BookPastor >> "Shrewd" (Rick Lawrence)

The famous words of Jesus, to live as people wise as serpents, but innocent as doves, is the key truth that is expounded upon in this book. First published in  November 6th, 2012 at Panorama of a Book Saint.

conrade

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TITLE: Shrewd: Daring to Live the Startling Command of Jesus
AUTHOR: Rick Lawrence
PUBLISHER: Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2012, (270 pages).

How did whole regimes that are powerful militarily and mighty politically still fall, like what happened recently in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and some countries in the Middle East Arab Spring revolution? How is it possible that the strong gets defeated by the weaker ones? How is it that one gentle listener is able to tame a wild and angry horse? All of this is due to one factor: Shrewdness.

This entire book is an exposition on the famous words of Jesus in Matthew 10:16, that disciples of Christ are to be "shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Arguing that like Jesus who constantly practices shrewdness, disciples are urged to do the same. Examining shrewdness from many angles, Rick Lawrence provides many different nuances of what shrewdness is.

• It is the right force, at the right time, at the right place;
• It is a 4-step manner that comprises firstly a thorough understanding of certain processes or cultures; secondly an identification of a key point of leverage; thirdly a watchful applying of this leverage; and fourthly a repeating of this cycle until the matter is resolved in one's favour.
• It is learning to be shrewd but not evil like the devil.
• It is to be practised with innocence like freedom from guilt. In other words, shrewdness and innocence are to be PAIRED.
• It is about learning to pay attention to the necessary, that will then come across through three habits. First, the habit of learning to ask one more question. Second, the habit of thinking like Sherlock Holmes of attention to necessary details and insightful deductions. Third, the habit of perseverance.
• Learning to tango with the enemy and using the oblique way of persuading others to see our points of view. 
• and many more.

These and others are then used to create a portrait of one having an MSL "degree": Masters in Shrewd Living. Lawrence argues that shrewd people bring life and freedom to the world, and change the world, even the strongest opposition. From Paul to the life of CS Lewis, and other examples, Lawrence puts forth his proposition that Jesus' every interaction with people represents "shrewd living." He talks about the benefits of being shrewd and at the same time the need to be as innocent as doves. He takes time to warn readers about the powers of the dark side, that we all live under the shadow of the snake. If we are not careful enough, we adopt the heart of the wolf, which is manipulative, deceptive, and evil. For all the clever strategies we can devise, if there is no innocence of the heart with regards to evil and sin, we may destroy not just ourselves and hurt the people we try to help. Thankfully, Lawrence also provides a positive look at what living as doves means.  It essentially means delivering goodness continually. This can be done through six angles of leverage, called the Elegant Levers.

The Lever of Humility is about emptying oneself in service for others, which is a powerful weapon against arrogance, self-inflation, and pride. The Lever of Blunt cuts through all the noise and frivolous details, and uses the right force at the right place, and at the right time. The Lever of Beauty displays goodness as sacrificial acts of service for others, releasing the fragrance of grace. The Lever of Pursuit is about "shameless persistence" to surprise with an unexpected question, to be specific about one big thing, and to ask intently for a personal response. All of these are acts of pursuing that key goal, to love others as we have been loved by God. The Lever of Laughter is about using humour as a "context changer," sometimes to disarm tense situations, poke holes in the defenses of others, and to help people relax. The Lever of Generosity is about giving and giving, that whatever we gain, we have an intention to eventually give it away.These levers are ways in which we can all be both shrewd and innocent.

