IT’S TIME TO CONTROL OUR TONGUES!

We sing “God bless America” yet we mean “God make those people behave the way I think they should behave.”  The more I see of the mindsets of people the more I thank God that Jesus did not come yesterday. 

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. “ Matthew 9:37

I don’t think it matters much if you think the end times is near or we have plenty of time my question to you is: What are you doing to discourage people from believing? We have to take our words and deeds seriously.  We must begin self evaluation, be sure you are not part of the problem.

 I am a Black Conservative Christian this fact offends many liberals who call themselves Christian. I speak the Word of God as I understand it, though I have no problem with people explaining to me why I am wrong, if I am wrong, based on the word of God.  So far no one has been able to correct me via the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16) When I come across people who reject me because of my politics then I adjust my words.  I believe those who have a problem with me because I believe the bible is the Truth are the ones with the problem yet I want them to be able to hear the truth if not from me then from someone else.

When we sing “God bless America” we have to be able to step aside and let Him.

 ^1-2Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you’d have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.

 ^3-5A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!

 ^5-6It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

 ^7-10This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!

 ^10-12My friends, this can’t go on. A spring doesn’t gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don’t bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don’t bear apples, do they? You’re not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you?  James 3:1-12 The Message

BOOK REVIEW:LILY’S REDEMPTION by Jeffrey Allen Davis

La Belle Fleur
I once had a Rose,
Lovely and Sweet.
Her petals were the deepest Scarlet.
Her fragrance was Sensual,
Dark and Pure.
Though some men had passed,
Smelled her bouquet,
Only I had taken her from the garden.
Only I had taken her for my own.
For ten spans,
I loved her
Enjoyed her
Reveled in her Sweet aroma.
But, then, another came along.
He did not pick her,
Did not take her.
She gave herself willingly.
She corrupted herself willingly.
From deep among her Soft petals
She revealed her Hidden thorns.
She pierced my heart and fled.
He was only too willing to take the rose,
The Rose that was committed to me.
But he grew weary of her,
Her petals Tainted and Crushed.
Her fragrance Poisoned.
And he cast her away
And trampled her underfoot.

These are the words of Jeffrey Allen Davis, a father, Minister, and the author of Lily’s Redemption. Over the past few days I have found Mr. Davis to be both open and seclusive. He freely answered all questions and reviewing his website and another interview I kept getting the feeling that there was more to him. Then I read this poem and another one on abortion and I learned what was so obvious Jeffrey Allen Davis is a man who understands pain through personal experience.

He has an interest in martial arts which is reflected in his first two books: “Invasion of the Togakura” (if you have the first edition keep it clean and safe) and his second book “Klandestine Manuevers” . “Klandestine Manuevers” is still available from its’ original publisher. He states: “I’ve only taken a semester of tae kwon do at a community college. I’ve been told that my descriptions of combat seem too real for my experience.” (From 50 Facts About Me: http://jeffreyallendavis.angelfire.com). “Lily’s Redemption” is his first Christian Fiction.

Not ready to put away his clandestine maneuvers just yet Mr. Davis will be republishing both “Klandestine Manuevers” and “Invasion of the Togakura” by GCD Publishing. Both books will be revised, “Invasion of Togakura” will be published under a different name. GCD Publishing is the private company owned and operated by Mr. Davis named after his father: George Charles Davis. “Lily’s Redemption” is the company’s first fruits.

As Mr. Davis transitioned in his style of writing he was and is evolving as an individual. A Christian at the age of 21, at once point in his Christian walk he considered himself Arminian and now declares himself as a “Five-Point” Calvinist. On his website he writes: “If I weren’t a Christian, I would be an atheist. No other religion makes sense to me.” He is a licensed Baptist minister ordained through a non-denominational group. He has also transitioned from liberal to conservative, politically.

