Book Review The Rescue by Jim Cymbala and Ann Spangler

You know what’s better than a book? A free book. You know what’s better than a free book? An excellent, life-affirming, God-glorifying book. That’s what this book is. A couple weeks ago, I received an email offering a review copy Jim Cymbala’s new book. Well that was a no-brainer for me. I’ve loved everything of his that I’ve ever read. This book is wonderful. It’s a quick read, I read it in two days, and given my schedule right now, that’s saying something. It is a book full of the testimonies of some people who’ve been rescued, mostly from pretty horrific circumstances, by the love Jesus. This is one of the most encouraging books I have ever read. Story after story shows how the love of Christ overcomes all matter of struggle, then at the end, is a clear presentation of the Gospel along with a final chapter called “Where to go from here” which helps a reader to find and take the next steps in forming a walk with Christ.

On this blog I talk a lot about telling a better story. This is a prime example. Few things testify to the greatness of Christ better than the story of a transformed life. The Rescue will give you seven great stories of people who’ve gone from the darkness into the light of God’s love.

This would be a great book to give to someone who is outside the faith, struggling with faith, or just generally having a hard time. It would also be a great book for a new believer. Do yourself a favor and check out this book.

Being Embraced: Helpful Hints for the Creative Part II

In today’s second part of this post, I want to look a little bit more of the relationship between risk and trust.

The relationship between risk and trust cannot be overstated. As an example, in my traveling art/speaking ministry, can you guess which speaking opportunities are the easiest to get? Give up? The easiest opportunities are in the places I have already been. The risk of bringing a guest speaker into a church is pretty huge. I make the wrong move or say the wrong thing and the pastor’s phone will start to ring. I made the mistake, but I am gone. He or she has to deal with the fall out. Once they see they can trust me, and they know I will do a good job and bless the people God has given them to serve and entrusted to them, bringing me back is easy. The risk is diminished. We have to deliver and we honor God first, and then the person who took the risk.

That first project is hugely important. It is your chance to prove yourself faithful and if you prove yourself to be faithful, I cannot guarantee thing will go any further, but I can guarantee that if you are not faithful, closed doors are likely to stay closed. Do what you can, offer your gift to God and trust Him. He will make a way. Sometimes humble projects open greater opportunities.

One more thing, be appropriate. Know your audience. There’s a reason all the animals are smiling on the ark in the nursery mural. It’s because the mural is for children. Is it realistic? No, realistic is people clawing at the door of the ark before sinking under for the third time, but children aren’t ready for that. Give your audience appropriate content for the situation and environment you’re in.