My Thoughts

This is a remarkable book about one of Jesus' most quoted instructions to his disciples. I have seldom come across such an expanded treatment of the topic about the double imperative. Lawrence is able to grab the attention of readers with the many stories and illustrations he use. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter set the stage for the chapter. The systematic way in which Lawrence explains shrewdness and innocence individually, and then makes the case that they are to be practised together. At times, I do sense some of the actions suggested border on manipulation strategies, especially the part about trying to find ways to peel through the defenses of others. Only when the strategy is paired with the motivation and the final goal can it be justified as shrewd behaviour and innocence. I think one of the biggest struggles among many Christians is that they are not able to distinguish shrewd from cunning, foolishness from innocence. Thankfully, this book shows the way, that to be innocent does not mean that we cannot be tough. It also means that to be shrewd does not mean that we are crafty with an evil bent. Put together, with love as an all abiding way of life, we can truly learn to become Masters of Shrewd Living.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by David C. Cook Publishers and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Midweek Meditation: "Trust and Obey"

Our meditation for this midweek is from the words of the famous hymn, "Trust and Obey."

Verse 1:
      G
When we walk with the Lord
        D            G
In the light of His Word
        C         G           D
What a glory He sheds on our way
      G
While we do His good will
       D           G
He abides with us still
         C
And with all who will
G      D    G
Trust and obey

Chorus:
D          G
Trust and obey
            E        Am
For there's no other way
      D/F#      G/B
To be happy in Jesus
        C     D    G
But to trust and obey

Verse 4:
        G
But we never can prove
       D             G
The delights of His love
      C          G         D
Until all on the altar we lay
         G
For the favor He shows
         D        G
And the joy He bestows
         C
Are for them who will
G       D   G
Trust and obey

     CHORUS


Verse 5:
        G
Then in fellowship sweet
         D          G
We will sit at His feet
         C            G
Or we'll walk by His side
        D
In the way
      G
What He says we will do
          D          G
Where He sends we will go
       C          G    D    G
Never fear only trust and obey

     CHORUS

Here is a Youtube rendition. conrade

Don't Kid Ourselves

Don't kid ourselves. This video clip is worth watching as it shows us how often we deceive ourselves with superlative positives on ourselves. This is worse when it is the the honest truth. Watch this clip that is well acted and eloquently spoken to wake ourselves up from any arrogant slumber. Warning: Language alert!





It is good to remind ourselves what Max DePree once famously puts it, that:

"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant."

For a longer clip of this famous scene from HBO's Newsroom, click here. conrade

BookPastor >> "The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer" (Jack Hayford)

This review was first published in "Panorama of a Book Saint" on December 7th, 2012. I recommend this book for those of us wanting to learn the what, the how, the why, and the who we are to pray for. There are lots of examples and steps to take to kick start our prayer lives of intercession.

conrade

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TITLE: Secrets of Intercessory Prayer, The: Unleashing God's Power in the Lives of Those You Love
AUTHOR: Jack Hayford
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Chosen Books, 2009, (176 pages).

Prayer is not simply asking for things. Prayer is a relationship. Prayer is not a one-way street where we ask, and God gives. It is a multifaceted expression of desiring God's will be done not just in our own lives, but also in the lives of others. Enters intercessory prayer and Jack Hayford's take on what it takes to be good intercessors. Calling it "secrets," Hayford shares passionately about praying for others, out of his deep biblical knowledge (he is a chancellor of King's University, LA) and his extensive pastoral ministry (he is founding pastor of Church on the Way).

Hayford shows readers that prayer is a partnership with God to pray well for other people. In prayer, we confront the brokenness and ask for wholeness. We ask God to bless people in a world of war and curses. We pray for those we love. We pray too for our enemies. We pray for God's healing to be done in a world splintered by the Fall of Man. What humans fail to do (good works), God does it through and through in restoration and healing. The motivation to pray is that God can do anything in His will and Name.

The chief secret of intercessory prayer is restored relationships. We pray against the spirit of division and separation, against deception, evil, and sinfulness. We learn to see how there are things man can do, and there are things only God can do. Prayer is about distinguishing the difference. Intercessory prayer is not simply about benefits for others. There are three promises we receive as well.

1. Promise that God will work mightily in and through our household  
2. Promise that our children will come into the Kingdom
3. Promise of potential being fulfilled in God's time.

