I read the Gospel of
Yes, in exchange for review from Blogging for Books. The book was
written by Mike Glenn. The book was published by WaterBrook
Press. The book
discussed saying Yes to God's plans for your life, no matter what they may be.
We have to live according to God's will, instead of our will. It is not an easy
task, but it builds up our heavenly rewards, and not just our earthly rewards.
The first part of the book discusses how Mike had to deal with infidelity in
the church. A church minister had an affair, which devastated the whole church.
Mike had to rebuild the church, but was not sure how the church will recover.
He blamed God, but God gave him an answer: be yourself and let the church be
itself. He learned that while he was helping others fulfill their godly
purpose, he never thought about figuring out who he was. What was his godly
purpose for his life?
I struggle
with that question as well: What is God's purpose for my life? What is my
ministry in the church. I have been going to my church for almost a year and
still do not have a ministry. I love administration. I love helping folks. I
already volunteered for vacation bible school, the carnival, and the halloween
fest. I helped register people and provided directions. I think I ran a station
at the carnival but that job was not for me. Got bored easily and it was either
a two or four hour job. I don't think I am fit for an usher, greeter, or
children's ministry.
Glenn also
discussed how some people equate being miserable to Christianity. They can not
accept happiness when things are going too good. They live for the bad times
because it tests their faith in God more. God is there for the good and the
bad. People need to enjoy their lives now. Live their purpose now. You can't
live for God, if you are dead (Pastor Mike discussed this in the vision for the
church today. Love my pastor).
God wants
to provide guidance and direction for your life. God wants us to use our Godly
Gifts. We all have special gifts. No one has every gift, which allows us to
work together for the Kingdom, versus trying to do things alone. He wants us to
enjoy living for him and fulfilling our purpose. Glenn discusses how living the
gospel of yes does not limit us, but frees us to become who God wants us to be.
It is ok to say no and let someone, who is better skilled, handle the
job.
Another
part of the book, Iiked was Mike discussing how the churches, he grew up in,
told him what not to do. No cussing, drinking, and smoking for example. He said
we can't define our lives by what we oppose--it causes frustration and
bitterness (and a lot of stress. i been there and still going through it). We
can't attack the opposition always, but we can move towards the cross and live
for God. Move towards life and away from death. Glenn discusses how we need to
win people for Christ, instead of forcing them into Christianity.
Other
highlights from the book:
- Live life
with integrity. Yes means yes and no means no. If you cant do something, don't
agree to do it.
- Saying yes
to God gives your life meaning and order.
- Paul
discussed how Living for Christ is a yes. Everything else is disposable and a
no
- Fear and
anger temporarily motivate people. Yet God's kingdom is eternal.
Great quote: "What makes life increasingly difficult
is to know what your are against, without knowing what you are for" Being
against something does not mean you are moving towards something positive. The
book gave an example of being against divorce, yet you are not for marriage.
Being against poverty does not mean you are helping the poor--another great
example. I guess Mike is saying how we need to put action into our beliefs. We
have to live for something--and that something needs to be God. It's like in a
Sponge Bob episode I saw--where the sponge and the star wanted to Live like
Larry. They wanted to emulate Larry the Lobster's life. Do what he did. Live in
the moment, no matter the cost. We need to do the same for God. We need to live
like God. Be like Christ. Live in the moment, fulfilling our purpose, no matter
the cost. We need to say YES to God (and then do it. Put action to the words.
Be committed, energized, happy, living for God).
.
I read Fortress of Mist, in exchange for review from Blogging for Books. The book was written by Sigmund Brouwer and published by WaterBrook Press. The book is part two to the Orphan King (which I need to read). I chose the book because I loved the description. The book is about Thomas, the new king of Magnus. He is orphaned. Thomas's parents died during The Orphan King. Thomas is being haunted by Isabella, who wants access to the castle's library. She also wants Thomas to show allegiance to the symbol and join the symbol's alliance. Thomas wanted no part of the alliance. (For some reason, this sounds similar to the mark of the best. Either you pledge allegiance to Christ and face death or the Anti-Christ and live).
