Women's History Month

Image via WikipediaThe month of March is set aside as a time when we celebrate and honor women for the great strides they have made here in the US and around the world. The women's movement was started in 1848 by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and a small group of friends as a way to air their greivances at being treated as second-class citizens. The movement snowballed into a widespread outcry that swept the world and changed the way women were seen and treated by their male counterparts.

Jesus Waiting For Sunday

Jesus Waiting For Sunday

Uncle Tom's Cabin: A Lesson in Forgiveness

Many of you may have read this epic novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe, a nineteenth century abolitionist and author. This novel, believed to be the precursor of the Civil War, became such a sensation that President Abraham Lincoln is purported to have said when he met Stowe,  "So here is the little lady who made this big war."

The novel tells the story of  Uncle Tom, a middle-aged black slave who was sold by his master, Arthur Shelby, in order to pay off his debts. Uncle Tom ends up on a riverboat down the Mississippi River where he befriends a young, white girl named Eva. She falls into the river one night and he rescues her. Augustine St. Clare, Eva's father, buys Tom in order to show his gratitude. The friendship between Tom and Eva deepens as they share their Christian faith. Eva becomes ill and dies, not before asking her father to free Tom. Her father agrees, but before he can do that, he is stabbed to death and his wife reneges on the promise, selling Tom to a vicious plantation owner, Simon Legree.

Legree hates Tom and beats him when he refuses to beat a fellow slave. Tom's faith is sorely tested but he continues to read his Bible and comfort the other slaves. When Cassy, a female slave, decides to run away, Tom encourages her. He refuses to tell Legree where Cassy has gone, so Legree orders his overseers to kill Tom. As Tom lies dying, he forgives the men. Humbled by Tom's forgiveness, both men become Christians. Just before Tom breathes his last, George Shelby, son of Tom's first slave master, arrives to purchase Tom's freedom, but is too late.

Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin Uncle Tom's Cabin (Thrift Edition)to highlight the cruelties of slavery. She succeeded in doing so, but Stowe, who was a Christian, also showcased the love of Christ who taught us the value of forgiveness. As He was dying on the cross He also prayed,  "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23: 34). When Peter asked Jesus if he should forgive his brother seven times, Jesus replied, " I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (Matthew 18: 22).

Do you, or I, have that capacity to forgive your enemies?  Or do we hate them as they hate us? If we are Christians we are told, "Do not take revenge ... but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge, I will repay', says the Lord" (Romans 12: 19).  As we reflect on slavery and the injustices meted out to our ancestors, let us also focus on Jesus Christ who exemplified love and forgiveness in His life and death.

Dr. Ben Carson

Image via WikipediaIn honor of Black History month, I am proud to feature Dr. Ben Carson, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award, given to him by President George W Bush in 2008.

Ben Carson's life story reads like a fairytale, a black male Cinderella, whisked from the ashes of poverty in Detroit, Michigan, to the hallowed halls of Yale University, where he earned a degree in Psychology, then on to the University of Michigan Medical School where he studied Neurosurgery. However, he did not have a fairy godmother but his own dogged determination to become not just a doctor but an "authority".
Dr. Ben Carson is regarded in medical circles as a miracle worker/living legend/surgeon extraordinaire, but he attributes his amazing successes to hard work and God. Dr. Carson always makes it a habit to pray before every surgery and to give thanks to God for the successful outcome.

In 1987 Dr. Carson made medical history when he became the first surgeon in the world to successfully separate twins (the Binder twins) who were joined at the back of the head. For this feat he spearheaded a surgical team of 70 members in an operation that lasted 22 hours. Other notable achievements include performing the first intrauterine procedure to relieve pressure on the brain of a hydrocephalic fetal twin, and a hemispherical, in which he removed half of the brain of a young girl suffering from severe seizures.


Despite his busy career, Ben Carson took time off to marry Candy Rustin, a Yale graduate and accomplished musician. The couple has three sons. They have also founded the Carson Scholars Fund for students in grades 4-11 who maintain a 3.75 GPA.  Dr. Carson has achieved many prestigious honors and awards and sits on the boards of many companies, including Kelloggs.


