"God's Favorite Place on Earth"

GOD’S FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH

When Jesus was on earth, many rejected him.  Some of the synagogues, some of the towns, didn’t want him around shaking up their status quo.  But one place Jesus was welcomed, was in the little town of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem, at the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. 

Well known inspirational author Frank Viola’s new book, “God’s Favorite Place on Earth”, just released on May 1, 2013.  The next day, May 2, it was ranked as #14 out of all 7 million books on Amazon.com. 

SPECIAL BONUSES:

As a special promotion, those who purchase the book by May 7 are offered 25 free bonuses – mostly
e-books (written by over 15 Christian authors), but also some mp3 audio or music files.  The offer goes away forever, on May 8.  A word to the wise: Don’t wait till the very last hour to purchase the book, as the bonuses must be individually downloaded.

The author weaves a story, from Lazarus’ viewpoint, of Jesus interacting with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (the one whom Jesus raised from the dead).  Viola claims the message he uncovered while writing this book, changed his life – and that “the story of Jesus in Bethany is so critical for Christians today.”

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Below are some statements about the thoughts which may be generated by this book.

“God builds us to break us and beautify us.” @FrankViola http://bit.ly/13H63du

“In our suffering, we want an explanation but Jesus wants to give us a revelation… of HIMSELF.” F. Viola
http://bit.1y/13H63du

“All great Christians have been wounded souls.” A. W. Tozer from http://bit.ly/13H63du

“As high as God is going to elevate you is as deep as He digs to lay the foundation.” @FrankViola http://bit.ly/13H63du

“Sometimes the brightest light comes from the darkest places.” From http://bit.ly/13H63du

“What doesn’t destroy you ends up defining you in some significant way.”  From http://bit.1y/13H63du

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Click
http://frankviola.org/godsfavoriteplace/

for ordering information and easy instructions on how to get your 25 free books.

Endure Hardships

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     “Take… your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first class) soldier of Christ Jesus.  …

     “Constantly keep in mind Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied king] descended from David, according to the good news (the Gospel) that I preach.

     “For that [Gospel] I am suffering affliction and even wearing chains like a criminal.  But the Word of God is not chained or imprisoned!

     “Therefore I am ready to persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect [God’s chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.  …

     “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.  …

     “Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].  …

     “But as for you, continue to hold to the things you have learned and of which you are convinced…

     “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by his inspiration)…  for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

     “So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  …

     “As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.”
                              (selected from II Tim. Ch 2 & 3, the Amplified Bible)


WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE TOWARD HAVING TO SUFFER?

We in the “Western church” have doubtless heard countless sermons on doing the good work that Christ has called us to do.  And, that “if He calls you, he will equip you.”  And that walking with Jesus Christ should be a great adventure!  Lately, we hear from just about everywhere that we are to pursue our God-sized dreams (which are often glamorous or called to the public’s attention.)

However, in my experience, at least, there have been very few calls to “suffer unflinchingly every hardship.”  We may hear stories of foreign missionaries who are persecuted, or about the “persecuted church” (Christians in countries where just admitting to the name of Jesus Christ can bring reprisal).  But then so many of us act like we aren’t ever supposed to suffer over-much.  We go on blythly pursuing consumerism, or looking to celebrities, or working for a “pet “cause”, or just getting by in daily life.  And then in hard times, our first cry is apt to be “Why are you doing this to me, God?”  Or, “Life just isn’t fair!”

Doesn’t it seem as if we’ve done a great disservice, if any of us have told people they should be Christians because life will be so great?  It’s true that He will give us peace and joy and rest!  But it’s not the sort of peace, joy, and rest in the way the outside world defines it.   Truly, God’s ways are not our ways.  We just want out of our pain, sorrow, difficult circumstances.  And then he confounds us by saying that not only will we reign with him only if we suffer with him, but that to be well fitted for his service, we must “endure”, and “suffer unflinchingly every hardship.”

I haven’t faced the sort of persecution for my faith that is common in some countries.  But I have encountered disease, loss of job and self-respect and loved ones, money woes, dissatisfactions and disappointments. Oh, how my losses hurt!  How afraid I become!  I don’t like being in a place of suffering.  I may forget God values me, only feeling I’ve been deprived of my rightful place in God’s kingdom.  Yet, the truth is that God may be allowing hardships as a very training ground for a fuller, more God-centered life in his presence. 

But how shall I manage to endure to the end?  How shall I face my days unflinchingly?  Only by the grace and mercy of God himself.  He has fashioned and made me.  When he puts me in a place of long-suffering, there are lessons for me to learn.  Fortunately, he has promised to always hold my hand.  And to be my guide and ever-present Lord.
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This post is shared with "Seedlings in Stone"  and "Playdates with God"





 

Praying Always

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Praying Always

 Oh God, our Heavenly Father, have mercy on our land of the U. S., and mercy on the lands of the world. 
May the governments of all the lands of Earth seek to rule in fairness and justice for all. 

I offer my repentance for my acts or thoughts against Almighty God, and as an intercessor, beg repentance for all the governments on Earth, that we all may be cured of “our warring madness”, our incivility and hate and anger, our stubbornness and love of controlling power. 


Oh God, Maker and Ruler of Heaven and Earth, remember the cries of hurting people everywhere.  Save us from our arrogance and unhumility and selfishness.  Deliver us from our oppressors.  Help us to stand strong amidst even the most dire circumstances.

I offer my repentance for my acts or thoughts against Almighty God, and as an intercessor, beg repentance for all the people everywhere: That we may not accept a “victim mentality”, but trust in God to empower us  honestly and bravely, not blaming others for our plight, so that we may walk in “newness of life” and “reverence for life”.


Oh God, Lord of the Universe, so “high and lifted up that his train [presence and authority] fills the temple, yet you stoop low enough to pick us up and guide us on The Way.  We don’t deserve your Indescribable Love or Unfailing Mercies.  But you give them to every one of us.

I offer my repentance for my acts or thoughts against Almighty God, and as an intercessor, beg repentance for all the people whose hearts would falter unless you stooped low and nourished us with Yourself. 


Oh God, Most Blessed, thank you that we are privileged to “pray without ceasing”.  We praise you that you hear our prayers (yes, even in all the many ways there are of praying.  Thank you, Lord.  In the name of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah), Amen.


“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth…

I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting.”
(I Tim 2:1-4, 8 KJV)



This post is also shared with "Seedlings in Stone" and "Playdates with God"

Welcome to Kingfisher Crossing

I'm seeking the fullness of life -- that is, exploring the meaning of my life as I walk with God.

I want to look at the lives of others, also.

Perhaps I may be able encourage someone, or help point the way to a fresh start or a renewed hope. Or share insights learned from my own experiences. Perhaps I may find new friends along the way who will offer me themselves: their thoughts, their understandings, their perspectives.

So, Welcome to Kingfisher Crossing.......

What do you call "fullness of life"? What would you like to share about your experiences and looking for, or hopefully really finding, the meaning of your life as you walk with God? I'd really like to know.

Thanks.