Saturday, December 11, 2010

A Stocking for JESUS

Click to Order
Share the riches of Christmas with others when you hang a Stocking for Jesus. Filling this special stocking with your pledge of good deeds to thank God for the gift of His Son gives a beloved holiday tradition deep, personal meaning.

The stocking is 12" tall (long) and 5" wide at the top and approximately 6" wide at the foot end.

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Santa Kneels before JESUS


Santa Worships Jesus
 
Click to Order Online
Santa Kneeling at the Manger
KNEELING SANTA ORNAMENT WITH SCRIPTURE

This ornament depicts Santa kneeling in adoration before the Christ Child with a banner at the base that reads, "That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow" Philippians 2:10. It is made of a resin/stone mix and measures 3 1/2".
 
Other designs available in the store.
 
Kneeling Santa Prayer
The sleigh was was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of his bed,
"Dear Father, " he prayed, "Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
My sack will hold toys to grant all kids' wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I can do all these things, Lord, only through You.
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.
I do this only to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please, Lord, remind them who gave me this job."
 
Also available on-line
A Special Place for Santa - story of the Kneeling Santa adoring Jesus

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Friday, October 29, 2010

Top Ten Christian Books - November, 2010


Top Ten Christian Books

  November, 2010

As Provided by CBA (Christian Booksellers Association)

Click Here to Read Excerpts from Selected Titles 
  
At LOGOS
Top Ten Christian books, as reported by CBA, are always 20% off Suggested Retail Price - In Store Only - no other coupons.
Blessings, Steve Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, September 18, 2010


Inspirational and Personalized Gifts


Personalized Gifts On-Line
Looking for that perfect gift but having a hard time finding one that is just right?  Give our new Inspirational and Personalized gift store a try.  There's no better way to honor someone that with a personalized gift. 
 
Click the picture to visit the Logos On-Line Inspirational Gift Store.
 
Personalization makes gift shopping a breeze!

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Monday, August 16, 2010

7 Deadly Sins


Early Christian teachings warned of "Seven Deadly Sins". The list was used as a means to help people identify sinful attitudes that could lead to deadly consequences. Modern roots to the list can be attributed to the works of 4th century monk, Evagrius Ponticus.   
 
Although the list is not presented as one in the Bible, each is given attention throughout.  It is good for us to keep mindful of those things that would rob us of our joy and fellowship with God.  As you read through the list, examine your heart.  If you find any areas that need attention give them over to God.
 
Lust - to have an intense desire or need: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).
 
Gluttony - excess in eating and drinking: "for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags" (Proverbs 23:21).

Greed - excessive or reprehensible acquisitiveness: "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more" (Ephesians 4:19).

Laziness - disinclined to activity or exertion: not energetic or vigorous: "The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway" (Proverbs 15:19).

Wrath - strong vengeful anger or indignation: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1)

Envy - painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage: "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:1-2).

Pride - quality or state of being proud - inordinate self esteem: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
 
When we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we know He has conquered sin in our life. It is through His death that our sins have been cleansed and no longer to be remembered. Jesus' life makes the difference. "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him" (Romans 4:7-8).
Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore



7 Deadly Sins Study
 
Great Group Study
7 Deadly Sins Study
For many, it's become a dirty word. In today's culture, saying sin in public is like mentioning the word bomb at the airport. You just don't.
 
In Seven Deadly Sins, Dan Boone exposes the uncomfortable truth about the nature of sin. He examines its crafty characteristics and shows how sin can seep into the cracks of our lives when we least expect it. With a pastor's heart and a professor's wisdom, Boone discusses how the sins of pride, envy, anger, slothfulness, greed, gluttony, and lust have masked themselves in the "newness" of today's technology and culture and even in our own enlightened, postmodern Christian thinking.
 
With compassion and concern, he reveals the truth about sin; but he also reveals the truth about grace. Instead of condemnation and guilt, he offers hope and reminds us of Christ's ability to resurrect and undo anything sin has damaged.