In looking at the life of this great African American, one might wonder what set him apart. He was born to a mother who couldn't even read and grew up in poverty in a broken home. In his early years he was considered one of the dumbest kids in school, but according to Dr. Carson, he held on to his dream of becoming a doctor. "There is no such thing as an average human being. If you have a normal brain, you are superior." As a doctor in his early years, he experienced racism, but that didn't deter him. He maintained his humility because he believes "you can never get too big for God."

Do you have a dream? The Bible says, For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak , and not lie : though it tarry , wait for it; because it will surely come , it will not tarry" (Habakkuk 2:3) . So, hold on to your dream and don't give up, " for with God nothing shall be impossible " (Luke 1: 37).



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What Do You Pray For?

Prayer is the Christian's most lethal weapon, I'm sure all Christians will agree, but when you get down on your knees or lie between the covers what do you ask God for? Do you ask Him to help you find a better job, heal your sick grandmother, help you buy a house, car, pay your bills? God is our provider, isn't He? And He does care about our basic needs, so praying for all these things is all well and good.

However, as I lay in bed meditating on God and prayer, the Holy Spirit gave me a brand new revelation. He said that all my prayer should be encapsulated in one word: contentment. Then He reminded me of this scripture by the apostle Paul, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound : every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need" (Philippians 4: 11-12) .

In this passage, Paul commended the church at Phillipi that they were once more able to continue caring for his needs, which they had ceased to do because they lacked opportunity. He was saying to them that he had learned to be content whether he was full or whether he was hungry. This was exactly what I needed, for lately I've been giving in to bouts of anxiety. When will I be able to retire? How long can I continue working the way I do? Will I ever fulfill my dream of being able to retire from my job and work from home? These thoughts and others like them do not make for a contented state of mind.

The Holy Spirit showed me that if I couldn't be content now, working at a time when a lot of people wish they were, I would not be content when I stopped working. If I couldn't be content here, I wouldn't be content there. It sobered me up and made me realize that by being discontented I was playing right into Satan's hands. I was allowing him to use me to grieve the Holy Spirit. In effect, I was saying to God, I'm   dissatisfied with you, I don't trust You to give me what I want, so I have to worry and fret and try to figure it out myself. That's a dangerous path to be on. It led the children of Israel to wander in the wilderness for forty years!

So, should we pray for the job, the house, the car, the healing? Absolutely, but when we pray for these things, let us ask God to give us contentment to wait on Him. Because when we are contented we are saying, God I trust You in this season of my life. I don't know how long it's going to last, but while I'm in it, I'm going to put on my hat, button up my coat and go out there and give it the best I have to give, because You are with me. You have promised "never to leave me or forsake me" (Hebrews 13:5) and I stand on your promises. God bless

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Here is the video trailer for my new book Women For All Seasons.
Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMOFiuKJM1o

New Year Prayer

How is your New Year going so far? I trust that each day is bringing you new blessings and you are walking in God's grace and favor. This poem below was taken from Turn Back To God, a site that offers free downloads. Read it and be blessed.

A New Year’s Prayer




Another year is dawning

With the chance to start anew.

May I be kinder, wiser, Lord,

In all I say and do.



Not so caught up in selfish gain

That I would fail to see

The things in life that mean the most

Cost not a fancy fee.



The warm, kind word that I can give,

The outstretched hand to help,

The prayers I pray for those in need–

More precious these than wealth.



I know not what may lie ahead

Of laughter or of tears;

I only need to know each day

That You are walking near.



I’m thankful for this brand new year

As now I humbly pray,

My hand secure in Yours, dear Lord,

Each step along the way.



- – - written by Kay Hoffman

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New Year's Resolutions

For decades the topic of New Year's resolutions has been so bandied about around this time of year, that I, for one, have come to dread it. Some people have said that they make New Year's resolutions on New Year's eve, only to break them on New Year's Day! I don't think I've ever been that bad, but I'm usually unaware of when I stop following through with my resolutions. Still, in the back of my mind nag those pesky wishes, desires and dreams that are ushered in with the confetti and firecrackers. And I find myself thinking, what if I could really lose those ten pounds this year? What if I could really stop eating chocolates and ice-cream? What if I could exercise four days out of every week?

