What Happens When I Die ? !

By brother george

We have all asked that question. Sooner or later someone will ask
you,”What happens to us after we die ?” I believe the Bible reveals
many truths about death, afterlife, eternal life, and heaven .

The Bible Scriptures tell us that, Believers will never perish, never
die, have eternal life, everlasting life, live forever. Included in the
Scriptures are also the Scripture verses that are spoken by Jesus. I
believe those verses are giving you the truth directly from God’s Son.

If you believe in God and accept the Bible as God’s Word, there you
will find your true answers. I have selected a few of the Scripture
verses that You could find in the New Testament as examples of
God’s plan for us.

That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
( John,3:15 )

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
( John,3:16 )

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes
in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into
judgment, but has passed from death into life.( John,5:24 )

Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when
the Dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear
will live. ( John,5:25 )

"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which
endures To everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you,
because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” ( John,6:27 )

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting
life. ( John,6:47 )

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone
eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give
is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” ( John,6:51 )

"And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither
shall Anyone snatch them out of My hand." ( John,10:28 )

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who
believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live". ( John,11:25 )

"And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you
believe this ?” (John,11:26)

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this
life is in His Son. ( 1 John,5:11 )

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God
does not have life. ( 1 John 5:12 )

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that
you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
( 1 John 5:13 )

but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus
Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel, ( 2 Timothy 1:10 )

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we
have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in
the heavens. ( 2 Corinthians 5:1 )

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait
for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ( Philippians 3:20 )

who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His
glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to
subdue all things to Himself. ( Philippians 3:21 )

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will
bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14 )

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are
alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means
precede those who are asleep. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15 )

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the
dead in Christ will rise first. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16 )

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall
always be with the Lord. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17 )

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John,14:2)

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive
you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John,14:3)

Consider that we may exist as a physical body with a individual soul
and spirit. We know our physical body dies and we know from the
Bible that the physical body can be resurrected. We know that, when
our physical body dies our soul and spirit leaves the Body. Your soul
and spirit, that is you and you leave your body and face God upon
death of that body. The flesh body may be considered sleeping or at
rest as it can be (regardless of it’s form) resurrected by God. The
spirit and Soul of a believer is eternal and will be united with Christ
at the very moment that the Physical body ceases to be awake. The
physical body of the believer is mortal and will perish or sleep until
the day of the final resurrection.

The Bible says we will be changed and that Salvation is your choice.

Four Ways To Do One to One

(Starting Well - Chapter Twelve)
By Joan Esherick

This author realized discipling was a gift, that she needed to
give to others. She wrote there are more ways to disciple than
you might think. Joan gives us four of her discipling experiences
to show what God can do when one believer invests into another.

Case One; “The Study Method”, for a new believer; set a weekly
meeting day, a session duration time, and a finish date. Show
this new believer by your example how to pray before and after
each study session. You invest the effort and entrust all the
results to God.

Case Two; “The Grow Method”, to deepen your disciples faith set
a biweekly meeting day, session duration time, monthly special
outing dates, and a mini-retreat date, also a finish date. Examine
Bible study methods and devotional practices of your disciple.
The results of your examination may give you some good places to
start strengthening this disciple.

Open your library and show your study tools; Topical Bibles,
Bible Dictionaries, concordances, commentaries, Christian Classics.
Then explain how useful these are as study tools. Encourage your
disciples to do study on their own and afterwards discuss their
findings. Spend time together outside of the study sessions to
discuss the everyday type of challenges.

Case Three; “Walk Method”, frequent informal meetings over a long
duration. Welcome your new disciple into your home and life. This
is a life to life relationship that is a friendship of conversations,
helping each other, also sharing struggles and victories.

Case Four; “Help Method”, contact by phone and informal get
together in person as needed. This is a short term crisis intervention
until the proper support group is established. You are Comforting,
listening, and encouraging them. As others begin to fulfill the
needs you may withdraw.

You “seek God first” (we can not repeat that enough) and follow
His guidance for the method best suited for the disciple to whom
He leads you.

Recommended by brother george

Scratching Where They Itch

(Starting Well - Chapter Eleven)
By Mistie Hutchison

“Discerning your disciple’s needs”, that is the hard part of discipling.
Obvious, is how Mistie described asking God for guidance.
(chapter ten, ”Tell God first”. Let us keep repeating that principle)
God will reveal needs that you may not normally see. Jesus spent
time in prayer before major decisions, such as choosing His disciples.
(Luke 6:12-13)

Listen attentively to what your disciples are saying. You need to
know what is going on inside them, if you are to serve their real
needs. This means you really hear them and you are seeing their
emotions and circumstances.

Asking good questions can be helpful in finding those needs.
Mistie suggested a few questions to ask in the beginning of a
discipling relationship;
“Where would you like to improve your life ?”
“What do you feel your needs are ?”
“How can I help you ?”

When someone is asked; ”What are your needs ?”
There may be a difference between their felt need and their real
need. Felt needs are what a person thinks is most important for
their life. A real need can be defined as a need that God has placed
in our lives. The process of finding someone’s real needs may
require time, careful listening, asking questions, and getting into
the Scriptures.

Being a part of God’s work in another person’s life will be worth the
time and effort if you ask God first and you follow His guidance.

Recommended by brother george

Contagious Love

(Starting Well - Chapter Ten)
“Passing on your passion for God”
By Cindi McMenamin

Think about, How do we pass on our love for God ?

This is how Cindi moved from knowing about God to
having a loving relationship with God. She tells of her
three basic principles that deepened her relationship
with Jesus.

One; “Tell God first”, going to God first shows
that He is the most important part of your life.

Two; “Take God seriously”, this means prioritize
your life so nothing takes away from your relationship
with Him.

Three; “Trust God fully”, means you take your
greatest needs to Him and allow nothing to separate
you from God.

Cindi explains we should look for God everywhere and
in everything we do. Our Worship may be incorporated
into everything in our lives. Just by appreciating and
giving thanks to God for all He has provided. Cindi found
that the more time she spends with God the more her
love grows and the more she wants to be with Him.