Jeffrey Allen Davis has a library filled with non-fiction yet he was compelled to write a Fiction book. When a biblical intellectual, as Mr. Davis appears to be, writes fiction it is safe to assume there are going to be numerous biblical truths within the pages of the literature. “Lily’s Redemption” is just that kind of book.

“Lily’s Redemption” is the story of a woman who leaves her life of pornography after inheriting a house in a small town. Unfortunately her past follows her. Milton the movie producer declares he will be making a movie starring “Lily” in this town. No one really knows who “Lily” is or that she is amongst there midst. Like most secrets everything has a way of presenting itself at the most inopportune time. The truth of Lily is revealed as well as the dead body of Lily’s friend.

“Lily’s Redemption” addresses more than one woman’s journey to salvation. Within the pages of mystery and romance are stories of: a father’s love for his child; the healing power of forgiveness and the churches role in receiving God’s children.
Jeffrey Allen Davis understands the destructive nature of pornography. He also understands the redeeming love God has for his children. “Lily’s Redemption” is a refreshing book with a powerful example of forgiveness. Buy the book! It has my recommendation.
REVIEW WRITTEN BY Marsha L. Randolph
Jeffrery Allen Davis web site: http//jeffreyAllenDavis.angelfire.com

The Book can be purchased via Amazon or Barnes and Noble in paperbak and ebook form.

HAVE YOU EVER READ ANDY ANDREWS?

During the summer I had the privilege to hear Andy Andrews speak. An understatement would be to describe him as high energy. As a result of hearing him I purchased two of his books: “The Travelers Gift” and “The Noticer”. I thoroughly enjoyed “The Travelers Gift”, time has prevented me from reading The Noticer. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a book by Andy Andrews on the list of possible book reviews on Book Sneeze; needless to say I leaped at the opportunity to obtain a free copy of the book.

Book Sneeze is a network of bloggers who enjoy reviewing books. Since I have been reviewing books on this blog I have learned that I really love it. As a member of Book Sneeze I obtain FREE advance copies of books by authors you may recognize.

The Final Summit continues the life of David Ponder, a character introduced in the book “The Travelers Gift”. Having learned 7 valuable lessons David Ponder has arrived at a point in his life in which these lesson though important have little if any relevance to the sadness he currently is experiencing. Sitting all alone in his deluxe apartment he is visited by the archangel Gabriel. Gabriel informs him that he has been chosen to lead a delegation of historic leaders, there assignment: to answer one very important world saving question.

If you have ever seen Andy Andrews you know that he is a master story teller. In this book, “The Final Summit”, Andrews weaves history and the concerns many of us have for this world and reveals a very basic solution to the question that is asked. As with his other books there are excellent life principles presented by the likes of: King David, Winston Churchill, George Washington Carver and Joan of Arc just to name a few.

Time is of the essence. The group has a set time to determine the right answer to the question given. Despite the hourglass on the table, no one knows the hour or the day in which time will be up. The suspense builds as one by one great leader’s present great answers to the question for Gabriel to accept or reject. Meanwhile the sand in the hourglass falls, or does it?

The dialogue that precedes each solution provides excellent life principles that warrant further exploration. Should you have a book club or small group the Readers Guide at the end of the book is a useful tool for directing the conversation.

The Final Summit is suspenseful, educational, thought provoking, fun and an easy read I highly recommend you purchase it and all of Andy Andrew’s books.

BOOK REVIEW: WHAT EVERY DREAM MEANS by Scott M Shafer

 “What Every Dream Means” is not what I expected nor is its’ author Scott M Shafer.  What I expected was a dream dictionary with commentary; it is not. I also expected an author who would give biblical interpretations to justify various statements without actually citing a particular verse; this was not the case.  Incorporating personal experience, years of study and much prayer the author has put together a biblically based argument for the importance of understanding dreams as well as foundational information to do so.

The author, Scott M. Shafer, speaks at seminars, workshops and retreats as well as hosting private dream interpretation sessions. His website www.whateverydreammeans.com introduces the viewer to the potential of dream interpretation by providing such workshops as:  “Dreams and The Professional Community”. 

