Approved Of God

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  

Lack of holiness in your life is a good way to keep from being approved by the Lord.  Paul tells you to be diligent to present yourself approved to God, which indicates it takes work.  This is not to be a hit or miss situation, but a daily act on your part.  

Temptations will come to get you to think or act like the world, but when you have the goal of always wanting to have the Lord’s approval, you will do your best to resist those thoughts.  The next thing mentioned is that you are to rightly divide the Word of truth.  

Many who do not read their Bibles, claim it is too hard to understand.  This is only an excuse because the Holy Spirit is very willing to help them understand.  Any time you don’t understand something, ask the Lord to direct you, because He wants you to use His promises effectively.

While you are here, be sure to check out the following read. 

Our privilege in the service of God is not to be taken for granted -- this book brings enlightenment, education and inspiration to those who desire a true and firm commitment to the Lord.

Back to Eden is A Biblical Perspective on Wealth and Poverty by Dr. Simon Thiessen gives readers an insightful and thought-provoking book that offers a systematic Biblical approach to the issues of wealth and poverty. With several key concepts, the author speaks broadly of the evangelical movement that divides into two basic groups:  one group stresses the personal relationship with Jesus Christ while ignoring their social responsibilities to the poor and the other that stresses both a personal relationship with the Lord that encourages, “a practical evidence of their faith as expressed in our responsible stewardship of our entire life.” (p.xi) Beginning from Creation to the Fall of man, the author takes readers on a discovery through the Bible from Old and New Testament text that reveals a fascinating understanding of Scripture when it comes to becoming prosperous, what it means to live life abundantly and God’s structure of wealth. As the author states, “Our purpose is to arrive at a perspective about wealth and poverty which is in accordance with scriptural teaching.” (p.xii)

Within this, and by combining academic research, Christian theology and the varying facets of human nature, the world, sin and righteousness, the author shed lights on what the Church’s social responsibilities to the poor are from a Biblical viewpoint, thus answering key questions that come to mind regarding wealth and possessions. Mentioning that God has given us spiritual and natural laws that govern the universe, the author helps readers also understand fundamentals that qualify Christians to partake of the goodness of God that involves a firm commitment to covenant that must be observed. The book also reveals the dangers of wealth, and what it means to truly prosper.

Such chapters as: The Creation – Fall Events, The Concept of Possession and Poverty Invaded by Creation and Fall Event, The Sinai – Covenant Event, Wealth and Poverty in the Old Testament, New Testament Wealth and Poverty, Living in Truth – Sanctification, Christ and the Rich, The Teachings of Paul and Soteriological Implications. These chapters further reveal Biblical truths in such a way that one will be forever enriched, offering a balanced scriptural mindset when it comes to wealth, poverty and the worship of the Lord.

This is a must-read for the entire Body of Christ to be made aware of truths that are within the Word of God.  With the modern prevalence of the prosperity Gospel and for the person that has questions (in regards to wealth, materialism, money, possessions, and how they relate to eternity), this book comes highly recommended. Well-written and concise, the transparency of this book will no doubt bring deep conviction while reminding Christians of the importance of stewardship with their possessions, time and influence. 

You may get your copy in Kindle. Be sure to visit the author at Dr. Simon Thiessen. 

Overcoming and Finding God's Victory

Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.   

The word “overtake” has two meanings. The first refers to a car passing another car on the highway. Supposing the slower car is doing forty miles per hour, and the second car passes him at over ninety miles, you say “he overtook the slower car.” 

All the slower car sees, are the tail lights of the faster car. The second meaning refers to catching and holding onto the person. A small child runs away from his father and says, “You can’t catch me Daddy.” The father takes three or four steps and pick him up in his arms, and says, “I’ve got you.” 

God wants His blessings to grab you and not let go, because you want to do your Heavenly Father’s will to help meet other people’s needs. Ask Him what His will is for the fulfilment of this verse in your life. 

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Be sure to take the time to read about the following new book release which comes highly recommended.

Gideon - Only Believe 

If a child is brought up without any outside influences but the word of God, what kind of child would he grow up to be? Gideon is one such child. 

