What is the best Sunday you’ve ever had? What is the best possible second half of a weekend you can ever imagine having? Who would you spend time with? Where would you be? What would you do?
- Posted using my iPhone
Monthly Archives: August 2011
Win a Two-tone Tote – It’s Easy!
To help celebrate the upcoming launch of the first book in the ihvs series, “In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say?” Word Press and “ihvs books” is giving away a beautiful two-tone, cotton canvas tote bag (pictured right). Measuring 19″ x 15″ x 6″, the bag is the perfect keepsake to celebrate this unique occasion. Use it on the boat, at the beach, at the gym, or anywhere you need to carry something in style.
To qualify to win this bag, simply visit the http://www.ihvsbooks.com and use the Facebook like button 
on any article. The winner will be selected in a random drawing of all individuals who like the site. The more articles you like the more chances you have to win. Drawing will be conducted September 30, 2011 and the winner will be notified by Facebook message.
Enjoy!
Quote of the Week
“The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers. And the best place to be is in God’s hands.”
- Marilyn Austin, Pensacola, Florida
Make up a word and its definition
The English language, like all languages, is always changing. Words are always moving in how they are used, and older words decline in use, while new words enter common usage. Any lexicographer (one who the art or craft of compiling, writing and editing dictionaries) will tell you dictionaries are meant to record usage, rather than to define it permanently, which is why they release new dictionaries every year.
Shakespeare for example, made up many new words and changed the usage of many old words and sayings; and often words enter English from other languages. The German word schadenfreude, which means to take pleasure in other people’s misfortune, entered the language because there was no single word with that meaning — down South, however, we use the word jerk to describe the same thing.
How to come up with a new word:
Here’s a few suggestions…
- Think about a situation or a problem that’s common, that doesn’t have a single word for it, and then make one up.
- Combine two words together, like making smog from smoke + fog. This is called a portmanteau. For example, when your coffee is too hot to to drink, could be called a cofferno (coffee + inferno).
- If you know more than one language, think of a word you like from another language that’s hard to explain in English.
I hope you have fun with this… and if we’re really good, maybe we’ll have a few laughs too.
Because I Love Him and You,
Charles
It’s happening… it’s really happening!
Today, I received a mock-up of the interior of my forthcoming book, “In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say?” Seeing ten-years of work in its ultimate, in-print format was surreal — awesome, and heart-thrilling, but surreal too.
For those who may not know, the book is a call for Christians to return to the very essence of our faith — the Bible, and a call for non-believers to embrace the message of the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ.
- Posted using my iPhone
The Love Letters of Jesus
I’ve been teaching a new series during Sunday school at my church — Charleston Bible Church in Charleston, SC. The lesson focus is on the first three chapters of the book of Revelation with an in depth look at Jesus’ message to the seven churches of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. One verses is particularly meaningful to me:
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed is the one who hear, and who keeps what is written in it, for the time is near” – Rev 1:3, ESV
Think about those words for a moment. The book can be a blessing to (1) anyone who reads it, (2) anyone who listens to it being read, and (3) everyone who keeps what is written in the book. Read it — you’re blessed. Listen to it — you’re blessed. Keep it — you’re blessed. Equally amazing, no one is limited to just one blessing; we can be blessed once, twice, and even three-times if we want — over and over and over.
The last part of that scripture reminds me of the theme verse behind In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say?:
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” – James 1:22, NIV
Both James and John (the author of Revelation) understood that listening to the Word of God was only one way the Bible blesses our lives; we can also DO what God commands and be blessed more richly.
There was once a woman who underwent surgery, and her neighbor saw her arrive home from the hospital. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well,” the neighbor replied after realizing what had happened. “I’ll bring you supper tonight.”
“You’re so sweet,” the recovering woman responded. “That would be wonderful.”
The convalescing neighbor was blessed by the offer wasn’t she? Yes, she was — she would have received an even greater blessing if her neighbor had done what she said. In the busyness of her day, the neighbor forgot all about her promise to prepare a meal.
“How terrible,” you say? Yes, it is. But how much worse are we when we listen to God’s Word, mentally accept its truth and wisdom, yet never permit the message to reshape our lives when the time comes to apply the teaching.
The good news in this story is simple — there is hope for you if this describes you. Truth be told, it has described me too. Fortunately, we serve a God who is willing to forgive us if we will confess our sins to Him in the name of Jesus Christ. He loves us that much. Wow!
Here’s hoping you have a blessed day — in more ways than one!
Charles
Bible verses were copied supplied using BibleGateway.com
An IHVS Teaser from Ashley’s Diary: Trevor Proposed Today
Dear Diary,
I ran into Trevor today after having lunch with his precious
mother, Miz Hope. He asked me to marry him again, and he even told me he would wait forever if necessary. As flattering as that is, I’m hesitant to commit my life to a man who seems to be swayed by the world around him. Of course, I told him that I couldn’t marry him because of what I know about his playboy lifestyle. I guess time will tell whether he is genuine or not. In the meantime, I’m going to concentrate on the next step in my fulfilling my pledge with Pastor Harter by reading my Bible everyday.
Help me, Lord… you know I love Trevor, but I love you most of all.
Location:Kingston, USA
An IHVS Teaser from Ashley’s Diary: What am I to do?
Dear Diary,
Sometimes finding direction for life can be so confusing, while other times it seems to be crystal clear. Until recently, it seemed that I had my life all planned out — I would either a recording contract or joining the New York Philharmonic. I’m not sure anymore. and I find myself wrestling with God’s call upon my life. Am I misunderstanding Him? Am I actually listening to Him? How do I really know if it’s God’s voice or my own thoughts? Do I pursue a singing career? Do I marry Trevor?
How do I answer these questions? I’ve heard that if I follow God’s will today, and the next day, and the next, then 20 years from now I will have done God’s work. I think that’s great advice and it’s exactly what I want to do, but how can I be sure?
WDBS – What Does the Bible Say? That’s it! I need to see what God’s word has to say on this subject…
Thanks diary!
Need help finding Bible truths?
Life is hectic… you’re busy… and there are simply those times when you need a comforting word or advice but a Bible isn’t available. Allow me to help!
My dedicated staff and I at First Church Kingston will email you the Bible verses you need. Just post a topic, or describe your situation, and we’ll provide the help you need from God’s Word.
PLUS: Looking for a particular translation? No problem! Tell us which “flavor” of God’s Word you prefer, and if it’s in print, we’ll find it. In fact, challenge us to see if we can.
My book is AVAILABLE NOW – download only!
EXTRA! EXTRA! My first full-length novel, In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say? is now available on selected devices and computers.
Find out how the lives of a handful of Christians are changed when they promise to obey God’s word in all matters of faith, life, romance, and business.
This early release is available for owners of the Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, Kindle, and more. Mac users and iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch owners can download the EPUB edition, and PC users can buy the PDF version to read the novel on their home computer or laptop.
To download the book for only $2.99 from Smashwords.com, Barnes and Nobel, Apple iBooks, and Kindle ereaders.
The paperback edition will be available in late September.
In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say? is the story of a handful of dedicated Christians who challenge themselves to a radical testing of their faith. Pastor Jim Harter leads the members of First Church Kingston to take no action in their life until they answer the question, “What does the Bible Say?” But answering that question is only the beginning. You’ll discover how the lives of everyday people are changed when the members of First Church Kingston follow the model of Jesus Christ to actually DO what God’s Word teaches.
Would you take the pledge? the Christians of this gentile church did. Read what happened when you get your copy at either Smashwords.com or Barnes and Nobel online.
Because I Love Him and You,
Charles