“How can you pass along your love for God ?”
When your passion for God is visible in what ever you do,
that relationship will be wanted by others.

Recommended by brother george

Outreach 101

(Starting Well - Chapter Nine)
By Evan R. Griffin

Evan offers his methods for helping new believers
tell others about their relationship with Jesus.

Help them remember all the changes by comparing
old life with the new life and write down those changes.

Help them research Gods word of how the Lord feels for
the lost to give them that feeling for the lost.
Examples; (Matt.9:35-38)(Luke 15)

Help them understand people by taking a prayer walk
around the places they normally frequent. Pray together
for God to prepare those peoples hearts. Pray for God to
prepare the new believers for sharing their faith.

Evan gives good advice; for them to begin with casual
friendly conversation and for them to realize that they do
not have to accomplish everything in the first conversation.
Tell them to Let the Spirit lead their progress. In some
encounters they may simply be leading some one just a step
closer to Christ.

The new believer may engage someone by asking questions.
Some examples of questions Evan used;
How do you feel your life is working these days ?
What is your religious background ?
Have you ever read stories about Jesus ?
Did you ever hear a story about answered prayer ?

Evan feels that the relational depth and camaraderie of
people who have Christ in common will attract others to
Christ.

Help our new believers launch into a lifetime of outreach,
pray for God to lead the new believers, pray others will
be drawn to Christ by them.

Recommended by brother george

Learning to Talk

(Starting Well-chapter eight)
By Lee Brase

The beginning of the new believers relationship with
God is learning to pray and learning to talk to God.
Lee writes this chapter showing us “How to use the
Scriptures to launch a young believer into prayer.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray by giving them a
prayer. (Luke 11:1-4)

Lee found, the most effective way was to take the new
believer to the prayers in the Bible. The new believer
listens to others pray and repeats what was heard in
their own words. As the new believer learns to talk to
the Father; they should be very specific about what
they are praying. I have found that by being very
specific in our requests, then our Father is very specific
in His answers and blessings. The more the new believer
prays the more their prayers will improve.

Lee offers us help with the prayers in the Bible. He points
out that the Old Testament blessings were directed at the
fruitfulness of their land or the destruction of their enemies.
The New Testament is about blessings on our fruitfulness
and praying for our enemies. When reading these Bible
prayers we should consider; what was the circumstances,
the major content, the prayer requests, and what was the
expected answer.

Lee states that the new believer needs to grow in their
understanding of God. The goal is to help the new believers
become more attentive to God, grow to communicate openly
and live in the dependence upon God.

Recommended Reading by brother george

Quiet Time Basics

Starting Well - chapter seven
By Mike Hildebrand

Mike provides us with a practical guide showing how to have
a quiet time. Helping another person become more intimate
with God is an essential goal of discipleship.

He says first show the disciple, “why”. The showing is by using
the Scripture to establish the biblical basis for “Quiet Time“.
The purpose of spending time alone with God daily develops
intimacy with Him and teaches how He wants us to live.

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,
He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He
prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

Jesus was never to busy to pray because He valued His time
alone with His Father and as you should also.

Mike recommends showing them how by using Psalms to help
a new believer begin to talk to God. You can read a psalm
together and then alternate reading verses. You offer a prayer
about something of importance to you. Then have the new
believer take a turn at praying and listen to what your disciple
prays about. You can include that concern into your next
prayer to show this disciple that you do listen and care.

Engaging the Scriptures made easy by Mike Hildebrand using
his simple acronym called “PEA”. The three step process of
understanding God’s Word. As you read Scripture try to
understand how each of those elements reveals a truth and
how these may apply to your life;
P = “Ask what Principle is revealed”,
E = “Ask what Example is revealed ”,
A = “Ask what Application is revealed.”

Now the hard part, follow up; When alone, how are the quiet
times going for the disciple ? Getting them started, you may
need to be a disciple sitter for awhile. Just have the quiet
times separately at the same place at the same time until the
routine is established.

Mike loves to pray the prayer of Jesus: “I have made known
to them, and will continue to make you known in order that
the love you have for me may be in them” (John 17:26)

Recommended Reading by brother george

Let Me Assure You-2

Starting Well - Chapter Six
(continuation, the third of five needs)
By Kathy Johnston

The new believer needs knowledge to stand up against
temptations and Scripture gives us assurance of victory.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is
common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow
you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with
the temptation will also make way of escape, that you
may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The new believers joyful experience when they confess
their sin, knowing God will cleanse them. Helping the new
believers gain assurance of their forgiveness and keeping
their communion with God through Scripture.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

The author tells her disciple; “You do not have to know all
that lies ahead, just keep trusting in God, talking to God and
He will lead you day by day; Lets pray about it right now.”

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Kathy has explained many ways that deepen the new
believers roots with God’s promises for salvation, answered
prayer, victory over sin, forgiveness, and guidance.. The
heart of follow-up is one on one and life on life.

Recommended Reading by brother george

Let Me Assure You-1

Starting Well - Chapter Six
By Kathy Johnston

Security of salvation is always the first assurance to
make sure the new believer understands. We must
show the new believer where to find reassurance of
their salvation in the Scriptures.

“And this is the testimony: That God has given us
eternal life, and this life is His Son.” (1-John;5:11)

“He who has the Son has life: he does not have the
Son of God does not have life.” (1-John;5:12)

This Scripture tells us, That if you have asked the
Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart, forgive
your sins, and give you an eternal home, then you
have eternal life.

If you have not asked, you do not receive, Just Ask !

“In hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie,
promised before time began.” (Titus;1:2)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they
follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish: neither shall anyone snatch them out of
my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is
greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out
of my Fathers hand. I and My Father are one.”
(John;10:17-30)

Kathy tells us that once a new Christians is sure of
their salvation, then it is important they understand
prayer. The experiencing answered prayer first hand
assures new believers that God heard them. However,
the new believer may have doubts when their prayers
are not answered when expected. The Scriptures will
provide the new believer reassurance that God hears
and cares.