What if ... Over the years I have come to realize the futility of those wishes and so I've stopped wishing and begun to ask God to give me the strength and the motivation to do what I need to do. And as I reflected on that this morning, the Holy Spirit laid it on my heart that He wants me to love Him more. "I do love you, Lord," I said. "I've been loving You ever since I was a child. Even when I knew very little about You."

Gently, He directed my thoughts to the kind of love He requires. The kind that Mary, Lazarus's sister showed to Jesus. This woman sat at His feet, drinking in His words, while her sister Martha busied herself being hospitable. Jesus said of Mary, "She has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10: 42). While Jesus appreciated Martha's hospitality, he clearly considered the time Mary spent with Him to be far more valuable than what Martha did. When we love someone we want to spend as much time with them as possible, and I believe this is what God was saying to me this morning. Make time for Me; put aside your busyness and spend time with Me.

In His commandments the Lord said, "... I am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:5). He is jealous of all the "gods" we put before Him. The god of work, money, position, entertainment and all the many "gods" we create. We don't want to make God jealous, do we? Because if we do, He just might remove the "gods" that are taking His place in our lives. So there's my New Year's resolution. Learning to love God and spending more time with Him in 2011.

Lord, I love you, but I confess that my love has been weak and faint. I allow too many things to get in the way of spending time with you. Help me in this New Year to spend more time at Your feet so I can get to know You better and become more like You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Hi Everyone, I know you are probably busy with your Christmas preparations, but I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year! This may sound cliche, but some things still need to be said. Like the word Christmas for instance. This has suddenly become politically incorrect. It's now Happy Holidays, or if you are a little old-fashioned, Seasons Greetings! But let's not forget this other cliche: Jesus is the reason for the season. Without Him, there would be no Christmas. We would not be celebrating the most joyous time of the year. A time when even the Scrooges put on a smile and give something, albeit grudgingly. So, in the midst of your celebrations, take the time to reflect on the reason behind it all. Is it because most people are doing it, or it's just a tradition? Or maybe, just maybe, His peace and His joy and His love have so penetrated your heart, that it pours out of you and on to everyone with whom you come into contact. Think about it.

Esther - Woman Of Beauty And Courage

The book of Esther is one of the best known and loved books of the Bible, yet it is the only book that never mentions the name of God. However, from Esther's actions, we can tell that she believed that it was only through God's help that she could overcome the battle that was raging against her and her fellow Jews.

Esther Becomes Queen

Esther was raised by her uncle Mordecai after her parents died. Esther was very beautiful and through Mordecai's initiative, she was presented to King Xerxes who was looking for a wife. The king immediately fell in love with Esther, married her and she became queen. Esther now passed from a season of being a poor orphan to a season of royalty. Who could hope for more? But shortly after becoming queen, her uncle Mordecai sent her a message that Haman, one of the king's aides, was planning to kill him and all the Jews because he, Mordecai, would not bow to him.

Esther's Dilemma

Esther was dumbfounded. As queen she carried a certain amount of influence, but not even she could go into the king's presence uninvited and she had not seen him in thirty days. Furthermore, Xerxes didn't even know she was a Jew. No sooner had she sent this message to Mordecai, than he sent back another one, saying, "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will  escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arrive from another place ... And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4: 12-14).

Esther's Act Of Courage

Mordecai's answer spurred Esther to action and she instructed him to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for her for three days while she and her maids also fasted, and at the end of that time she would go into the king. She ended with the now famous words, "And if I perish, I perish" (v 16). Esther's actions resulted in Haman being hanged, the king revoking his decree against the Jews and giving them the authority to kill and annihilate any armed forces that attacked them.

Victory Through Fasting

Wasn't that a supernatural victory? There comes a time when beauty, position, wealth or any other resources we may have is not enough to wage war againt the enemy. Esther realized that she needed supernatural strength to enter the king's courts and secure a victory for her and her fellow Jews. And so she used the powerful weapon of fasting. The Bible records other instances where people fasted for spiritual reasons. God Himself says about fasting, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" (Isaiah 56: 6). When Jesus' disciples asked Him why they could not cast out a demon from a little boy, Jesus replied, "Because you have so little faith ... Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17: 20-21) KJV.