 
With challenging revelation, Seven Deadly Sins brings readers to a loving Christ and shows them the life He's waiting to wrap them in--a grace-filled
7 Deadly Sins - Book
life that is mended by love and free from the death and destruction of sin.
 
This resource (above) includes a copy of the book, Seven Deadly Sins (left) and a DVD containing six video lessons and a printable leaders guide, which correspond to the book's various chapters.
 
 
Available through Logos Christian Bookstore on-line, or by special order at the store.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Narnia Returns


Narnia Preview
 Sailing into theatres December 10th
Boxed Set
Chronicles of Narnia Gift Set
 
Return to the magic and wonder of C.S. Lewis' beloved world - via the fantastic Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader.  In this new installment of the blockbuster "The Chronicles of Narnia" motion picture franchise, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace, their royal friend King Caspian, and a warrior mouse named Reepicheep, find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to the Dawn Treader.  Their mission - on which rests the fate of Narnia itself - takes the courageous voyagers to mysterious islands and a river that turns to gold, to fateful confrontations with magical creatures and sinister enemies, and to a reunion with their friend and protector, the "Great Lion" Aslan.   
 
 
 
 
Aslan
Aslan


Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Monday, July 19, 2010

Scripture Cake Recipe

Here's a recipe for a "Scripture" cake that will take some Bible searching in order to find the right ingredients. Get your Bible and round up the kids! Make this an educational, fun summer experience. Look up the ingredients then click the link for directions on preparation (and maybe to check ingredients - LOL).


Scripture Cake Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup Judges 5:25  
  • 1 1/2 cup Jeremiah 6:20  
  • 5 Isaiah 10:14  
  • 3 cups sifted Leviticus 24:5  
  • 3 teaspoons 2 Kings 2:20  
  • 3 teaspoons Amos 4:5  
  • 1 teaspoon Exodus 30:23  
  • 1/4 teaspoon each 2 Chronicles 9:9 
  • 1/2 cup Judges 4:19  
  • 3/4 chopped Genesis 43:11 
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped Jeremiah 24:5 
  • 3/4 cup 2 Samuel 16:1
  • Whole Genesis 43:11 for garnish

 Burnt Jeremiah Syrup Ingredients

  •  1 1/2 cups Jeremiah 6:20  
  • 1/2 cup Genesis 24:45  
  • 1/4 cup Genesis 18:8

 
For baking directions and to confirm your list of ingredients Click Here.

 
Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Monday, July 5, 2010

Great Reads for Summer


Summer Fiction - Great for Vacations!
  Great Reads for Summer 
Whether you plan to spend some days on the beach, by the pool or in a cozy chair in the cool air, plan on having some great Christian Fiction on hand for your reading enjoyment.   Click the picture above to see just some of the many titles available in the Logos Great Reads for Summer catalog.

Blessings, Steve Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Welcome to Summer

Welcome to Summer!
 
Looking for a way to keep the kids occupied and cool them off at the same time?  Why not try making Ice Cream in a Can!  It's sure to be a huge summertime hit, and you'll be a hero for providing such a "cool" activity!  Grab the kids, two coffee cans, ingredients for the ice cream and roll away!


What you'll need:

  • 1 pint of half and half
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons of your favorite instant pudding mix (chocolate was used here)
  • 10 cups ice
  • 1 1/2 cup rock salt (kosher salt or sea salt can be used too)
  • 3-pound coffee can, emptied and rinsed
  • 1-pound coffee can, emptied and rinsed
  • Duct tape  

