Funkyjimmer's Blog

Friday, February 21, 2003

I finished another book today. This one is the third in a triology, which are: "The Prayer of Jabez", "Secrets of the Vine" and now, "A Life God Rewards." The are all by Bruce Wilkerson.

This is definitely better than Prayer of Jabez and I thought maybe a little better than "Secrets". There was a lot of food for thought that sent me back to Scripture for more study (and that's always good!) Perhaps this book spoke to me esecially right now because it helped me in my consideration of an opportunity to minister that has been presented to my wife and me. We think probably this opportunity is of God but we are praying to clearly know His will, asking my prayer partner, Joel, to pray, and I am talking with relevant individuals to ascertain God's Will. This is an exciting time because it is forcing me to evaluate my life and ministry (again!) and come to terms with some issues in my life, like Creature Comfort, selfishness, etc., etc.

Anyway, the book has an especially good section with great Biblical teaching about Christian Stewardship which I highly recommend to all Believers to read. It caused me to re-evaluate my emphasis on possession of material things and their priority and the right and wrong use of same.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Jim

posted by jim 2:17 PM 0 comments

Thursday, February 13, 2003

Hey! Joel did it! My blogspot address actually works. About those books: the one I am just finishing is called "HIDDEN POWER" by Kati Marton. It is a good piece of history as well as reporting. It discusses the way presidential marriages in the 20th century have affected the administratrions from Woodrow and Edith Wilson to George W. and Laura Bush. It is really interesting to see the various faiths (or lack thereof) of those who were in the White House and how it affected their personal and political lives. As a so-called "secular" book, I found it very worthwhile reading. Anyone out there read it--or heard of it?

I also read a couple of books recently that really stengthened my faith and understanding of spiritual things. One was called 'PRISONERS OF HOPE" by Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer. It is the account of their captivity and freedom in Afghanistan in the Fall of 2001. They were there during 9-11. This is really worth reading for lots of reasons: understanding of what Christians sometimes go through in other countries; how God can sustsain their faith even in difficult circumstances. It was good because it wasn't "Pollyanna" -- that is, it recounted how they had really "down" times, times when their faith was fragile, but also told how God helped them. This is a great book very much worth reading.

The other book, equally well-written and worth reading is called, "LET'S ROLL", by Lisa Beamer, whom you remember is the widow of Todd Beameer, the 9-11 hero of United Flight 93. This book gives insight into the lives of Lisa and Todd Beamer before the fatal flight. There is a lot of great food for thought as well as faith-challenging ideas in this book. There are also parts that make great quotes for devotionals, sermons, etc. A piece of spiritual literature well-worth the time to read--and re-read at some point.

I am currently reading C. S. Lewis' classic, "Mere Christianity". WOW! Am I ever being blessed by this great book. No substitute for God's Word (which I regularly read and study) but it brings great insight to bed-rock issues of Christianity.

'Nuf of this. Gotta move on--get to work. I'm only home because LeDena, our oldest daughter, got rear-ended on her way to work this morning. This required a trip to the hospital to get her.

More later

Jim

posted by jim 10:56 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 12, 2003

Oh, well! I keep writing, wanting to tell someone about some good books. But it will have to wait until we can get this correct. Joel will help me when he has a chance. I probably just need some good lessons on blogging!! Someday I'll write something sensible and someday someone may actually read it!! Jim

posted by jim 7:26 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 11, 2003

I hope we (Joel mostly) can get this thing up and running. I have some good books I'd like to recommend and discuss if anyone has read them. Oh well, patience, patience, patience -- and I want it right now!!

posted by jim 5:28 PM 0 comments

Sunday, February 09, 2003

I keep writing. Until Joel can help this may be an exercise in futility! But it's fun anyway. It will be even more fun if I think it is posted where Joel and others can read it. When I am sure that happens, I'll try to write something more relevant and worthwhile. But until I know it is being read by more than just me, there's probably no point!! Anyway, Joel is always helpful. That's all for now!!

posted by jim 10:41 PM 0 comments

Saturday, February 08, 2003

Well, I can eventually access my blog and post but I don't know how to tell anyone else to get into my blog. Maybe that will come later. I may be just "talking to myself"!

posted by jim 11:44 PM 0 comments

Hey, I just MAY be getting the "hang" of this! Gotta quit for tonight -- church tomorrow and I'm doing the preaching! Guess I'd better get some sleep!!

posted by jim 11:20 PM 0 comments

Well, I can create a blog but I just have to figure out how to get into it and how other people can get into it.I'll have to get my Computer Geek to give me lessons!

posted by jim 11:17 PM 0 comments

Well, this is a "first" for me. I have enjoyed reading my friend Joel's Blogs. I've wanted some place to say something. I don't know how much I'll have to say but normally I have a lot to say. Sometimes there are people to listen, often not. Anyway, this is a start.

posted by jim 11:07 PM 0 comments