Are you in a spiritual battle? Do you need supernatural strength to wage war against the enemy? Then pray and fast and victory will be yours. You can read more about Esther here in this excerpt from my book Women For All Seasons. And if you subscribe to this blog between now and the end of the year, you can win a copy of the book.

A Book Inside - How to Write and Publish a Book: Still Need More Hits After Blog Jog Day?

A Book Inside - How to Write and Publish a Book: Still Need More Hits After Blog Jog Day?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Image by mandaloo via FlickrI just read a blog that someone wrote about the importance of giving thanks. It set me thinking about the many times I did something for someone and he/she never said so much as "thank you." Not anything significant. Just simple things, like  picking up something the person dropped without being aware of it, or holding a door open for them. I have to admit, I chafe at that kind of behavior when my good deed goes unnoticed. Bad manners is what I call it. And that's the reason I left this comment: If some people seldom say "thank you" to those they can see, how can they say "thank you" to a God they can't see?

The fact is, giving thanks is important to God. When Jesus had cleasened ten men of leprosy, only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Him. Jesus said, "Were there not ten cleansed ? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger" (Luke 17:17-18). The Bible says, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (1 Chronicles 16:34).

The Bible has hundreds of references to thanksgiving. Even Jesus gave thanks to His Father on a regular basis. Shouldn't we do the same? As I lay in bed reflecting on the year that is almost over, I realized that  instead of murmuring and complaining I have so much to be thankful for: Jesus Christ who redeemed me to the Father, my family and friends, my home, my job, the things I was able to accomplish this year, like travelling to Alaska and publishing my first book Women For All Seasons. I owe it all to God and I'm thankful.

A Very Intriguing Person

Last week I met Bernadette Todd for the first time. She is a very intriguing lady who travels all over the US and the world speaking about Jesus Christ and sharing her testimony. She is a wife and homemaker who challenges thousands each year at schools, churches and conferences with her personal story of hope. Besides her speaking ministry, she also mentors women, teaches Bible study in her home and leads the young married couples' department alongside her husband.

In 2004, Bernadette was featured on the front page of the Florida Baptist Witness as one of Florida's godly women making a difference. In 2006, the weekly paper also commended her for her mission work. What's so special about this lady? Well, in her own words, "my mouth is the only part of my body that works well." You see, Bernadette was afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy from the age of 5 and was not expected to live past the age of 8. Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive illness that wastes away the muscles. However, God had other plans for Bernadette and today she is 43 years old, in a wheelchair and using the only part of her body that still works to bring glory to God.

She makes me feel so inadequate. Me, with my strong arms and legs and a body that works. The Bible says, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13. We may be strong physically, but compared to Bernadette we are weak if we are not doing what the Lord has called us to do. Let us ask God for strength and guidance to use what He has given us to bring Him glory. Paul said, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;  if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" (Romans 12: 6-8).

Let us resolve today to do all that we can for God while there is still time and while we are still physically or mentally capable. If you are not able to do anything, maybe you can give and if you can't give you can pray. God needs you.

Bernadette and husband, Jeff

Blog Jog Day

It's blog jog day and I'm excited to have you here! Feel free to explore all this blog has to offer. This month I'm celebrating the release of my new book Women For All Seasons. You can learn more about it by going to that page. You may subscribe to my blog for a chance to win a free copy of my book. Then when you are done, please leave a comment and jog on over to “Sustain and Abstain” http://sustainandabstain.blogspot.com  for another exciting read. If you would like to read more blogs, please go to http://blogjogday.blogspot.com. Have fun!

Joseph's Story

In case you didn't know it, and I didn't either, but I heard it in church that today is Orphan's Day. And, according to the speaker, there are approximately one hundred and thirty-five million orphans around the world. Now that is a staggering number. It means that number of children can go hungry, naked and with no roof over their heads unless someone steps in and helps them. Will you?


