Times up.

Now we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1.

   

New Testament Greek language contains interesting ‘pictures’ which give great insights into their meaning and application. In this devotional will be found just such ‘pictures.’  To gaze upon them give us some wonderful glimpses into the hope we have because of Christ.

The apostle Paul is in a Roman prison under sentence of death. His ‘crime’ was that he called Jesus, ‘Lord.’ This was a direct threat to Caesar’s claim to be lord and worthy of worship. Christians would only call Jesus ‘Lord.’ This was considered subversive. As such it was considered a threat to Caesar and the Roman Empire.

In writing to Timothy Paul saw his execution as an act of devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:6 he likens what he will undergo as a ‘drink offering.’ In the Jewish sacrificial system this was the finale to the sacrifice of a lamb at the time of First Fruits and the Feast of Weeks. It was for the Lord’s honour alone. As the apostle contemplated leaving this life he used a word applied to a ship being loosed from its moorings. It’s also used for soldiers breaking up an encampment. Within the framework of Paul’s ministry both have meaning. However the ‘picture’ which best suits the situation would be the military one. This is in the light of his confidence that he had completed the good fight. Christians must always bear in mind that we live in a conflict zone. The World is under the dominion of the Devil and his wickedness. Those involved in the Christian ministry are in a front line role. This requires us to be constantly on guard against the enemy’s strategies aimed at destroying us.

The Scriptures reveal various conflicts we will face in the service of the Lord. Sure none of us will face them all or to the same degree. Unfortunately we will have times of ‘hand to hand’ conflict with at least some. Our Commander in Chief has made sure these things are recorded so we will not be taken by surprise or imagine things out of the ordinary have befallen us. The Lord Jesus has listed them to serve as a warning as well as to encourage us that He is with us in the ‘fight of Faith.’
      
Switching metaphors Paul goes on to liken the ministry to a marathon. He is about to ‘breast the tape’ and appear before the Judge. Being told in advance about certain aspects of the course he had to run, Paul was under no illusions to what was ahead. (Acts 9:15, 16.  26:12–19) Not many of us ‘run’ under such clear guidelines. We are more like ‘running’ under the principles of Proverbs 3:5–6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.’

After all of Paul’s experiences, mistakes, opposition and disappointments, he could lift his hand in a winners salute. His cry is ‘I’ve kept the faith!’ He wasn’t boasting of his own prowess. He was acknowledging the grace and goodness of God that had brought him this victory. What he looked forward to was the garland bestowed by the Judge of the world for running the race. This garland of victory is ‘Righteousness.’ Never will it fade, rust or disappear. This is what awaits us as we breast the tape and leave this arena. We will see our Lord face to face. All the conflict, all the sacrifice, all the tears, all the frustrations will evaporate when we kneel before the Lord. What a privilege we will then comprehend about being His servants.

It's just between you and me, Lord

What’s a man doing reviewing a book written mainly for women?
Guess it’s because I’m part of a team who review books. I don’t do novels but I do review devotionals. So, I gave this a go.

As you read further down, Marion Stroud is a prolific author of this genre as well as Children’s books. My wife Mary has some of these devotional/meditation books and has been blest by them.

There are six main headings ranging through ‘A Woman within’ ‘A woman and her children’ and ‘A woman growing older.’ Under each heading are a number of prayer conversations with the Heavenly Father. I admit I appreciate that style. As you read you can sense the honesty of the heart being expressed. From a man’s standpoint we would phrase things differently but hopefully as honestly as Marion has penned the words.

There are some appropriate snippets and quotes from such people as ‘Mother Teresa and Brother Lawrence, Charles R. Swindol and others. I always find them interesting.

I have to admit I haven’t read it all (I’m a slow reader). What I have read I’ve sensed a woman’s heart laughing, crying, waiting and seeking after God in various situations. Any guys reading this should buy it for your wife but read it before you give it to her. Could be a good conversation starter.

Reviewer Ray N. Hawkins

I did receive this book to review from ACBRA.

19th - 23rd May 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

'It's Just You and Me Lord'

(Monarch Oct 13)



By


Marion Stroud

About the Book

Women are most likely to express their deepest thoughts to a trusted friend. At its best, prayer is simply that; a conversation with a friend who is never too tired, too busy or too pre-occupied to listen and respond.