Scott’s journey to understanding dreams began as a young man. In examining the significance of his own dreams he noticed a relationship between his conversations with God and the proliferation of dreams. This gave birth to years of study and as opportunities presented itself  the interpretation of the dreams of others. Through experience he learned the importance of listening to the details of the dreamer as well as listening to the Holy Spirit. “What Every Dream Means” incorporates the knowledge of 20 plus years of studying dreams.

 “Scott’s intention and purpose is to build knowledge into others in order for them to properly understand and interpret dreams.” (see: www.whateverydreammeans.com About the Author)

Though dreams have been around as long as mankind existed it is not a recognized “ministry” in most Christian churches.  In discussing how people receive what he does Scott shared the following with me:

 “…As a result they assume that it is New Age or occult based.

  I recall a pastor’s wife who came to a dream interpretation table in a bookstore where I was interpreting one evening. After to talking to her she admitted that she could not find answers to her dreams in the church and when she saw the interpretation table at the bookstore she thought or assumed it was New Age but she was desperate to find answers for her dreams. So she came to the table and immediately took the opportunity to share her dreams.

  I have another person, probably a well-meaning person; say to me recently that they thought what I did was ‘psychic’. Again I think the reason is that they have never been exposed to who I am and what I do and on the surface they are only familiar with what the New Age has become known for. “

Obviously there is a need for dream interpretation yet as with many areas of ministry the laborers are few. “What Every Dream Means” is a beginning. From the Introduction forward Mr. Shafer walks the reader through the dream process which does not begin with going to bed. There is a biblical basis for dreams and throughout the book there are both Old and New Testament references to corroborate various points.

The book is 159 pages full of much needed information. (Generally speaking; I hate reading the introduction to most books yet I found Scotts’ to be very thought provoking and a necessary read.)  Chapter 1- “DREAM RECALL: Remembering Your Dreams”, has subchapters that include: Passivity Can I Really Change This?; “God Speaks in Dreams”: “The Night Season: Sleep Preparation”;  and “Improving Memory”.  Though chapter one could be a book by itself there are eleven subsequent chapters each building upon the other.

In preparation for dreaming Scott teaches the reader the importance of exercising his or her “memory muscle” by memorizing bible verses.  When asked to suggest a few mentioned the Psalms of David and also Romans.

“Romans 12:1 reveals the light that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. As we meditate on this verse at night it will have a profound and deep influence on our conscience and gradually as we come to believe the verse it will set us free from any nagging sense of accusation, guilt or fear. Fear, stress, worry and guilt are some of the things that negatively affect the quality of our sleep at night and can erode our dreaming experience.”

Scott makes it clear in this book that God speaks to us in our dreams no matter who we are or what we believe:

“The things that I recommend about sleep preparation are not intended in any way to become ‘law’ or some kind of legalistic burden to people. I do believe it will enhance their sleep and dreaming experience but I am ultimately confident in the Sovereignty of God. When he wants to speak to us in a dream He will do it. There are examples of this kind of thing happening and being reported in the mission field. Muslims are reporting Jesus appearing to them in dreams and being converted by reason of their dreams.”

He, Scott, also makes it clear that there are no rules etched in stone as to how we are to interpret dreams.  Which is why; I don’t use the dream book that I have.

 “This is the genius of God that keeps us dependent of Him and His Spirit and not on some methodology of interpreting by knowing a list of symbol meanings from a dream dictionary.”

Each of us should have a personal relationship with Father God. Knowing that He speaks to us in various ways including dreams it is important that we know how to get the most out of our sleep. What is presented in “What Every Dream Means” is the compilations of biblical principles supported by scripture to help you interpret you own dreams as well as the dreams of others.

In case you have not determined it yet: I am recommending you purchase this book.  Review Written by Marsha L. Randolph