How to make it:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine half and half, sugar, and pudding mix with a whisk until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Place 1-pound coffee can inside the 3-pound coffee can and pour ice cream mixture into smaller can. Cover the smaller can with it's corresponding lid and seal with duct tape.
  3. Surround the smaller can with ice and salt by layering 5 cups of ice with 3/4 cup of salt.
  4. Use duct tape to seal the 3-pound can with its corresponding lid and start rolling. Have the kids face each other and roll the can back and forth on its side for 10 minutes.
  5. After 10 minutes, open the cans and check the ice cream. Remove the smaller can and check the ice cream. The mixture on the sides of the smaller can will set up faster than the center. Use a rubber spatula to quickly scrape down the sides and give the ice cream one stir.
  6. Next, reseal the lid on the smaller can with duct tape, and set it aside. Quickly dump the melted ice water from the large can, and place the smaller can into the larger can again.  
  7. Now you need to surround the smaller can with remaining ice and salt by repeating step 3. Once that is done, put the lid on the larger can and seal with duct tape again.
  8. Ask the kids to roll the large can for 10 minutes more.
  9. Once they're done, open the cans again and serve the ice cream to your little helpers!

Tips:

>>Use your favorite flavor of pudding to change the ice cream flavor.

>>After the first 10 minutes of kicking around the can, mix in some nuts or chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your ice cream.

>>If the children get tired of kicking that can around after only 10 minutes, take this shortcut: Stir the mixture and set it in the freezer for about an hour to allow the rest of it to harden. 

 
Blessings,
Steve
<><  
 
 
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Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Bringing up Girls - Long Awaited Sequel


Bringing up Girls

Bringing Up Girls
 
Bringing Up Boys by parenting expert and best-selling author Dr. James Dobson was, and continues to be, a runaway hit, selling more than 2 million copies to date. Now, Dr. Dobson presents his highly anticipated companion book: Bringing Up Girls.
 
Based on extensive research, and handled with Dr. Dobson's trademark down-to-earth approach, Bringing Up Girls will equip parents like you to face the challenges of raising your daughters to become healthy, happy, and successful women who overcome challenges specific to girls and women today and who ultimately excel in life.
 

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Celebrate Life - Mother's Day, Father's Day 2010

How does your church celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day?  Please take a minute to share so that other congregations may find a new or different way to celebrate these special days.

Mother's Day - Sunday, May 9, 2010
Father's Day - Sunday, June 20, 2010

Here is some history on how the days we honor our mothers and fathers came to be.  (as reported on WIKIPEDIA)

Mother's Day
In its present form, Mother's Day was established by Anna Marie Jarvis, following the death of her mother Ann Jarvis on May 9, 1905, with the help of a Philadelphia merchant called John Wanamaker. A small service was held in 12 May 1907 in the Andrew's Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where Anna's mother had been teaching Sunday school. But the first "official" service was in 10 May 1908 in the same church, accompanied by a larger ceremony in the Wanamaker Auditorium in the Wanamaker's store on Philadelphia. She then campaigned to establish Mother's Day as a U.S. national holiday, and later as an international holiday.

The holiday was declared officially by the state of West Virginia in 1910, and the rest of states followed quickly. On May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day and requesting a proclamation. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation, declaring the first national Mother's Day, as a day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war.

In 1934, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved a stamp commemorating the holiday.

In May 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives voted twice on a resolution commemorating Mother's Day, the first one being unanimous so that all congressmen would be on record showing support for Mother's Day.
The Grafton's church, where the first celebration was held, is now the International Mother's Day Shrine and is a National Historic Landmark.

Father's Day
The first observance of Father's Day is believed to have been held on June 19, 1910 through the efforts of Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington.
Sonora Smart Dodd thought independently of the holiday one Sunday in 1909 while listening to a Mother's Day sermon at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church at Spokane. She wanted a celebration that honored fathers that were like her own father, William Smart. He was a Civil War veteran, his wife died when Sonora was 16 and he had to take care of all six children.

On June 19, 1910, she arranged a tribute for her father in Spokane. She had previously enlisted  the help of the Spokane Ministerial association, and young members of the YMCA went to church wearing roses: a red rose to honor a living father, and a white rose to honor a deceased one. Dodd traveled through the city in a closed carriage, carrying gifts to shut-in fathers. She was the first to solicit the idea of having an official Father's Day observance to honor all fathers.

