PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Face Impossible Situations
When I posted the subject of my prayer yesterday morning, I didn’t have a particular situation in mind. The day’s reading in my newest devotional favorite, Jesus Calling, exhorted me to remember God’s power in my weakness. As author Sarah Young says, “The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My [God’s] Power and Glory at work in the situation.” That statement drew me backward—to the times when I’ve faced extreme circumstances. It also propelled me forward—to those who face situations that seem impossible today. As the hours passed, God kept revealing these points of powerlessness: a neighbor’s stroke and resulting paralysis, a friend’s looming job loss, a teenager’s suicide attempt. Impossible? Only from our side of heaven. And maybe (with a God-shaped perspective) not even then. Father, today I want to lift before you all those situations we think are impossible. They surround us, they block us, they threaten to choke out our lives and our hope. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. You tell us your power comes into its own in our weakness, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Amen, our wise Counselor, let it be so. May your kingdom come with victory, your hand reach down with might into each of these situations. May your glory explode through them to shape both people and circumstances according to your will. May those who see the end and know the beginning recognize your hand and realize your truth. Dear Savior, make all things new. Grant the ones who stare up at the cold lights of the operating room your peace beyond understanding. Blaze forth your light to those who live where darkness abounds. Give the ones trapped in debt and depression a hope and a future. Feed the ones who hunger, give those who mourn abiding joy. Thank you, mighty King, that we can trust your sovereign, loving hand. And when we encounter those situations where we feel more powerful and less dependent, would you please show that without you, all these are impossible, too? In your holy name I ask—AMEN....
read moreREAD: Review, If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn
Let’s start the new year with a giveaway. Add a comment before midnight Eastern, 1.6.11, to win my review copy of this book! In search of a little light reading? Then stay away from this book. Like his exhaustive treatment of a timeless topic in Heaven¸ Randy Alcorn’s If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil (Multnomah Books, 2009) presents a comprehensive, thought-provoking read. Here, he addresses almost any question you can think of about this ancient argument—and many you’ve never considered. During my seminary days, my philosophy professor (as every good philosophy professor should) addressed the topic of evil and suffering. After years of study, one word captured his best conclusion: mystery. God doesn’t owe us an explanation for his actions. And we will never fully understand why he allows such painful additions as cancer, disabilities, and death to penetrate his creation. But my professor’s summary left me with too many questions. At times, Alcorn offers a similar element of mystery. Still, If God is Good provides numerous principles, illustrations, and (most important) biblical references that shed light on an often-dark area. Yes, the book is thick. Yes, the word count is huge. But Alcorn wastes neither paper nor the reader’s time as he presents a practical, personal, pass-on-able presentation of clear biblical truth. He both asks and answers the hard questions–of himself, of Scripture, and of those who have suffered. This rubber-meets-the-road element goes a long way toward keeping the teaching from becoming either pedantic or ethereal. Years ago, I read Rabbi Harold Kushner’s popular book on this same topic (When Bad Things Happen to Good People). I still remember the disappointment I felt because, in my view, the author failed to answer his own question in a way that reflected a genuine relationship with a Creator God. I came away from If God is Good with an opposite reaction. Alcorn’s writing pushed against the edges of my faith in a way that taught me more—not only about his chosen topic, but about God himself. Numerous personal stories, a carefully planned chapter outline, and bolded sentences that highlight each chapter’s most salient points add to this book’s appeal. Alcorn’s honest discussions of life’s deepest issues may not answer all your questions, but they will give you some points to ponder. As he says, “Suffering will come; we owe it to God, ourselves, and those around us to prepare for it.” Come hungry, but don’t expect a snack. If God is Good goes beyond the whole enchilada. This one’s a full-blown, seven-course feast. Do you enjoy reading about tough topics? Have you read any of Alcorn’s previous books (fiction or nonfiction)? Share your response here (include an email address) and enter to win my review copy. If your browser won’t allow you to comment, email me via the “contact” link at right and I’ll include your name in the drawing. (FTC disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this review. I was not required to post a positive...