There are also "secrets" for reaching people. Such as praying for the path of biblical winsomeness, that we let our own lives be so transparent and unpretentious that others be won for God. We pray for wisdom in reaching older children, in better understanding of them, better listening ear, better consistency, better trust-building, better communications, and more. There are also tips for younger children and our relatives. Hayford lists four principles for us to be aware in our witness.

1. Prayer is spiritual warfare for souls
2. Prayer is asking God for wisdom in our conduct
3. Prayer is asking God to guide our speaking
4. Prayer is asking God to teach us sensibility and sensitivity in winning people for God.

Prayer is also comforting people. It is opportunity to trust God more. It also deals with tough situations when we do not feel like praying, or when we are to pray for people we dislike. There is also a section that teaches us two ways on how to pray without ceasing. The first way is to pray or learn to pray in EVERY situation. The second way is to sing. It is this second way that is most distinctive of Hayford, who himself has written hundreds, if not thousands of choruses. The book concludes with several helpful sample prayers.

My Thoughts

This book has been written in a way to encourage minimal analysis and maximum participation. Prayer is not an academic exercise but a practical endeavor. The chapters are kept short and the points succinct so that readers will find it easy to read and eager to follow. The illustrations and the stories in the book come out of Hayford's ministry exposure. They are wide-ranging, pastoral, and highly aware that prayer is not just about things in the world, but involves the spiritual realms. With practical steps, users know straightaway what to do about intercessory prayers. With encouraging words, readers are motivated to pray because intercessory prayers benefit not only others, but also ourselves. With gentleness, intercessory prayers bring about restoration of relationships and healing in the Name and Power of God. Regardless of our situation, there is a prayer waiting to be said, a longing to be heard, and a war to be fought. When Christians pray more and more, victory becomes more evident in the lives of believers.

The downside of this book is perhaps the title. Previously published as "Praying for those you love," the book's title has taken it on a self-help direction. Is there any "secret" in the first place? Why will something good be secretive in the first place? One danger of such a title is also the perception that this book is a magical how-to book that can unlock the mysteries of prayer. That is farthest from the truth. Hayford is simply providing a resource to equip believers and to encourage believers to pray more intently and more frequently. When one prays more and more, intercessory becomes less of a "secret" but more of a revelation of God in the lives of others and ourselves. Here is my suggestion for a better title. "Praying God's Will Be Done Through Intercessory Prayer," with the subtitles that include "for God, for others and for ourselves."

This is a very readable book. More importantly, it is an important prayer resource for all.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Chosen Books and Graf-Martin Communications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Book Giveaway - "Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart"

How do you really know that you are saved? Are you assured of your salvation? What about backsliding or people who used to believe? These and many more are tackled in this book. Pastor J.D Greear's new book, "Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart" takes a renewed look at assurance of salvation, conversion, backsliding, once-saved-always-saved, and many questions pertaining to what it means to ask Jesus into our hearts. Filled with multiple endorsements by many Christian leaders, theologians, pastors, and teachers, this book tackles head on the many questions of doubt and faith with regards to salvation. Don't let the title of the book fool you. It is basically to provoke your thinking.

Thanks to an arrangement with B&H Publishing and A Group Marketing, YAPDATES - A SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY is pleased to offer a book giveaway from now to February 15th, 2013. Please read the instructions below for more details.

RESOURCES ON BOOK

• Blog: Author's page at www.jdgreear.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pastorgreear
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/jdgreear
• Video: on Vimeo
• Study Guide.

GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES

Here are the guidelines to enter the draw.

1. In order to participate and enter the draw, just make a comment on why you want to read this book, on this post with your name and email address. (Alternatively, you can email me your name and contact at yapdates @ aim.com) 
2. Your address will only be used for the purpose of this book giveaway.
3. The draw will be held on Friday, 15 February 2012, 12pm Pacific time.
4. This offer is valid only to addresses in Canada and the continental United States. 
5. If selected, I will email you a confirmation.
6. All decision made will be final.

