Our Heavenly Father

"This, then, is how you should pray:

"'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'" Matthew 6:9-13 NIV, www.biblegateway.com

When Christ taught His disciples to pray, He told them to call God "Our Father" when communicating with Him. Jesus often addressed God as "My Father," but now they, too, shared in that privileged family relationship. All of us who've been born again are part of the household of God and have this same right.

   Consider some of the ways our heavenly Father cares for His children. He...

LOVES. God's love is unconditional, since it's based on His nature rather than our performance (1 John 4:16).

LISTENS. When we pray, He gives us His full attention (Psalm 55:16-17).

PROVIDES. The Father assumes responsibility for meeting all our needs (Phillipians 4:19).

GUIDES. He is the one who directs our path when we trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

PROTECTS. The Lord shields us spiritually, emotionally, and physically, sifting every experience through His sovereign fingers (Psalm 121).

STAYS. He's not an absentee parent, since He will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

DISCIPLINES. The Lord disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness (Hebrews 12:5-11).

   Though experiences with our earthly dads may have distorted our perspective of the heavenly Father, we can learn to see HIm as He truly is. By viewing Him through the truth of Scripture instead of our preconceptions, we will see evidence of His loving care and discover a security we've never known before.

Stanley, Dr. Charles F. "Our Heavenly Father." In Touch: Daily Readings For Devoted Living. Atlanta: InTouch.org. November 2018. page 27.

"The Assassins" by Oliver North review

The Assassins, a novel, by Oliver North and Joe Musser begins on 14 October 2007 at the Royal Saudi Air Force Early Warning Center, King Khalid Air Base, Saudi Arabia. "When the tiny blip first appeared on his radar screen...He stared at the radar image for several seconds before acting on what he saw. Instead of flying straight toward..." pages 1 and 3. After 524 pages of nonstop-intrigue, the authors conclude with, "Tentative and fledgling efforts toward peace and democracy took root in Iran just as they had in Iraq ̶ which grew stronger day by day...."

The President is speaking on 3 November 2007 just after much devastation here in America. "I just read the FBI assessment that the New York, Chicago, and Atlanta attacks were all 'home grown' suicide bombers. If they're right, at least two of these kids were born here in America, grew up among us, and still came to hate us enough to kill themselves trying to kill other Americans....we've got to find some way to stop these radical.. from spewing this hatred. Encouraging young people to build bombs, put them in backpacks, and blow themselves up...." As I read this novel, it is time for me to think, what can I do to stop this hatred we are constantly hearing about? A friend of mine reminded me that if I am not a part of the solution, I am a part of the problem. This novel was written in 2005 as the third in a series of four. Even as a novel, it was written to encourage me to think! To pray! Ask God how I can be a part of today's solution.

Spoiler, one of my favorite people died. But, you will want to read the rest of the story to find our who, when and where.The authors take the reader from the Middle East to South America to Cuba to the United States and back to the Middle East. All around the world people want the same thing, peace!

After this final battle, The President speaks on 11 November 2007 from the Rose Garden. "So, the irony today is that it's Veterans' Day once again. And more than ever, as Americans we've been made aware of the significance of those who have sacrificed for us. Today's generation of men and women in the military are still fighting the ongoing battle against tyranny so that the bells of freedom can ring loud and clear not just across this wonderful land but all over the world... I want to conclude my remarks today with this reminder: we need to always remember this day of sacrifice and courage. Please bow your head and think for a moment of these brave men and women who serve without protest and who go quietly but steadfastly about their sworn duty to uphold and defend the Constitution of these United States of America...." page 515.

"The Jericho Sanction" by Oliver North review

The Jericho Sanction by Oliver North and Joe Musser, second in the Peter Newman novel series, provides the reader with nonstop excitement. After three years, Rachel and Peter Newman alias John and Sarah Clancy have their identity exposed. How and by whom? Read the rest of the story.

