If you Want to Walk on Water You Need to Get Out of the Boat.

by John Ortberg

• 
  
  Walk on water?    
• Is that possible?
• Are you ready for the challenge?

Do you have fears that keep you from stepping out in faith?

What is your greatest fear?

What do you not do because of fear?

 This is the story from Matthew 14:25-32 in which Peter sees Jesus walking on water and steps out of the boat amidst a storm and begins to walk toward Jesus. Unbelievable you say? Yes, to our way of thinking in this world we have created for ourselves, with our comfort zones and our preconceived ideas of who we think God is and how He should do things. This is a lesson in belief, trust, fear and failure and what happens to us in our daily lives when we allow these different aspects to become a part of us. We can triumph or sink.

Hope got Peter out of the boat.

Trust held him up.

Fear sank him.

This book takes us through the process of the faith that is required to do great things in this life for the kingdom; how we think, what we feed our minds, those we associate with, the books we read, the programs we watch and the music we listen to. How does all this affect us in our thoughts and daily lives?

How ofter do we shrink back when we should confront; worry when we could pray; cling to things when we could generously share; and stay in the boat when we could walk on water.

What speaks to me about this story is that Peter took a step of faith and got out of the boat into the stormy sea and began to walk on the water; as long as he looked to Jesus and not at the waves and the storm surrounding him he stayed afloat but the minute he took His eyes off of Jesus he sank. There is so much to be learned in this simple story yet the ramifications of what this could mean to you and I on a daily basis is incredible. To be linked to the creator of the universe on His missions is so amazing that He would allow us to be a part of His Work. What better purpose can we have in life and what would be more fulling than this.

I believe

I trust

I act

I focus on Him

I wait for Him to act.

This is what I aspire to do on a daily basis.

But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall walk and not faint they shall run and not be weary. Forty three times in the Old Testament the people are told to wait on the Lord. What God does in us while we wait is as important as what we are waiting for.

If you are looking for an encouraging book to discover the process of taking a chance with God then this is the book for you, it will light your way and give you the tools to understand this story in a new way. If He asks you to get out of the boat to walk on water He will give you the strength as long as you keep your eyes on Him, just remember this is not during a calm time in your life it is during the stormy seas that happen to all of us,  it is a matter of trust.

So as we go about life in these uncertain times it is important to remember that God has a plan for each of us and He wants us to be a part of it but sometimes that requires us to get out of the boat and hold His hand and not look to the storm raging about us as we WALK ON WATER!

May God increase your territory and may you have the faith to walk on water with HIM,

Barbara

The Israel Omen

The Israel Omen

by David Brennan

In August of 2005 my husband and I decided to drive across American going east on Interstate 40 and then down to Florida and back toward home on Interstate 10. While driving east we listened to the news reports about how President George Bush was part of the agreement to force the Jews from the Gaza strip. They were driven away from their homes and land, never to return. We began discussing this situation as respects to our country being so closely involved in this action. Having heard and read of a omen in the old testament that when a country went against the will of God regarding the land of Israel there would be judgement, also if a country was to bless Israel it would be blessed. So we wondered at the possibilities of what could happen here in the states. We had no idea of what we were in for.

After visiting relatives in Virginia for a couple of days we continued our trip toward Florida oblivious to the news. Our daughter called us and asked "Where are you?" when we told her she exclaimed "are you crazy, have you not heard about Hurricane Katrina?". Then we realized that all the telephone and cable repair trucks we passed on the highway, must be driving down to Florida ahead of the hurricane so that they would be there to make immediate repairs. There were maybe a hundred of them, needless to say we then recognized the severity of the situation and got serious about driving across the country, only stopping to eat and sleep. Driving through Florida the preparations the people were taking, boarding up windows and restaurants moving the furniture to higher ground, people in line for gasoline and etc.was apparent.  When we drove through New Orleans, two days before the hurricane hit land, there was no traffic to speak of because no one was leaving, it seemed as if it was a normal day, the people didn't seem to be preparing for anything, especially a hurricane. There was a sense of dread as we drove through the city and felt this was the last time we would see this area this way again. Arriving in Cave Creek, AZ where we had planned on staying the last part of our trip, the hurricane hit New Orleans, we were glued to the TV not quite able to grasp the tragedy and the forethought of what was  happening. I write this experience because it corresponds to the theme of this book in a very personal way.