From personal prayers to prayers about family,friends and the wider world, interweaved with Scripture and thought provoking quotes, this inspirational resource helps women of all ages to genuinely connect with God,and build and maintain a strong prayer life.


About the Author

Marion Stroud has written 3 children's books, and 23 non-fiction titles. She lives in Bedford UK the town in which John Bunyan wrote his famous Pilgrim's Progress. She is a cross cultural trainer for Media Associates International [www.littworld.org] which works to help Christian writers, editors and publishers write and publish culturally appropriate material in the 'spiritually hard places' of the world. You can contact marion at www.marionstroud.com

The Passion in Writing

The following blogspot is a world away from my usual Monday serving. I was invited to be part of a Writing Process Blog Tour. It was similar to a relay race where one writer would do his or her article on how they write and then pass the ‘baton’ to another.

I received mine from Shirley Corder from South Africa. Shirley is a prolific writer and you should check out her site on http://www.shirleycorder.com So today is my turn to share with you about my writing. After that I was to pass the ‘baton’ to others. Sadly the ones selected for my ‘team’ have either fallen over, failed to turn up or been handicapped out of the race by overwork. So my race ends here.

However, now you can watch from the ‘grandstand’ of your computer as I do my solo run.

I have been asked: What am I working on?It is the second Devotional book in a series begun when I wrote ‘Bethlehem’s Warrior Baby.’ That was, of course, about the Christmas event of Jesus Christ. He was promised. It was

portrayed. It was fulfilled. Jesus is no tender meek and mild wimp. He is the Warrior Lord of Micah 5:2. Jesus was born with a ‘Sword’ in His mouth’. It is described in Hebrews 4:12 as the Word of God.

Therefore the 31 day devotional I’m working on now is called ‘The Warrior Lord’s Sword’. This is a look at what the Scriptures reveal about itself and why it is called ‘The Sword of the Lord’. Too many people inside and outside the Church view the Bible as a pleasant read, nice moral code or permeated by myths. It can be taken or left. When viewed as ‘The Sword’ and alive and active people need to take it seriously.

I am also working on the third in my ‘Warrior Lord’ series entitled ‘The Return of the Warrior Lord’. As is evident by the title, it is a 31 day devotional about the second coming of the Lord of Hosts, Jesus Christ.

How then does my work differ from other Devotionals?Devotional writing spans from the sweet and sentimental to the rugged and challenging. Some are short and others more detailed and longer. Devotionals cater for all ages, tastes and spiritual maturity.

My devotionals centre upon a specific theme. I research what the Scriptures say about the particular subject and after selecting the material, weave within it life related events or insights. I enjoy drawing out and presenting from the Bible the word pictures associated with the theme. I’ve been told that my writing is geared for those who are interested in knowing what the Bible says, rather than anecdotes about Scripture. Some of my themes have been ‘Children: God’s Special Interest, ‘From Eden with Love’ (re Marriage), ‘Capture by Calvary’, ‘Dynamic Ageing’ and ‘Signposts to Happiness’ (about the word ‘Blessed’ in Scripture).

You may wonder ‘Why do I write what I do?’

The apostle Paul in Philippians 3 used the phrase “I want to know Him (Christ Jesus).’ That is my heart also. As a Christian and as a writer it is also my goal to offer to people and readers the opposition to know Him.’ The best way I believe this can be done is to unleash the Scriptures to the mind of readers. As they read the day’s set devotional my prayer is that they discover how meaningful Christ is for their life and circumstances.

Finally ‘How does my writing process work?’Once my theme is settled I search my Concordance for the information about it. After sifting it, then selecting the appropriate passages, I jot them down. Pens and papers litter my desk as thoughts, ideas, experiences and relevant material are collected. Bit by bit under headings, material is sorted, shaped, compiled, rejected and then roughly drafted.

I’m a plodding type of writer so it takes time. To be honest I rarely lose motivation but interruptions can be frustrating. After the initial draft I wait (impatiently) read it again and usually share it with my wife Mary. She is also an author http://www.mary-hawkins.com and is better at English things such as dots, commas, hyphens etc. than I. After that it is off to an editor. That’s the scary part. Then may come some redrafting, pruning or explaining. When all that is done it is off to my publisher.

Whilst the manuscript is away does this author play? Does he pray? Does he pursue other pastimes? Maybe ‘yes’ could be said to them all. More than likely however, I just pace up and down waiting for a reply or I’m restless because I’m at a loose end.