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A Year of Grace: 365 Mealtime prayers By Williams S. Kervin, comp. This book is an anthology of graces, with a rich variety of prayers, historic and contemporary, from around the world. These graces can be used in the home, at school, at formal or family meals. They can help us to rediscover the importance of shared hospitality and eating together, even in our individualistic age. Themes include thankfulness for creation, hospitality and friendship, the countryside and the seasons, and social justice. The graces can be used throughout the year, and are fully indexed to make finding a timely prayer quick and easy.

The Theology of the Hammer By Millard Fuller Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International, shares his dream to end worldwide poverty and homelessness.

Out of the Saltshaker & into the World, Revised and Expanded By Rebecca Manley Pippert "Christians and non-Christians have something in common," says Pippert. "We're both uptight about evangelism." So begins this fun, engaging bestseller that helps you feel relaxed, not pressured, about sharing your faith. Revised and expanded with new real-life stories and evangelistic strategies! Includes study guide. 288 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.

George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans By Janet Benge Inspiring biographical story of George Muller (1805 - 1898). With scarcely enough food or money for his own family, George Muller opened his heart and home. Sustained by God's provision, the Muller house "Breakfast Club" of thirty orphans grew to five large houses that ultimately over ten thousand children would call home.

Find It Fast in the Bible: Your Complete Topical Reference By Ron Rhodes A resource that lives up to its name! Many topical reference books simply list the Scriptures and leave it to you to look up the passage. But this comprehensive guide (over 1,000 topics; over 8,000 references) provides one-line summaries of each verse. Ideal for study and witnessing---or anytime you need biblical information quickly and easily. 350 pages, softcover from Harvest.

The House of the Lord: God's Plan to Liberate Your City from Darkness By Francis Frangipane In this challenging book Francis Frangipane shows churches how to lay aside individual differences and doctrines and come together united in worship and warfare-to rebuild the house of the Lord and bring healing to their cities. If you want to reclaim land the enemy has stolen from your own backyard, The House of the Lord will arm you with vital principles of spiritual warfare .

In Her Steps: Women of Courage and Valor By Denise Marie Siino This is a collection of stories of ancient and modern women who can only be called heroes. These forty vignettes will inspire the reader as Denise Marie Siino delves into each woman's life to uncover the depths of her valor-chosen because of her dedication to serving the heart-concerns of God and the needs of people-many times in the face of adversity or opposition but always with great courage and determination. Including in this collection are Condoleeza Rice, Elizabeth Hanford Dole, Kay Arthur, Dayna Curry Masterson and Heather Mercer, Edith Schaeffer, Elisabeth Elliot and more.

Kindness: Reaching Out to Others By Phyllis Le Peau The story of the Good Samaritan is reenacted every day. Whether it's a family on the side of the road with car trouble, a homeless person sleeping over an outdoor heating vent, or a panhandler asking for spare change, we either pass by or reach out in kindness. This Fruit of the Spirit Bible study will inspire kindness toward others by revealing God's kindness to you. The eight-volume Fruit of the Spirit Bible study series not only helps you discover what the Bible says about the vital traits that the Holy Spirit produces in believers, but also moves you beyond reflection and discussion to application. Designed for use in small groups or personal devotions, the interactive format will help you grow in your ability to reflect the character of Jesus.

Murray, Andrew Teach Me to Pray By Andrew Murray Contemporary Christians know that God answers prayer and that praying is important, but most also wish their prayer life could be more effective. Murray instructs readers from Scripture and the life of Jesus that prayer is the root and strength of all work for God, that God intends to answer every prayer, and that prayer is meant to be a way of life. These thirty-one classic meditations, written in 1885, have been edited and clarified for new readers. (abridged version of "In School of Prayer" More Murray Books and Study Guides

The New Tolerance By Josh McDowell A new philosophy is invading our land. It states that "each person's beliefs, values, lifestyles, and truth claims are equal." How are we as Christians to respond? McDowell and Hostetler explain that Christ commands us to lovingly accept others without condemnation, but not to condone evil. A must-read in this relativistic age! 225 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

Boundaries Face to Face: How to Have That Difficult Conversation You've Been Avoiding By Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend The authors of Boundaries now take the principles from that book and apply them to the most common difficult situations and relationships. This is practical handbook that will help you have that difficult conversation you've been avoiding. Includes a discussion guide with tips on preparing for that conversation and how to deal with counterattacks. Learn how to confront well and establish healthy boundaries.