It took many years to make the holiday official.  In spite of support from the YWCA, the YMCA and churches, it ran the risk of disappearing from the calendar. Where Mother's Day was met with enthusiasm, Father's Day was met with laughter. The holiday was gathering attention slowly, but for the wrong reasons. It was the target of much satire, parody and derision, including jokes from the local Spokane newspaper The Spokesman-Review. Many people saw it as just the first step in filling the calendar with mindless promotions like "Grandparents' Day", "Professional Secretaries' Day", etc., all the way down to "National Clean Your Desk Day."

A bill was introduced in 1913. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson went to Spokane to speak in a Father's Day celebration and wanted to make it official, but the Congress resisted, fearing that it would be commercialized.  US President Calvin Coolidge recommended in 1924 that the celebration be held, and a national committee was formed in the 1930s by trade groups in order to legitimize the holiday.  In 1957 Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith wrote a proposal accusing the congress of ignoring fathers for 40 years while honoring mothers, thus "singling out just one of our own parents". In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson made a proclamation for the third Sunday of June to be Father's Day, but it wasn't made an official national holiday until President Nixon made a proclamation in 1972.

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Does God Know How to Tie Shoes?

 
Click to Buy
Does God Know How to Tie Shoes?
 
This is the story of Katrina, a young girl who spends the day with her parents questioning them about God.
 
Her parents' responses, based on the Psalms, allow her to make personal applications, and through Katrina's questions, young children grow in their understanding of who God is.
 
A graceful, quiet book to share on a lap or with a small group.
 
Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Monday, April 5, 2010

On The Lighter Side...


We've looked at Bible trivia in the past but this week I wanted to share some trivia that you might have to look between the lines to find.  They say that "Laughter is the Best Medicine" so laugh often and be well!
 

  •  What kind of man was Boaz before he married?
    • Ruthless. 

  • What do they call pastors in Germany?
    • German Shepherds.

  • Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? 
    • Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

  • Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
    • Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet. 

  • What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
    • Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

  •  Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? 
    • Samson. He brought the house down. 

  • What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
    • Your mother ate us out of house and home. 

  • Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
    • Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

  • Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?  
    • The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.

  • Who is the greatest baby sitter mentioned in the Bible? 
    • David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep. 

  • Which Bible character had no parents? 
    • Joshua, son of Nun.
 No Groaning!                  LAUGH!           :-)    
 
Blessings,
Steve
<><  
 
PS..It's Biblical - Look up Proverbs 17:22
 
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Saturday, March 27, 2010

It's FRIDAY!

A sermon I heard several years ago by Dr. Tony Compolo made a lasting impression on me.  It was a sermon that was originally given by his pastor, Marshall L. Shepard, Sr.
 
It was a simple sermon, starting softly; building in volume and intensity until the entire congregation was completely involved, repeating the phrases in unison. The sermon went something like this.

It's Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord and they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them." It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that's because it's Friday, and they don't know it, but Sunday's a coming.
 
Friday.  
 
We all have Fridays in our lives, Fridays of illness, despair, hunger, poverty.... Fridays when it seems that all is lost, that no one cares... Fridays when nothing goes our way and it feels as if the whole world is against us... Fridays that cause us to doubt and lose hope.
 
Thank God, as Christians we have a promise from God that overcomes the world.  We have the work of Christ for us, as He endured the pain and suffering of that Friday so many years ago on our behalf.  When life gets you down, when you are going through a Friday experience, look to Christ and remember, SUNDAY'S COMING!  
 
Have a Blessed Easter!
 
Blessings,
Steve
<><  
 
 
 
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Saturday, March 20, 2010

How is it with your Soul?

"It is Well With My Soul"
 
So many of us have sung, and been moved by, the lyrics to this beautiful hymn.  For those who have never heard the history of the song, the words will mean even more after learning the inspiration behind them.
 
