Father - PLEASE use me!

Reading for this week
"When God sovereignly determines to revive His people, He usually begins by awakening one person. The history of God's people is studded with the names of solitary souls who refused to let go of God until He blessed them. Their spiritual tenacity was first granted them by God and then used by Him to ignite a field of other parched souls. The result is always a sweeping move of the Spirit in which God is exalted, His people revived, and the lost converted.
In the thronging masses of newly awakened hearts, however, never lose sight of that one solitary figure who became the torch of God to set His people ablaze once again. God is always prior. His first move in revival is always to find one willing heart and break it." John Kitchen, Revival in the Rubble. Pg.15

Dave Butts
Harvest Prayer Ministries and National Prayer Committee

National Day of Prayer Task Force

Latest Book Review

To be perfectly honest; I signed up to review Thumbing Through Thoreau: A Book of Quotations by Henry David Thoreau, compiled by Kenny Luck illustrated by Jay Luke & Ren Adams, because I don’t know a thing about the literary genus behind the work I knew if I “signed up” to review the book, knowing the person I am, I would HAVE to learn everything I COULD possibly learn about Mr. Thoreau (which would provide an amazing learning/growing experience)!

I received the book in the mail yesterday from Tribute books and immediately opened the package to begin exploring the text. At first glance, I began to panic. The reason for my panic was due to the “way” I process information. For example, when I read Scriptures in the Bible, I like to read the verses proceeding and following the referenced text. I like to have a complete understanding of what is being said and the context in which it’s being stated. (As a matter of fact, I even read every note printed at the bottom of the page and in more than one Bible translation! I don’t want to miss a thing!) It would be difficult to do with this book, as it is comprised of random quotations by the author. Mr. Luck does provide an explanation of his logic in the introduction of the book, but it’s difficult to teach this dog new tricks!

I mentioned my quandary to my co-worker, a well learned woman I highly respect, and she agreed with my assumption that I should state my opinion based on the text provided! In other words, without reading every work-which I may have to do now, I won’t know what was written prior to or afterward. I could base my review on what I gleaned from this text alone. I felt so much better; I can do this!

Stay tuned for my review on August 21st! I am really looking forward to the journey!

Memories from the past (but NOT forgotten)

I FINALLY DID something I have pondered for quite some time. As a matter of fact, the idea was given to me (from Above) during a time of internal conflict and prayer. While serving as a youth sponsor, at an amazing outdoor Camp that changed my walk with Christ (Camp Rudolph in Yale, Virginia), I was reminded of the numerous saints from Northside Christian Church that changed my life forever.

When I started attending Northside Christian Church in 1992, my life was upside down. Like Beth Moore, I don’t think the details are important; the fact that I was lost and searching for something (GOD) is much more important. HE placed me at Northside for numerous reasons; I’m convinced. But I’m certain it was mostly for the leadership and fellowship with genuine believers.

Just about every Sunday night, for many years, several of the long-time members would go out for dinner after the evening service. Not only did I have no where to go, but I had no money to go there with! These couples would invite my son and me to tag along. Not only did we share the most amazing fellowship I have ever experienced (except for the meals around our kitchen table growing up-when my parents shared many of the details of their lives), but they would pay the bill! EVERY WEEK, someone would pay our bill!

When I FINALLY approached this very special man to thank him in person, he responded with tears in his eyes, acting as if I had been the one to bless him! Can you imagine that? That is what BEING THE CHURCH is all about! That is what saving someone’s life for the Kingdom is about. I am so grateful to these members of Northside Christian Church and I always will be! Now it’s my turn to give back! FORGE AHEAD!