Fortunately there are organizations such as the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Children's Hope Chest, Orphan Outreach, Watoto Children's Ministries and many others. If you are interested in helping in some way, you can access one of these organizations via the internet or through your church. There is so much wealth in the world, it is said that a small percentage of that wealth can alleviate world hunger. But you don't have to be wealthy in order to give. A little goes a long way. The Bible says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1: 27) NIV.

A few months ago, my church was blessed by a visit from the Watoto Kids of Uganda. It was a moving experience to watch these kids, most of whom had lost their parents to the war or to AIDS, sing and dance their hearts out to a captive audience. Watch the video above and the one below and give as the Holy Spirit leads you.

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Just For Today

Just for today, Lord, I place myself totally in Your control.
I live, breathe and feel Your freshness and Your sweetness
There is no where I can go,
Nothing I can do or be
That  would take Your Presence from me.
I take my eyes off my dreams, desires, fears, cares,
Hurts, disappointments and appointments
And place them on You.

For You are my Lord,
My anchor,
My leader and my guide.
No matter what this day may bring
I rest securely in You,
Confident that You will see me through
For You have promised
To never leave me or forsake me
And your promises are always 'yea' and 'amen'.
Thank you, Lord, for today
And all that it will bring.

How To Deal With Anxiety

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeIn my job as an occupational therapist,  I come into close contact with people who suffer from anxiety. It is my duty to help them cope with their anxiety in a positive way. One of these ways may be encouraging them to be consistent in taking their medications and helping them develop other coping skills. These combined methods are usually successful and the person leaves the hospital a week or so later looking and feeling much better. However, they often return with the same problem.

What causes anxiety? The scientific explanation is that stressful or frightening situations can evoke a fight/flight response designed to protect you from harm. For example, if you are strolling through your neighborhood and a ferocious dog comes bounding out at you, your heart begins to pound, your palms become sweaty, your pupils dilate, you feel breathless etc. All these prepare you for fight or flight.

But what if you are anxious or simply worried over family matters, finances, health or other conditions. You may not experience the strong symptoms listed above, but you constantly have this nagging feeling at the back of your mind that maybe you can never get out of this situation. Depression, a close relative of anxiety, may also show up and if you are not careful, you may find yourself having suicidal thoughts. How do you cope with this? The illustrious prophet, Elijah suffered his own uncharacteristic bout with anxiety.

Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life (fight/flight response). When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die (suicidal). "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors" (1 Kings 19: 1 - 4).

Elijah is not the only person mentioned in the Bible who suffered this kind of emotional upheaval. Jeremiah (45:3), David (Psalm 55:6) and Job (30: 27) all expressed similar feelings. Which begs the question, Can a Christian become depressed or anxious? The answer is 'yes.' I find myself getting anxious from time to time, even though I know it's not God's will for me to be that way. Paul said, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4: 6). And it goes on to say, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (v 7).

This may be easier said than done. I present my requests, but still I remain anxious. Well, this morning I determined that I am going to trust God fully. I am going to believe that when I ask God for something in faith and according to His will, He is going to answer me. It may not always be the answer I expect, but it's always the best answer because He knows what is best for me. I am not going to give in to worry and anxiety any more because the Bible says, "... anything that does not come from faith is sin" (Romans 14 : 23).  I don't want to be guilty of sin because of a lack of faith.

Are you worried or anxious? Trust God! Praise Him! Get in the Word and see what it has to say about faith and fear. See how you too can have "the peace that passes all understanding", the peace that allows you to enjoy your life the way God intends you to.

A Very Depressing Week

This has been a sad week for me. First, on Monday a co-worker mentioned the Eddie Long scandal and showed me pictures on the internet that he allegedly sent to the young men he is said to have had relations with. As the week progressed, more allegations and even lawsuits surfaced, making it seem that the rumors may be true. And the more I heard, the sadder I became.

If the rumors are true, this will not be the first time the church has been buffeted like this, and I daresay, it will not be the last. So I tried to take it all in stride, until my friend, a Christian,  came to work looking very depressed and expressing feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Maybe I was tired, or maybe hearing my friend, who is always so upbeat, voice feelings of depression scared me and I found myself becoming tearful. But through my tears, I prayed for her and she later said she felt better.

So I tried to forget about Eddie Long and all the depressing thoughts. Then wham! On Friday, a Brinks driver was gunned down in front of the bank close to where my daughter works.