Rachel and her friend, Dyan are kidnapped. By whom and which lady was the target? Again, read the rest of the novel. As the saying goes, "No man is an island." This novel involves many connections including family, work, friends, neighbors and associates.

It is refreshing to enjoy a novel of intrigue without the profane language. Also, as the reader, I have a new understanding and respect for our military and their leaders.

A quote repeated from page 538, read many times throughout the novel:

                "...I'll look forward to seeing you again soon. You guys will be in my prayers."

                "As you and yours shall be in mine," replied the old man.

Exciting, entertaining, uplifting!!!

"Mission Compromised" by Oliver North review

Wow!!! In just over a week, I devoured 600+ pages. Oliver North and Joe Musser's novel "Mission Compromised" held my attention from the first page to the last words. As the players are introduced and their stories told, the reader does not know their fate until the last pages or paragraphs.

It takes gifted authors to put down on paper explicit details of the pain of war, the devastation to military families, the tenderness of love, and the love of God. All of these elements are intertwined in these pages. AND, by the last page, they all made sense to me, anyway, I pray as you read this book, the elements will make sense to you too.

If you want a novel to hold your attention full of excitement, danger and romance without the foul language, this is for you. It was refreshing to read war and romance without all the four-letter words in any paragraphs.

Enjoy as I did!!!

I am looking forward to reading the author's other novels. More reviews to follow.

The Call of God and Call for a Believer

The Call of God

Please read 1 Samuel 3:2-18

   As a young child, Samuel lived in the temple with his mentor, Eli the priest. One night, after hearing his name called, the boy ray to ask Eli what he wanted. The priest, however, hadn't spoken, so he sent the child back to bed. This happened two more times before Eli realized that the Lord was the one calling the boy. Then he instructed Samuel to respond by asking the Lord what He wanted to say.

   Almighty God still speaks to us today. For example, we start hearing Him when He calls us to salvation. The Holy Spirit makes us aware that something is missing in our life, and then He points us to Jesus Christ as the answer.

   Without the Savior, we are lost and hopeless. Everyone is born with a sinful nature that's bent away from God. The Father, who is holy and perfect, requires holiness in His presence. Therefore, the penalty for sin is death—eternal separation from Him. But God loves us, so to correct that situation, Jesus came to earth, lived the perfect life, and died as a substitute for mankind. He took the penalty for our sin.

   Salvation is the greatest gift. To receive it, all we have to do is trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then, He abides with us and continues to speak, gently guiding and encouraging us toward righteousness.

   Have you sensed the heavenly Father speaking to you? If so, don't delay. Ask Him to forgive your sin; then accept Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on your behalf, and choose to follow Him. Share your decision with a pastor or trusted Christian friend so that you can have guidance on this beautiful new journey.

Stanley, Charles F. "The Call of God." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch. May 2018. page 10.

The Call for a Believer

Ephesians 4:1+

4 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,. .  

NASB, https://www.biblegateway.com/

 . . . After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our life. If we listen carefully, we'll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.

   First, THE LORD CALLS US TO SANCTIFICATION. This means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.

   Second, HE CALLS US TO SERVICE. The Lord has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eh. 2:10), and He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.

   Third, HE CALLS US TO ACCOUNTABILITY. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will give an account of how we used the resources God gave us to glorify Him. This report will be based on the truth we've heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize it all for His glory.

   Has life become so hectic that God's voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear God, too. What a shame it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.

Stanley, Charles F. "The Call for a Believer." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch. May 2018. page 11.

"War Room: Prayer is a Powerful Weapon" by Chris Fabry, book review

Yes, War Room is fiction, yet bursting with truth! Miss Clara was fixing to sell her home and move in to an apartment her son had made for her. As a widow, she knew the heartache of a military family. Although Clara had no concept of military warfare, she did know another conflict. It is the battlefield for the human heart. With years of being on the front line of life, she knew real challenge and change happened deep in the soul. Enter Elizabeth, the realtor; Miss Clara becomes a mentor to Elizabeth.

After seeing the movie three times and reading the book, I will not give away the plot. Find this for yourself. My plan is to just highlight a few of my favorite narratives:

Page 105, Clara tells of family fights with no resolution. “I was fighting against my own marriage and my family. I tried for years to fix…I couldn’t…” answer, “Cause it’s not your job!...” Read the rest of the page to learn YOUR job

.

Page 123, Miss Clara was a prayer warrior. She had her own prayer closet. Prayer is not for her only; everyone has the power to talk with God.

Page 126, the purpose of prayer is not to get what we want. “Prayer changes the person who prays.” Clare presents family examples.

Page 127-128, “When we pray, we participate in what God is doing. He gets the glory, and we get the privilege of walking with Him, and in that process we are changed.” Philippians 2, “The goal of prayer is not to change God’s mind about what you want. The goal of pray is to change your own heart, to want what He wants, to the glory of God.”

Page 218, “His [God] goal is to make me holy, like His Son.”

Page 284, “If God knows everything and if He’s working out His will in the world, what’s the point [of prayer]?” Read the author’s answer!

Page 145, focus on the real enemy, “Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. And he is stealing your joy, killing your faith, and trying to destroy your family.”

Page 325-326, talking about the purpose of Jesus death, “He [God] snatched victory from the enemy and provided salvation for anyone who would call on the name of the Lord….”

So many narratives spoke to my heart, such as pages 107-108, 182, 202 feelings, 237, 267, 295, 302 Bartimaeus, 306 voices, and 311 God is our anchor. What words are speaking to YOUR heart? How about sending an email or contact me on Facebook, Selma Blackmon, we can share our thoughts.

War Room: Prayer is a Powerful Weapon.Chris Fabry novelized the motion picture by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick. The book is published by Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois.

Excellent book and movie! Recommend for every family. Purchase a copy and watch or read often!

God's Loving Rescue

1 John 4:7-10 

God’s Love and Ours

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

https://www.biblegateway.com  New International Version (NIV)

   Christianity is unique among world religions — the others all require certain behaviors for people to become acceptable to their god. Therefore, they must perform intense labor, undergo self-denial, or observe specific rituals. But none of us can earn a place in heaven, because we can never reach the Lord's standard of utter perfection and holiness.
   God has provided an entirety different way of salvation. In His wisdom, He reached down to us by sending His Son. Jesus came to live a perfect life and then, by dying on the cross, paid the penalty our sin deserved. Why did God choose to rescue us? The reason was not that we deserved it but because of His great love and mercy. Instead of punishing us for our sin, God poured out His wrath on His Son, thereby satisfying divine justice. Now all who believe in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross are forgiven and accepted as children of God.
   Becoming a Christian doesn't require working or pleading for the heavenly Father's acceptance. Our salvation comes through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ — God's only begotten Son, who went to the cross to die in our place, thereby paying our sin debt in full.
   What do you believe about Jesus Christ? Choosing to trust in Him is the most important decision you'll ever make. After this life is over, all people will have to give account to God for their life. (see Romans 14:12.) There will be no condemnation for those who have received the Savior, but for anyone who has rejected Him, the outcome will be eternal separation from God.

Stanley, Charles F. "God's Loving Rescue." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. March 2018. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. page 14.

Finding Favor With God and Man

Proverbs 3:1-4 

The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

 

For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

 

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

www.biblegateway.com New American Standard Bible (NASB)

   One of our basic human needs is acceptance. Without it, we feel alienated or maybe even rejected. In the Bible, acceptance is often referred to as "favor." For example, when Joseph was sold into slavery, Genesis 39:4 says he "found favor" in the sight of his master Potiphar and was put in charge of the official's entire household. Joseph found acceptance and approval because of his exemplary behavior.

   Whose favor are you longing to receive? Do you desire God's approval? Today's text shows us how we can find favor with both God and man.

   FIRST, WE SHOULD VALUE THE LORD'S TEACHING. God blessed us by giving us HIs Word, but not everyone makes it a priority. We should recognize Scripture as our most valuable earthly possession because it is God's revelation of Himself and His instructions for us.

   SECOND, WE SHOULD MAKE OBEDIENCE TO GOD A MATTER OF THE HEART. Following His commands is about far more than just external rule keeping; it involves not only our actions but our attitudes and thoughts as well.

   THIRD, WE ARE TO LET KINDNESS AND TRUTH CHARACTERIZE OUR LIFE. When we are wholeheartedly living in obedience to God's commands, the effect will spill over into our relationships, as kindness and truth become the guardians of our words and actions.

   Although the Christian faith may evoke a negative response from some, believers shouldn't be discouraged. A life that reflects Christ pleases God. And in bringing light to a dark world, an obedient life will also bring the favor of many in its circle of influence.

Stanley, Charles F. "Finding Favor With God and Man." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. February 2018. Atlanta, In Touch Ministries. page 35.

Encouragement in Every Season

Psalm 62:5-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 

My soul, wait silently for God alone,

For my expectation is from Him.

6 

He only is my rock and my salvation;

He is my defense;

I shall not be moved.

7 

In God is my salvation and my glory;

The rock of my strength,

And my refuge, is in God.

8 

Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah

New King James Version (NKJV) www.biblegateway.com

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

   Maybe there's not enough money in the bank to cover that bill. Or a loved one died. Or your family is facing hard times. In difficult or painful circumstances many believers turn to the Bible in search of comfort and guidance. Within its pages, we find assurance that encourages us through every season of life: "The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for HIs compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

   God truly is faithful. In other words, we can count on Him to be and do exactly what He says. For instance, the Bible assures us that the Lord is trustworthy, loving, and incapable of failure ( Psalm 37:5; Romans 5:8; Joshua 1:5). Out of deep love for us, He'll use any aspect of His multifaceted nature to provide exactly what He knows we need. He's our Savior, Comforter, and Discipliner, who safely guides us through life's changes and challenges.

   No matter what hardships we face, we can trust God because He knows all things. He's aware of the duration and intensity of our current season and uses his knowledge to offer us the best possible help and support. What's more, the Lord is all-powerful, which means He is more than adequate to meet needs and change circumstances according to His plan. And our Father is everywhere, including right beside us in whatever we face. He promises, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

   Difficulties may cause us to question God's dependability. But if we'll place our trust in our omniscient, omnipotent Father, we can begin each morning with a fresh sense of His faithfulness, which will carry us through the day.

Stanley, Charles F. "Encouragement in Every Season." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. February 2018. Atlanta. page 18.

"The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Matthew 6:21

Randy Alcorn founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) writes from God's word and his heart. In his book, The Treasure Principle, the author offers six treasure principles. These principles are Jesus teaching on giving. "Open my eyes, Father. What am I holding on to that's robbing me of present joy and future reward?"

Then in 31 Radical, Liberating Questions to Ask God About Your Giving, the author reminds the reader to ask specific questions of God. "As God's children, we should ask Him more that just rhetorical questions... (Mathew 7:7) The Lord has no trouble handling our most challenging questions," page 97. On page 98, the reader is reminded, "God is the owner of all and we are His stewards, His money managers."

Before the reader can begin to understand and ask questions, I am asked to consider and sign My Giving Covenant based on the six principles. The covenant consists of six statements, example: "I affirm God's full ownership of me and everything entrusted to me" page 96.

Do you want an abundant life with Christ? Do you want an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father? Do you want more of Him? He wants all of you!!!

For helpful resources,read the endnotes. An example: Randy Alcorn, "Nineteen Questions to Ask before You Give to Any Ministry," Eternal Perspective Ministries, resources