If you have any interest and wonder about the great disasters of the last two decades you might find this book revealing. It covers ten specific happenings since 1991 and how each one corresponds to our nation taking part in the process of  forcing Israel to give up land for peace. This land was promised and given to the Jews in the Bible thousands of years ago and to them it is the "promised land".

This might seem far fetched at first, but when you examine the circumstances more closely it could change your mind. After all as our country had a part in forcing the Jewish people out of their homes in the Gaza strip never to return, a storm was brewing and exploded over New Orleans and beyond and took out more homes and lives.Over 1 million people were displaced and many never returned. My husband and I went on a ministry trip almost two years later to New Orleans and we were stunned at the devastation that was still there, it looked like a third world country, miles and miles of destroyed homes, offices and shopping centers. It didn't make a difference if it was the poor areas or the affluent areas, all were destroyed.

This book will really make you think and wonder as you read of just the few disasters David Brennan has documented and how they coincide with the interactions of our government with the Israeli government.

Coincidences? You decide.

I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Genesis 12:3

May Your Territory be Expanded and May You Pray for Israel in these uncertain times we live in.
Barbara

The Heart Mender

A Story of Second Chances..........

by Andy Andrews

Andy takes you on a journey that goes back in time to World War II which will shock and amaze you. It starts when he finds artifacts underneath an old myrtle tree he has to take down because it has finished it's long life. This begins an investigation that leads to this amazing book.

The story unfolds of how two people fall in love in spite of emotional obstacles. Forgiveness is the thread that comes forth and the rewards that are available to those who forgive.

German subs were sent to the Gulf of Mexico to sink our ships that were carrying supplies for the war. It is hard to conceive how close the war came to our shores and how our government ignored it.

Again you find that Andy Andrews is able to deliver a beautiful true story with history that you never knew, along with teaching a valuable lesson in life.

"Forgive, It is your only hope.  To forgive is to set a prisoner free...and discover the prisoner is you."

May your heart be soft and your territory enlarged,

Barbara

same kind of differant As me.

Ron Hall & Denver Moore

with Lynn Vincent


God gives each person on this earth a set of keys, keys to live this life down here on earth. Now in this set, there is one key you can use to unlock prison doors and set captives free" as said by Denver Moore in the book 'same kind of different as me.

What can I say about this book that would do it justice? It challenges you to take a new perspective. Look at the lowly and destitute around you and what do you see? Are you afraid when you see a homeless person or even someone who is down and out on their luck? What is our responsibility as those who have been blessed with so much? These are questions you will ask yourself after you read this book.

It is a true story of a couple working on saving their marriage after infidelity. A wife who extended a level of grace that most of us cringe at, however she went beyond the limits of forgiveness that one would think possible. By the grace of God, Debbie extended the highest level of forgiveness to her husband Ron a wealthy art dealer. To restore their marriage they looked to help others outside themselves which lead them to the Fort Worth Union Gospel Mission in Dallas, Tx.

This led them on an adventure that only Debbie had the vision of what could happen in the beginning. Ron went along with the idea of helping out in the mission for the sole purpose of saving his marriage. Then Denver shows up, a black cotton picker from Louisiana, who was never educated, never received a paycheck for his work, no electricity or running water and lived in a shack. One day he decided to look for better circumstances so he jumped a train and ended up in Fort Worth, TX. He was living on the streets homeless but thought this was a step up. Debbie challenges Ron to befriend Denver, two men as differant as can be.