The Return Of The Prodigal Son By Henri J.M. Nouwen When Henri Nouwen stumbled across a poster of Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son he began a spiritual journey that would help him understand the biblical parable as well as the story of his own life. Take this opportunity to join Henri as he leads the wayward prodigal and judgmental sibling who reside within each of us towards the open-handed, overwhelming compassion and eternal love of the Father. The Return of the Prodigal Son will transform your reading of the parable and the way you understand your life story.

Gods Smuggler, 35th anniversary ed. By Brother Andrew As a boy he dreamed of being a spy - undercover behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself undercover for God. Brother Andrew was his name, and for decades his life story, recounted in God's Smuggler, has awed and inspired millions. This bestseller tells of the young Dutch factory worker's incredible efforts to transport Bibles across closed borders - and the miraculous ways in which God provided for him every step of the way. This story is reintroduced in a 35th anniversary edition with a new foreword and afterword. Brother Andrew's story remains as inspiring today as it was thirty-five years ago, and with this new release it will motivate a new generation to risk everything to follow God's call.

Riss, Richard: Survey of 20th Century Revival Movements in North America By Richard Riss Contemporary North America has witnessed three major revivals: the 1906 Asuza Street revival, the post-World War II Latter Rain movement, and the late 1960s charismatic renewal and Jesus Movement. Although their impact has been tremendous, they've missed the history books. In this concise survey, Riss charts the course of 20th-century American revivals and explains how they've shaped the modern church.

When Women Worship: Creating an Atmosphere of Intmacy with God By Amie Dockery & Mary Alessi Women were created for intimacy with God. But so many things get in the way! Past abuse. Regret. Shame. Feelings of unworthiness. How can worship hold any real meaning? Using the model of Mary of Bethany, who anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume, the authors help readers discover how the act of worship itself is transformation. Worship can be a place of truth and transparency! Through stories of gifted women who have overcome tremendous pain and obstacles to become worship leaders today, they show the deepness and wideness of God's love for women who worshiped despite oppressive circumstances, and found strength and confidence to continue to focus on God. Readers will find courage to overcome the past and the desire to worship God extravagantly and wholeheartedly.

From Brokenness to Community By Jean Vanier The text in this book originated as two lectures given by Jean Vanier at Harvard University in 1988. He speaks eloquently of the lessons he has learned from the disabled adults he serves at his community in France and at other houses. He speaks of his own healing and his own need for people. He speaks of the power of belonging and how it satisfies the deepest needs in people.

Breaking Free: Discover the Victory of Total Surrender By Beth Moore Do you want to know God and really believe Him? Do you want to find satisfaction in God, experience His peace, and enjoy His presence? Do you want to make the freedom Christ promised a reality in your daily life? In Breaking Free, best-selling author and popular Bible teacher Beth Moore takes you on a journey to discovering true spiritual freedom - the abundant life God intends for every believer - by identifying spiritual strongholds and removing all obstacles that hinder you from enjoying the benefits of a relationship with God. Learn to make the freedom in Christ a daily reality through the truth of God's Word - truth that will set you free.

Why do we usurp God's right to judge?...It is for God alone to judge, to justify or to condemn. He knows the state of each one of us and our capacities, our deviations, and our gifts, our constitution, and our preparedness...according to the knowledge that He alone has...

Dorotheos of Gaza
Biography

"Such a nice family, obviously successful by the look of his suit and the cute little clothes their children are wearing." I sighed as I watched a young husband and wife escort their four children into church "And she's so put together.." With a wistful shake of my head, I continued my inner conversation. "Nice folk but obviously too good for me to have much of a chance of being friends with."

I was wearing faded jeans and a sweatshirt that was well worn. Being a home missionary in a large urban centre didn't allow me the luxury of new clothes but at least they were clean.

I kept my eye on this family and as time went on, I was impressed by their hearts of service and passion for bringing God's love to the poor in our community. "Great." I thought. "Not only do they look perfect, they are in a totally different league than me in a Christian living sense as well. Look how worn her bible is!"