In 1870's Chicago, successful businessman Horatio G. Spafford realized great wealth in law and real estate. A generous and devout Christian, Spafford also used his wealth and influence to support evangelist Dwight L. Moody. 
 
Tragedy came into the Spafford house early in 1871 with the death of his only son, four year old Horatio, to Scarlet Fever.  Shortly after, the great Chicago fire consumed all of the elder Horatio's real estate holdings costing the family most of it's wealth.
 
Two years later, in 1873, Spafford and his wife planned a vacation trip to England with their four daughters. The trip was to be some welcome relief from the hardship they had endured, as well as to support Moody in his evangelistic campaign throughout Great Britain.
 
Just before the family's departure on the ship, the 'Ville de Havre', Horatio was delayed by some important business.  He sent his wife and daughters ahead with plans of traveling to meet them in the next few days. 
 
Tragically, on November 2, 1873, the ship his family was on collided with another causing it to sink within twelve minutes.  Only Spafford's wife survived the wreck, their four daughters were lost.  Upon reaching England after her rescue, Mrs. Spafford cabled Horatio with the urgent message, "Saved Alone".  Spafford immediately arranged passage on a ship to England to be with his wife.
 
As the vessel he was sailing on traveled over the location of the horrible accident, the captain called Spafford to the bridge.  As Horatio looked out across the waves, toward the site of his daughters' watery grave, he penned the words of peace that God impressed upon his heart.....
 
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

 

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Are You Really Safe!??


How to Stay Safe in the World Today
  • Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents. 
  • Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home. 
  • Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians. 
  • Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
  • Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals.  So, above all else, Avoid Hospitals.
But,... You will be pleased to learn that only .0001% of all deaths occur in worship services at church!   And these are usually related to previous physical disorders. 
 
Therefore, logic tells us that the SAFEST place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!   Also,  Bible study is safe as well.  The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
 
So, Attend Church and Read your Bible
 
DOING SO COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE !!
 
Blessings,
Steve
<><  
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Monday, March 8, 2010

What's in the Bible?

 
What's in the BiblePresenting a 13-DVD series from the creator of VeggieTales, Phil Vischer!
 
Each DVD is filled with original music, animation, puppets, and creative writing that will teach kids about God and his Word. The first DVD introduces kids to the Bible and the book of beginnings, Genesis. Kids will learn about the key people in Genesis and the important lessons their stories teach us.
 
The second DVD introduces kids to the book of Exodus: the oppression of the Israelites and the birth and rise of God's chosen leader, Moses. The DVD also answers the question, who wrote the Bible, in a way kids can grasp.
 
Each DVD is approximately 45 minutes in length.
 

In the Beginning          Let My People Go
Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Facts about the Bible


Bible Facts
 
"The Bare Bones Bible Facts" book brings together the best of what readers need to know to gain a wider and richer understanding of the Bible. Included are more than 150 carefully selected topics that provide fascinating insights about important historical events, interesting customs and cultural practices, and significant people and places.

What makes the book especially helpful is that the vast majority of the topics include personal applications for today. As a result, Bible facts come alive, and readers come to see how Scripture is truly relevant to every part of everyday living.

 
The ultimate one-volume "Encyclopedia of Bible Facts" is loaded with charts, information and over 100,000 Bible facts.
 
FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE'S BACKGROUND
  • The First Bible
  • Archaeology
  • Land of the Bible
  • Nations and Empires
  • Seasons
  • Plants
  • Animals
  • Homes 
 FACTS FROM THE BIBLE
Encylopedia of Bible Facts
  • Every Bible Book
  • Bible Teaching
  • Bible Places
  • Bible Conversions and Rejections
  • Bible Martyrs
  • Persecution in the Bible
  • Family Trees
  • Law and Order
FACTS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
  • Every Old Testament Book
  • Between the Testaments
  • Beliefs
FACTS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
  • Every New Testament Book
  • Beliefs
  • Jesus Christ
  • The Early Church
  • Paul the Apostle
  • Christian Worship FASCINATING BIBLE FACTS
  • Strange Customs
  • Mysteries
  • Bible Symbols
  • The Dark Bible Topics
  • Bible Contradictions Resolved
  • Printed Bibles
  • Bible Statistics
  • Bible Prayers
  • Bible Promises
     
 For More Information visit   Bare Bones Bible Facts  or  Encyclopedia of Bible Facts at the Logos Online Store.
Blessings, Steve Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Bible Study 101

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." ~ Psalms 119:105 NLT
 
Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, once said, "We could accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible."
 
