The Walk

By: Shaun Alexander 

In The Walk, Shaun stresses the importance of order in becoming a mature Christian.  He lays out 5 stages that each person can walk through: Unbeliever, Believer, Example, Teacher, and Imparter.  He states that if a believer were to "skip a stage in the maturity process, error will creep in.  Get ahead of God, and things will start to go wrong.  But follow His (God's) order in  your life, and you will see amazing things happen." p. 21

He breaks each stage down into becoming a Believer, Example, etc and expands on the trials, traps, and victories of each stage.  As you walk through this book, Shaun gives concrete examples not only from his football days, but also real life situations many people can relate to.  He cites Scripture throughout the book, yet many times they are only referenced.  A Discussion Guide is available for small groups to read together.

I feel that Shaun Alexander over-stresses the order of the stages and not enough on the actual learning and living of each.  He does state near the end that different people will proceed through the stages at different rates - some faster than other.

Download the first chapter of The Walk by Shaun Alexander here.

Star Rating - 4 out of 5

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are strictly my own.

Advent Reflections 2010

Day 1 – God promised his people that He would send the Messiah, the Anointed One, to save them. Isaiah 7.14, 9.6-7

Day 2 – God’s timing is always perfect; He knew the perfect time to send JESUS, the Messiah, into the world. Galatians 4.4

Day 3 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I, Ellen, am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1.14-16

Day 4 – Remember that Christmas is a time to share our blessings and become generous, honest, cheerful givers. “…it is more blessed to give than receive.” Acts 20.35

Day 5 – Jesus has come to live among us. I am to live each day knowing that Jesus was physically present in my home, always. Revelation 21.3

Day 6 – As a believer, I am God’s servant. He can do anything You want with me. Luke 1.28-30, 47-49, 54-55

Day 7 – Name Him Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) which means “the Lord saves.” Luke 1.31, Matthew 1.20-21, Philippians 2.10-11

Day 8 – Jesus is the One and only Son of God. Luke 1.31-33, 1 Samuel 7.12-13, 16

Day 9 – The Holy Spirit brings life to our dead, innermost places when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Luke 1.35, John 6.63

Day 10 – The Holy Spirit helps us recognize Jesus; and when we do, we jump for joy! Luke 1:41-44

Day 11 – I need to magnify the Lord by having higher, larger, and truer thoughts of God. This means humbling myself before Him. Luke 1.46-48 and Psalm 34.3, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.”

Day 12 – Jesus-born of ordinary parents, from an obscure little town, a teacher-not a conquering king – Our Savior. God uses simple, ordinary things and people to accomplish His work in the world. Micah 5.2, 4

Day 13 – Just as God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus; we, too, need to prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus in a fresh, new way this Advent season. Isaiah 40.3, Mark 1.4, Luke 1.17

Day 14 – When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem for the mandatory census, all the rooms were taken. Jesus, the Son of God, was born in a stable and laid to rest in a manger. I need to make room in my heart, my thoughts, and my time/schedule for Jesus to enter in. Luke 2.1-20

Day 15 – After Jesus was born, He was wrapped in strips of cloth – swaddling clothes- the clothing of the humble and lowly. I need to be clothed in humility daily. Luke 2.7, Colossians 3.12, 1 Peter 3.3-4

Day 16 – Jesus’ birth brings JOY to all who accepts Him as Lord and Savior. Luke 2.9-11, 20; John 15.10-11

Day 17 – God’s glory is revealed in the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Luke 2.9, 2 Corinthians 4.6

Day 18 – God sent not one, but a host of angels, to announce the birth of His son – the Prince of Peace. Luke 2.13-14

Day 19 – Christ became poor to open the door to God’s riches---- salvation. Christmas is about giving, not getting. What are you giving this season? 2 Corinthians 8.9

Day 20 – The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see what the angels told them. They left the stable believing in Jesus and sharing the good news! Luke 2.15-17

Day 21 – On Jesus’ birthday we come and give ourselves and our worship to Him with great JOY! Matthew 2.1-2, 10


Day 22 – Jesus was born to die for my sins. When the kings came to worship Him, they brought gold (gift for a king), frankincense (grain offering pleasing to God), and myrrh (to be used when He died). Isaiah 60.3, 6; Matthew 2.11

Day 23 – Jesus saved me from my slavery to sin. HE is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9.6-7

Day 24 – A virgin will conceive from the Holy Ghost so the child she bears will be holy, and will be called the Son of God. Isaiah 7.14, Matthew 1.18-25, Luke 1.26-38

Day 25 – Jesus is born! Micah 5.2, Matthew 2.1-12, Luke 1-20

God's Extravagant Generosity

Romans 11.33-36

(The Message)

God's Extravagant Generosity


 

"Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.

Is there anyone around who can explain God?

Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?

Anyone who has done him such a huge favor

that God has to ask his advice?

Everything comes from him;

Everything happens through him;

Everything ends up in him.

Always glory! Always praise!

Yes. Yes. Yes."

What a convicting piece of scripture.  I was introduced to this translation at the Women of Faith conference last weekend.  The conference centered around Romans 11.33a focusing on the 'extravagant generosity of God.'  Since this translation was new to me, I looked up the same verse (Rom. 11.33a) in NASB, which state, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God..."

I have been meditating on the "extravagant generosity of God."  God sprinkles blessing on us without asking  us for anything in return.  Or does He?  We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, His Son, loving all the people He has put on our path.  Am I doing this?  Unfortunately, no. 