This book giveaway is made possible by A Group Marketing and B&H Publishing House.

Remember. If you want to participate, just make any comment about why you like to have this book.

conrade

A Moving CNY Commercial - 2013

Next week is the Lunar New Year. This video shows us the importance of family, the generation gap, and the little ways two generations miss each other in the daily routines of life. As the special day arrives next week, take a moment to cherish your loved ones. This video clip may be a commercial, but it reminds me of my own family in so many personal ways. Don't just take a tissue. Give a hug. Make a call. Sit a little longer at the dinner table and simply learn to "waste" time by not rushing off to do things. See the video here or below.


 


conrade

Survival or Revival? (Revival Praying: H.O.P.E)

How is your prayer life? What do you usually pray about? When you go to a prayer gathering, what are the kind of things people pray about? These questions are dealt with in this article, which makes a case for a renewed understanding of prayers. Prayer is less of asking for things, but more of building up a relationship with God. In praying, we let God be God, and let God show us our true need. St Francis of Assisi recognizes this human flaw, and recommends the following:

"When we pray to God we must be seeking nothing - nothing." (Saint Francis of Assisi)

James 4:3 warns us: "And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure."


A) Survival Praying
In many churches, whenever there is a prayer meeting, chances are, it will be some kind of a survival-related prayer. In my years as a Christian, nearly every prayer meeting is filled with requests for some personal issues or some form of intercession. If there is a major illness by someone, or an emergency requests, the numbers go up. If there is a major exam coming up, panicking students shoot prayer requests in droves. In times of danger or uncertainty, prayers gush forth as if God does not already know. I call these "survival prayers."

• My mother is very sick, please pray for healing.
• My exam is near, please pray for my Math paper
• My son's leg is injured, please pray that he will get well soon
• Our Church is struggling with leadership matters, so please pray that God will raise up leaders.
• "Lord, please give me ___________" ; "God, please provide us _______________..."
• ....

Sometimes we do come before God saying things to God as if God is not aware of our needs.  Just looking at the prayer requests that come through a Church's website, practically all of them are asking for something. A job, more money, mending a relationship, recovering from depression, dealing with particular emotional needs, spiritual needs, and so on. There are very few, even none, that talks about holiness, or about revival. All of them touches upon some earthly survival matter. Sometimes I wonder, some Christians come to God in prayer only when they have problems. Other times, where are they when God is waiting?

As long as we are all fixated on survival matters, we will be locked into a mode of survival praying. If our prayer routine comprises mainly asking God for stuff, we reduce God to a spiritual dispenser of answers. We treat our prayers as magical keys to unlock the spiritual treasures the Holy Spirit can give. We treat God as a heavenly Santa Claus. As long as we remain in this mode, we will never really grow out of survival praying.

B) Revival Praying

For many churches, in fact, more than 90% of them have more than 90% of the prayers centered around needs. Very few actually pray for revival or for some form of spiritual awakening. Put it this way, it is hard to awaken a sleepy soul. Most of the time, when one is in pain, one will then pray very hard. At other times, the soul gravitates toward wanting to do things according to one's comfort level. Revival praying is essentially learning to live beyond our own needs, beyond asking for physical needs of people around us, and beyond the four walls of our churches, and organizations we represent. Revival praying focuses more on God's will rather than man's perpetual need for comfort or for meeting of some need. Revival praying demands more out of self and even more out from God. Here are some examples of revival praying and prayers.