As weeks progressed into months, my on-the-fly judgements of this family began to build a wall of self-intimidation that stopped me from approaching them. I had no idea that I had built that wall and was not yet aware of the judgements I had formed. Yet, if anyone had asked me my opinion of this couple, I would have sung their praises.

One Sunday, I arrived a few minutes late to church and church was packed. As my brother used to say, church was sold out. Our church never used ushers but this particular week, a helpful young man saw me enter with my cane in hand and escorted me to the only available seat - the outside seat on the 'perfect family's' pew. Swallowing my panic, I sat, then bent to shove my purse and cane under the pew.

My nose wrinkled as I caught scent of an all too familiar scent off of the husband's leather coat, a scent that caught me off guard. The coat smelled of tobacco smoke, a heavy scent that can only embed itself into the fabric of a garment worn by a long-time, habitual smoker. With that single whiff, the walls of presuming this family to be too perfect to approach tumbled down and I sat, shame-faced at my silliness.

Instantly, I felt the Lord's conviction and I repented of the grievous sin of presumption and renounced the wall I had built between myself and this family. Although I would never condone smoking, God used this brother's struggle with cigarettes to teach me a lesson. I had judged this family by their appearance and outer behaviour alone.

I have sat under wonderful teachings that taught me not to judge the poor and homeless and those who inhabit the outskirts of society as being beneath me' and therefore not worthy of my friendship. However, I have never heard a sermon about the dangers of presumption and judging the supposed successful and put-together people around us as being 'too good' for me to approach.

I am forever grateful for God's intervention in my life that evening. Over the years, this family have become my family in many ways. We have wept together, laughed together, shared many meals together and they have embraced me in their hearts and I have let them past my own walls into my heart. What blessings I would have missed if I had stayed in my sinful presumptuous ways.

As a side note, smoking is no longer a snare for this couple, which is a good thing. I'd miss out on a lot of their warm hugs on a cold day due to my allergy to tabacco.

Jeremiah 17:9

Until next week,

© 2010 Katherine Walden

I can choose to fully engage in the life God has given me or I can sit on the sidelines as a passive observer.

I am avid fan of the Winter Olympics and am thrilled this year that once again the Olympics will be held in Canada. As part of the preparation for the games, the Olympic torch is being carried across the nation, regardless of weather or terrain. The torch arrives in my city tomorrow and no doubt there will be extensive media coverage of its progress through the streets and avenues of Edmonton. I could choose to watch via television, nice and cozy, in my recliner and cheer on the torch bearers in the solitary comfort of my apartment. Or, as the torch bearer route passes right outside my high-rise, I could look out my bedroom window for a birds-eye view. I could use my binoculars and get a closer view and still stay nice and cozy and protected or I could put on a warm coat, a pair of gloves and head downstairs, walk out the door and be part of the action.

I must confess, the introverted side of me would much rather watch from from a distance. I might actually have to talk to those standing beside me as we line the route in anticipation of the torch. I might have to ask for people to move so I can maneuver my walker so I can see better. I might have to witness a couple squabbling beside me. I might be approached by the aggressive panhandlers who have invaded my neighbourhood as of late. Yes, I might have to admit I belong to the human race!

As I thought over my choices, I was reminded of a statement my pastor made in a recent teaching. I must paraphrase as I didn't have my laptop with me to make notes. She said. "You can either be just a covert of Christ or you can be a disciple -- a follower of Christ." To be a disciple of Christ requires action. It requires a conscious, long-term commitment to remain fully engaged. It means spending time with him, learning to hear his voice and learning to be consistently obedient to his direction. It requires that you be an active participant in Christ's purposes and strategies here on the earth among his people. You can't be a lone disciple of Jesus at least, you can't be one very easily.

Tomorrow, I will make my way down to the street and join in. I choose not to be just a spectator from afar.

This year, I choose to be a follower of Jesus, actively participating with Him and walking in the midst of his people, although it would be much more comfortable to be a passive observer of his works.

