Category: Discipleship

“And the Word Came With Power”

Annie & RebekahLeave a comment

I ended this book with tears in my eyes. What a precious story! Not only is this a really fun and easy read, it recounts one woman’s story of coming to Christ, following His leading to the Philippines, and watching God transform the lives of the Balangoo people. 

Through Joanne’s eyes you see the real-life emotion in the struggles and joys that came along with living in a remote location, being adopted into a Balangoo family, encountering demon possession, surviving a helicopter crash, co-laboring with other missionaries, and the 20 year task of translating the New Testament into the Balangoo language. She saw God was at work. This was His doing. And she loved being in the middle of it.

Due to certain cultural differences and demonic possession being part of this story, I would recommend parents to approve it individually for your children, or make it a read aloud and edit as necessary. 

I highly recommend this book.

-Annie

Faithful Service

Annie & Rebekah

Here is a book I should read every two weeks; it’s that good! And I need to be reminded of these things.

“Faithful Service” – a small book written simply to encourage those who desire to serve the Lord faithfully. “Well done, good and faithful servant…” is what we want to hear one day. But, what is faithfulness and what does it look like? What does it mean to be that servant that Jesus calls us to be?

In this book, Rich Chaffin includes:

  • Examples of faithfulness as seen in Old Testament stories, as well as New Testament stories.
  • An explanation of what faithfulness is and why it’s so important.
  • Examples of what faithfulness looks like and what it doesn’t look like.
  • An accurate understanding of what a servant is.
  • Encouragement for those working behind the scenes.
  • Vision for going beyond just the minimum in service for God.
  • An understanding of the wonderful blessings that come to the person who is faithfully serving Jesus.

This book is easy to read, and you can practically apply what it talks about, right away. This is a little book, perfect for reading a chapter in a few spare minutes.

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Its author, Rich Chaffin, is a pastor whom I have learned so much from, both through this book and through his teachings and example. If you read his book, you’ll hear stories of the time when he was a janitor and how God taught him faithfulness through that. You’ll be encouraged to be faithful in whatever place God has you in, and you’ll be challenged to be that “to the brim” sort of servant and to keep “digging ditches.” You’ll be encouraged to recognize the opportunities that you have right now, and I think you’ll be excited at the thought of the privilege it is to serve Jesus.

In addition to this book, I’ll also link to the church website, which has numerous Bible studies taught by Pastor Rich. I am listening through Revelation right now and it’s so good. You can click here and find a Bible study to listen to, or choose a book of the Bible to go through.

-Rebekah

Photo by: Matt Enterline

Will Our Generation Speak?

Annie & Rebekah

“Can I ask you a random question?” the lady said as I got out of the car. My mom walked around the car to where we were standing. “Sure,” we said. “Do you ever have people just walk up to you and ask if they can buy your car?” This lady owned the same kind of car as ours, and it was the same color too. “We have had people call us and leave notes on our front door to find out if we’ll sell our car,” we replied. “Me too! We must have really good cars and people want them,” she said laughing. “I’ve put 280,000 miles on mine, it runs great, and all I’ve ever done is change the oil,” she said. After several minutes of discussing this funny similarity that we shared, our unusual, yet friendly parking lot chat was coming to a close.   

But, before we said goodbye, my mom had one more thing to say. “I don’t know why, but I think I’m supposed to tell you something. I just have it on my heart to say this, so I’ll say it. I’m a Christian. Jesus Christ has changed my life. I met Him when I was 18 and since then, my life has never been the same.” And she shared a little bit more.

I had just been thinking about the randomness of this lady walking up to us, starting the conversation and how this would be the perfect opportunity to say something to her about the Lord. I was thankful that my mom did.

“I’m a spiritualist,” the lady replied as she told us of her studies of world religions and how she had come to the conclusion that there was good in each of them. It was interesting to hear her views, and when she had finished sharing her perspective, my mom told her how she had at one time, also been in a place of searching for the truth. My mom told her that she had come to realize that Jesus was the only One who had ever risen from the dead and that He was seen by many witnesses after He had risen. “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,’” she quoted, as she gently challenged the idea of all religions being right and that what it takes is us being good…each of us deciding what good is.

My mom reiterated that she had simply felt compelled to share this and so she did. The lady was kind and said that it was very interesting that my mom had said something right then, because of all that she’s been going through. She told us about the health struggles that a family member was experiencing and how hard it had been. After talking more about it and exchanging our names, we asked if we could pray for her loved one and she said she would be grateful. Although we wanted to pray right then, she had ice cream melting in the car, so we said we would pray later. We told her that God loved her and wanted to help her. She said, “Goodbye…and God bless you,” as she got into her car.