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, what ever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have
asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

“Until now you have ask nothing in My name. Ask,
and you will receive, that your joy may be full !”
(John 16:24)

We have covered the first two of five needs for every
new believer from Kathy Johnston. To be continued:

http://christianbookdiscussiongroup.blogspot.com/

And other Christian Book articles may be found at:
http://christianbookdiscussionblog.blogspot.com/

By brother george

Finding the Right Person to Disciple

Starting Well - Chapter Five
By Becky Brodin

What is Discipleship ? The word disciple comes from
Latin word disco, which means learn or get to know.
The Rabbi would discipline their disciples through praise
and correction. A disciple was like an apprentice who was
learning from a master. A Discipler uses discipleship which
is the method or process to teach discipline to a Disciple.
Ok, now we can start finding the right person.

Becky tells us to find someone to disciple requires three
things; involvement with people, knowing what to look for,
and a willingness to take the initiative.

Becky calls, what to look for: “ The Right Stuff “. She looks
for someone who is hungry to grow, committed to fellowship,
and takes initiative to develop relationships.

Becky does as Jesus did, pray about choice of disciples.
A discipling relationship is time consuming, personal,
demanding, life changing, and requires commitment.

She explains, that choosing a disciple is like looking for a
companion and follower. The word “ follower ” in Greek
describes someone who seeks to be like their teacher, a
companion who is “going in the same way.”

“Whom Should I disciple?” You should watch for people
who are hungry to grow, then you take the initiative to
relate to them and invite them into this adventure of

one-to-one discipleship.

recommended reading by brother george

What My Discipler Did Right

Starting Well - Chapter Four
A Discipleship Journal Book
By Cathy Miller

What new believers need is some good Christian friends
to help them grow in their Christian faith.

Cathy Miller is sharing her real life experience of
Christian growth with her good Christian friend, when
she was a new believer .

Someone gently touched Cathy and asked,
“would you like to come to my house sometime to talk ?”

This new friend taught Cathy the basics of the
Christian faith and this discipler led Cathy into a
closer relationship with Jesus by just being herself .

Cathy was given the key to the Christian life with
“Christ in you, the hope of glory”

“ God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the
glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in
you, the hope of Glory.” ( Colossians 1:27 )

This author experienced a very effective discipleship
and she offers you those same key traits. Her Discipler;
noticed, cared, reached out, and pointed Cathy toward
the love of Christ as it is revealed in His Word and
through His Grace.

The Touch of Grace; Cathy has given us the pattern
to follow by telling us what her Discipler did right.

Cathy says now she has the opportunities to quietly
say to someone;
“would you like to come to my house sometime to talk ?”

Now you also have that opportunity !

Cathy Miller closes this testimony by her proclaiming
“Prayer ushered me into God’s presence, where I found
that He Himself was the answer to my requests.”

Recommended by brother george

“Love Lessons”

(Chapter Three of Starting Well)
How to shepherd those we disciple as Jesus would
By Dirk Van Zuylen

“ Who has significantly influenced you ? “

Dirk Van Zuylen recalls those people having one thing incommon, ”love”. He also stated that the people who loved him most had demonstrated confidence in him.

Van Zuylen offers the following “Love Lessons“ demonstrated by;

Jesus, showed confidence in His disciples,
Jesus, expressed His love for the disciples,
Jesus, demonstrated interest in the whole person,
Jesus, accepted people as they were,
Jesus, protected His disciples and
Jesus, sacrificed for the disciples.

Love Lessons teaches us to;
-Voice our confidence to our disciples and listen to what is on their hearts.
-Accept them with kindness and grace in the ways they differ from us.
-Spend time with them, pray for their needs, and help them understand God’s word in their struggles.

The Author closes this chapter proposing that we may be used in a lasting way to disciple others for the love of Jesus.

Recommended Reading by brother george

“ Am I Your Project “

(Chapter Two of “Starting Well“)
Six ways to demonstrate genuine care
By Doug Wendel

Ask the Question;
“ How to build into someone’s life without making them feel like a project ? ”

Doug Wendel describes five practical ways to communicate genuine love for those we are helping to grow in Christ.

(1) Ask and Listen; First thing we must do is ask that person about their life. We must be listening without judging, exhorting or counseling.

(2) Be Flexible; We must consider the needs of their life and not be insistent to meeting our plan.

(3) Be Transparent; We must be honest about our struggles so they also will be honest about their struggles.

(4) Practice Mutuality; A discipline relationship says, “ We are in this together and God wants us to learn from one another. “

(5) Give Grace; We have all had failings and forgiveness, so we should reflect grace upon those we disciple.

Doug Wendel closes this chapter with “The Sum is Love” and by God’s grace those we are helping will not feel like they are “Your Project”. Treating the person we disciple with God’s tender love is a key element to life changing discipleship.

Recommended reading by brother george

“The Essential Ingredient”

“ Starting Well ”
(Part One “The Heart of a Discipler”)
Chapter One “The Essential Ingredient”
“Your heart to help someone grow”
By Scott Morton

Chapter One is telling us God can use us to help a new believer grow if we have heart. I recall an old saying; “ It is not what you know, it is who you know ”. The author explains “what really matters is who resides in your heart”. Scott refers us to Paul “having God’s power residing in your heart.(1 Cor.2:1-5)” This chapter Essential Ingredient describes the desired attributes for your heart.

A “Interceding Heart” so we may pray for the new believer.

A “Initiating Heart” so we may take the initiative and be courageous in our new relationship.

A “Motherly Heart” so we may have the gentleness to listen and comfort as needed.

A “Fatherly Heart” so we may decide what is needed to prepare that new believer to make it without us.

A “Open Heart” so we may show how the gospel works in our everyday life. It lets them see your struggles and your victories.

A “Blameless Heart” so we may be doing as we are recommending our new believer to do.

“Walking Worthily” gives us the goal to be following up so that the new believer will; “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.“ (1Thess 2:12 NASB)

Time is our most valuable thing we have to give anyone and that makes new believers feel they are important to us and God.

The Author asks the readers if “Paul’s Discipler Heart” has stirred their heart ? Scott Morton closes this chapter asking; Are you wondering where to start ? Can you think of a new believer that may need a mentor, a loving friend to help with Christian growth ?

A new believer needs someone to take a genuine interest in them.
So allow God to stretch you !

