Weekend Worship..........Incredible Song!

Andrea Bocelli - The Lord's Prayer

Book Review

 

By: Christine @ Bible Cafe for Women

One book destined for the bestseller list this year is the book Courageous, Honor Begins at Home by Randy Alcorn, with Alex Kenderick and Stephen Kenderick, creators of the Love Dare and Fireproof. The story centers on a group of law enforcement officers who spend their life fighting the drug culture. As the officers battle crime, they begin to share their inner struggles and connect through a discussion based on faith.

One common interest all the men have is fatherhood. Some men are fathers,some men were abandoned by their fathers, and some men in the group neglected their children. Each man examines his fatherhood experience and they discover something missing in their past and present lives. The men propose a Resolution and a new model for fatherhood.

From the beginning pages, I found this book exciting and filled with adventure. The chapters are loaded with battling drug crimes, crossing the line in law enforcement, and managing emotions at home. Randy Alcorn writes with detailed imagery and keeps the story moving in a captivating manner. This book was enjoyable to read and often I did not want to put it down.

Quotes from the Book Courageous

• God offers you a gift but it’s not yours until you accept it.
• Any fool can father a child, but it takes courage to be a child’s father.
• If we could be good enough to get to heaven on our own, Jesus wouldn’t have had to take our punishment.
• You will not be able to remain courageous without the help of God Almighty.
• No child should have to die because he’s inconvenient.
• Some things remain temptations as long as we keep them near.

The Courageous movie is coming out this month and I expect it will be as popular as the Fireproof movie. You’ll want to read the book first, then sit back with your popcorn and enjoy the movie with your family or friends. You can find Courageous  bible study materials at www.Lifeway.com
My Amazon Rating 5/5

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their blogger review program . 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.” Click here to find out How to Become A Book Review Blogger.

Wordless Wednesday

When you look at the photo, what do you see? Each Wednesday we post a photo of something interesting. It’s called “Wordless Wednesday” because we do not write about the photo, we want you to discuss the image and what feelings they have when they see the photo.

 

That Is Not Fair

“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3)

That’s not fair, it really isn’t. With wrinkled tissue in hand, we stomp our feet in frustration. We had asked, prayed and pleaded. But, to our utter disappointment, God still said “no.”

Have you been there? God didn’t smile at us with the answer we wanted. But that’s not the worst. We look around and what do we see? We see those who don’t follow God’s instructions. Don’t know God’s Word…not even attend church. But, they seemingly live happy, trouble-free lives.

“What’s with that, God?” we want to ask.

Confusion adds to the sense of injustice. But not to worry. We don’t have to know how to express that bewilderment. David did that for us:

I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!” (Psalm 73:2-7 The Message).

Like David, I don’t let up my rant. This is not the way it should be. Why do they have it so good? Lord, after all, I’m not a bad chica. I really deserve better. But “[t]hen I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever” (Psalm 73:21-26).

Father, thank you, in your loving way, you set me straight. I will trust in your ways, look to your justice, count on your healing and expect your glorious solutions. You are fair with your love that extends to those who call upon you. In Jesus name. Amen

Questions: Whom do you desire more than God? When looking at your difficult situation, is He enough? What brings you out of despair?

By: Janet Perez Eckles

This Week at NorthStar

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the happenings at NorthStar this week:

Two ladies Bible Studies starting this week! 

Ladies AM Bible Study
Thursdays (10 a.m.- noon)
Priscilla Shirer's "JONAH - Navigating a Life Interrupted".  

Mother's of Pre-Schoolers Bible Study
Fridays (10:00 a.m. - noon)
Priscilla Shirer's "He Speaks to Me" 

Baptism Sunday September 25th. All three services. Sign up on the website under “Connection Point."

Ministry Opportunity: We need volunteers to sit with Chris Geagley at Ft. Sanders Regional downtown while his wife is at work. Sign up times are at Connection Point.

Young/Nearly Married Life Group starting soon! Join us for an informational luncheon on Oct. 2nd immediately after the 11am service. For more information contact Debbie Stephens at 660-6863.

Student News:

• D-Groups started last week...don't miss out. We want you there! Get plugged into one today, 6pm. Check the website for details on locations.
• New series “Genuine” starting Sept. 28th. Make sure you’re there!

College Life Group going on every Sunday at 8pm. Check website for location!

College lunch right after 11am service Sept. 25th to meet, greet and fellowship. Don’t miss out…get involved and plugged in!

Finally, enjoy this amazing song we sang Sunday in Worship!!!