In my library2

Hey Family!

Hope you’re ready to read about the next book in my library! I will say that it is a good one!

Title: Seeking Allah finding Jesus

Author: Nabeel Qureshi

Synopsis:

Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity, complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way.

Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi’s inner turmoil will challenge Christians and Muslims alike.

Rating (out of 5): 5

Why I (dis)liked the book:

I must say that I loved this book! I thought this book was going to come read as a research paper, but it was very engaging and interesting. Qureshi is very personal, and gives the reader an inside look on what it’s like to grow up Muslim. His story is so moving, and I seriously couldn’t put this book down. Qureshi’s book can seriously be considered a classic piece of evangelism.

Memorable quote:

“I could not put the Bible down. I literally could not. It felt as if my heart would stop beating, perhaps implode, if I put it down. I ended up skipping the whole day of school, but I really has no choice in the matter. The Bible was my lifeline.”

If you’ve read it; what you think?

-Grace

 

Sometimes It’s Hard Being Black & Christian

Family, I’ve been very conflicted at this time. I’ve been having a rough time growing spiritually and I haven’t posted or written anything because of it. I still could find the words but I found a blog. She’s stating how I feel. Please read and share.

Sometimes It’s Hard Being Black & Christian

 

Peace Family

-Grace

Proverbs 29:11 (NIV): Fools give full vent to their rage,but the wise bring calm in the end.

Ephesians 4:26 (ESV): Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

Romans 12:19English Standard Version (ESV): Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Socially Awkward

With all these social networks, internet sites, and technical gadgets, it’s hard to find a healthy balance for life, work, and most important God. This post was inspired by a conversation I’ve had with many of my close friends. I believe it’s important to discuss this because I have literally seen couples go out and friends hang out where they spent the entire evening with their head down looking at their phone or tablet. We use these social networks to connect with people but we have a hard time connecting with people organically.

I’ve noticed in our culture we are so dependent on our cell phones, ipods, ipads, etc. It’s almost ridiculous of the panic I experience when I leave my phone. I seriously had to step back and realize how rude these gadgets have made us:

• at  dinner with friends, we text other people and  log on to IG (instagram) &/or FB (facebook)
• at an event, we will tweet during the entire production
• we don’t invite people over anymore, we make a FB status
• we don’t call to check on our aunt who lives 200miles away, we make a post on her wall
• we now use social media to check on everyone instead of personally calling them
• can’t even enjoy a meal unless IG  gets to see it first

Seriously, we have all have become so consumed with social media, that no one or nothing has all of our attention anymore. Social media has seriously changes my social life. Am I the only one that notices how we can’t construct sentences anymore? Spelling has been monopolized by acronyms, and there are some people whom I only know by their username. My question is have we started to worship or idolize these social networks? We are so concerned with how many likes this pic has or how many followers I have on this site that we lose focus on what’s REALLY important.

Worship: (noun) The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object. OR (verb) To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion.

Idolize: (verb) To regard with blind admiration or devotion or to worship as an idol.

Let’s not forget that we cannot put anything before God. We do not want to replace Him even if it is indirectly. For me personally, I started a rule (that I have major difficulties to keep) to where I will only log into social media after I’ve had my alone time with God.

Peace and Blessing

-Grace

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NKJV): You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NKJV):Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Colossians 3:5 (ESV): Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Same story

I know you guys are tired of hearing this from me, but I’m back! I know I say the same thing after every disappearance act, but I’m going to really try to make an effort to be continuous with you guys.
I can honestly say that I’ve been very busy, but in a good way!
I’ve taken in several new responsibilities and while I love it, I have become very busy and neglected you guys. So I’m back again! Hope you guys missed me as much as I’ve missed you!

Who are they? part8

Hey Family!!!!

You’ve made it to the last installment of who are they!!! I really appreciate you all going through this study with me! This is short and sweet. I wanted to share this YouTube video because I think he answers this question beautifully. Hope you enjoyed this study as much as I did.

 

I’ll see you well, write to you later!

-Grace

James 3:1 (NLT):Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Welcome to the library

WP Family,

I read a lot of books. Just this past summer I read 2-3 books per month, and if I wasn’t in grad school, I could probably read a book a week. I usually read Christian books, and I’m always looking for a good bargain on my books so I usually wait until books go on sale so if I’m not as update as the New York Times Best Seller list please bear with me (I am a struggling college student again lol). I enjoy learning about Christ, his life, and the books of the Bible. I read about different topics sometimes testimonies, but usually as long as it’s Christ centered I’d read it!! And well, I wanted to share my books with you. I’d like for you all to maybe recommend books, & I’d like to share my review of the books I read. So I welcome you to my library! 

