Spirituality

22
Jun
2015

When You Are Called to Walk on Water

WAlk_on_water

A Welcome Email . . .

Jim_AlbrightWhen my in box notified me there was an email in from my namesake, Jim, (his last name is Albright–very appropriate!), I could not have imagined the delight his project would bring me in the months following. Jim had crafted a book, borne of his experience of God’s grace and calling to be obedient to serve Him in the ministry of the gospel, but felt it would be good to run it through an editorial process just to tidy up some aspects of it, and get it ready for a publisher.

The title? Uncareful Lives–aptly subtitled Walking Where Feet May Fail.

Don Whitney says:
“Warning: Reading this book can be hazardous to your health. And your wealth. And your plans. And more. Read it, and you may find that you begin to live a more ‘uncareful life’ for the glory of God.”

Jim has become a friend, albeit an unmet friend, during the course of our association. I asked to interview him online. Here is the script. The book is available from mid-July 2015.

Interviewing Jim

Jim Holmes: Jim, you first contacted me more than a year ago, and mentioned you had written a book. You had labored long and hard over the project, but you also communicated to me that you wanted to run it through an editing process. This proved to be the intersection of two Jims; my life has certainly been the better for meeting you. I enjoyed reading your sample chapters immediately I saw them, and I sensed how much of a passion you have for the topic—living a life of reckless abandon for the Savior. Tell our readers how it is that you first felt the burden to write this book.

Jim Albright: Quite simply… It’s what I’ve learned about God. He has taught me how utterly faithful He is as I have, with much trembling at times, simply obeyed Him. As I say in the book, “We can do all He says because He will do all He says!” It’s true. He is our license to live our faith as big as we dare! I wanted to say this about Him. I needed to say this about Him. It’s the life God has redeemed every Christian to live–a life of glad reckless joy obedience!

Jim Holmes: The title is an intriguing one—“Uncareful Lives” That seems to be almost a contradiction of everything we are taught in Western culture. The pundits tell us to seek secure jobs, not to risk ourselves, not to do anything that may cause embarrassment, to be sure that we have an emergency fund in our bank, to have life and medical insurance, a well-primed pension, and so many other earthly securities. Would you make a few comments to our readers about (a) why you called the book “uncareful” and (b) whether you really are encouraging your readers to live in ways that some may consider irresponsible? 

Jim Albright: The title came from the passage God used to change the trajectory of my life. I had been a businessman for twenty years when God called me to preach. I wanted to preach. It was burning in my bones to preach but I was just afraid to leave the security. It didn’t look like the responsible thing to do. God took me to Hebrews 11 and challenged me on what I professed to believe. And, of course, when you read God’s definition of faith in that great chapter and then look at the lives of the men and women listed there, you immediately recognize that real faith is never principally concerned with being careful but only with being faithful. Real faith will always take us beyond the commonsense life of conformity. Real faith always transcends the current resume. It’s one of God’s better gifts to us–an invitation to walk on the water with Him. Do we believe He’s God or not? Real faith says, yes! And then joyfully steps into the uncareful life of radical obedience!

“Real faith is never principally concerned with being careful but only with being faithful. Real faith will always take us beyond the commonsense life of conformity.”

Obviously, irresponsibility is in the eye of the beholder. There were people in my life who said as much as I left business to go to seminary at forty-two years of age. Was Abraham irresponsible to leave the security of what he knew? Was Moses irresponsible to stand before Pharaoh and challenge him? Was it irresponsible for David to step in front of Goliath? Well, from a strictly human perspective, most would say, yes. But this is what every born-again Christian knows and understands–if the Creator-God has put it in your heart to do it, it would irresponsible not to obey. Of course the true life of faith is never a careless, reckless, thoughtless or rash kind of life, rather, it is a bold, daring, courageous, and abandoned kind of life in obeying Jesus Christ.

Jim Holmes: In a nutshell, what is the message or burden of your book?

Jim Albright: Our God is God! He is breathtakingly awesome! We can live Hebrews 11 because He is who He is! If we really believe this, we must really live this. Life is way too short not to give all of ourselves away to Him! And here’s the deal–every born-again Christian desperately wants to go with Jesus. My book is simply an exhortation to get on with it!