Recommended reading by brother george

* Starting Well *

Compiled by Adam Rholz

“A guide to helping others grow in Christ”

My objective (brother george) is to help myself and others grow in Christ.

Starting Well is comprised of more than a dozen authors and topics all about Discipleship. This book “Starting Well” draws from some of the best material published in the “Discipleship Journal”. (www.navpress.com)

Introduction “A Life Well Lived” by Sue Kline tells us “it is all about never loosing the vision for helping others grow in the faith for Jesus sake. Discipling a person one on one and life on life, this requires time, heart, vision, and the Holy Spirit.”

Part One, (first four chapters) of “Starting Well” is to help the reader (Discipler) to see people with God’s eyes and love them with the heart of Jesus.

Part Two, (next eight chapters) of “Starting Well” will address the essentials needed in order to grow in a relationship with Christ. These authors tell you, Here is what new believers need to learn and here is how you can teach it to them. That is as practical as it gets !

We will begin with “Starting Well” chapter One “The Heart of a Discipler” ??

Recommended by brother george

Being Christian

By Stephen Arterburn & John Shore
Bethany House Publishers @ 2008

Reading & Study Recommended by george

Excellent book, very informative and written in conversational style. Some readers may find it hard to get into at first. To them I will say jump ahead. This is not a novel, you need not read in order from front to back. Sort through the index and find those questions that you want answered and then turn to the answers. After your initial questions are answered, then you may want to begin exploring where “You, God and Life are Connected.”

What does it mean to be a Christian and how do you do it ? The authors provide an introduction to Christian beliefs and practices. They give us easy to understand answers, explanations and guidance for many terms such as ; Sacraments, Baptism, Lent, Atonement, Five Solas, Advent, Epiphany, Pentecost, Lectionary, Nicene Creed, saved by grace, Born Again, Holy Spirit, etc. etc. We should really know what our faith is and how important it is to get right with God.

Whatever question about God that has been on your mind look for a answer in this book. Then discuss that information with your Pastor. If you are not presently attending a church, then this book may help guide you to a church.

Why does God allow evil to exist ?
How do I keep believing in God after tragedy ?
If God is real, why doesn’t He just prove it ?
Thought provoking questions do have answers.
Look for these and others such as; Is there any sin that is beyond forgiving ? How do I know that God loves me personally ? Yes, this would be a good book for a Bible Study Group. If you do not have one, why not start one yourself.

I acquired my copy of this book from;
Christian Book Distributors
(CBD Stock No: WW204260)

Prodical Biker

There once was a Biker that owned a very large H.D.
dealership. He had two sons that ran things for him.
One day the younger son said to his dad that he was
tired of working six days a week and wanted to sell
his share of the business. After a few days he got on
his 1970 FLH, saddle bags packed, and with the bucks
from his share of the business he started across country.

As he traveled, he spent his money like it would never
run out. He made a lot of friends along the way, drugs,
booze and wild women was how he partied from day to
day. When his money finally ran out, so did his friends.
He sold his bike to buy more drugs and booze to feed
his new habit, but that didn't last as long as he would
have liked. In a short time he found himself living on
the streets, hustling change and eating from dumpsters.
About this time the recession got real bad and there
were no jobs to be found anywhere and no one would
hire him anyway.

At last he came to his senses and said, "all my father's
employees have more than they can eat and here I am
about to starve! He started hitchhiking back towards
what was once called home, but because of his heavy
guilt he figured he was not fit to be called his father's
son and he knew he could never be a partner in the
Bike Shop again. He thought when he sees his father
he would say to him, "Father, I have sinned against
God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called
your son; treat me as one of your employees.

As he was getting closer to the Bike Shop, his father
saw him walking still a long way off and his heart was
filled with pity. He ran to meet him and grabbed him
tight with a hug. "Father,' the son said, "I have sinned
against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be
called your son. But the father called out to one of his
workers and said, "get my son some clean clothes and
go to the butcher and get the best steaks he has, so we
can celebrate the return of my son. This son of mine
was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now has
been found !

And so the party began. In the mean time, the older
son was out getting a shipment of Harleys, and as he
was coming near the shop, he heard loud music and
people partying, so he asked one of the mechanics "
what's going on? " your brother has come back,' he said "
and your father is throwing a party with steaks and
everything because he got him back safe and sound.
The older brother was so angry that he would not go
into the shop, so his father came out and begged him
to come in. Copping an attitude, the son said, "Look,
all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and
I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you
given me? Not even hamburgers to party with my
friends! But this son of yours wasted all he was given
on booze, drugs and whores, but, when becomes back,
you throw him a party with steaks and everything! The
father said to his son, "listen, you are always here with
me, and everything I have is yours. But, we had to
celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead,
but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.

Listen brother, you may feel "what does this all have to
do with me anyway? A lot! you see we have all screwed
up (sinned) against God the Father and have fallen short
of his plans for us. It started back in the beginning with
Adam and Eve. They screwed up (the first sin) when they
did what the devil wanted and disobeyed what the Father
wanted them to do. To this very day we are still doing our
own thing.

In this story, we are like the younger son, who went out to
do his own thing, his own way and soon found out that life
is not one big party, like him we can't blame anyone but
ourselves, the father didn't stop his son because like him
we all have a free will to do whatever we want. Just like
the son in this story, we need a way out of our mess. The
only way out is to go back to the Father through His son
Jesus Christ. Only through His son Jesus, can we be put
right with the Father and have all our sins (screw ups)
forgiven.

FIRST: We must admit we are sinners (screwed up)
SECOND: That we are sorry for all we have done wrong.
THIRD: Ask Jesus to come into my life and be not only
Savior but Lord of it.
FOURTH: Stop doing whatever is screwing up your life as
Jesus gives you the strength to do so
FIFTH: Start reading God's word (the Bible) and hanging
around other brothers who have been REDEEMED by the
Blood of JESUS!

Just pray this prayer and really mean it and you will be
Redeemed. "Lord Jesus, I believed You died for my sins
and rose from the dead. Please forgive me and saved me
from my sins. Cleanse in your Blood and come into my
heart. Thank You Lord , Amen

If you have prayed this prayer please e-mail, write or
call so we can stay in contact with each other and ride for
the "Son" and ride forever free.