A story of the tenacity of a woman who believed in God and that love conquers all. A tragic story of a woman caught in the web of cancer and how it eventually took her life. Denver wisdon: when something ends in our sight, it begins somewhere else where we can't hear it or feel it. As a resultof her life and death, the bountiful harvest of compassion that others exhibit continues to this day because of her grace and love toward those less fortunate and her belief in Denver. He learned to live on the streets by becoming fierce, however there was a heart that was looking for unconditional love and friendship, when he found it he began to blossom! This story teaches us that there is hidden beauty in everyone, if only we could see them as God sees them.

The story continues today, Denver and Ron have forged a beautiful friendship as they share their story. They have written a sequel to the book: What difference do it make? This book tells about how the story has inspired others to do more and seek out the needy in new and different ways.

What can each of us do to help the underprivileged surrounding us? Do we continue to pretend they are not there or do we takes steps to make a difference.We should not look to the government to step in to take care of only the physical needs, and ignore the spiritual needs that are so vital to a new beginning. I challenge all that read this to step out of their comfort zone and look to help someone in need, it doesn't have to be a homeless person, there are so many around us that need a helping hand or just love. Jesus said when you help the least of these you have done it unto me. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Denver- "I found out everyone's different-the same kind of different as me. We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us."



Join me in looking for those opportunities that come our way

and May God expand your territory,



Barbara

Son of Hamas

by Mosab Hassan Yousef

with Ron Brackin

I'm sure we all have opinions about what is happening in the middle east, but as Americans can we really appreciate the struggles between the Palestinians and the Israelis? We have been sheltered in the U.S. for the most part, so it is hard to understand a religious war that has gone on for thousands of years.

'Son of Hamas" by Mosab Hassan, is a great book to help us understand the mind set of a Palestinian. Mosab's father is one of the seven founders who started Hamas. His father (Sheikh Hassan Yousef) was well respected and loved by his people who followed his direction. The purpose of Hamas in the beginning was civil disobedience to awaken and mobilize the Palestinians so that they would understand their need for independence. He eventually was able to convince others to blow themselves up, even though he would not harm anyone himself.

Mosab tells how he became a secret agent for the Shin Bet of Israel. He was arrested and held in one of the most feared prisions in Israel. You will read how he was broken down and then befriended. Then Shin Bet made him an offer to let him go if he would work for them. The story takes off with him spying on Hamas which ends up saving thousands of lives. You learn of secret operations of the Hamas as well as the Shin Bet and many of the situations that were in the news.

During this time Mosab had an encounter at the Damascas gate, he was asked to a Bible study and he thought it might be interesting to learn about Christianity, after all he had learned so much from the Shin Bet about the Israelis . That started him on a new path, especially when he read Matthew 5:43-45, which says "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven".That changed him forever and gave him a new purpose. He takes you on his six year journey working against Hamas and learning about Jesus and the God of the Bible.

This book will help you understand better from three different perspectives the Middle East crisis and the lives of everyday people and how they deal with the violence.

Take a walk through Mosab's life and when you finish this book you will want to pray for him because he sacrificed so much to save the lives he did. Check out his facebook page for more information.

May God Expand your Territory and your thinking,

Barbara

Never Surrender

NEVER SURRENDER

A SOLDIER'S JOURNEY TO

THE CROSSROADS OF FAITH AND FREEDOM

BY

LTG(Ret.) WILLIAM G. BOYKIN

with LYNN VINCENT

Breathe, is what I'm thinking now, I need to breathe. A fast paced and movie like book. You will enjoy getting a glimpse behind the scenes of Delta Force and the military operations they have been involved in along with LTG Boykin's spiritual struggles and triumphants. "A Metal and a Body Bag" is all that Delta Force promised him.



