The Faithlife Study Bible FREE – grab it now

I’m a long time, BIG fan and user of Logos bible software. I can’t praise this software or the company enough, really. I’ll go into Logos bible software another day. Today, it’s about a product that Logos has created: an electronic study bible.  But it ain’t no oth’r study bible. This study bible gives a truck load of commentary and other resources to help you learn, understand, and experience the truths of Scripture. Rather than writing my own ABOUT IT page, here are some videos that show and tell.

If you’re still not sure, this 52 second video is pretty convincing.

There are many testimonials about this resource, but I’ve plugged in this new one from Logos, Inc., which was just posted today. It features John Micah Sumrall, the lead singer from Kutlass.

After years of working with youth, John noticed something. Young people aren’t getting into the Word. For people who struggle to get into the Word, John has a suggestion.

Right now Logos is giving away 2,500,000 copies of this study bible. Right now! Interested? CLICK HERE

Obviously I strongly recommend this resource. Don’t wait, get it.

I’m done here.


Supporting Our Persecuted Brethren – Part 3

“Sympathy is no substitute for action.” – David Livingstone, Missionary/Explorer

The last two posts introduced you to two ministries that support our brethren who are persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. I am familiar with both of them and encourage you to get to know them as well. I’ve included links below to their websites.

Here is one more:  http://www.frontlinemissions.info/

These ministries are not involved in politics or advancing denominationalism. The Gospel is their underlying drive and to help those who are persecuted for trusting in it, living it, and proclaiming it.

www.persecution.com;

www.opendoorsusa.org

Here are a couple of things that we can do:

  • Pray for these ministries. Pray what? For wisdom, discernment, access to the persecuted ones, courage, boldness, and support from the rest of the Body of Christ.
  • If you’re looking for a way to help remember to pray for your brethren, I keep something in my Bible. I have a couple different prayer items that I use like abookmarker.
    • Download this global map from Frontline Missions. Keep it in your Bible and follow the monthly prayer list. Each day is for a different country that is high risk for Christians.
    • I also have a monthly brochure from Opendoorsusa.org that gives specific situations and people to pray for each day of the month.
    • You can also get a daily prayer request sent to your email or mobile device from Voice of the Martyr. There are all kinds of ways to stay connected and support those who are on the front lines and who live in danger every day for their faith.
  • Consider supporting at least one of them, or a similar ministry, financially. I like that these ministries have different ways to financially support the work. Something new with Voice of the Martyr is “Adopt a Front-Line Worker.” Check it out.
  • Find out if they are holding an event in your area and go.
  • Subscribe to the ministries’ newsletters and publications.

A couple of recommended books—fiction and non-fiction:

There are other ministries that support our persecuted brethren. Check them out and give your support in whatever way you can.  Just don’t forget about your brethren.


Our Persecuted Brethren – Part II

Last week I introduced you to a favorite ministry of mine that helps our persecuted brethren. Today I want to introduce you to another ministry in the same vein, same vision, similar purpose and passion. Open Doors

“By noon on July 19th, all Christians were expected to be out of Mosul, Iraq, having been given the ultimatum by the Islamic extremist group ISIS to leave, pay a huge fine or be killed. Before this ultimatum was given, very few Christians remained in Mosul.”

You have probably heard about that story, right? Have you heard about this one: “50 Killed in Nigerian Church Attacks.” Click and read more.

Who is Open Doors?

“Open Doors works in the world’s most oppressive countries, strengthening Christians to stand strong in the face of persecution and equipping them to shine Christ’s light in these dark places.”

Something to do in front of your computer, without reading:

  • Here’s a video from Open Doors to help you get your mind … and heart … around this subject:   Open Doors Video
  • Here’s a Challenge from Open Doors (Very well done, and it won’t hurt or cost you any money, I promise):  Video Challenge
  • Here is their blog to help connect and learn more:  BLOG

Please begin praying for the persecuted.


Our Persecuted Brethren – Part One

I want to take us out of our comfortable American Christianity for the next few blog posts. The quotes below speak for themselves. All of the quotes are from the Voice of the Martyrs 2014 Calendar.  I keep it on my desk so I’ll be reminded each day of my brethren who are living Matthew 5:10-12.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

  • “Don’t pray that our borders will be opened. Pray that heaven will be opened.”- Vietnamese Pastor.
  • “Don’t pray for protection; pray that I will understand what He is trying to teach me.” – Pastor Steven Khoury, Israel
  • “I was afraid and had fear. But when I attended the prayer meeting and heard that people were praying for me, I was encouraged. That moment, I decided to go back and preach in the same area. My fear is gone.” – “Qabil,” Pakistani evangelist.
  • “I was happy to go through all this because now I am stronger spiritually. People prayed for me to escape. Their prayers saved my life.” – “Abdi,” Somalia
  • “I know those who have worshiped in jail; when they come out they never can repeat that experience. Prayer in jail is different than when you pray outside.” – “Mohammed,” Christian formerly imprisoned in Iran
  • “When you gather in your happy families, remember us. … we ask you, always in your meetings to carry us before our almighty God in prayer, so that we can endure also this hard blow in our young lives and even unto death remain faithful in our hearts and trust in our Lord.” – Ahura Sloboda, Soviet Union, 1969
  • “After going through what I went through, seeing other Christians go through suffering, having Christians encourage me and pray for me, it all brought me closer to Christ.” – Awuna Sunday, injured in a bomb attack at a church in Nigeria.

If you would like to have specifics to pray, click here: Pray for the Persecuted.

If you want to read actual stories and get news, check out Voice of the Martyrs at: www.persecution.com

Here’s a great dramatization from Voice of the Martyr ministries:

 


Where is Wisdom When I Need It?

I recently started reading the Book of Proverbs again in my morning prayer and devotional time.  It has always been one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is easy to read and understand for the most part, and I admit that I need the wisdom that it offers. I REALLY need it.

20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares.”

The Lord God offers wisdom, discretion, and understanding to those who want it. Do I see a hand raised? Yes, I see that hand!

Below is some motivation to read and dig into the wisdom books of the Bible, which includes:  Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, some psalms, and probably the Song of Songs.

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I fit in the description above of those needing to obtain wisdom and instruction. If you’re one who needs to drink of the wisdom of heaven, open these Books and have at it. Solomon is called the ‘wisest man who has ever lived.’ I think we can all learn from this guy.

A Plan

The Book of Proverbs has 31 chapters. One plan is to read through one chapter a day corresponding with the day of the month. When a proverb jumps off the page at you, or if you’re snagged by one of them, stop and gain from its lesson(s). Write down what it is telling you. We are more apt to retain when we write.

Just as important as reading from these wisdom books is … praying for wisdom, discretion, and understanding. You and I are dependent upon the Omniscient God–the All-knowing One.

To answer this blog’s title question

The foremost place is in the Scriptures, revealed by the Spirit of God, and available to those who need it.

A helpful hint to go along with the answer to the question

Don’t wait until you need it, by then you’re a step or two or eight behind the cue ball. Prepare and begin engaging with wisdom today.

BTW:  Wisdom is more valuable than riches or physical health. Just thought I’d give you a preview of coming attractions, that is, if you’re going to read Solomon’s writings.