Jim Holmes: Your life seems to have been a series of adventures, especially since you quit your job in corporate business. What is the greatest challenge that you encountered along the way?

Jim Albright: The biggest battle was the first step. It was leaving the commonsense herd-life. It was cutting the cord of career security. It was that first step out onto the water. The first step was the hardest, beyond that it’s been pure joy. As I say in the book, Karen and I love the surfing metaphor. All we have to do is keep our balance and stay on the board. All we have to do is take the ride. All the power, direction, force, speed, and timing are in the wave. God is our wave. We’ve learned that our job is simple: just maintain our equilibrium, and He does everything else.

Jim Holmes: You mention your wife Karen several times in the book; does she share the same passion that you do for living uncarefully? And what did she think of your putting pen to paper to write your story?

Jim Albright: Yeah…She’s hopelessly in love with Jesus Christ. She knows He’s God and she knows He’s good. She would follow Him anywhere. Karen is just a perfect wife in the most important sense; she is always “all in” with God. She has always been my biggest cheerleader. She was jazzed about the book and was indispensable in the editing process.

Jim Holmes: As I was working through the book from an editing point of view, I was struck by the number of OT and NT characters who lived by faith and who were called to do remarkable things for God; should we, as modern-day believers, expect to have to face the same kinds of challenges? Could you let us have some examples of how modern Christians might have to apply some of these principles?

Jim Albright: Yes, of course! If God-believing, Word-doing faith pleases God, which Hebrews 11:6 clearly says is true, certainly we can expect that He will perpetually bring us to crossroads of faith throughout our lives. God loves faith, and what every true Christian discovers as we genuinely begin to walk with Him, is that we love it too. It’s just one God-encounter after another. It’s addicting. Once you’ve tasted that kind of life, you can’t live small anymore.

God means for His people to bring Word-doing faith to bear in every circumstance of life. There is not one area of life exempt from radically believing and obeying Him. Christianity is pretty simple. Jesus says, “Follow Me!” And real believers get up every day and do just that.

Jim Holmes: Tell our readers—what was the trigger that put you into a writing trajectory?

Jim Albright: The Lord gave me the title five years before I ever started writing. I knew I wanted to say these things about Him; in fact, I needed to say these things about Him. It was my great honor and joy to give testimony to His faithfulness in our lives. I could not, not do it. I had to tell everyone what I’ve learned about Him. Radically going with Christ is just the best life available. Life is way too short to settle for anyone or anything else. His words in John 14:21 are true. In obedience He “discloses” Himself! It doesn’t get any better!

Jim Holmes: Now here’s a request that might be a hard one: Could you let us have a favorite paragraph from your book?

Jim Albright: What a terrible question to ask an author! [Laughter] Too many favorites to mention but I will share one of the closing paragraphs of the book as I challenge readers to embrace the uncareful life of walking intimately with Jesus Christ:

I know, some of you are looking at the wind and waves and feel you need to opt out on the water-walking thing for one very good reason or another. What is Satan telling you? Is he telling you it’s im­possible? He’s right. Is he telling you it’s risky? He’s right. Is he telling you it will be costly? He’s right. Is he telling you your life will radically change in unpredictable ways? He’s right. Of course he’s right! He’s merely parroting what God has already told you about discipleship. This is not new information! C. S. Lewis insightfully writes, “It is a remarkable fact that on this subject Heaven and Hell speak with one voice . . . What Heaven desires and Hell fears is precisely that further step, out of our depth, out of our own control.” Satan wants you in the boat. You’re no bother to him there. You pose no threat to him there. It’s those pesky water-walkers he hates. He knows they’re the most dangerous people on the planet! They’re the ones God uses to turn the world upside-down!

Jim Holmes: What other books do you have in mind to write?

Jim Albright: I have three more in my head right now. I’m actively working on one of them. I love the breathtaking power, genius and exuberance of God displayed in the created order. It’s in my heart to write about this. The project is intimidating but I feel Him leading me on.

Uncareful_Lives_Small_CoverJim Holmes: How can people get a copy or copies of your book?