From the beginnings of Delta Force to Iran's hostage crisis in 1979, Sudan 83, Panama 89-90, Columbia & Waco 92-93, Mogadishu 93 and then to the CIA, finishing his military career as the deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence. His career consisted of hunting down war criminals and dictators. Then there was his battles with the media misrepresenting him.



He tells his side of the story behind the movie "Black Hawk Down" and what happened in Mogadishu, Somalia. His struggle with God and losing so many of his men in the battle that came to be know as the "Battle of the Black Sea". It is a heart rendering account.



I also found his take on the Waco affair very interesting. He opens the veil on the political involvement and how different the FBI works as opposed to military operations. He dispels the conspiracy theories surrounding this horrible event.



A perspective from LTG William G. Boykin who was there and directly involved. Somewhat different then what the media reports. He reveals his struggle in balancing his faith in God and how that was challenged by his military duties.



Walk with him through his journey of faith and how even in his times of questioning he finds his way.



This book will surprise you and you won't be able to put it down.



Never Surrender Your Faith

May God Expand Your Territory,

Barbara

Return to Sawyerton Springs by Andy Andrews

This is a light hearted book about the small town Andy Andrews grew up in. He relates the experiences he had with subtle hints of life lessons. Love, Learning & Laughter, is the thread throughout this book. It looks to a more innocent time and place and helps you think back on childhood memories that bring a smile. It would be a great exercise for us all to take the time to document the experiences that bring that special joy to our memories.

In my bemusings, one of my favorite memories is of the times I would stay with my Grandma and Grandpa on a Saturday night. Grandpa would always watch the fights, which were in black and white back then, ugh I so disliked it, so Grandma would fix me popcorn in an iron skillet with real butter on top, Oh my was that a delight! Sunday morning after sleeping in a bed with starched crisp sheets , Grandma would dress me up for church and she would give me some coins for offering tied up in an embroidered hanky that she made. I sure felt special!

Take the time to share with your love ones and even your friends the memories that make you happy, and think of the lessons they taught you. We all need to reflect on the times in our lives that brought contentment and love in these troubled times. I would love to hear one of your special memories.

May Your Territory be expanded and your special memories bring a smile,

Barbara

The Book of John

Love, Wedding Feasts,

Anger, Secret Meetings

Friendship, the rejected

Sickness, rebellion, Miracles

Breaking Tradition, Grace

Mystery, Betrayal

Adultery, attempted murder, Parables, Murder Plot,

Servanthood, Anguish , Illegal Court, Revenge, Denial, Judgement, Death, Angels, Doubt, Resurrection, Reassurance, Salvation and Victory.


All this and more in this book of John, the 4th gospel. It has all the ingredients of a great novel. Look for the seven miracles recorded. During this Resurrection season, it is a good time to reflect on the real story of what we celebrate this Sunday. All the joy and happiness we will enjoy is a result of the most amazing story in all of history. Try reading it in the version "THE MESSAGE" for a easier read. For a handy way to read the Bible go to:
www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:10

"Greater love hath no man then this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13


May God expand your territory!

Happy Resurrection Day,

Barbara

Hooked

S E X!

What do you think of when you read, hear or think the word sex?

One night stands?

Falling in Love?

How many notches in my belt can I have?

Life Time Relationship?

Friends with benefits?

Family & Marriage?

Of course there are many things one would think of in this day and age of anything goes. Our society constantly tells us moving from partner to partner is OK and won't hurt you as long as you have protected sex. No big deal, don't worry, getting pregnant or sexual diseases? We can provide you with solutions. The emotional hassles of untangling a relationship? We have solutions for that to. But at what cost to ourselves, love ones, children and society?

Those of us who have children, grandchildren or friends who are living with all the pressures to grow up quickly or to conform to the status quo, need to be concerned about the suddle lies that are continually portrayed in the media, movies, books, and even in our schools. We send our children out in to the big bad world without the proper information to give them the tools to make wise decisions.