The verses go on reiterating God's sovereignty in all things.  Really, who am I to think I know more than the God of the universe?  Even though there are times I don't understand what God is doing in my life, I must trust and believe that He is who He says He is. He will accomplish what He will in my life with or without my help.  I can look back over my life and see where God has truly brought beauty from the ashes of my life.  Thank you GOD!

The section of scripture ends with reminders of who God is... our Provider, the source of all things (including me), and He rules the world with perfect wisdom, justice, and love.  In all things, we are to bring glory to Him.  Praise the Lord! 

Ellen

This Post is linked to Mustard Seed Planting. 

Thankful Hearts

During this Thanksgiving season, I take the time to consider all the blessings in my life.  I am thankful for my family. 

Rod, my husband, is the sole bread-winner and works very hard to supply our needs (and wants).  He is a realtor, and even though we have had some months of no paychecks (like 3 months straight!), our bills are paid on time and we have more than enough food.

My oldest son, Robert, married a wonderful woman in July... welcome to the family, Mallorie!  They have moved to Texas to be close to his son, Xander.  They are working on putting Christ first in their life.  What more can you ask for?

Matt, Melissa, and Michael continue to bless my life in how they complete their schoolwork and participate in outside activities - Matt's theater, Melissa's sports, and Michael's good-natured personality and love of camping! A smile, a hug, an "I love you, Mom" all make my heart sing!  God has made each one so unique that they all bring special blessing to our family!

I'm thankful to have my parents living near us.  They moved to our area in January, and since they are snowbirds, are still acclimating to the area.  They are active in our lives and the lives of our children. 

I thank the LORD for his many blessing we receive year round.  Many of them we don't even recognize or acknowledge.  Others seem so trivial... the sunrise, a flower blooming, a garden growing, a cool breeze on a warm night.....  I could go on forever.  The truth is... "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3.16 (NIV).  God's greatest blessing to me came when I was a sinner and in opposition to Him, and He still sent Jesus to die for my sins!

This post is linked to No Ordinary Blog Hop.

Ellen

Women of Faith

"Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God...?"  ~ Romans 11.33

God loves us more than we know. He gives us more than we can ask or dream. He's unrestrained... excessive... outrageous... Over the Top.

This past weekend I had the privilege of going to the Women of Faith Conference in NC with my mom and sister.  We had a great time being together and hearing God through the amazing speakers.  What a refreshing time for us as a group and for me personally.  What would God have me hear in my heart?  Are there changes in my very near future present?  What have I withheld from God?



Patsy Clairmont



 Patsy Clairmont was able to speak to all the moms who have prayed for God to heal their child.  She shared the dark days last year when her adult son battled the H1N1 flu to the point of coma.  By God's grace, he is alive today, but still fights chronic pain.  She is witty, hilarious and is transparent in her love for GOD.  From Patsy I was reminded to TRUST God in everything, not just what I think I can't handle.





The Chapmans







Mary Beth Chapman really spoke to my  mother's heart as she shared the devastating loss of her daughter last year.  My parents buried my brother in 1986; Dad had a very hard time after his death.  Steven Curtis Chapman and his band gave a concert... WOW!





Lisa Welchel



Lisa Welchel described her challenge in forming lasting adult friendships.  During the time most teenagers learn about healthy friendships, she was filming The Facts of Life.  All of her "friendships" were written in by the writers.  So when she became an adult, she didn't know how to reach out to others and form healthy, safe friendships.  She reminded us all how important our girlfriends/moms/sisters are to our overall well-being.  From Lisa I was reminded how important our girlfriends are!  They are confidants, encouragers, truth-tellers, and accountability partners.



Sandi Patty



 Sandi Patty moved us not only with her beautiful singing voice, but also with her testimony.  Her voice is unmatched; it leaves you breathless.  She even "signs" some of her songs with and for the hearing impaired.  She shared her struggle with weight throughout her life.  I had no trouble relating to her story.  Her courage to undergo GI surgery and talk about it give me the courage to try the weight-loss thing one more time.  Thanks, Patty!



Marilyn Meberg regaled us with her wit, laughter, honesty, and such wonderful Biblical insights.  She walked us through issues that are holding us back from a 'vibrant relationship with God.'  We were challenged to invite God into our dark places and give our cares/fears/guilt/shame to Him.  She is one of my favorite speakers because she brings her teaching down to my level!  You  have to realize, she has 2 Master Degrees behind her name!



Anita Renfroe



My all-time favorite is Anita Renfroe.. Need I say more!  Christian, comedian, mother, wife (pastor's), singer.. all rolled into one fun-filled lady!  I have 3 DVD's and when I'm feeling down, I'll put them in and laugh all over again.  Her insights into human nature are amazing and she doesn't shy away from the hard issues like.... mammograms, caffeine, and underwire!  She is my all-time pick-me-up!

Dramas are always life-changing. Deborah Winans' were no different. She touched on the issue of abortion and the need for counseling. She opened the door for those experiencing the loss of a child by abortion to seek help and healing. Her other skit touched on our desires to get our way, anyway we can. We put our "hook" in others to get them to do our bidding. A timely reminder especially while raising 3 teenagers!



I have looked forward to the Women of Faith Conferences each year because I was able to spend time with just my mom.  This year, my sister was able to join us.  We were away from all our daily activies and stress and had a ball!  I wonder what next year will bring!

Ellen