Found by a single woman in an unused motel room, the baby boy seems to be nothing short of a miracle from the very beginning of his life. He is accompanied by a Bible, the Gideon Bible, hence his name. The inscription inside the Bible states: "It's a gift." 

Jenny relishes the role of becoming little Gideon's mother. Perhaps focusing on this little life will help her regain her own. Jenny brings Gideon to her secluded family home atop Dora Manor Mountain. She is so grateful to have received this precious child that, like barren Hannah in the Bible, she promises to dedicate Gideon to God, and reads to Gideon from the Bible day and night. She hides him, keeping him away from the townsfolk, the same people who killed her family . . . over a church.

As Gideon grows older, Jenny starts to realize just how special he is. Gideon truly believes in the word of God, and becomes Christ-like in his ability to heal through his belief.  It starts when he blesses the vegetable garden, which then produces huge, perfect fruit. Then when Scrappy the goat dies, Gideon blesses him, and the next thing Jenny knows, Scrappy is running through the yard, quite alive. 

Gideon knows he has a mission to fulfill. He needs to lead people to Jesus in order to save their souls. A gnarled hand. A blind eye. A club foot. A stutter. An unsaved man who dies and sees the gates of Hell, but Gideon brings him back so the man can live a purposeful life and go to Heaven when his time truly comes.

 As word gets out, Jenny realizes people are going to want to see Gideon, and she will have to share him with the world, starting with the very people she's been shielding him from, the townsfolk. When they finally do all converge on the mountain, it is through Gideon that they realize it's time to put away their differences, their prejudices, and accept each other-whether black or white.  The story is told by a preacher who has run out of gas near a small church in the South. The congregation is expecting him; their late pastor told them on his deathbed that their new preacher would appear one day, having just run out of gas near the church. While the preacher has been speaking, another man has entered the church. He, too, is a pastor and he, too, has run out of gas near the church. He begins to preach, and the crowd goes wild with appreciation. This, surely, is the man they've been waiting for. Then he introduces himself: "I...killed...Gideon." 

RW Hahn was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He grew up in the inner-city and went to Miami Edison Sr. He graduated from Northwestern University in Radio/TV/Film with a Bachelor of Science degree. RW is an actor, director, and an award-winning screenwriter, as well.

Get your copy of Gideon at Amazon, or as a download in Kindle. You may also visit RH Hahn at The Gideon Novel.

In The Lack of Holiness

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.   God has many wonderful promises for us, but many times we are prevented from receiving them because of a lack of holiness. 

In the above verse you are told to cleanse yourself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, because you can be influenced by the things of the world. Picture in your mind a lady with a white dress standing at the corner, waiting to cross the street. A car comes around the corner and splashes muddy water on her dress. She was not responsible for the action of the driver, but she was affected by his actions. 

There will be times when you are affected by attitudes or thoughts which are not the will of the Lord for your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to remind you, then take control, asking God to direct you.

First Used by Charles Spurgeon

Let The Little Children Come To Me

A  wonderful children's book, first used by Charles Spurgeon in 1866, the Wordless Book has become a very popular tool used all over the world to present the gospel to children. 

This book of colored pages is not only extremely easy to use, it’s also very effective in communicating the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. 

You can order your copies of the Wordless Book and share the love of God with the children of the world. Be sure to check out other books also available for children.

God's Plan

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.   

God didn’t make junk when He made you! He has a special purpose for your life and wants you to trust Him, that it will be fulfilled. Remember, these purposes, your “works” do not save you, but will demonstrate to others that you have been saved. 

Every time a thought of depression, or a feeling of unworthiness comes to you, remind yourself that you are one of God’s masterpieces. He planned good things for you long ago, but as time went by, to you some of the plans didn’t seem to have been fulfilled. If you have made wrong choices, ask the Lord to forgive you, then ask Him to redirect your life back on the course He has planned. 

When Moses fled from Egypt, he thought God’s plan was over, but it was just starting.

Goblins, Pumpkins, Scary Stuff and Sharing Jesus

Surfin The City Lights presents this wonderful product that shares Jesus during the Halloween Holiday. Let kid’s know about Jesus through this cute little pumpkin shaped box that holds children’s favorite candy, asking the question, Is there anything better than candy? 

This Halloween tract is developed just for kids during the time of goblins, pumpkins and scary stuff; the answer is “YES, THERE IS SOMETHING WAY BETTER THAN CANDY.” 

Give out more than just candy this Halloween! - Telling children about Jesus, salvation and eternal life during this Halloween is the perfect way to share God’s love. 

Open up this little pumpkin and find each Halloween tract filled pumpkin has 6 petals. Written in a way children can easily understand, this is a great addition to your Halloween candy bowl as you hand out your Halloween treats. Teaching the Good News of the Gospel with this Halloween tract, these products have been a huge hit during Halloween! 

Sold in packages of 20, this is a wonderful way to teach children about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Other products by designer and developer Alvin Gan are: Animated John 3:16 tracts, that include a variety of pop-ups, greatest gift sticker story, wordless tracts, Easter egg shaped candy tracts for Easter time, The True Story of Christmas and a tract developed for sharing the Gospel to older children in a contemporary grungy style, with the John 3:16 children’s tract available in English, Spanish and Chinese. Free shipping worldwide and a 100% product money back guarantee comes with every purchase.

Get your Halloween Tracts in time for the holiday.

A Heartbreaking Story

Christian Reading: It Was Not My Fault! All the Glory to God by Rachel Lee White is a faith-filled and unique book of prayers bringing to light her own experiences that relays the message to readers in that we over come by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.

Opening doors to the power of prayer, the author offers hope to others that as the author notes from Creflo Dollar as famously spoke, “Your past does not determine your future.”

With three short chapters coveing: Early Childhood, Young Adulthood, and Middle Adulthood to Present Day that are designed to relate to God. Readers will find this book an inspiration as to how to know and draw near to our Father in Heaven through the connection of prayer.

Rachel Lee's story is heartbreaking as she was orphaned at the age of 10 by violence that penetrated her home through her father who wounded her mother, which led to her death and his eventual suicide. Raised by her grandmother, the chronic grief opened unwanted “drama” in the author’s life. Finding herself with 2 babies and homeless by the age of 18, she was persuaded by Child Services to give her children to Foster Care, and soon followed their adoption.

It Was Not My Fault! All the Glory to God comes highly recommended as an inspirational tool to young adults (especially young teenage girls) that need to understand that nothing is their fault (as the title denotes) and that God is able to complete the work He has begun. This is an amazing short prayer testimonial filled with Scriptural and foundational truths that renew the mind that will catapult readers towards thankfulness and the amazing love and grace of God. You may get your copy of It Was Not My Fault! All the Glory to God at Amazon. 

Dwelling In The Secret Place of the Most High

But those who wait (entwine themselves) on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.   Do you feel helpless? Listen to what you tell others.  Isaiah 40:31 

Are you telling them about your problems, or are you telling what God has promised in His Word, and will do for you?  Whenever you are complaining about your problems you stop faith working in your life.  Start praising the Lord by telling them that God is going to honor His Word and cause a change to take place to meet the need.  

In the United States people may phone A 9‑1‑1 for emergency help in time of need. God wants you to rely on His promises.  

As you dwell in the secret place of the Most High you will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  You will say of the Lord, He is your refuge and your fortress; your God, in Him you will trust. Psalm 91: 1, 2.  

Biblical Principles

Includes selected quotes from such famous Christian followers such as Kathryn Kuhlman, Elisabeth Elliot, and Andrew Murray.

Readers will find biblical principles intertwined within the text and the usage of scriptures a highly-valued teaching.

A must read ... All of Me: A Challenge to Give God All That I Am by Ho’olulu Brito presents to readers a challenge: Are you ready to follow Jesus fully? Many have often wondered what it means to fully surrender their lives to Christ. With engaging enthusiasm, the author gives insights into what the life and cost of discipleship may look like. He has made the book simple. This is not a complicated formula, but simply preaches the truth of the Word and what Jesus teaches. 

Filled with wisdom and keen insight into Scripture, the author reveals that Jesus desires those who will follow Him with a whole heart. As the author warns, this is not for those trying out Christ, or for those that aren’t fully committed to Jesus.

• Title: All of Me: A Challenge to Give God All That I Am 
• By: Ho’olulu Brito 
• ISBN#978-0-9972495-0-7 
• A CBM Book Review 
• 10.0 out of 10.0 Stars 

This book is for those that want all of Christ’s blessings, for those who want to discover their purpose and destiny, and last but not least, for those who are willing to walk in it – fully surrendered.  A Must-Read for the dedicated Christian! Get your copy of All of Me: A Challenge to Give God All That I Am in Kindle.

The Blessed Union Of Marriage

A tribute and honor to the marriage covenant, Lorine and Douglas Hargrave celebrate their union and speak of how to live happily in love with God and others. This is an endearing read that is written by a woman of faith that speaks of the true meaning of love, offering the love verse 1 Corinthians 13:13 as her foundation – “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (NIV) Full of encouragement, this book offers inspiration in light of the modern-day plight of widespread divorce.

The foundations of Unity and Prayer. By focusing others on the foundation of unity and prayer, she begins her book with a prayer of thanksgiving. As a commemoration of their sixty years, the third renewal of wedding vows is exhibited amongst life long memories and pictures (even of all their old cars which is a treat), and is themed by praises, prayer, and faith that is an encouragement for any young or long-married couple. 

Lovingly expressed and intertwined with Scripture, the author continues to present a well-written and faith-filled journey. This book is simple and a joy to read, giving sound biblical advice that is presented in a light way to family and friends, encouraging all to make God the center of all of one’s life and marriage.  With her husband of sixty years, who is a pastor, the author describes their lives and the fruitfulness that comes from abiding in Jesus and His Word. Such topics that are spoken of are: good communication, praying together and doing something nice everyday. This is wonderful book from an elder, that after being married sixty years gives easy keys to living a healthy, content and happy life in marriage.

• The Young Bride and Groom: A Marriage Union of Sixty Years
• Lorine and Douglas Hargrave
• ISBN #9781498430333
• A CBM Book Review
• 10.0 out of 10.0 Stars

Encouragement to all who read this book depicting what a blessed union and life look like.

The Young Bride and Groom at Amazon, 

Banes and Noble 

To My Beloved Son

Book Title: Letters to My Son

Author: Gary Bowen 

Order ISBN #978-1-5144-3005-7 (SC) 

CBM Christian Book Reviews 

10.0 stars out of 10.0 stars 

In Letters to My Son Gary Bowen culminated from letters the author wrote to his beloved son during his incarceration in jail. Endearing, each letter expresses not only his thoughts, but preaches the Gospel of Truth as the author was led to instruct his son to get back on track with the Lord. 

Concluding a series of arrests, it was later revealed that the son was hanging our kids that were considered “Goths” whom are believed to worship the devil. Revealing that there are only 2 paths to follow in this world, one is to serve God, and the other is to serve Satan.  

Making the right choices. The choice is yours as the author reiterates that just being a “good” person will not get you to Heaven, but confessing Christ with your mouth and believing in your heart that Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sins. Within this, the author’s instruction speaks to sons, but to all, encouraging them to follow God, most importantly reminding them to adhere to God’s words above all else as noted in Proverbs, presenting that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.  

• Biblical wisdom and instruction. Much instruction is given on our thoughts and a walk with the Lord that reiterates the importance of prayer, daily Bible reading and community within a church. 
• Readers will find this read inspiring and insightful. It is the hopes of the author that others will read these letters to his son and become born again. With much Biblical wisdom, the author speaks truths into the hearts of those that have been deceived into serving the Father of Lies, Satan. 
• This book comes highly recommended as an evangelistic tool to reach out to those who are lost and/or imprisoned and/or using drugs. 
• Visit the author at his site, Author Gary Bowen. 
• You can get your copy of Letters to My Son at Amazon and in Kindle.