Title: Loveology: God. Love. Marriage. Sex. And the Never-Ending Story of Male and Female

Author: John Mark Comer

Synopsis:

Loveology starts with marriage and works backward. Comer deals with sexuality, romance, singleness, and what it means to be male and female; ending with a raw, uncut, anything goes Q and A dealing with the most asked questions about sexuality and relationships.

Rating (out of 5): 5

Why I (dis)liked the book:

I really enjoyed this book. He made me think about my view of marriage, sex, dating, and love. He really makes you think about how you go about picking a spouse, views on premarital sex, loving someone else, and homosexuality. I honestly, love the way he breaks down the sin of homosexuality. This was a great read. It was easy, and it definitely didn’t feel like I was reading 300+ pages. I recommend this book to anyone: Christian, non-Christian, single, married, and in-between.

Memorable quote:

“Because to Jesus, love is serving. It’s cleaning garbage off his feet. It’s wiping grime from between her toes. It’s choosing- choosing of your own free will- to play the role of the servant, the least important person in the room.”

If you’ve read it; what you think?

-Grace

Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV): And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Peter 4:8 (ESV): Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Who are they? Part7

I know it’s been a long wait! But here’s part 7!

Name: Andrew, tradition says he’s called Prōtoklētos which means first called

Hometown: Bethsaida

Occupation: fisherman

References: Matthew 4:18, 10:2; Mark 1:16, 1:29, 3:18, 13:3; Luke 6:14; John 1:40-44, 6:8, 12:22; Acts 1:13

Strengths:

• Left everything to follow Jesus
• First apostle to follow Jesus
• Was a follower of John the Baptist

Weaknesses:

• Deserted Jesus during His trail and crucifixion

Interesting Fact:

• Son of John, brother of Simon Peter (see below)
• Name means manly, brave in Greek
• He was one of the disciples to ask about the prophecy of the Temple being torn down (see Mark 13:3-4)
• Brought the boy to Jesus with the two fish and five loaves of bread to feed the 5,000 (see John 6: 8-10)

Died:

• Martyred
• Church tradition holds he was crucified on a X-shaped cross (called the Crux Decussata)

 

 

Name: Peter, Simon was his birth name

Hometown: Bethsaida

Occupation: fisherman

References: All four gospels, the book of Acts, Galatians 1:18, and wrote 1 Peter and 2 Peter

Strengths:

• Follower of John the Baptist
• Left everything to follow Jesus
• Wrote 2 epistles
• One of Jesus’ favorite

Weaknesses:

• Deserted Jesus during His trail and crucifixion
• Often spoke before he thought which led to embarrassment
• Denied Jesus 3 times at His trial

Interesting Fact:

• Son of John, brother of Andrew (see above)
• Renamed by Jesus “petros” in Greek meaning rock
• He is the only Peter mentioned in the NT
• Was included in the inner circle with James and John at Jairus’ house where he raised Jairus’ daughter (see Matthew 9: 18-26)
• Witnessed the transfiguration (see Matthew 17: 1-9)
• Witnessed Jesus’ last hours praying to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane (see Mark 14:33-42)
• Catholic tradition claims that Peter was the first pope
• Preached in Asia Minor for 7 years
• Established church headquarters in Rome
• Served as bishop for 25 years

Died:

• Martyred in Rome
• Crucified upside down

 -Grace

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV): Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

 

Missed a study of the apostles? Click HERE

 

Letters to God: Thank you

Hey Family,

I know you all are waiting on the next post of our study, but I just had to share this prayer with you guys. I promise I am working on the next installment, but I just wanted to share this with you.

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08/09/2014

Dear Abba,

You are great. There are no words to describe how amazing you are. I am so happy to have a father like you. No one compares to you and I can’t believe we put things above you. You love us and provide everything, even when we do not deserve it. You are mercy, grace, life, and above all love. Thank you for being Elohim, the one true God. Thank you, Abba! For loving me, forgiving me, and saving me. You are truly the best. I love you, father. And I want to love you more. I want to fix my eyes on you. I want to fix my eyes on what is unseen because what I can see is temporary.

Lord, I want to pray for the world. I know the solution to the evil that is going on is you. The government is providing services for its secular world, people are believing in any and everything other than you, and I know I need to pray for the world. People have addictions, sex, drugs, the violence, corruption, Lord, the list goes on forever and I pray that your will, will be done here. I also pray for our entertainers, father. They have a heavy influence over the world and I pray that they use their influence to point to you. I pray that your church is glorified so that we may glorify you. I pray that we bring people to you; that we are your hands and feet.

