Monday, June 27, 2011

Voices of the Faithful - Book 2

 

Voices of the Faithful - Book 2 is a compilation of devotions written by missionaries stationed around the world. The devotions are very inspiring and give a insightful peek into the lives of those valiantly spending their lives to spread the gospel in foreign lands. It gives a new focus to your prayers for those missionaries. As you read each day's entry, you receive a dose of scripture, a story from one serving in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, and a prayer written from the heart. The goal of the book as stated by Beth Moore in the introduction is to make you "motivated to pray."  There is a section in the back of the book to help you further your support of missions individually and as a church.

I found the stories inspiring and convicting at the same time. It is great to be able to see into the lives and hearts of those giving their all for the Kingdom. I am inspired to pray more faithfully for them and their work of faith. I hope you enjoy this book as I have!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, June 13, 2011

What If We Were Real

Those of you who know me well know that I am not very athletic. I exercise in fits and spurts. I am having one of those fits now. My goal is to run a 5k by October. Did I just really type that?!? I am really committed now! I have a much better chance of reaching this goal than ones I have made in the past. I have a secret weapon, Hope in the Lord. I am literally claiming the promise of
Isaiah 40:31- 
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

My encourager in all this has come from an unlikely place, my ipod. I was given a review copy of Mandisa's new CD What If We Were Real. I really liked the sound and put it on my ipod. I decided the upbeat tempo would be great to run- OK walk/run- to. Little did I know what inspiration the lyrics would provide. Here's a sample of the most inspiring lines:

"Good Morning"- Good Morning, You give me strength, You give me just what I need, I can feel the hope that's rising in me!

"Stronger"- The pain ain't gonna last forever, Things can only get better. He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger.

Every song on the album has lines that make me want to run or at least not give up. Mandisa herself has lost 100 lbs recently. I am sure that she has poured out the motivation for her victory into this project. I am thankful to benefit from it!

So I ask that you all hold me accountable to my goal.