The LORD JESUS CHRIST says to the members of
REDEEMED M.M., "Tell the Bikers to come to Me” So
we are doing what the LORD says. To all Bikers every-
where, in the Name of JESUS, you are personally invited
to turn off the highways of darkness and turn onto the
road of light. To come into a personal relationship with
the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the only One that can saved
you from "the wages of sin which leads to death"

"Prodigal Biker" Paraphrased From the Book of
LUKE 15:11-32 By Rev. "Big D" Dzwonek Copyright 1989

Why it's hard to love Jesus

Author Joseph M. Stowell
Moody Publisher @ 2003

Worthy of Study & Recommended by george

Stowell’s writing is very easy reading. He uses
parables and short stories you can relate too and
remember. Stowell does not use scripture out of
context. This author shows his human side as he
is also traveling with us on this earthly journey.

My heart was grabbed very early in this book.(pg 52)
Stowell’s dad would tell him to spend some time on
Saturdays weeding in the garden. Stowell tells us
if he could go back, he would gladly serve him in
the garden and with a heart of devotion. Now the
weeding would be a great way to tell him;
“ Thanks for all you have done. I love you ! “
and his dad would know that he loved him more than
words could offer.

The same is true in our relationship with Jesus.

Those thoughts brought thoughts of my love for my
own father and my heavenly Father . I get choked
up and watery eyes, when ever I think of all the
love that they have shared with me. I am among
those “forgiven-much” and I have a lot more weeding
to do. How about you ?

Towards the end of this book (chapter eleven)
Stowell relates the great closing movie scene of
“Schindler’s List”. Schindler is now bidding
farewell to a group of Jews that he has saved from
the Holocaust. He looks at his beautiful car and
says “ I could have done more, I should have sold
this car. It would have been ten more if I sold this
car. This scene is closing with him weeping, because
he could have rescued more.

When we have a choice between our comfort and loving
Jesus, and as our scene is closing, how do we want to
stand before Jesus ? Will we be weeping and saying
that we could have rescued more, we could have done more ?

Our love for Jesus is revealed in how we live. Every
choice is about staying in love with Him. And the reason
“Why it’s hard to love Jesus” is that we must actually
practice the love for our Christ.

My awareness that I have been “forgiven-much” is my
motivation to love Him much. How about you ?

“Loving My Neighbor”

The Parables by Gary Inrig
“Understanding What Jesus Meant”

The books second chapter, “Loving My Neighbor” is
that parable of the good Samaritan.(Luke10:25-37)
The bible scripture leading into this parable has two
primary questions asked of Jesus by the lawyer;
“ What shall I do to inherit eternal life ?”(Luke10:25)
“and who is my neighbor?”(Luke10:29)

So he (lawyer) answered the first question and said,
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all
your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
(Luke 10:27)
(Deuteronomy 6:5 linked with Leviticus 19:18 stated
in Matthew 22:37-40 again in Luke 10:27.)
And He (Jesus) said to him, “You have answered rightly;
do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:28)

Jesus answered the second question with the Samaritan
Parable and a question; So which of these three do you
think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
(Luke 10:36) And to that question; he (lawyer) answered
said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said
to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

The Samaritan saw the injured person only as a human
in need and felt compassion for human suffering. The
Samaritan cared for the immediate needs and went a
step further and provided for care of someone who
Could not care for himself.

“Your neighbor” is someone; whom you may or may
not know, of your race or not, of your religion or not,
for it is the need of the person which you can meet
that determines who becomes your neighbor.

Our neighbor is that person whom has a need that
we have the resources to meet. The Samaritan did
not go looking for a neighbor, however he did not
turn aside from that person who became his
neighbor, as a person he found in need.

I believe God has made it very clear that only those
that love Him will be accepted in His House. He has
also made it clear that to love Him you must also
love those that He loves.

Eternal life is not earned by works, nor is it by
achievements. Inheritance is a heart relationship with
God. God wants us neighbors to be expressions of
His love in this world.

The evidence of our love for God is our love for those
that God loves. This means We are the neighbors to
all those that God loves. We are the ones to do the
loving thing as those situations are presented.

The Parables

The Parables : “Understanding What Jesus Meant”
Discovery House, 1991, by Gary Inrig
Christian Spiritual Growth, Recommended by george

A book of a dozen stories to provide answers to many of our
questions and situations. These are the teachings of Jesus,
so we will hear His Words. These Parables of truth call us
to know our God, and see who we really are.

The first chapter is titled,” Knowing My Father”. Have you
ever had the feeling that not every Christian is, “our kind
of person”? Then ponder these three beautiful parables;about
a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.(NKJ, Luke;15:1-32)

We know of the feelings of loosing and finding things cared
about. The greater the value to us results in greater feelings
of either pain or joy.

This first chapter focuses on “Luke 15:11-32” the return of
the prodigal son and the appeal to the older brother. This
appeal to the older brother was intended for the Pharisees.

Luke 15:11 to 27; Tells of the wayward son, welcoming and
rejoicing father, also the respectable older brother‘s anger.
Luke 15:28: Tells us the father came to the older brother and
pleaded with him.
Luke 15:31; ” and he said to him, son you are always with me,
and all that I have is yours.
Luke 15:32; ’ It was right that we should make merry and be
glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was
lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:31&32; Is one statement of gladness and joy both for
the father and for God.

Gary Inrig points out a cliff hanger; “did the older brother
enter and celebrate or not ? ” The Lords story shouts to all
brothers;” come home, come in the house”.

The message set before us; to reject the Fathers gracious
treatment of an unworthy sinner is to deceive ourselves
about our need for grace. As long as we reject the grace
shown to other sinners, then we are standing outside of
our Fathers House.

How well we “know God” is revealed by our feelings for those
that are lost and those that are found.

(if you want the next chapter “Loving My Neighbor” just ask)

In His Steps

by Charles M. Sheldon
“What Would Jesus Do ?”
Classic Christian Inspirational Fiction

This story is one of thirty Sermon-Stories written by
Sheldon and was published in 1897.

