From the outset forgiveness of sin was a primary gift of grace; not the mere shrug of "that's OK--who cares," but rather a dynamic "go and sin no more" that delivers release from shame and freedom from the snares of destructive patterns. Testimonies from the New Testament onward continually tell stories of lives changed, of freedom from bondage, of hearts set free.
How then, can the church deal with sin in her midst? Mercifully, certainly. Those who've experienced the power in the blood, can only respond with compassion toward those who have not yet applied that power to specific areas of their lives. Having been forgiven much, we can only extend forgiveness to others. Anything less freezes into legalism, self righteousness and feigned virtue. When sin is driven underground, hidden under a gloss of good behavior, healing is held at bay and destruction runs rampant.
The quandary arises, however, when mercy switches into gross acceptance of sin; when that acceptance saunters by nonchalantly leaving someone trapped in anguished darkness. The fact that divorce is common and no longer a social stigma does not eradicate the pain that radiates out from it. Gluttony may not be high on anyone's list of horrific sins, but it still mires the sinner in the bog of ill health and shame, tying up energy that could be used for the greater good. No matter how many people do 'it,' no matter how accepting the society at large becomes, sin remains sin in God's eyes because, BECAUSE he knows he has something better for us.
How then do we keep our sordid little sins from exalting themselves to become major issues in the church? The only road I can see is confession, repentance and testimony. Confess those sins that bind you, turn away from them through the grace in Jesus, and tell every one of the freedom you have found. If I find out that God freed you, I just might give him a chance to do the same for me.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
THE MIRACLE OF THE SCARLET THREAD by Richard Booker is the story of God's blood covenant with man; a story that weaves through the Bible tying together the Old and New Testament. Understanding the concept of covenant, and God's desire to enter into that relationship with me, (ME!) was a key step in my conversion. Scared me to death. Fortunately resurrection followed. $12.99 new.
USING THE WORD is a little book I'm writing for people who want to work more scripture and biblical understanding into their lives. It includes five different ways to approach the Bible on a regular basis. I've got the introduction and first three chapters roughed out and am looking for some test readers. I'd like the readers to include Christians who feel guilty because they don't read the Bible as much as they think they should, non Christians who are only vaguely interested in the Bible, and people who already have a daily Biblical discipline. If you're interested in being a test reader let me know. (Hit reply, write words. Send.)
CHILDREN'S BOOKS with a focus on animals have been rolling into the store from our deck-hand, Bill. Gorgeous picture books, National Geographic photography collections, wildlife coloring books, and an Audobon Nature Encyclopedia set. Our Home School section is also bulked up and there are even some Jewish picture books about Golem. Come and get 'em.
FORTY BOXES of books were given away at Family camp last month. Janet Wilcox's lifetime collection. A great saint in the Lord, Janet had a particular interest in psychology and healing. Shawn picked up one of several copies of C.S. Lewis's MERE CHRISTIANITY, which he found interesting. Shannon is reading Alice Walker's THE COLOR OF PURPLE, which she said so far isn't as good as the movie. Michael is deep into LONESOME DOVE, a story of derelict Texas Rangers drinking, gambling and whoring their way across country as they move 3,000 head of cattle from Texas to Montana. He likes it pretty good, but is having a hard time figuring out what Janet saw in it.
On the last day of camp, I grabbed a handful of books on leadership that had been passed over. I just finished UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP by New Zealander, Tom Marshall. It would be a great present for anyone with the gift of leadership. ($12.99 new) He quotes Henry Ford saying, "Asking who should be the leader is like asking who should sing tenor in the quartet." The one with the tenor voice sings tenor. The one with the gift of leadership leads.
The 'Leader's Mantle' chapter on three types of authority and their corresponding expectations of obedience was so generally useful that I'm recapping it at Toastmasters on August 27th. Leaders from parents to CEO's can avoid a multitude of problems caused by using the wrong type of authority for the situation at hand. Aptos Toastmasters meet Wednesdays at the Rio Sands Hotel in Rio Del Mar at noon. Guests are always welcome.
Since GIVING AWAY BOOKS was such fun, we are clearing out The Word Shop shelves during the last week in August. With a $5 entrance fee you can have as many used books priced under $5 as you can carry out in your hands. That includes three quarters of the books in the store, most of the secular books, children's books and all the study guides and pamphlets. Come get an armful of New Testaments to give away, or a pantheon of perspectives to peruse. (Please...) One swoop per person, all new books and books $5 and over will be sold at their regular prices. Monday, August 25 through Friday, August 29.
Coming up in September will be our first local author's night. I'm also plotting both an email and real time short story writing workshop. Stay tuned.
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx
Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world. -George Bernard Shaw
Inside of God, reading gets lighter and brighter.
Blessings,
Alliee +