• "Expect Great Things from God, Attempt Great Things for God" (William Carey)
• "Give me Scotland else I die!" (John Knox)
• "Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down." (John Wesley)
• “You must pray with all your might. That does not mean saying your prayers, or sitting gazing about in church or chapel with eyes wide open while someone else says them for you. It means fervent, effectual, untiring wrestling with God...This kind of prayer be sure the devil and the world and your own indolent, unbelieving nature will oppose. They will pour water on this flame.” (William Booth)
• “It is God’s will through His wonderful grace, that the prayers of His saints should be one of the great principal means of carrying on the designs of Christ’s kingdom in the world. When God has something very great to accomplish for His church, it is His will that there should precede it the extraordinary prayers of His people; as is manifest by Ezekiel 36:37. and it is revealed that, when God is about to accomplish great things for His church, He will begin by remarkably pouring out the spirit of grace and supplication (see Zechariah 12:10).” (Jonathan Edwards) 

Indeed, when we pray the Lord's prayer, that "Thy kingdom come," we are also praying "Thy will be done." When we pray for revival, we are offering up ourselves as ready to obey God, instead of ordering God to be ready to obey us. Let me suggest four ways toward Revival Praying.

C) Revival Praying: H.O.P.E

I use the word "HOPE" as an acronym for what it takes to undertake revival praying instead of being locked into a circular form of survival praying. First, HOLINESS pleases God. Every person who has a desire for revival or a spiritual awakening must determine in themselves to be holy for God is holy. They pray in a way as to ask Go for help to be a holy person. Holiness is definitely God's will for our lives. See how the Scriptures affirm this.

• "I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. " (Romans 6:19)
• "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24) 
• "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14) 

A people with a key desire to want to be holy, is immediately fodder for revival. God is pleased when His people call upon Him to be more holy according to the Lord's choosing. Surely, if there is any prayer request to want to be holy for the Lord, the Lord will cherish and take pleasure.

Second, OBEDIENCE is more important than sacrifice. We can burn midnight oil pleading to God for mercy on our needs, or intercede for some others with regards to some dire straits situation. Yet, it is the obedience to the Word of God that is more important than the sacrifice of hours we put into spiritual work. There is no substitute for obedience. Just like praying. We all know that prayer is important, but how much do we actually pray through the day? Knowing prayer is one thing. Actually praying is another. Oswald Chambers has said, "Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work." If that is the case, it is less important to talk about prayer and more important to actually pray. Prayer is obedience. The hymn of John H Sammis says it very well.

"When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Third, renewed PREACHING is a mark of revival. Far too many sermons and messages center around giving good advice. What we need is red-hot preaching that presents Christ as the center, as the Person, as the highlight of every meeting, every gathering, and every Christian occasion. If we do not preach Christ, then what are we doing? Pray for your preachers. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move. Look at how the passion of Paul has been re-ignite by the Holy Spirit even when he was under arrest in Acts 26.

"Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.' (Acts 26:28-29) "

Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes in the beginning of his book, "The Cost of Discipleship."

"Revival of church life always brings in its train a richer understanding of the Scriptures. Behind all the slogans and catchwords of ecclesiastical controversy, necessary though they are, there arises a more determined quest for him who is the sole object of it all, for Jesus Christ himself." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Preach the Word in season and out of season. That is a key part of revival. Pray for your preachers. Pray for the preaching every Sunday. Pray that the Spirit moves among the people as Christ is preached.

Finally, EVANGELISM is a mark of revival. There is no greater proof of one's reawakening than the desire to share the gospel with all. Look at the early Church. The numbers grow tremendously with each proclamation of the Gospel. The book of Acts records many being added to the church when the preaching of the Word is done and when the gospel is shared throughout the regions.

"God uses people. God uses people to perform His work. He does not send angels. Angels weep over it, but God does not use angels to accomplish His purposes. He uses burdened broken-hearted weeping men and women." (David Wilkerson)

Let us awaken ourselves to a renewed journey to holiness. Let us gird up and be ready to obey what the Bible is teaching us. Let us pray for our preachers, that they will preach Christ passionately and that the Word of God take root in the lives of all who hear the Word. Let us go forth to evangelize with our testimony of what Christ has done in our lives.

May revival praying take hold of more churches. For the sake of the Kingdom of God.

conrade