Abba, I pray that you bless me. That I am able to glorify you. For you are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide, and I pray that you provide me with financial intelligence, that I have food on my table, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, and a roof over my head. Lord, I ask that you provide me with all me needs because I know without you I have nothing. Give me your daily bread father. Give me the desire to seek you father. I want to have the desire to be closer to you, Lord. You promised that if we seek first the kingdom then you will add to us, and I want to inherit all that you have promised me, Lord.

Abba, I want to also pray for forgiveness. Without your mercy and free gift of grace I would be hopeless. I need your grace. I want to live for your grace. I am a wrench. I am a sinner. I love to think about sex, I love being a narcissistic who is consumed with myself, I like being mean to others, I love to make people feel low so I can feel high, I love having my way, I like the feeling of getting over on people because I think I’ve won. Lord, and without your forgiveness of my wicked ways I would have no hope for change. Without your love, mercy, and grace I would rely on myself to be saved. Without your forgiveness God, I would continue to think I can do it all on my own. I thank you for your forgiveness because now I can forgive, Thank you for being Jehovah Mekoddishkem, the Lord who sanctifies you.

I pray that you guide us. You are Emmanuel, God with us, and we need you to lead us. Thank you for listening to me and caring for me. I am grateful to serve a master, that I can cast all of my anxiety on you because you care. You care.

 

Your daughter,

Grace

Amen

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Family, I hope you all are praying to become closer to the Father. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

-Grace

1 Chronicles 16:1(AMP): Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!

Psalm 4:1 (TLB): O God, you have declared me perfect in your eyes; you have always cared for me in my distress; now hear me as I call again. Have mercy on me. Hear my prayer.

Add this to your playlist

Hey family!

I haven’t forgotten about you guys, I’ve just been a little busy. You know how life seems to like to keep us busy. And well, I was in the middle of writing up the next part of who are they? and I just couldn’t get this song out of my head! So I decided to share it with you guys. I love this group and this song is just awesome. Hope you enjoy.

Artist: For King and Country

Song: Fix my eyes

Album: run wild. live free. love strong.

Chorus: I’d Love like I’m not scared
Give when it’s not fair
Live life for another
Take time for a brother
Fight for the weak ones
Speak out for freedom
Find faith in the battle
Stand tall but above it all
Fix my eyes on You
On You

Peace

Grace

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

Letters to God: Almost giving up

Hey family! I wanted to share something very personal with you guys. So, I write letters to God on my laptop. Since I’m on my computer so much, I figured this was a good way to pray daily. And well, I wanted to share a snippet of a previous prayer. If you guys follow the blog, then you’ll know that this was written at time that I was very sad (I wrote a post talking about my sorrows), and well this was my prayer.

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06/19/14

1:25 pm (usa cst)

Dear Heavenly Father,

I love you, I love you so much, and desire to love you more. It’s crazy how lately I’ve had feelings of discouragement or giving up, and today in my daily Bible reading, I read in the book of Acts chapter 12. In this chapter you sent an angel to deliver Peter from the hands of Herod. Peter was in prison about to be put to death and you freed him. Reading this I couldn’t help but see the parallel of Peter’s problem and my own. Lately, I’ve been feeling so discouraged with my life and almost feel as if I’m drowning, suffocating in my distress, and I realize how only you can free me from the weight of this world. Only you can give my soul rest, peace. This world and its expectations will weigh me down every time. I have to keep my eyes on what’s more important, Father, and that’s You. I have to stop living for tomorrow or Friday or the summer or the next holiday. I have to start living for eternity! At the end of the day none of this matters. All that matters is if I loved you, my Lord with all of my heart, my mind, and my strength. Thank you, Father, for continuously blessing me. You are more than enough and I apologize for allowing this world to distract me from this truth.

Thank you Father

Amen

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Now, you all can see my style when I talk/pray with the Lord, and I know He hears me. I wanted to leave you all with a song I think really helped me get through this time. Enjoy!

Artist: Unspoken

Song: In your hands

Album: Unspoken

Chorus: Every sorrow (promise), I leave it in Your hands
Every sickness (healing), I leave it in Your hands
All my failures (and my future), I leave them in Your hands
Amen, I leave it in Your hands

 

With Love

-Grace

John 16:33 (ESV): I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world