon on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio and kwxcradio.com

Today’s Broadcast features Deceived by God by John Feinberg

The Word of God is filled with hope, love, a guaranteed future for those that love the Lord and are called by His name.  With countless promises and blessings, seasoned with grace, we want the Bible to  be our constant companion, as it supplies the foundation of our life in Christ.

When all this appears to fail and unthinkable troubles become living realities in our lives and families, how do we  continue to trust in a Holy God? Where do we go when we are on a slippery slope of sinking and cannot provide  comfort or answers to all those in need.

Deceived by God addresses this issue from a man in ministry, sold out to service and loving his God; yet facing the unthinkable.  Though no fault of anyone involved, overwhelmed with pain and sorry, John Feinberg looks at the hard questions of being a believer and not wavering in faith, though tossed about with perplexity.

Ginger Green opens another chapter into the mysterious and unknown paths that may confront us during the course of running the race here, and offers a view from above that can help  carry us through when troublesome times appear.

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You Gotta Keep Dancin’

Ginger Green joins Proverbs 31:30 Ministry with The Fireside Bookshelf. She scours the literary world, both past and present, bringing some of the best Christian books relevant to today’s believers and the pursuit to biblical truth. Airing every Wednesday at 12-noon on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio and kwxcradio.com

Today’s Broadcast features You Gotta Keep Dancin’ by Tim Hansel

“But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so  that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24

For those whose lives are hit with a crisis that turns into a chronic pain lifestyle, this verse should be what we keep before us as the goal in accepting what we may not be able to change, for a season, or for an extended lifestyle. Pain does have purpose but most of the time our first priority is to get out of pain and we search the many different options afforded us; sometimes to no avail.  Pain should not stop us, only reorient our hearts with Heaven, our eternal home. If pain comes and makes a home in your body and soul, then we need to reflect on God’s  Plan:

.  God has a PURPOSE, He never moves without purpose or plan.

.  God has the PERSPECTIVE, He sees things from the perspective of eternity.

.  God has a PROGRAM, says suffering is part of the plan and not to be avoided.

Our choices in  responding to pain can make a huge difference in the level of pain we live with. Pain can redirect our priorities and thinking. Renewing our minds can bring peace, calm, rest, and can influence how our physical bodies fight pain naturally through paths that our Creator has made within the body. Follow the path of one person that learned the deeper secrets to accepting pain as a “friend” and finding the Biblical prescription for pain.  It will not be found in a hurry, but help is available to anyone that truly wants to endure hardness as a soldier of Jesus Christ. Eternal benefits are available now!!

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Adjust or Self-destruct

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new” I Corinthians 5:17.

Ginger Green joins Proverbs 31:30 Ministry with The Fireside Bookshelf. She scours the literary world, both past and present, bringing some of the best Christian books relevant to today’s believers and the pursuit to biblical truth. Airing every Wednesday at 12-noon on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio and kwxcradio.com

Today’s Broadcast features Adjust or Self-destruct by Craig Massey

Old ways we have learned all our lives including, thinking, habits, routines and our emotions are all deeply ingrained in us and when someone says you need a change, we usually are not very receptive to that line of thinking.  However, that is what the  Scriptures tells us is necessary if we are to avoid a destructive detoriation over time.  No two people are exactly alike so we need to learn where the pitfalls and speed bumps  are tripping us up and bringing conflict in every area of our lives. Most of us hate fighting, strife, contention and loss in our lives.  We do  many things to escape the pain of these consequences, only to find ourselves experiencing more of the same in different circumstances.  Where do we go to find a solid foundation on which to build?  The Word of God has the answer but is one of the last places a person looks into; until they are at the “end of their rope.”

The Lord explains the struggle deep within begins because of having two natures and what He has  done to streamline our lives so we can live in peace, joy, and tranquility with calm without retreating from all relationships and challenges.  He created us for Himself and the struggle hinders His purpose for our lives. Let’s listen to a simple explanation of what has taken place, what can take place, and what will take place; depending on how we want to respond to the leading of the Holy Spirt opening up the wisdom of God through His Word; truly the only solution guidebook we have. We are never offered a pain  free life, nor one without obstacles.  Learning how to maneuver these “natures” will provide helpful insight for seeing our ability to live “IN  CHRIST” with confident victory, overcoming will become a “new natural” lifestyle.

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