Younique by Will Mancini — Book Review

Posted on March 26, 2020 by Marie

Are you curious as to what God put you on this earth for, at this particular time in history? Are you sensing God calling you to something new? Let me recommend a practical, basic, instrument all wrapped up in an incredible book titled Younique by Will Mancini.

This is not just another how-to that will make your life better manual. It’s a life-changing, realistic set of tools to help you discover the person God created you to be and the purpose He intends for your life. Utilizing the Word as the constant foundation of God’s plan for you permeates the pages of this work.

There are several resources, geared to additional study, mentioned in this book that can be found in his online store. (Some of these are quite pricey.)

All-in-all this book was worth the reading time. I highly recommend it.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Broadman & Holman Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

WORSHIPFUL WAYS

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Marie

A Satisfied Spirit

The words of a well know praise song by Tim Hughes have been ringing in my heart for days.

Here I am to Worship – Worship is not about me. It is about God.

Here I am to bow down – Time on my knees is necessary to reminding me of my position as a Believer. Although I am much loved by the Holy One I am not Him.

Here I am to say that You’re my God – There can be no other god in my life. This includes stuff, people, pets, food, clothes…That is not to say I’m not to have it but whatever in my life is taking His place, has to go.

You’re altogether lovely – You have allowed me to discover You in the beauty of ALL Your creation.

Altogether holy – Completely set aside for Your plan and not able to be less than who…

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That Darn Snake

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Marie

Adam and Eve were enjoying the garden (Genesis 3) when a talking ‘snake’ approached them. Have you known a couple of those? I’ll bet you have.

How about the ‘friend’ who talks you into doing something you know you shouldn’t be doing. Like, just run the red light or stop sign. Or, no one will ever know if you cheat on … How about, I know it’s late but just one more … Gossip, put-downs, bullying…

Rationalizing can get us into all kinds of trouble. And yes, both Adam and Eve started the whole ‘passing the buck’, it’s not my fault, the other person made me do it. Some no’s are meant to be no.

Have you ever thought about the fact that Adam and Eve had everything? By God’s design, they had each other, the perfect home, great health, plentiful food and water, God’s presence… It wasn’t enough. It never is. There’s always something more, isn’t there?

That’s what that darn snake wanted them to think. That it wasn’t enough. That they could have more. That God doesn’t always know everything. In fact, the snake wanted to replace God in their thoughts and lives.

Now, here’s the thing. Any time we consider replacing God with anything, good or bad, there’s going to be a consequence. That’s what they didn’t take into account. The fruit looked good, smelled good, probably even tasted good. But, God had said no!

Can you imagine the scene when they heard God walking in the garden that evening? He was looking for them. He wanted to talk to them. So, here’s the rub. It’s impossible to hide from God. He knows where you are, always. He knew where Adam and Eve were but, He wanted them to come to Him.

And they did, dressed in leaves. “What have you done?” Adam said she made me do it. Eve said the snake made me do it. The snake snickered at the whole thing.

God put them out of the garden. You know the rest of the story, right? Adam would have to work for all the things that had been his. Eve would have painful births and would desire her husband. Both were banished from the garden.

But God knew the rest of the story.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

The Jesse Tree is all about knowing the people God put in place to point to the birth of the one who would save us all.

Simeon and Anna

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Marie

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas Story is that of two people who waited patiently for the Messiah. Simeon and Anna were both New Testament witnesses to the Christ Child. Their stories are as follows (from the NIV, Luke 2):

Simeon at the Presentation of the Child by Rembrandt

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸Simeon took him in his arms and praised God…

Anna by Rembrandt

Luke 2:36–38 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Simeon and Anna were the first to see Him in a public place. They were the first witnesses to who He really was. More importantly, they were not afraid to say, to other worshippers in the Temple, who He was.

Simeon and Anna were the last of the Old Testament prophets. Their entire life purpose was to listen for and to God. Also, they shared with the other worshippers what they had heard God say in the temple. They did not sugar-coat the words but spoke clearly and with conviction.

Both of their names point to a strong, long-lasting faith. Simeon means obedient and listening. Anna means gracious, one who gives.

Dr. William Smith in Smith’s Bible Dictionary suggests that she was probably more than a hundred years old when she spoke over Jesus. (If she was married at approximately 14, lived with her husband for 7 years, and had spent 84 years after that in the temple, then she was at least 105 years old.) It is possible that Simeon was also quite old. Tradition has it that he was one of the 72 translators of the Septuagint. If that is truly the case he was over 200 years old at the time of this incident.

So, what is in this story for us. First, Isaiah 40:31 pops into my mind when I think of the words ‘they that wait upon the Lord…’. In all the years they waiting for the Birth neither one gave up on God’s promise and they were rewarded with seeing Him personally. We often wonder when God will finally act on one of His promises or our requests. Simeon and Anna are a great example of waiting and waiting and waiting… Second, a life of prayer is important in seeing God’s work. Although the scripture says Anna had lived, prayed, and fasted in the temple since her husband’s death, it does not mean that we have to live in our churches to experience God. He is everywhere! And finally, we can trust that God will follow through on His promises. God will and can do what He says He will. Our trust and obedience in matters of faith always lead to God’s blessings.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Each New Day Is A Gift — Wordsmith’s Desk

Quote

Posted on September 19, 2019 by Marie

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) _______ Each new day is a gift. The tomorrow talked about…is the yesterday to be. There are new opportunities and challenges with each sunrise. Maybe choices you made yesterday could have been better. Today gives you another chance […]

via Each New Day Is A Gift — Wordsmith’s Desk