We all have our comfort zones. This story happened outside of my mom’s comfort zone, as well as outside of mine. In fact, it was my heart that was pounding as my mom did most of the talking. But, despite this fact, nothing can compare with knowing that God just did something and that He orchestrated the circumstances in such a way that allowed us to be a part of it! God invites each of us to be workers with Him in bringing His Word and His love to those who are lost, confused, and in need of a Savior.

Many of us though feel unqualified, timid, and scared at the thought of such a task. We don’t feel ready to take the risk of stepping outside of our comfort zones. But, we actually take another risk, the risk of missing an opportunity! And the encouraging thing is that God wants to work in us, and even change us. When my mom read Ephesians 6:18-20, she was struck with the thought that even the Apostle Paul prayed for boldness! He knew what it was to be weak, fearful, and trembling (1 Cor. 2:3). As she thought about that she decided to pray for boldness. A few days after she prayed, we talked with the lady in the parking lot and God did give her boldness to speak. I believe that God brought the lady to us and had my mom talk with her, right at a time when she really needed the love of Christ. Maybe God will use that interaction to remind her that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life…and maybe she’ll respond.

Something else that impacted my mom was reading the book, “Will Our Generation Speak?” My personal copy is much more worn than the book pictured here. That’s because it’s very high on my list of favorites and I keep going back to reread it!

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It’s inspiring, instructive, and insightful. Grace Mally, age 23 at the time of writing, has tactfully and skillfully written to our generation with a challenge to be bold with the Gospel. Within the pages of her book, Grace gives practical ideas for sharing the Gospel with others and if you read it, it’s likely you will be astonished by the real-life stories that she records. You will see what God can do through one person loving and following Jesus, and how He is working within the hearts of the lost. 

I think this is an AMAZING book and I’m recommending it to you. 🙂  I don’t feel that I can do the book justice from this one post. I am confident though, that you will be blessed by reading this book. It is punctuated with Scripture, providing a fresh reminder of the privilege it is, as children of God, to have the opportunity to impact this world as we declare Jesus, who is so full of grace and truth.

(I think any person of any age would thoroughly enjoy this book! Grace records many of her conversations with non-Christians, so there may be “certain” references made, but nothing more than references.)

Table of Contents
1. Only One Chance to Be Young!
2. The Little Engine That Couldn’t
3. Is Your Perspective Upside Down?
4. Tracts
5. But I’m Scared!
6. Full of Grace and Truth
7. Listen But Lead
8. Keys to Confidence
9. Moving the Hand of God
10. When They Aren’t So Friendly
11. Joy
12. Who? Where? How?
13. Seventeen Ways to Start Conversations
14. If the Foundations are Destroyed
15. How We Know That We Know
16. Start at Home But Aim for the World
17. The Esther 4:14 Principle

“Will Our Generation Speak” can be purchased on amazon, or from the Mally’s website. Grace has also written a study guide to accompany her book (the two books can be purchased together as a package)

-Rebekah

Before You Meet Prince Charming

Annie & Rebekah

Most girls want to one day be married. For many girls, that will be part of God’s plan for their lives. In the meantime, there are questions, struggles, and what can feel to be a time of waiting. How should a girl view this time in her life? Is there a way for her to truly thrive during her single years and prepare for marriage, instead of simply trying to avoid heartbreak and pain, as well as trying to not waste her single years?

This book addresses many questions and struggles that single girls can face. How should a girl navigate a crush? Is “dating around” the only way to meet her future husband, or are there other options? If there are other options, are there any advantages to them? While a girl is single – whether for a short time or for a long time – can she find joy, meaning, peace, comfort, and a purpose for her life? If so, how? Can a girl do anything now that will both make good use of her life presently and prepare her for a wonderful marriage?

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Sarah Mally is a single young woman who both Rebekah and I look up to. She has used, and is using, her single years for a purpose greater than herself as she follows the Lord. We are encouraged by her example. Sarah wrote this book for single girls of many ages. She wanted to write a book on purity, preparation for marriage, and using one’s youth for the Lord, that would apply to older girls yet could still be read by girls as young as 12 and who, at that age, would be blessed by it and not hindered. Rebekah and I have found encouragement and practical suggestions in this book, from the time we first read it, until now as we re-read this book. Even at our ages we appreciate Sarah’s discretion as she seeks to give positive encouragement and examples, rather than very detailed information of what we are not to do.

As with any book that we read, we need to be sensitive to how the Lord is leading us personally and in our own families. There may be things that you personally don’t agree with in this book, but don’t let that stop you (as we have not let it stop us), from letting it challenge and encourage you onward toward godliness and the “set-apart” life. This book challenges many modern cultural ideas and mindsets. We as Christians need this. We may not agree with and follow every concept or detail, but we will greatly benefit if we let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts, even if the communication flies in the face of what we’ve always thought or assumed.