As Keith Green sang so many years ago ...
"To obey is better than sacrifice
I don't need your money
I want your life ....
.....To obey is better than sacrifice
I want hearts of fire
Not your prayers of ice"

Until next week,

© 2010 Katherine Walden

Recently, I was commiserating with a friend as we discussed current events in our lives. We are members of the same church and we both share a deep sense of gratitude for the rich teaching we receive every week. A couple of months ago, our pastor extended an invitation to us - a call to deepen our commitment to see Christ's reign in our neighbourhoods and communities. That Sunday, we both stood with most of our fellow church-goers, dedicating ourselves to the commission given us by our pastor. Both of us were mature enough in our walk to know that God would take us at our word.

Within a week of renewing my commitment to be a light in my neighourhood, I experienced a disconcerting encounter with a new neighbour in my apartment building. I won't go into details but I came away feeling shaken and vulnerable and a little unsafe in my own apartment. The inner battle was on and I have to admit that I am still struggling to walk past my fears and to continue to follow the Lord's marching orders.

My friend's experience was much more intense than my own and she confessed to feeling inadequate for the task at hand.

We both agreed that things were messy, uncertain and confusing. We have heard of the miraculous results in the neighbourhoods of other congregants who stood with us that Sunday morning. However, neither of us can stand up in front of our church with glowing testimonies of miraculous answers to prayer. At least, not yet.

We both know that in the midst of our stories. we cannot gauge our success by the changing circumstances around us. We know the dangers of comparing our stories with the stories being played out in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have placed our trust in the one who called us forward and we keep our eyes fixed on him. Because He is the Author of our lives, his plans and purposes will come to fruition. (Hebrews 12:2, Isaiah 55:11) He has the advantage of seeing our stories from the beginning - past the middle mire and chaos - through to completion of his word.

Perhaps, like me, you are in the midst of your own struggle to remain obedient and true to the calling God has placed upon your life. Perhaps you wonder how you can find a clear path out of the mess, no matter how you could find any victory from the chaos you find yourself in today. Trust God at his word and remember his promise to us.

Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD.

Until next week,

© 2010 Katherine Walden

January 27 - February 2, 2010
Reflections on Psalm 42

As of late, I've become increasingly aware of my desperate need to live in God's presence. Within that awareness lies the painful recognition of my own weakness and inability to enter into that presence without his help. I thirst; yet, like Jill in "The Silver Chair" by CS Lewis, I fear to draw near to the only true water that can quench my terrible thirst. But I know I must draw near as there is no other source but Him.

Ps 42:1-2
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

I remember the joyful confidence and the reckless abandonment from which I would fling myself - heart first, head second - into worship and intimacy with the Lord. It never occurred to me in my early years in Christ that he would not be there to catch me when I leapt into his arms. I remember dancing in the rain, soaked to the skin, slipping and sliding on a water soaked field with a hundred other Jesus adorers, not caring what others thought, not worrying about strained muscles and sprained ankles -- my eyes were only fixed on the One I could not see with my earthly eyes but who my heart instantly recognized as my beloved.

Ps 42: 4
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.

God has proven himself ever faithful over the decades. I could fill a dozen journals with His answers to prayer and his provision in every area of my life. Yet, I long for more, I am not satisfied with his mere provision -- although I am grateful for it. I long for his presence more than I long for his provision. God calls me to praise his him, trusting me as my Savior and to remember his faithfulness no matter what circumstances lie before me.

Psalm 42: 5-6a
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.
My [c] soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you

I am not satisfied with a surface relationship with Jesus. I don't want to be merely an admirer of his ways - I want to be intimately acquainted with him. That deep place within me is being wooed by His heart -- he desires not to merely quench my thirst with a cup of water, no - He desires to submerge me in his waterfall, saturating every cell of my being.

Ps 42: 7
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

Even in this arid land, I find a song of worship on my lips as I fall asleep and his word says he sings over me. And yet -- I have dared to complain to him. Like the psalmist, I give into the lies of the enemy and allow myself to feel abandoned and left behind.

Ps 42 8-9a
By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"

Like the sons of Korah, I must admonish my soul and set my heart on the daily journey of putting my whole hope, my unflagging trust and my life in the care of Him who cares for me. I choose this day and all days to praise Him for He is good and his faithful love for me endures far past my own ability to endure.

Until next week,

© 2010 Katherine Walden

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