My blood ran cold.

A poor man going about his business suddenly had his life snuffed out.  His family ... how did they feel? Did he have young children? How would they go on without him? What if my daughter had been hurt? What if other people had been hurt? Would they find the criminals? The thoughts tumbled around in my mind like clothes in a clothes dryer. But eventually, I thought of what Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16: 33).

"While we look not at the things which are seen , but at the things which are not seen : for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4: 18).  We can take comfort in knowing that all these things that are happening around us - church scanals, depression, crime - will one day be no more. Therefore, we are to set our sights on "things above;  not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). It may not always be easy, especially if your loved ones are involved, but by focusing on God, we can spare ourselves a lot of sadness and a lot of depression.

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Why Young People Should Read Christian Books

Image via WikipediaSomething I read this morning in the Christian Small Publishers Associationon blog was both encouraging and discouraging. It came from a 2009 report by the Evangelical Christians Publishing Association (ECPA) which stated that sales of Christian fiction continue to grow. The numbers were 19% compared to 23% for Bibles. This shows that Christians are looking for wholesome Christian books to read for pleasure. But at the same time, the report showed that evangelical Christians in the 18-29 age range purchased a smaller number of books compared to all book buyers in that age group.

What could be the reason for this? Could it be that these young people are too busy with work and college life to have time for reading fiction? Or could it be that they are simply not interested in the material that is available? There are so many diversions to take a young person's attention away from things that are godly: movies, the internet, video games to name a few. A young Christian has to really love reading to set aside the time to read.

However, I couldn't help thinking about the dangers of young people reading books that are counter-productive to building godly character and which may even be dangerous. Books on pornography, killing, Satanism are some that come to mind. One of my co-workers, a devoted Christian, told me that she is very worried that her teenage son seems interested only in books on death and dying and the like. I think she has every reason to be worried.

The Bible says we are to "set out affections on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). If you are a young Christian, you are inundated with all kinds of messages on the job, in school, in the music you listen to, the movies you watch and the things you read. The enemy is out to control your mind and one way to ward him off  is to immerse yourself in the Bible and in Christian books.

I believe that Christian authors should focus on young people when writing and marketing their books. Our books should explore topics that are of interest to this group, and that will motivate and instruct them in living the Christian life. Marketing to clubs and organizations to which young Christians belong will be one way to get their attention. If you can think of other ways to get young people to read more Christian books, please let us know.

Call on Jesus

Image via Wikipedia

Three of the gospels relate the incident of a storm that arose at sea. They tell us that the ship in which Jesus and His disciples were travelling filled with water. Now when I read this story, images from the movie Titanic flash through my mind. The surging waters, the rocking of the ship, the look of terror on the faces of the passengers. I am sure this boat was no Titanic, but whatever its size, it was in trouble. And these seasoned seamen felt helpless.

I have been on a few cruises in my lifetime and will soon be going on another. I remember one cruise when the waves were so high they seemed level with our cabin window. And how that boat rocked! I admit, I did feel a bit scared. But the thought of water actually flooding the ship never entered my mind. If it had, I might have fainted from fear. So I sympathize with these men, even though they may have all been professional sailors.

But the Scriptures say that they went to Jesus who was sleeping like a baby somewhere in the ship and woke Him up with the words, "Master, master, we perish" (Luke 8: 24). Jesus got up, rebuked the winds and the waves and, of course, the atmosphere became as quiet as the night before Christmas. Some people say the disciples should have had more faith. Jesus Himself said to them, "Where is your faith?" (V 25). But I don't think Jesus scolded them because they woke Him up. I think He scolded them because they were afraid.

When your ship fills up with water, when you are in a storm, Jesus expects you to call on Him, but you needn't feel afraid or helpless. Because "our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber" (Psalm 121: 2-3). In Psalm 91: 14 God says, "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him."

Over and over in the Bible God invites us to call on Him when we are in trouble. If we don't, we may be calling on someone or something else, and that is idolatry. We cannot, need not, face the storms alone. We have "an anchor (our faith) that holds and grips the solid Rock" in the time of storm. Take comfort from this fact.