The book "Hooked" by Joe S. McIlhaney, JR.,MD and Freda McKissic Bush, MD, is a scientific book that is fairly easy to read. It gives a values neutral reason for abstaining from casual sex. As quoted in the book, "We are born to form attachments...our brains are physically wired to develop in tandem with another's, through emotional communication, beginning before words are even spoken. " When we go from one casual relationship to another we damage our brains natural bonding ability. It is apparent in our society that to diminish our guilt from destructive behavior we have robbed ourselves of long lasting fulfilling relationships. We have believed the lie!

This has been a difficult review for me to write because I so much want to convey the importance of what "HOOKED" has to say and what it can mean to all of you and your loved ones. It is a must read for everyone at any age, it can be the beginning of healing for some and a stop sign for others. Parents it is essential to get this message to our kids before they cross that bridge and can never return. Their brains aren't fully developed till they are in their mid twenties, so it is difficult for them to make wise relational decisions.

We were meant to be monogamous!

May the Lord Bless you and keep you from evil,
Barbara

i am not but i know I AM

i am not

but i know

I AM

Interesting title to say the least. This book is the story of God, the I AM in the Bible. So much of our thoughts go His way only when we are in trouble or need something. We even like to blame Him for anything that goes wrong in our lives. Do we thank Him when things are going well?

Louie Giglio has a knack for painting the picture of how Big God is and how small we are. To those of us who strive to be in control of every area of our lives, it is a great book to help us bring in perspective the realization of our smallness. The wonderful thing about this is when we get it, there is a rest that only God can give. As Louie says " let go of our own story and let God be God in our lives". It is not about us but about the great . I AM.

God wants our trust and to follow him and then see the amazing adventure HE takes us on. With God we become an overwhelmingly powerful team. As we go through our life the answer to all our needs is the:

I AM THE PROVIDER

I AM THE HEALER

I AM THE DELIVERER

I AM THE CREATOR

I AM THE SHEPHERD

I AM THE COMFORTER

and the list goes on. If we allow Him, we can call Him friend, imagine the creator of the universe as your friend and lover of your soul. WOW! I guess you can't beat that.

If you are visual and not prone to read, Louie Giglio has a DVD called " How Great is Our God", after watching this you will never be the same or even look at golf balls the same either.

How awesome that God would want to spend time & care about us, a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things.

May God Bless and Expand Your Territory!

Barbara

Have a Little Faith

What would you do?

What would you do if someone requested you deliver their eulogy when they die?

Mitch Albom, author of "Tuesdays with Morrie", was asked this by his 82 year old rabbi. In the book 'Have a Little Faith' he tells of the time spent getting to know his rabbi in a more intimate way then he had ever known him growing up. This takes place over an eight year period.

During this time he gets involved with an Africa American Detroit pastor , former drug dealer and convict, who pastors a church that is falling apart, has a hole in the roof, a ministry to the poor and homeless and just an overall struggle to survive.

Coming from two different faiths in two different economic circumstances, they deal with life issues that plague us all with the faith that substains them. Mitch Albom weaves a tapestry between these two men and their remarkable lives.

It is a heartwarming story that had me laughing at times and crying at others. It is a reminder of what life should be about, 'Have a Little Faith' displays how we all need one another and can do that even if we are from different faith backgrounds.


An inspirational read!

Have Faith!

May your territory be expanded!
Barbara

The Lost Choice

Have you ever wondered if you had chosen a different path, or made a different choice in one small decision, how life would be changed? We all have at times, however it is never too late to begin cherishing the choices that are brought to us day by day. You could make a life changing choice that would affect one person, a community or even the world.

“The Lost Choice” by Andy Andrews is a novel that weaves historical figures into a story that allows us to see how these individuals made choices that were far reaching. We are all uniquely made by God to make a difference in our world.

Hang on, when you read this book it just might challenge you in your day to day life and give you new expectations with each choice you are confronted with.

Enjoy & May God increase your territory!

Barbara