read morePRAY: Prayer for Those Who Need to Let Go (New Year’s Prayer)
As 2010 takes its final bows, 2011 waits on tiptoe. We often think of the New Year as a time of beginnings. But for every fresh start, something stops. As we begin a New Year together, join me in praying for the endings, too. Dear Father, today I come to you with gratitude on my heart for the amazing things you’ve done. You’ve picked me out of the dirt and set me on the mountain. You’ve replaced my sobs with songs of joy. You’ve brought calm where confusions reigned and peace where anger flared. And you’ve loved me. Oh, how you’ve loved me. I’m so grateful. God, as I look down the short hours to the New Year, the pathway looks foggy. I don’t see what you see. I don’t know what you know. But I do know you. And so I ask you—as I’ve learned to ask every day—to help me let go. To uncurl my clenched fist and place my hand in yours. To bend my knee and bow my heart. To willingly receive what you freely give. To accept—no, to embrace—the things, people, experiences, and changes you bring into my life. To seek your glory above what I think is my good. Oh Jesus, I know I’ll forget sometimes. I’ll call “Three-Second Rule” and pick it back up. I’ll bite my lip, grit my teeth, and try my best to do it myself. Forgive me, dear Father, for I know not what I do. Remind me, gentle Shepherd, and let me hear your sure voice. And guide me, wise Counselor, that I may walk in your truth. Direct and unite my heart to fear and to honor only your name. As my strength fails, yours rises. As I wait on you, I mount on eagles’ wings. As I surrender, you gain the victory. And somehow, Lord Jesus, when I give up my life, you take it and replace it with yours—the one already given for all. In this New Year, please help me let go. In the Name above all names I pray with joy—AMEN. How may I pray for you in 2011? Comment here, on Facebook, email or message me. I’ll consider it my joy to join my prayers with...
read moreREAD: Review, The Charlatan’s Boy by Jonathan Rogers
A huckster, an orphaned swamp boy, and a case of mistaken identity. These may sound like the makings of a great novel (and they are), but they don’t sound like my kind of novel. Unless the novel comes from artist of words and creator of Corenwald Jonathan Rogers, that is. I first became acquainted with this author’s storytelling skills when I reviewed his Wilderking trilogy for Homeschooling Today magazine a few years ago. In the process, our family fell in love with the fantasy kingdom of Corenwald and the Feechiefen Swamp. Rogers’s unique blend of Southern fiction and fantasy yields a nearly indescribable but wholly believable combination. This novel has a new publisher, a new look, and a new emphasis. Rogers uses The Charlatan’s Boy to tell the most ancient story of all. Scrawny, rejected Grady is the charlatan’s boy. Or is he? A startling revelation changes his life and sends him on an unwitting quest. As he carries out his master’s plan, he doesn’t realize he’s fulfilling another. When lies have shaped your life, truth can seem elusive—and painful. But truth, as the charlatan’s boy learns, also has amazing power to heal and set free. Engaging characters, intriguing dialogue, and a story every heart will recognize make this author’s latest offering one you won’t want to put down. Read (and encourage your young adults to read) The Charlatan’s Boy for the adventure. Remember it for the message. Well done, Mr. Rogers. Ha-ha-ha-hrawffff-wooooooooo! I’m posting this review at Waterbrook’s Blogging for Books site, too. If you have time, please visit and give my words a positive rating. Thanks! (FTC disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this...
read moreWRITE: Frequently Made Errors #8: Lack of Focus
(Don’t forget: Leave a comment on Tuesday’s Flourish review for an opportunity to win a copy.) “The writing’s not bad, but I can’t tell what your article’s about. At first, I thought it was about [this topic.] Then, I thought it was about [that topic]. It doesn’t have a main point!” The words stung. I’d looked forward to meeting this editor. In fact, we’d already enjoyed an engaging lunchtime conversation. She didn’t fall in love with my article? What was she trying to tell me? Only the truth: my words wandered. Instead of writing about one topic, I’d covered many. In my mind, my article summarized the points of one of those recent book projects. But the editor—as a good editor should—was remembering the reader. What would the reader take away from my article? As I reexamined my article, I realized she was right. In attempting to summarize the book, I’d forgotten to stick to the point (or provide a point to consider). My article presented not one but multiple topics. Because it said a little about many things, it said almost nothing at all. I share this true confession to remind my fellow writers that even a published, usually-polished professional doesn’t always get it right. I also share it to encourage you that, regardless of any personal tendencies to stare out the window, interrupt others in conversation, tap your foot incessantly, or chase the proverbial rabbit (or squirrel), your writing must demonstrate focus. But how? Decide on one main point and stick to it. Your anecdotes, your bulleted lists, and your explanations all need to return to that main point. Yes, the main point may have subtopics. If you’re writing an article about making Christmas memories, for example, you may want to discuss decorating, baking, and shared family time. But each of those subtopics should support the main point. And how do you maintain focus? Decide ahead of time what you want to communicate. Go back to high school English and write a purpose or thesis statement. For example, for the article mentioned above, “My readers will learn to make lasting Christmas memories with their families.” You may decide not to use your statement in the article (and please don’t begin with “This article is about . . .”), but please keep it in mind as you write. Reread each section and ask “Does this help achieve my overall purpose?” If not, it needs to go. In another WRITE post, we’ll discuss self-editing. But for now, please know that the old KISS (Keep It Simple, Sweetheart) rule applies. Write about one thing. Teach your reader one thing. They’ll appreciate it—and your editor will, too. This post addresses nonfiction writers, but I think it has applications in fiction writing as well. To my readers who write: Have you had trouble maintaining focus in your work? How have you avoided this Frequently Made Error?...
read moreWelcome
I've asked God to use my writing and speaking to count for eternity. I'm passionate about relationships and creativity.