The story opens with an unemployed tramp looking for
work. He was not a tramp by choice, just another worker
replaced by a machine.

This despondent man is seeking help to locate work from
a pastor of a well-to-do church. All the tramp received
from that pastor was a “hope that he would find a job“.

The following Sunday’s church service begins in song and
then the congregation hears an unplanned guest speaker,
“The Tramp.”

Oh, this Tramp raised a few questions;
What is meant by following Jesus ?
When you sing, “ I’ll go with Him all the way.
“ what do you mean ?

This poor tramp challenges this congregation living their
lives of plenty, while others are going without. He asked
them “ Is this what Jesus would do ?”

The tramp collapsed in front of this congregation and he
dies within a few days . Members of that congregation,
then pledged for one year to do everything in their daily
lives asking the question, “What Would Jesus Do ?”

The Tramps words changed their lives and continue
challenging the lives of those that hear those words.
“What Would Jesus Do ?”

Do You Walk in His Steps ? Do You Walk Your Talk ?

“I pray, that the dust from His sandals will fall upon you.”

By brother george

TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY

by Bill Hybels
“ Slowing Down to Be with God “
IVP Books 1988-2008 Christian Life / Prayer
“A Classic on prayer for over twenty years”
.
The Bible being the greatest book ever written; so why all of these
other books filled with scripture, why ? Certainly not for substitu-
tion of the bible, but they do provide clarifications, explanations,
and additional information. A good Christian book supported by
biblical scripture can move you closer to God. This Book, has
many treasures, that will move you closer to God. I am sharing
some of those treasures, that I have found valuable to me.
.
Pastor Bill says, “I still practice maintaining consistent time and
place to pray, organize my prayers as “ ACTS “, and listen for the
Spirits promptings for God's direction and wisdom. Now “ACTS” is
an “acrostic” whose four letters stand for; Adoration, Confession,
Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
.
By praising and worshipping we demonstrate respect to our
heavenly Father. Professing forgiveness of others and confessing
repentance for our errors. Expressing appreciation and gratitude
for those blessings we already received. Supplication, let God
have control of circumstances as He is the only real God. Having
an organized balanced prayer is another step closer to God.
.
Pastor Bill, also keeps a prayer journal and he frequently reviews
past prayers And how they were answered. Writing your prayers
specifically (you can leave out unnecessary detail and redundancy
as He knows your circumstance) The journaling will focus your
mind on God and allow you to examine your life. This will keep
you from inadvertently repeating the same errors. Using “ACTS”
as a pattern will keep your prayers in balance.
.
All I have written so far, Pastor Bill covered just in his “ intro ” to
this book. He also said he believes God has a role for each of us
to play. The needs around us, get off the bench and into the game.
I started my journal following Pastor Bills suggestions.
-Give God the best part of your day (mine is 6 to 7 am)
-Have a meeting place with God away from distractions(my porch)
-Pray earnestly from the heart with a balance prayer. (ACTS)
-Write a page, begin with yesterday to examine your life and pray.
.
Pastor Bill Hybels says,” When you get serious about prayer, then
it is time to make the Decision; “I will learn what disciplines are
necessary to fuel my prayer life, and I will practice these regularly
without fail.” I encourage you to benefit from the treasures to be
found in this classic book on prayer. brother george

Beyond Jabez

by Bruce Wilkinson
" Expanding Your Borders "
Christian Prayer; Pub. 2005, Multnomah

This author’s skillful writing craftsmanship weaves
Into “ Beyond Jabez ” his successful writings such
as “ The Prayer of Jabez ” and “ The Dream Giver ”.

Wilkinson provides the readers with many examples
throughout this book, of how God answered those
“ People who Prayed ” including the writer himself.

He explains and clarifies misconceptions surrounding
beliefs about God’s Blessings, Boundaries, Powers,
and Protection. Also described and explained by this
author are insights for types of Blessings, Territories,
Miracles, and Protection that God offers.

Wilkinson describes the temptations confronting all of us
and suggests the best way to keep from sinning is to avoid
temptations. Exercise self control over every thought that
you permit your mind to think. God warns us about the
consequences of sin so that we will seek God’s protection
through prayer.

God, ”Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
And enlarge my territory,
That Your hand would be with me,
And that You would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain !”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

This book suggests that we can learn to recognize a
“ Jabez Moment ” just by being constantly alert for
opportunities, through which we can touch a life or
do something for God’s purpose. God’s desire is that
He wants to release His power through us. God wants
you to enjoy His blessings and for you to share those
blessings with other people.

“Every day, pray for and give thanks for God’s protection
and many blessings.”

Let GOD be GOD

by Ray C. Stedman
(Edited from sermons on the book of Job)
Discovery House Publishers "2007"

The book titled "Let GOD Be GOD" by Ray C. Steadman was based on a
series of sermons he preached on the Book of Job. Ray Stedman offers his
understanding of what he believes God is telling us through the Book of Job.
My interest was captured in chapter ten and held through chapter eleven ,
covering the chapters of "32 through 37" in the Book of Job. This is where
Elihu speaks the “Word” that he believes was given him by the Spirit of God.
Is God speaking to us through the Book of Job and are we hearing God's
words ? Read Elihu's words carefully and consider if you believe God is
answering some of the important questions in our life. Why is God often
silent, when we need Him the most ? What is God's purpose for my pain
and loss ? Why does God allow the innocent to suffer ? Is there a redeemer
and life after death ?

Stedman, points out four important observations;
1) God does not rebuke Elihu,( NKJ; Job 38)
2) God does not condemn Elihu's messages,(NKJ; Job 38)
3) Elihu spoke with courtesy and sensitivity, (for 5 chapters)
4) Elihu claimed to speak from Revelation.( NKJ; Job 36:2-4)
He was convinced Elihu's message expressed the core theme of Job.