How many of us consider studying the Bible impossible?  It can seem a bit overwhelming, but the application of a few simple principles can make study both enjoyable and very rewarding. 
  • Start with Prayer.  Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding of the Word and hunger for the things of God.
  • Commit to spend time in study. 
  • Have a plan of study - choose a topic, a particular book, a Bible character.  Have more than a "flip it open and read" approach.
  • Make study a priority - schedule it into your day.
  • Have a notebook when you study to write down insights or questions for follow up.
  • Meditate on the text you are reading. Think about what you have read throughout the day. Memorize key verses.
  • Conclude your study time with prayer.  Ask "How will I be different today because of what I have read?"
Many resources are available to enhance our personal Bible study and help guide us to deeper understanding.
  • Bible Dictionary - defines the meaning of a word in the original language.
  • Concordance - leads to other passages of scripture containing the same word.
  • Commentaries - thoughts from other men of God relating to a specific text.
  • Other translations of the Bible - reading from a different translation may allow for a greater understanding of the passage.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
 
It is only impossible if we allow ourselves to believe that it is.  Why not begin today by reading the first three chapters of the book of John.  Find the truth God has for you and remember - "The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step."   Each step through the Word of God will provide illumination to an accomplished life for Him. 


Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Relief for Haiti


"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." - Matthew 25:31
 
Have you been watching the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti and wondering how to help?  Sometimes it seems as if events are so large that nothing we as individuals do will matter, but that just isn't so.  God is able to take our humble offerings and multiply them beyond measure.
 
Here are a couple of suggestions to help you find a way to become involved. 
 
  • Check with your local church to see if your denomination is collecting personal items and/or financial contributions for the relief effort.
  • Donate to charitable organizations online such as:
  • Pray for the people of Haiti, their leaders, and all involved in the relief and recovery efforts. 
 
 "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."  - Matthew 25:40
 
Blessings,
Steve
<><  
Logos Christian Bookstore

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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Am I Holy? - Some questions for Introspection

While students at Oxford University, John Wesley and a few friends (including his brother, Charles, and George Whitefield) formed a group called "The Holy Club." The purpose was to deepen their faith, and help them to live it day by day.

They created the following list of personal reflection questions to be used during their daily private devotions. We can all use a little introspection from time to time and these are great questions to ask yourself.

1. Am I creating the impression that I am better than I am?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words?
3. Do I break confidence -- tell others' secrets?
4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, habits?
5. Can I be trusted?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did God's Word live in me today?
8. Am I enjoying my prayer time?
9. When was the last time I shared my faith?
10. Do I pray about the money I spend?
11. Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
12. Do I disobey God in anything?
13. Do I have an uneasy conscience?
14. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, touchy, irritable, or distrustful?
16. Am I proud?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Do I thank God that I am not like others?
19. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, disregard or resent?
20. Do I grumble and complain?
21. Is Christ real to me?

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Christian Acronyms

Do you like acronyms? Those words made up from the first letter of each word in a phrase that help you remember important things. Over the years I have found a few that really help keep me grounded in the faith.


DOG - Depend On God
BUSY - Being Under Satan's Yoke
ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication
BIBLE - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
FEAR - False Expectations Appearing Real
PUSH - Pray Until Something Happens
WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? (from the book "In His Steps")
GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense
TGIF - Thank God I'm Forgiven

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore