A Must, Gotta, Hafta Read

When you're reading a good book, what do you have to say about it...I just can't, or at least, don't want to...put it down! If Ronan is napping, I'm reading it; when everyone else goes to sleep, I'm reading it. At this rate, it'll probably take me weeks to finish, but I couldn't wait til then to share!

Quick premise...rich guy diagnosed with terminal illness, pays for the production of a reality tv show where the contestants must present, defend, and live their respective faiths...christian, muslim, hindu, buddhist, and scientist (Singer establishes real quick that science/christianity aren't mutually exclusive...)  

Aforementioned rich guy will determine how to enter the hereafter based on who wins the show...

There's a sinister plot behind the plot involving an Assassin, but don't let that deter you (you may be further intrigued, who knows?) But, the writing is good, and so far, the character, Finney's presentation of his Christian faith has been outstanding...powerful and beautiful. 

Worth your time.

Prayer Partner

Have you ever been called on to pray in public or even in front of a large group of family or friends and felt nervous heat immediately course through your veins? Is that just me? Why is that? One of my reasons is that I’ve heard what sound like great prayers from great men and women of God. They seem to use the right phrases, pray for the right amount of time (whatever that is), always remember the prayer requests, and they just pray…well…good! I worry too much about what the hearers around me will think when I pray aloud, rather than what is in my heart or what God will hear. That’s something I’m working on.

But even in my private prayer life, when I’m on my knees, in my car, walking through the grocery store, wherever I might be praying, I sometimes come up with…not much. I feel like I have a lot to say; my heart can be heavy, yet I still don’t know what to say. Leave it to God to solve that problem. Romans 8:26 reads: Likewise, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (KJV)

My Mom actually quoted this verse to me several months ago when I was struggling in my prayer life. I’ve gone back to it several times since and have taken comfort in these words. The Life Application Study Bible has this to say about the verse: “As a believer you are not left to your own resources to cope with problems. Even when you don’t know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you…”. Wow!

Be Seen, Be Heard

In Matthew 21:17, the Herodians attempt to trick Jesus by asking him if it was okay to pay taxes since he put the ways of God above man's. His answer in Matthew 21:21, paraphrased, is to give Caesar what belongs to him and give to God what belongs to God. So, yep, it is lawful and Biblical to pay your taxes;) That's all well and good, but it's my Study Bible's commentary on this verse that caught my attention...entitled "Church and State." Uh-oh...that gets people riled up, talking about the two.

Church and State are both "divinely ordained institutions" and should be kept separate. BUT, separating the two does not mean that Christians shirk social responsibility. We should pay attention to our world, obey the laws by which we're governed, and pray for those in power...even aspire to be those in power (there are Christian politicians, aren't there?;)

Sharing the Important Stuff

For those of you who've known me for long probably have at least heard of, and may have even read "Subtle Saturday," my prequel blog! It didn't have much of a direction; I just wrote about this and that, observations, reservations, and as the subtitle suggests, a few revelations:) And I've been wanting so badly to write again, whether anyone reads it or not, but I want to write with a more defined purpose. So, "Saturday" is gone, and "Sunday" is here!

I intend for this blog to take a spiritual direction. I want to share scriptures I've read, thoughts I've had regarding those scriptures and, sometimes, the commentary accompanying them. I'd like to pose questions to anyone who's interested in discussing spiritual matters, and I'm super interested in gleaning wisdom and insight from others who are willing to share their own. So, even if you're not into commenting and sharing your own thoughts in this particular blogospot, I invite you to read a few posts!