BOOK REVIEW: DON’T THROW THE BELIEVER OUT WITH THE BAPTISTRY WATER by James Collins

James Collins is a preacher who writes a newspaper column titled The Point Is… Each column consists of a short story which illustrates a biblical truth. This book is a collection of stories from his column.

Collins has a very versatile writing style. At times he writes with a marvelous tongue in cheek humor that I really like. Example: “I want a motorcycle. My wife wants a new kitchen. We can’t afford both. Well, I am the king of my castle. I am in charge. I am a man. I have my pride. I want a motorcycle… Did I mention that we are getting a new kitchen? Maybe I can get a scooter and some leathers…”

At other times he writes with heartfelt sincerity and transparency. Example: “l preached Patricia’s funeral today. I really don’t know how to process her death. Patricia was my mother, biologically speaking. She was pregnant with me when she was fourteen-years-old, and wisely, made the decision to sign over custody to her mother. So, I was raised by my grandmother…deep down, I was bitter toward Patricia. My grandmother died when I was still a little boy, and for several years, I was shuffled around from one foster home and family member to another. Feeling unwanted and unloved, I blamed Patricia for my heartache…The point is: The Bible teaches we should forgive one another just as Christ forgave us. I have failed to forgive. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, I ask the Lord to forgive me, and I ask you to learn from my failures.”  

I was blessed by this book. It touched my heart, it made me laugh, and it made me think. Where Was God? touched me the deeply; A Bad Day At Chick-fil-A made me laugh out loud; and Learn On Someone Else’s Nickel made me think. If you decide to purchase and read this book, I would be very surprised if it did not bless you too.

Some of my favorite excerpts:

My wife, Amanda, would like for me to lose twenty pounds. I would like a new Ferrari Sports Car, but that’s not going to happen either.

We live in a busy, fast paced world. It is easy to let the voice of God get lost in the confusion. It is easy to ignore God. Perhaps God is speaking to you? Will you hear Him? Will you ignore Him? Listen to His voice and follow Him.

Have you heard the three biggest lies that have ever been told? Number one, the check is in the mail. Everybody has told that lie. Number two, I am from the government and I’m here to help you. Whatever you do, don’t believe that one. And number three, I am a Baptist Preacher and I’m here to say a few words…

We don’t have a gun problem – we have a heart problem.

It is difficult to be spiritual on the side of the road when the police have pulled you over.

I have discovered that one of the main reasons to stay married to is to help each other find stuff.

In the Christian race of life, we are not running to win – we have already won. We are just running to finish. Jesus has already finished the race, and He is standing on the other side. The point is: Jesus didn’t fail in what He came to do. He said on the cross, “It is finished.” Since Jesus finished for you, shouldn’t you run for Him? Don’t run for your church, your pastor, or to please people. Run to finish the race for the Lord Jesus Christ. Hit the tape with a blaze of glory. Look to Jesus and finish the race.

 

COMING SOON!

I have a new book, currently in the process of being published. Title: When Success Isn’t Enough, purpose is plenty. Excerpt:

If one is to freely choose his or her definition of success, and then act on it, one has to embrace the belief that he or she has a choice; that he or she is in charge of their life and can set the direction or course of their life. If one does not embrace this belief, then he or she gives that choice away, allowing others to chart the course of their life… Purpose is radically different from success. The most significant difference is the starting point. When developing our definition of success, the starting point is ourselves. When attempting to discern our purpose, the starting point is God.

 

a reminder

I have written extensively about emotional and spiritual healing. This past week, however, I have been immersed in a physical healing process.

I had an oral surgery procedure last week which left me with a swollen, discolored cheek and painful mouth. As it has been healing, I have been reminded that God created a natural healing process for physical injuries and illnesses. I have also been reminded that healing is a choice. It’s God’s choice. It’s always God’s choice. Though we may go to doctors when we’re physically sick or injured and the doctors then give us medicine or perform procedures to heal us, the healing is not in the hands of the doctor. It’s in God’s hands. He is the one who has the power to heal us, not human beings.

Now I realize that physical healing doesn’t always happen. Sometimes God chooses not to heal the physical injury or illness, and these individuals die or live broken lives. Or, rather than healing the physical injuries or illnesses, God may give individuals the emotional and spiritual strength to cope with them. I don’t understand how and why God makes these choices. I do know though, that healing is a choice, it’s God’s choice, it’s always God’s choice.

Joy Gardner – Healer In The House (Live)

 

uncommon bravery

If you are interested in reading a true story of uncommon bravery, I suggest you read Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan. It’s about a 17 year old Italian boy, Pino Lella, who risks his life to help Jews escape capture by the Nazis during World War II. I’m not even half-way through it yet and I’m already incredibly moved by it.

 

women’s place in church?

Excerpt, When Going with the Flow Isn’t Enough:

Question: Where do women belong in the twenty-first-century church?
Answer: Wherever God places them.

God has carved out places for every one of his daughters in his church, and he wants us to occupy the places he chose for us. Whatever spiritual gift or gifts you were given, you were given for a reason and a purpose, and he wants you to use it for the purpose he chose for you. He does not want you to hide it. If you choose to hide your gift(s), God is displeased. In his book The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren states “You don’t bring glory or pleasure to God by hiding your abilities or by trying to be someone else. You only bring him enjoyment by being you. Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God’s wisdom and sovereignty in creating you.”

Link: https://www.amazon.com/When-Going-Flow-Enough-Upstream/dp/1625860714/

 

Don’t just do something. Stand there!

I am sending this out to those individuals who have a hard time doing nothing.

Excerpt from When Doing Isn’t Enough:

In 2003, I participated in a Bible study titled Experiencing God. Out of all the reading and writing and discussion that took place over that twelve-week period, the only thing that stuck with me was the following phrase: Don’t just do something. Stand there. As a task-oriented individual who has historically functioned as an overachiever, I had great difficulty wrapping my mind around this concept. Just being and not doing went against my grain on a very deep level… [10 years later] I ran across a card on Crosscards.com which said Until God opens the next door, praise him in the hallway. This resonated with me. My third book was in production and I did not have another one percolating inside me. I also was no longer leading a ministry. I was in a hallway and had run out of doors to open. As an action-oriented, doing kind of person, this was an uncomfortable place to be. I knew though, that God was going to have to provide the next opportunity and open the next door for me to walk through. I knew I would not be able to do it on my own. So, in this time of uncertainty, I am waiting and trusting, praising Him in the hallway.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/When-Doing-Enough-Waiting-Plenty/dp/1625860838/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508523850&sr=8-3&keywords=books+by+mary+detweiler

 

DANCE!

I was out and about in my car earlier today and this song came on the radio: #LeeAnnWomack #IHopeYouDance #Vevo 

Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance

Take a listen. 

I hope each of you DANCE! RISK! LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST! LOVE WITH ALL YOUR HEART!

 

 

perspective

I just finished reading Michelle Obama’s book Becoming. I highly recommend it. Gave me a real sense of who both she and her husband are as people, not political figures.

The following statement of hers resonated deeply with me: “Meeting Nelson Mandela gave me the perspective I needed…that real change happens slowly, not just over months and years but over decades and lifetimes.”

 

Christmas reading

The last few years I have chosen a book to read in December to keep me focused on the real reason for the season. This year I am reading Advent and Christmas Wisdom by Henri J.M. Nouwen. If you would like to read along with me, here’s the link to purchase the book:

 

new book available

My new book is now available on amazon. For those who are interested, here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625861117/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531867727&sr=1-2&keywords=When+Therapy+Isn%27t+Enough