Prince (cropped)

One of my favorite concepts that Sarah lays out in the book was this: my life purpose is not to get married, my life purpose is so much bigger because I have a relationship with God as my Father and He has a place for me in a plan that lasts long past my time on earth. This is so important because I, like many girls, greatly look forward to the day when I will be married. However, if I allow myself to be so wrapped up with thoughts directed by a longing for marriage, then my relationship with God and serving Him now (as well as my future), will be negatively affected. I believe that something Jim Elliot wrote to Elisabeth before they were married can apply to single women, “Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living.”

The more I meditate on God’s Word and am exposed to His thought pattern, the more His thinking will become my thinking. As this happens, one thing I will understand more and more is how short life really is; this will help align my perspective to reality – an eternal reality. Marriage is a wonderful gift, but it is not the only gift God gives. When a girl realizes that life’s purpose or value does not consist in marriage, she can then embrace and live in the good gifts God has given to her now and will continue to give to her…whether they include marriage or not. Many are still in need of hearing the message of the gospel for the first time. Many need to be built up and discipled in their walk with God. We have the privilege to do a work now that will outlast us and any earthly relationship. Each of us has been given an invitation to walk with God and get closer to Him in a living, daily relationship. Each of us has been given opportunities from God to be part of His work in some way. “Wherever you are, be all there, live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” –Jim Elliot

If and when the Lord brings young men into our lives (for those of us to whom that applies), we can realize that that relationship is not something we are entitled to. It will be a gift from God. The flesh and the Spirit will war in how to conduct such a relationship before marriage. But, as we surrender to the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in harmony with God’s Word, the Lord will lead us in that potentially challenging and very precious time.  I am grateful to Sarah for sharing her wisdom and insights to help clear away the fog of cultural mindsets and set a higher standard for this area of our lives.

“Before You Meet Prince Charming” can be purchased by going to the Mally family’s website here, or on amazon.

-Annie

Photos by Matt Enterline

Bob Schultz

Annie & Rebekah

“The one thing I want to learn in life is to understand and practically experience abiding in Christ. I’m not looking for some Bible lesson to discuss or some theory to question. I want to live in harmony with the One Who created the universe while I’m building houses, driving my truck, walking hand in hand with my wife or my daughters. I want to hear His voice, watch Him work, and follow Him in every adventure He wants to lead me through.”

(Everyday Battles – “Abiding in the Conqueror”)

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LOVE these books! Bob Schultz has become a mentor and an encourager of ours. On certain days you might hear one of us telling another family member, “Today I’ve just been keeping my shoes tied.” (You’ll understand once you read his writings.)

From these books we’ve learned the battle plan for getting through a day that just isn’t going right, and for the day when one’s mind seems to be running on two cylinders instead of four. We’ve also learned that discouragement is really self-focus. Instead of being discouraged, a person can deny self and press on, tackling what lies ahead and continuing faithfully in one’s responsibilities. These are just a few gems that are packed into Bob Schultz’s books.

Most of Bob’s chapters are not long. And unlike storybooks, each chapter stands alone from all the other chapters. So you are allowed to turn to a chapter in the middle of the book and start reading. 🙂 You will be blessed and encouraged by the riches within. His writing style is simple, yet engaging, inviting, and inspiring.

As the real life stories and experiences of Bob Schultz converge with the rich lessons he learned as he walked through life with God, he gives insight and guidance on matters of confidence, contentment, God’s Word, temptation, overcoming fear, industry vs. slothfulness, leadership, plodding, keeping your word, daily decisions, forgiveness, faith, education, character, God’s purpose for battles and conflicts in our lives, seeing the heart of God in the ordinariness of everyday life, and abiding in our Creator.

Our family has grown to love Bob Schultz through his books – his love for God, his down to earth wisdom and stories, and his insights and encouragements that are so practical for everyday living. We were unaware of his move to heaven until a few years after it happened. When we did find out, we both were brought to tears. We felt we had lost a mentor. But he ran well, and he has left behind a treasure, for us who remain, in his writings. We are grateful.

And yes. These were written for boys. And yes. We are two girls. And yes. These books are wonderful for anyone. No matter the gender. No matter the age. These books are geared for young people and are great for young people. But, if a person didn’t get the benefit of these books while young, then they are just as wonderful for someone older. So, don’t let “BOYHOOD and Beyond” stop you from reading these to your daughters, or from reading them yourself if you’re not a little boy anymore, or stop you from reading them if you’re a young lady or older. Because, in our opinion, these go BEYOND boyhood. 😉

  • Age recommendation: on the cover of these books the recommendations vary between “Age: 12 – Young Adult” and “Ages 10-18.” We would imagine these could be read to even younger ages (depending on the chapter and the individual child).
  • These books can be purchased on Christianbook.com and amazon.com.
  • Boyhood and Beyond
  • Created for Work
  • Practical Happiness
  • Everyday Battles

Bob Scultz_1 (cropped) – Annie & Rebekah

Photos by: Matt Enterline