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.
 

Click for Video of Song and History

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

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 Logos Christian Bookstore <><   Logos on Facebook  Become a Fan of Logos Today

What's in the Bible?

Presenting 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.

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

Facts about the Bible

"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 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

Top TEN Christian Books for March 2010

March, 2010 Crazy Love  * Fearless  * The Love Dare  * The Five Love Languages Jesus Calling Forgotten God The Love Dare Day by Day  * The Me I Want to Be Power of Praying for Your Adult Children  * Love and Respect * As Provided by CBA (Christian Booksellers Association)  Click Here to Read Excerpts from Selected Titles *

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

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. 

For Great Resources and Tools - Logos Online

Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore

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: Matthew 25 Ministries  OR   Samaritan's Purse 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 Logos on Facebook