Jim Albright: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes. Also, check out the links I’ll let you have at the end of the interview.

Jim Holmes: Are you open to special speaking projects, etc., as you get this book into the public arena?

Jim Albright: Yes of course…It would be a tremendous honor and great joy!

Jim Holmes: Do you have a special website or any way that people could see you and hear you speak?

Jim Albright: Yes, there various places on social media where I can be found. The key ones are these:

A dedicated site for the book itself, uncarefullives.com

The church where I am the pastor, International Church of Milan, icm-milan.com

Jim Albright sermon podcast

Facebook

Jim’s book is published by Ambassador Emerald International. A trade paperback of 160pp, the ISBN is 978-1620205303, and the suggested retail price $12.99. It has good endorsements from Lance Quinn, Don Whitney, Curtis Thomas and Jim Elliff.

The text of this interview is © copyright, blogspot52.com 2015 and may be reproduced in its entirety provided due acknowledgement is made of the copyright holder, with or without graphic or illustrative content.
Posted by Jim Holmes in Interviews, New & Noteworthy, Publishing Books Today, Spirituality, 0 comments
13
Jun
2015

John Calvin on This Present Life and Its Comforts

Fruit

“Lawful Comforts”

CalvinOne of the greatest thinkers of all time, John Calvin, is often thought as being rather a monochromatic personality. Yet his insights into life and liberty are both remarkable and refreshing. In The Institutes, Book 3 Chapter 10, he wrote about how we may make appropriate use of this present world and the enjoyable things if offers us. The two paragraphs lower down are taken directly from his writing. The full section may be accessed here.

I was reminded of the grace of God applied universally to people in His gifts of variety in fruit and vegetables. It made me think of how Calvin so eloquently articulates this point in the paragraphs below, using the examples of foods given not only for necessity but also for our delight; and so, too, in the analogy of the properties of substances such as gold, silver, ivory and marble, these substances being graced above other metals or stones.

Enjoy reading these short excerpts from Calvin’s writing!

[God] consulted not only for our necessity, but also for our enjoyment and delight . . .

2. Let this be our principle, that we err not in the use of the gifts of Providence when we refer them to the end for which their author made and destined them, since he created them for our good, and not for our destruction. No man will keep the true path better than he who shall have this end carefully in view. Now then, if we consider for what end he created food, we shall find that he consulted not only for our necessity, but also for our enjoyment and delight. Thus, in clothing, the end was, in addition to necessity, comeliness and honour; and in herbs, fruits, and trees, besides their various uses, gracefulness of appearance and sweetness of smell. Were it not so, the Prophet would not enumerate among the mercies of God “wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine,” (Ps. 104:15). The Scriptures would not everywhere mention, in commendation of his benignity, that he had given such things to men. The natural qualities of things themselves demonstrate to what end, and how far, they may be lawfully enjoyed. Has the Lord adorned flowers with all the beauty which spontaneously presents itself to the eye, and the sweet odour which delights the sense of smell, and shall it be unlawful for us to enjoy that beauty and this odour? What? Has he not so distinguished colours as to make some more agreeable than others? Has he not given qualities to gold and silver, ivory and marble, thereby rendering them precious above other metals or stones? In short, has he not given many things a value without having any necessary use?

Gold and silver, ivory and marble
. . . precious above other metals or stones . . .

3. Have done, then, with that inhuman philosophy which, in allowing no use of the creatures but for necessity, not only maliciously deprives us of the lawful fruit of the divine beneficence, but cannot be realised without depriving man of all his senses, and reducing him to a block. But, on the other hand, let us with no less care guard against the lusts of the flesh, which, if not kept in order, break through all bounds, and are, as I have said, advocated by those who, under pretence of liberty, allow themselves every sort of license. First one restraint is imposed when we hold that the object of creating all things was to teach us to know their author, and feel grateful for his indulgence. Where is the gratitude if you so gorge or stupify yourself with feasting and wine as to be unfit for offices of piety, or the duties of your calling? Where the recognition of God, if the flesh, boiling forth in lust through excessive indulgences infects the mind with its impurity, so as to lose the discernment of honour and rectitude? Where thankfulness to God for clothing, if on account of sumptuous raiment we both admire ourselves and disdain others? if, from a love of show and splendour, we pave the way for immodesty? Where our recognition of God, if the glare of these things captivates our minds? For many are so devoted to luxury in all their senses that their mind lies buried: many are so delighted with marble, gold, and pictures, that they become marble-hearted – are changed as it were into metal, and made like painted figures. The kitchen, with its savoury smells, so engrosses them that they have no spiritual savour. The same thing may be seen in other matters. Wherefore, it is plain that there is here great necessity for curbing licentious abuse, and conforming to the rule of Paul, “make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof,” (Rom. 13:14 ). Where too much liberty is given to them, they break forth without measure or restraint.

 

Image credit: Featured image of fruit from www.publicdomainpictures.net
Posted by Jim Holmes in Heritage, Reflections, Spirituality, 0 comments
16
May
2015

Human Accountability: A Reading from C H Spurgeon

Human Responsibility

Spurgeon_portrait“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” John 15:22

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 24:29-31

The liar, the fornicator, and the drunkard shall have their portion with unbelievers. Hell was made first of all for men who despise Christ, because that is the A1 sin, the cardinal vice, and men are condemned for that. Other iniquities come following after them, but this one goes before them to judgement. Imagine for a moment that time has passed, and that the day of judgement is come. We are all gathered together, both living and dead. The trumpet-blast sounds exceeding loud and long. We are all attentive, expecting something marvellous. The exchange stands still in its business; the shop is deserted by the tradesman; the crowded streets are filled. All men stand still; they feel that the last great business-day is come, and that now they must settle their accounts for ever. A solemn stillness fills the air: no sound is heard. All, all is silent. Presently a great white cloud with solemn state sails through the sky, and then—hark! The twofold clamour of the startled earth. On that cloud there sits one like unto the Son of Man. Every eye looks, and at last there is heard a unanimous shout—“It is he! It is he!” and after that you hear on the one hand, shouts of “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Welcome, Welcome, Welcome Son of God.” But mixed with that there is a deep bass, composed of the weeping and wailing of the men who have persecuted him, and who have rejected him. Listen! I think I can dissect the sonnet; I think I can hear the words as they come separately, each one of them, tolling like a death knell. What say they? They say, “Rocks hide us, mountains fall upon us, hide us from the face of him that sits upon the throne.”

For meditation: What we are going to say about Christ in eternity will be an amplified version of our attitudes towards him in time. In this life we have the opportunity to change our minds and trust Christ; in eternity we will never be able to change our tune (Matthew 25:30,46).

Sermon no. 194
16 May (1858)

365_Days_CHS_1_DS365 Days with C.H. Spurgeon, Vol. 1. A unique collection of 365 daily readings from sermons preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon from his New Park Street Pulpit.

This series of daily readings makes use of Spurgeon’s sermons, edited, prepared and formatted for daily readings, by Terence Peter Crosby.

This book is published by Day One Publications, and is available here at a discounted price and with free shipping.

 

Posted by Jim Holmes in Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Reflections, Spirituality, 0 comments
15
May
2015

Holy Violence: A Reading from C H Spurgeon

Holy violence

“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12

Suggested Further Reading: Genesis 32:22-32

Frequently complaints are made and surprise expressed by individuals who have never found a blessing rest upon anything they have attempted to do in the service of God. “I have been a Sunday-school teacher for years,” says one, “and I have never seen any of my girls or boys converted.” No, and the reason most likely is, you have never been violent about it; you have never been compelled by the divine Spirit to make up your mind that converted they should be, and no stone shall be left unturned until they were. You have never been brought by the Spirit to such a passion, that you have said, “I cannot live unless God bless me; I cannot exist unless I see some of these children saved.” Then, falling on your knees in agony of prayer, and putting forth afterwards your trust with the same intensity towards heaven, you would never have been disappointed, “for the violent take it by force.” And you too, my brother in the gospel, you have marvelled and wondered why you have not seen souls regenerated. Did you ever expect it? Why, you preach like one who does not believe what he is saying. Those who believe in Christ, may say of you with kind partiality, “Our minister is a dear good man;” but the careless young men that attend your ministry say, “Does that man expect to make me believe that which he only utters as a dry story, and to convince me when I see him go through the service with all the dullness and monotony of dead routine?” Oh, my brethren, what we want today in the churches is violence; not violence against each other, but violence against death, and hell, against the hardness of other men’s hearts, and against the sleepiness of our own.

For meditation: Do you mean business with God or do you just go through the motions? It can make all the difference (2 Kings 4:31-35; Mark 9:28,29).

Sermon no. 252
15 May (1859)

 

365_Days_CHS_1_DS365 Days with C.H. Spurgeon, Vol. 1. A unique collection of 365 daily readings from sermons preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon from his New Park Street Pulpit.

This series of daily readings makes use of Spurgeon’s sermons, edited, prepared and formatted for daily readings, by Terence Peter Crosby.

This book is published by Day One Publications, and is available here at a discounted price and with free shipping.

 

Thomas Watson: A Related Resource

9780979857935Consider the writing of Thomas Watson on a related theme.

Many today believe that the Christian life is rather easy to both obtain and live. But the Puritans saw it as warfare, as wrestling, as “holy violence,” to use their term. The Apostle Paul spoke of beating his own body into subjection. And this holy violence is to be brought not only against one’s self, but against Satan, the world, and heaven too. And in this confrontation, we must use the weapons God has given us—reading the Word, hearing the Word, prayer, meditation, self-examination, and the due observance of the Lord’s Day. The writings of Thomas Watson, replete with sound doctrine, practical wisdom, and heart-searching application, need no introduction to readers of the Puritans. His profound spirituality, terse style, gripping remarks, practical illustrations, and beauty of expression make him one of the most irresistible, quotable, and devotional of all the Puritans. Heaven Taken By Storm is a precious little volume of practical Christian living and is one of our favorites of Puritan titles.

You may purchase this book, shipping free, and at a generous discount, from Cheaper in Dozens.

 

Posted by Jim Holmes, 0 comments
09
May
2015

Perpetually in Print

 Perpetually-In_Print_featured_image

Great Opportunities, but Challenges, Too*

“I have prepared a manuscript. I believe it has value, and that it should be in print, but all the publishers I have approached seem to think otherwise. What can be done to get it into print?”

It is not uncommon to hear words such as these. The good news is that it has never been as easy to publish a book as it is today! However, with the opportunity of doing so, there are also challenges that have to be met. It may be relatively easy to rush a book into print, but just as easily, the outcome can be quite unsatisfactory. Often, a well-meaning family member or friend takes care of the editing, and the friend of a friend looks after the cover concept, but the quality standards are just not high enough for professional publication and distribution.

Another scenario involves taking shortcuts with the book’s internal design. Maybe it looks OK on the screen of your computer, but in real life, what you end up with is a disaster in print.

Then there is the matter of the bar-code, Bowker registration, and establishing a realistic retail price. Without these matters being carefully considered and planned, your home-made efforts may just be an accident waiting to happen.

What about warehousing and distribution? Who takes care of that? How does your book get placed on Amazon and into the hands of key vendors such as Ingram? Is there any possibility that your book will make it when it gets out there in the real world?

Are you likely to end up with cartons of unsaleable books in your garage?

Well, here’s a solution you should think about!

Introducing Perpetually in Print©

Perpetually-In_Print_Icon_largeBecause of considerations such as these, we have developed a model we call “Perpetually in Print” or PiP for short. PiP is a unique way that explores, considers and harnesses efficiencies, minimizing all costs, maximizing quality elements, and ensuring a realistic set of production costs to get your book into print.

The PiP model allows you the best of everything. In short, this is how it works:

You present a manuscript or writing idea to us;

We guide you through the developmental aspects of it, ensuring that the outcome is a publication-worthy piece;

We prepare your piece for publication on a perpetually in print basis.

What Do You Get in the PiP© Model?

Typesetting to the highest professional standards

The option of eBooks, too

Cover concept and design from an artist well qualified in the industry

ISBN purchase and registration

Production, including a thorough copyediting and proofreading process of all internal pages and the cover

Placement of your book in a warehouse and distribution supply portal located in Tennessee. At this point, your book is a virtual entity, so the distributor is able to print any number of copies (one is the minimum order; each copy is always at the same cost) and ship them out to the customer in the USA on the same day the order is received. An ONIX feed ensures that your book’s data is always right up to date, and that it reflects as being currently in print

The distributor offers international distribution capability and also takes care of all sales and receipts; warehouse storage charges are minimal owing to the virtual nature of your book until such time as there are specific orders for it

A preferential discount is offered to you as the author; you may order as many or as few books as you wish, whenever you wish. Trade terms are made available to all prospective customers

Support of your own promotional initiatives via a social media and the related construct of strategic activities through other portals associated with Great Writing, including personalized website design and hosting

And here’s the best part of all: You avoid the heavy costs of conventional printing and yet your book never has to go out of print!

What Does It Cost to Be a PiP© Author?

Prices are assessed on considerations such as the scale and scope of the project, the need for editorial intervention, and such related considerations. Contact us to discuss your project, and we will come up with the best possible deal!

*This post is extracted from one of my editorial services websites, Great Writing, and introduces a new concept I am working on.

Are you an existing or first-time author? Is this something that might interest you? Then, why not go ahead and contact me, share your idea, and let’s see if this is a model that could work for you.

 

 

Posted by Jim Holmes in New & Noteworthy, Publishing Books Today, Spirituality, Technology, 1 comment
25
Apr
2015

When the Lamb Becomes the Light

When_the_Lamb_Becomes_the_Light_Graphic

As I was driving…

Serendipitous things can happen when the car radio is on and music is almost subliminal. I was arrested by the thoughts prompted by When the Lamb Becomes the Light, and checked it out on Google. I found something interesting; and I think you may enjoy it, too.

Here are the lyrics. After you have reviewed them, click on the video below and listen to the rendering of one man, Nathaniel Kramer. And enjoy the special effect when he and his other self join with him to sing a well-harmonized trio.

The source citation link below takes you to some other interesting renderings of hymns and spiritual songs.

When the Lamb Becomes the Light

The Spirit showed to John a wondrous vision.

From heaven’s highest realm, a holy city did descend
With its crystal river, gates of pearl, and great celestial chambers.
John saw it, but could scarcely comprehend
This place of perfect peace that’s everlasting
Where death is gone forever, and where no one will grow old.
And the sun is overshadowed by the Lamb in all His glory.
Oh, what a vision we too will behold!

When the Lamb becomes the Light,
And the faith that we’ve held onto becomes sight.
There’ll be no more weeping,
No more sorrow, no more night
When the lamb becomes the Light.

At times our eyes are filled with tears of sadness,
Yet we hold to the promise that these tears will pass away,
And though the world around us now is filled with pain and suffering,
We await that bright and glorious day.

When the Lamb becomes the Light,
And the faith that we’ve held onto becomes sight.
There’ll be no more weeping,
No more sorrow, no more night
When the lamb becomes the Light.

Written by Joel Lindsey and Regie Hamm. Source citation here.

Posted by Jim Holmes in Hymns, Spirituality, Technology, 2 comments
23
Apr
2015

Shepherding and Instructing Hearts

9780981540009

Do Your Children Ever Say Things Like…?**

“I’m really glad Dad spoke to me about that; I really needed his help.”

“Mom, thanks for caring enough to keep me out of trouble.”

The purpose of biblical authority is encourage and build up (2 Corinthians 13:10).  But sometimes our children are last ones to recognize this. Here are three principles to help make the exercise your authority a blessing to your children.

First: Listen well so that you can speak well.

Commit yourself to be a skilled, aggressive listener. Your goal is to be able to repeat the words you hear back to your children in such a way that they can affirm that you really do understand them. You don’t always have to agree, but you must always understand. This attentiveness shows respect for your children and honor for your Lord. It also indicates that you view your authority as an opportunity to be a servant. Answering quickly, without fully understanding the intentions of your children shows a lack of love and respect. Proverbs 18:13 and Ephesians 4:29 teach that you must listen well in order to speak things that will benefit your children.

“Wow, mom, I had no idea you really understood me.”

Second: When you do speak, use language that is pleasant and gracious.

Harsh, frustrated tones and sarcastic answers do not build relationships.

Your goal is to make God’s wisdom attractive.  Sharp language indicates that you are pushing your own agenda rather than God’s.  Pleasant language, even when firm, is needed for growth. Irritation often reveals self-righteousness. A soft, understanding answer spoken with pleasant words will help avert upsets and promote instruction that will actually bless your children (Proverbs 15:1 & 16:21)

Third: Beware of anger. Anger and authority should seldom be seen together.

sach2005.inddAnger is not the tool of a builder. Anger shouts that you, the parent, have been offended. Rather, the focus must be on God.  The problems and struggles your children are having have more to do with God than with you. Your goal is to use your authority to point your children to Christ. Your anger does not make God important, it places the emphasis on  you. Don’t excuse your anger because you think your children deserve it. Anger will drive those close to you far from you (See James 1:19&20).

“It really means a lot that you were not angry even though I messed up.”

These three principles will help make your authority a blessing that your children will love and depend upon.

**This post is reproduced from the Shepherd Press Blog. Shepherd Press produces a fine range of biblically based resources, including two books that should be in every home, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, and Instructing a Child’s Heart.

Posted by Jim Holmes in Current Issues, Gospel, Spirituality, 0 comments
09
Apr
2015

Gospel Hero of Hijacked Flight 961

Being Instant In Season and Out of Season

Being ready to testify for Christ is something we should be ready to do, even at a moment’s notice. Who knows when we might be called to a sudden and catastrophic event? How many people on German Wings Flight 9525 were ready and prepared for the sudden end that came upon them?

Titanics_Last_HeroThe story of the Titanic’s last hero is well known. John Harper was a passenger on board the luxury liner who loved Jesus and knew the fear of the Lord. He was also ready to depart this life at a moment’s notice. He gave up his life vest to another passenger floundering in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. And he urged his fellow strugglers, who were battling the waves, to call upon the name of the Lord. Even in those moments, the gospel call was going out! The story is told in the book, The Titanic’s Last Hero, by Moody Adams.

At over 20,000 feet…

Image from http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/

A similar incident came to my attention earlier. A news and prayer update from Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association recounts an incident from 1996 when three hijackers seized control of an Ethiopian Airlines flight, attempting to force the pilots to fly to Australia, notwithstanding the fact that the aircraft, a Boeing 767, had fuel only enough for not more than one or two thousand miles. With the fuel now all depleted, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude and glided for between thirty and forty miles. Guided skilfully to an emergency water landing by the captain, Leul Abate, an experienced pilot, the plane came down smoothly at 200 miles per hour, but cartwheeled when one of its engine pods snagged a submerged coral reef off the Comoros Islands. Of the 175 people on board, 125 perished, many of then drowning as they were unable to exit the submerged plane wearing inflated life-jackets.

A Call at the Brink of Eternity

But just before their exit from this world to the next, they heard the wonderful old story of God’s love and grace, recounted urgently to them by a Kenya-based missionary, Andy Meakins, a passenger on the plane. Let Franklin Graham take up the story:

Andy Meakins was a gentle giant of the faith, an Englishman who loved Jesus Christ and served Him in Africa for many years. In 1996 an Ethiopian Airlines flight was hijacked and crashed into the ocean just off the Comoros Islands after running out of fuel—you may have heard the story. The dramatic moment of impact was caught on home video and broadcast around the world. Only later did we learn of something even more dramatic happening in the cabin as the plane headed for disaster.

Andy Meakins and his wife were on that plane, seated together. The hijackers demanded to be flown to Australia even though there wasn’t nearly enough fuel for that distance. As they neared the Comoros Islands in the Indian Ocean, one engine flamed out, and the pilot told passengers that the remaining engine would soon run out of fuel as well. Immediately, Andy’s wife heard the snap of a seatbelt being unbuckled and turned to see her husband stand up.