The beginning of Job Chap. 32, Elihu is saying that, he speaks according to
the urging of God Himself. Elihu wants only to speak according to the will
of God his maker and what God has taught him. Elihu delivers God's reply
to Job, thus we are hearing God's Word and this is the importance of the
book of Job. (NKJ; "Job (32:8)(32:18)(32:22)(33:4)”
Elihu claims authority, (NKJ; Job 36:2-4)

Elihu addresses God’s silence to Job; God answers, but not according to our
wishes or our time table. Elihu points out another reason for silence is God
does not listen to empty pleas and sometimes we are deaf to His voice,
because we do not want to hear the answer God is giving us.
(NKJ) (Job 35:12-14) Elihu suggests many ways of how God can speak
through; dreams, visions, events, painful circumstances, and suffering.
(NKJ)(Job 33:14-21)(Job 33:29-30)

Elihu (E li hu) states Jobs pain and suffering was not a punishment for hidden
sin. God is speaking through pain to get Jobs attention. Elihu is saying that
God is speaking to sufferers and actually uses our trials of suffering to open
our ears and to listen to what He is saying to us. (NKJ; Job 36:15)
Adversity could be your bridge for that closer relationship with God.

Job believes that there is a redeemer coming to give salvation and afterlife.
“ For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God.”
(NKJ: Job 19:25-26) Elihu gives the prophecy of a Mediator, Redeemer,
Savior, Born Again, and the Afterlife. “ If there is a messenger for him,
mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He
is gracious to him, and says deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have
found a ransom; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the
days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall
see His face with joy, He restores to man His righteousness." (NKJ; Job:23-28)

The Prayer of Jabez

by Bruce Wilkinson
Christian Living-Prayer ; ISBN-1-57673-733-0

The cry of " Jabez " " The Bibles Little Big Man "
"So, God granted Jabez what he requested."
“Why did God answer the prayer from Jabez ?
My impression of Jabez, he was an obedient child of God,
as obedience brings blessings. " More than that, blessed are
those who hear the word of God and keep it !"( Luke 11:28)
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. (1 Chron. 4:9)

His mother called his name " Jabez " saying, " Because I bore
him in pain. " Jabez was born into the tribe of Judah and lived
in southern Israel during the time of Judges. In biblical times a
name was often taken as prophecy about that individuals future.
A literal translation of the word " Jabez " could be he has/will
cause pain.

Jabez believed in his God of miracles and he asked for a miracle.
The biblical meaning of " Bless " is the asking of a supernatural
favor that can only come from God. Let us clearly understand,
when we ask for God's blessing we are asking for something, that
can only come from our Lord. Jabez's request for a blessing asked
for nothing more or nothing less than what God had wanted for Jabez.

How did a giant of faith begin his prayer ?

God, ” Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
And enlarge my territory,
That Your hand would be with me,
And that You would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain ! ”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

You can change what happens in your future through the believing of
daily prayers just like the prayer of Jabez. " Ask, and it will be given
to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
( Matt. 7:7 )

We have to present God with our requests. Jabez's simple prayer,
that produces results ! Those that commit to offering prayer on a
daily basis will find themselves blessed by God.

Forever Christmas

by Christine Lynxwiler
Christian Fiction/Romance (pages 288)
Barbour Pub. 2007 ISBN 978-1-59789-821-8

A lighthearted and easy to follow delightful story for enjoyable
reading with a surprising twist at the end. First, I would like to tell
you about one part, that caught my interest without giving away the
story. The Chicken Florentine Sandwiches in a basket that sold for
500 dollars.

So I asked, what is a Chicken Florentine Sandwich ?
Ok, I will tell you, it is; spinach, mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, onion,
balsamic, Italian seasoning, provolone cheese, boneless skinless
chicken breast on flat bread. (check it out at your sub-way shop)

The story opens as we are traveling down a highway in Arkansas
approaching a sign that says; ” Jingle Bells” “The town where the
spirit of Christmas lives in our hearts all year long.”

We are entering a relaxing experience of another life in peaceful
little quaint town. For now, I say a girl and boy not yet teenagers
are having a Christmas wedding on the top of Snowy Mountain.
Sadly the snowman Preacher melted and the young girl lost her
pop-top ring in the snowy slush.

This young girl named Kristianna grows up living with her grand-
mother. They both lived above “The Forever Christmas Shop”
that the grandmother owned. Unfortunately this is past tense as
the grandmother passes away and her grand-daughter Kristianna
inherits the shop.

To tell a little about this town, the economy is going down hill fast.
This is due to unemployment cause by the closing of the Benning
Distribution Company. But, can you picture a town with candy cane
parking meters, a North Pole Café, Santa’s Snack Shop, Candy Cane
Lanes and The Forever Christmas Shop.

The towns mayor owns the old Benning Distribution Building on
Crystal Lake and wants to sell the property. The prospective buyer
“ The Summer Valley Outdoors Corporation ” has investors insisting
that the towns name be changed to “ Summer Valley ” as they also
propose opening a outlet store in town. Both of these would provided
needed employment for this community.

You have the story’s setting and wondering why the town was named
“ Jingle Bells ” a hundred years ago. And for the rest of the story; did
they change the towns name ? what ever happened to the Kristianna's
" Forever Christmas Shop " ? Who sent the present to Kristianna with
a note; ” Praying for you to have a Jingle Bells Christmas filled with
Love, Happiness, and especially Peace ” and did Kristianna ever have
a real Christmas wedding ?

GOD Is Closer Than You Think

by john Ortberg
Christian Growth : Zondervan ; Publication Date: 2005

I consider this book to be a good resource for spiritual growth.
This book offers many teachings focusing on your relationship
with God. The author often utilizes the writings of others to
present gems of wisdom. He is a good story teller, that makes
for easy reading and understanding.

Ortberg tells us that "God wants to be with you" and connecting
with God is for everyone. He supports this by stating, that the
most frequent promise in the Bible is; "I will be with you".

Ortberg describes the days when we feel Gods presence as
rainbow days. That we should learn to store up rainbow days to
remember on the days when God seems distant. God is still with
us on those ordinary days. God wants us to learn to see Him on
those ordinary days and in ordinary places. All we have to do is
invite Jesus into whatever we are doing.

God is not always easy to see, but He is every where and you
have to train yourself to find Him in every situation. You can be
with Jesus at any moment, because He is just a prayer away.
He is available in this moment right now, God is so close only a
thought away .