“Many of us might die in this crash,” he called out, “so there’s something you need to know.” Andy then began explaining the Gospel simply and urgently, moving to each part of the cabin so that everyone would hear. He invited people to place their trust in Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. A flight attendant heard Andy’s words, bowed her head, and asked Jesus to forgive her sins and come into her heart. She watched many more respond and, along with another survivor, later told the story. Of the 175 people on board, 125 died, including Andy, who was still on his feet preaching the Gospel as the plane hit the water.

Source Citation

I appreciate Franklin Graham’s recounting of this incident of a man ready to bear testimony just moments before the end of life. I had never heard of it. What a way to go! It illustrates powerfully how the Lord may call us to an instant and urgent task. Are we walking with Him and ready to do serve Him in ways such as this?

You can view an eight minute video summary of the facts of the incident in the History Channel YouTube video below.

Posted by Jim Holmes in Gospel, Spirituality, Worldview, 0 comments
05
Apr
2015

Philip Henry and a Form of the Baptismal Covenant

A Form of the Baptismal Covenant from Philip Henry*

In our family devotions, we recently read the following from John Whitecross’ book, The Shorter Catechism Illustrated, Banner of Truth Trust reprint

Philip Henry drew up the following short form of the baptismal covenant, for the use of his children:

“I take God the Father to be my chief good and highest end. I take God the Son to be my Prince and Saviour. I take God the Holy Ghost to be my Sanctifier, Teacher, Guide, and Comforter. I take the Word of God to be my rule in all my actions, and the people of God to be my people in all conditions. I do likewise devote and dedicate unto the Lord, my whole self, all I am, all I have, and all I can do. And this do I deliberately, sincerely, freely, and for ever.”

This he taught his children; and they each of them solemnly repeated it every Lord’s Day in the evening, after they were catechized, he putting his amen to it, and sometimes adding, “So say, and so do, and you are made for ever.”

Online source citation

* Philip Henry, father of the Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, was a Puritan minister ejected under the Act of Uniformity 1662.

 

Posted by Jim Holmes in Heritage, Reflections, Spirituality, Theology, Westminster Standards, Worldview, 0 comments
03
Apr
2015

More about the Secret!

Introducing Cheaper in Dozens

Cheaper_in_Dozens_square_small_logo_PNGA picture is worth a thousand words, or so the trite old saying goes. Therefore, if my math is correct, a video clip could be worth more like sixty thousand words.

My son, Matthew, aged eleven, has produced a one-minute video which introduces Cheaper in Dozens, a new initiative to make excellent books available on a sliding scale of discounted prices, with free shipping, sent directly to you from the publisher. There’s a long way to go, still, in this initiative, but the show is now, as people like to say, “on the road.”

View the one-minute video below, and also take a look at www.cheaperindozens.com. Then tell your friends about it, too!

 

 

Here’s an Approximate Transcript of the Video

I’m Jim Holmes. I love books, and because I love books and I’m passionate about reading, I’ve started www.cheaperindozens.com.

Cheaper in Dozens is a great new way for you to buy your books online. Everything on offer is faithful to the Bible. Everything on offer is at a discounted price. And everything on offer is sent to you shipping free!

How does it work? You just go online and see what’s available, and place your order. Your book gets shipped to you directly from the publisher.

My vision is to see people reading and enjoying books. So, if you are in a church or school, you can buy several copies of the same book at even greater discounts. Buy just one? That’s OK… Buy twelve? Well, the deal gets better. Books are cheaper in dozens! Buy 25, 50, 100 or 200? Wow, the individual prices just keep getting lower. Check out the table of discounts on each book and you’ll see what I mean.

This deal sounds too good to be true. So, what’s the catch?

There’s no catch. Just go online, browse, place your order, and get reading!

I’m Jim Holmes. Thanks for watching!

 

 

A Note about the Video Production

The video was produced using iPad technology, using the iMovie App, created by Apple. My son, who has figured out this technology, produced the video for me. I’m delighted with the result!

Posted by Jim Holmes in Family and Friends, New & Noteworthy, Publishing Books Today, Spirituality, Theology, Westminster Standards, 0 comments