The author suggests, that we give the first thought and the first
word of our day to the one to whom our whole life belongs.
Acknowledge your dependence on God and ask Him to spend
the day with you. Just do the things you normally do only do
them with God.

Ortberg reminds us that, what ever repeatedly enters our mind
will occupy our mind, eventually shaping the mind, and will
express itself in what you do and who you become. Every
thought moves you closer to God or farther from God.

If you are serious about being close to God, then you will have
to spend some time listening for Him. Ortberg explains many
ways to practice listening for God. "God is Closer Than You
Think" shows how you can enjoy a vibrant, moment by moment
relationship with your heavenly Father.

"May you always be covered by the dust from Jesus's sandals."

The Life You've Always Wanted

by john Ortberg
Publisher Thorndike Press (large print) 2006
ISBN-13: 978-1-59415-083-8 / Christian Growth

The author asks, are you missing the life that you were appointed by God to live ? Are you having the life you always wanted or are you in need of a life that is worth living ? By giving God the best time of your life, you could have the life you have always wanted.

What is keeping you from growing closer to Christ and having a joyful life ? john Ortberg reveals the Christian life is about more than being forgiven and more than getting to heaven. The goal of this book is to help you grow spiritually and become much closer to God.

Ortberg shares many gems of wisdom mined from scripture, other Christian writings, stories his friends relate to him, and his own personal experiences. This author sometimes bends a few words or a phrase as a liberty of a writer to maintain the readers attention.

God’s purpose in guidance is not to get us to perform the right actions. His purpose is to help us become the right kind of people. Guidance only comes to those who have made the decision to be guided. Each of your thoughts will take you further from God or closer towards God. You have the choice of who will lead your thoughts and which direction you will travel. Knowing scripture is very good, however the knowing of the spirit frees us from the desire to sin.

You must arrange your life so that sin no longer looks good to you.

Ortberg likens the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly to the transformation by renewal of your mind. Understanding the difference between training and merely trying is the key to the transformation in every aspect of life. Spiritual growth is not a matter of trying harder, but of training wisely. This author uses the example of a marathon runner training consistently to strengthen his endurance for the long run. As we need to practice our spiritual disciplines consistently as exercises to strengthen our endurance for our life long run.

Ortberg refers to the story of Snow White; Each of us have tasted the forbidden fruit, We all have fallen under the curse. But the Prince comes to free us from the curse and when that happens; “Sleeper, awake rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” If you do not have God in the central role of your life, then you have refused to "let God be God"

The kind of servant hood Jesus calls us to; is helping others for our own sake. The true indicator of spiritual well-being is growth in the ability to love God and people. A act of service to another demonstrates that you value them. The Life you’ve always wanted is a life of humility.

God’s Power to Change Your Life

by Rick Warren
Published 2006, Christian Living-Practical Growth
Zondervan , pages 236 ; ISBN-13-978-0-310-27303-5

This book is currently on the top of my list for Christian Growth books.
Please take notice, I am only telling you about the ending of this book.
The last chapter; the conclusion; the practical steps we need to take if
we are serious about having a productive Christian life.

First step, we need roots to make it through tough times. The Saguaro
Cactus has fifty foot roots in all directions so it can live in 130 degree
weather. We need to have roots if we are going to make it through the
dry spells of life. Roots are developed by reading, meditating and the
obeying God’s word. This is how you will develop the strong spiritual
roots that enable you to with stand life’s droughts. God does not promise
a lack of trials, but God does promise eventual victory for His obedient
children.

The second thing we need to do, is eliminate some weeds in our life.
How many weeds are growing in your life ? Are you getting busier ?
Is your schedule getting tighter ? Are your weeds are out of control ?
To name a few; the preoccupation with worrying, making money, and
chasing the good life. Just maybe the cause is that your priorities got out
of balance. Your spiritual life is choking when you do not have time for
your Lord. When you neglect Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship with
other Christians, then it is time to eliminate those weeds in your life that
eat up your time and energy.

Next thing is to realize that God is working in your life. This could be
considered the pruning process. You must realize that pruning is not
punishment. God loves you, and some times that is considered tough
love. How God prunes us is by allowing us to cause ourselves problems
and pressures. God can use every situation in your life to help you grow
if you will Just have the right attitude. We need to cooperate with God
during a pruning process by realizing what He wants us to do. I found
that singing songs of praise to God will improve your attitude of your
gratitude. We do not have to be thankful for all circumstances, however
we are to be thankful in all circumstances.

We all have areas in our lives, that we would like to change. This author
addresses those areas of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Rick Warren provides clear
explanations with simple steps for change in each of those areas. Are
you putting off a change that you know would be good for you ? This
book can get you on track with God’s wonderful purposes for your life.

Walking with God

“Walking with God“ by john Eldredge
“talk to Him, hear from Him “
Pub. Thomas Nelson 2008 Spiritual / Knowing God

The author invites us to join him on his; "Journey to Capture the Voice of God." Eldredge tells us, God created us to know Him, love Him and fellowship with Him. “Our deepest and most pressing need is to learn to walk with God and hear his voice”

The author’s writing reveals his sincerity and desire to be walking with God. John Eldredge, explains how he walks with God and how he hears God's voice. This author offers his stories as encouragement for us to become closer to God.

Eldredge states his belief, that God does speak to us foremost through the Bible. The question he proposes to you to ponder is;
"Why does the Bible tell us the stories of God speaking to His people ?"
Eldredge believes the Bible to be a book of examples of ;
"what it looks like to be walking with God."

Everything in your life depends on the great treasure of your relationship with God. Eldredge tries to bring you truth as he believes and he believes God still speaks. That God speaks through the Bible, the Holy Spirit and though events in your life. Eldredge wants you "to pause along the way at places where God is speaking to you"

Our walk with God takes time and practice and to hear God we must learn to listen.
" for they know His voice" John 10:3-4
" They will hear my voice" John 10:14-16

Every day we are making decisions and we have the choice to make them solely on our own or we can learn to hear His voice and walk with God.

“ Follow God for the right path, let Him lead you, let God be God. “