Short Book Review: Sweat, Blood and Tears by Xan Hood

December 6, 2010 at 3:51 pm | Posted in Book Reviews | Leave a comment
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I’ve just posted a short book review on my book review page. Along the lines of young men growing in maturity, let me offer you a good quote from www.jcrylequotes.com.

Sow Righteousness in Your Youth!

Go and ask believers now, and I think many will tell you: “Oh that I could live my young days over again!” He will most likely say, “Oh that I had spent the beginning of my life in a better way! Oh that I had not laid the foundation of evil habits so strongly in the springtime of my journey!”

Young men, I want to save you all this sorrow, if I can. Hell itself is truth known too late. Be wise in time. What youth sows, old age must reap. Do not give the most precious season of your life to that which will not comfort you in the latter days of your life. Sow to yourselves rather in righteousness: break up your hard ground, don’t sow among thorns.

~ J.C. Ryle

 Thoughts For Young Men, [Moscow, ID: Charles Nolan Publishing, 2002], 17.

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

December 5, 2010 at 9:41 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

By Charles Wesley, sung in ¾ time

1.      Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free.

From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

 2.      Born Thy people to deliver, Born a Child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. 

Let’s start off our Christmas hymns with this overlooked one from Charles Wesley. These songs could be sung at any time during the year, but mostly they’re just sung during December. Enjoy them and maybe you can even make a request to your pastor or music director for a particular one. Or ask them if you can take a hymnal home and sing or read them out loud when you have family or friends over. Either way, rejoice and make a joyful noise to the Lord. Take time to worship the Triune God this month and give Him glory for all He has done for you.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Luke 1:26-38

“For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Coffee Shop Review: Boston Stoker

December 2, 2010 at 3:27 pm | Posted in Coffee Shop Reviews | Leave a comment
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We spent Thanksgiving with family in Troy Ohio and before going I went online to find coffee shops. Over the four days that we were there we ended up going to three different shops and two of them were an hour away. The first shop we visited was Boston Stoker at 1293 Dorset Road (www.bostonstoker.com) which was only minutes from our hotel.

Before travelling I went to their website and saw that they had a cupping open to the public. Because of the holiday I called to make sure they were still having it and they were. So Kim and I left a little early so we could catch it. Joshua, the barista who was leading the cupping is a good teacher and he really made us feel comfortable. He chose an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and a Costa Rican La Minita for us to cup and both coffees were a light roast.

Joshua had a cupping station ready for each of us and we started with the Yirgacheffe. He talked us through each step and demonstrated the process also. It was very easy to follow his directions. He asked us what we tasted and listened as we described the flavors to him. Kim and I both tasted a little citrus and spice. We also thought it had a good body and a good long aftertaste. I wanted to pick the cup up and drink it, it tasted that good! It may be the best Yirgacheffe I’ve had.

Then we moved on to the La Minita. Joshua talked us through the cupping process again and asked us what flavors we tasted. He interacted well with us and did not get tired of us asking questions. We thought this one was sweeter tasting and even the aroma smelled sweet. This coffee had a full body and a good aftertaste. To put it simply, it was a balanced enjoyable taste of coffee. Kim wanted to pick this one up and finish it!

A couple of days later we stopped and talked with the manager, Kim (it will be easy for me to remember her name) and let her know what a good teacher Joshua was and how we enjoyed the cupping. She took the time to talk with us and told us a little about the company. I also enjoyed a cup of their House Blend Decaf and thought it was very good. You know Kim and I are always on the lookout for a good decaf and this one did not disappoint.

Boston Stoker has nine locations and a roasting facility in the greater Dayton Ohio area. If you are near there and want a good cup of coffee we encourage you to stop. It will be worth getting off the freeway because both the coffee and customer service was great. Remember to stop and enjoy the coffee and conversations. You may find a gem like we did in finding Boston Stoker.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill and Kim

Romans 15:13; Psalm 34:1-10

My Eyes Are Dry

December 1, 2010 at 10:59 am | Posted in A. W. Tozer, Quotes | Leave a comment
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My Eyes Are Dry

Words and Music by Keith Green

My eyes are dry, my faith is old.

My heart is hard, my prayers are cold.

And I know how I ought to be,

Alive to You and dead to me.

Oh, what can be done for an old heart like mine?

Soften it up with oil and wine.

 The oil is You, Your Spirit of love.

Please wash me anew in the wine of Your blood.

_____________________________________________  

“The church has lost her testimony. She no longer has anything to say to the world. Her once robust shout of assurance has faded away to an apologetic whisper. She who one time went out to declare now goes out to inquire. Her dogmatic declaration has become a respectful suggestion, a word of religious advice, given with the understanding that it is after all only an option and not meant to sound bigoted…… Pure Christianity, instead of being shaped by culture, actually stands in sharp opposition to it.”

– A. W.  Tozer

 ___________________________________

“The glorious charity of the present day is such, that it believes lies to be as good as truth; and lies and truth have met together and kissed each other; and he that telleth truth is called a bigot, and truth has ceased to be honourable in the world.”

– Charles Spurgeon

____________________ 

The song posted above is one of my favorite songs. I was a young Christian when Keith Green died in a plane crash. I really liked his music. It made you think and search your heart, mind and soul. It’s funny the things you remember and the things you don’t as you get older. I remember being moved to tears as I sat alone eating lunch before going to work while I listened to Green’s album “So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt.” There was a song about Romans 7 and I knew I was not the sold out, fully committed Christian that I should be. I asked God for His forgiveness and for the power and filling of the Holy Spirit in my life. Now I knew I was saved and growing and I was a young Christian, but I also knew I was holding back from God.

God graciously taught me about His sanctifying power. He has used me and forgiven me many more times since then. What about you? Are your eyes dry? Is your heart cold? Are you saved but holding back from God? Do you believe the Church is losing its testimony of purity and truth? Are you a part of that? Only you and God know the answer to those questions. Ask Him to forgive you and fill you and renew a right spirit within you and He will.

The quotes are by two of my favorite authors. Both dead and in the presence of the Lord they loved and served. Both of them were great preachers and authors. Both loved the Church and served the Church. Both believed in prayer and the power of God. Both believed in evangelism and making disciples. They are from different eras of time. One would be called an Arminian and the other a Calvinist. Yet they still have something to say that is relevant today.

Take the time to learn and grow and apply that knowledge to daily living. Make an effort to make a difference for the Kingdom of God and His glory. Your labor for the Lord will not go unrewarded.

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Psalm 138:1-8

Ask God for a Stronger Hope

November 30, 2010 at 9:55 am | Posted in William Gurnall | Leave a comment
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Wisdom from William Gurnall

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13). God is the God of hope; not only of the first seed but also of the whole growth and harvest of it in us. He does not give a saint the first grace of conversion and then leave the completion of it wholly to his human skill.

Be sure you humbly acknowledge God by constantly waiting on Him for your spiritual growth. “The young lions” are said to “seek their meat from God” (Psalm 104:21). God has taught them to express their wants when they are hungry; and by this they have learned that their Maker is also their Supplier. At first a baby expresses his needs only by crying’ but as soon as he knows who his mother is, he directs his cries to her.

The Father can always find you, Christian. He knows what you want but He waits to supply you until you cry to Him. Does God care for the beasts in the field? Then surely He will care for you, His child in His house. You might pray for more riches and be denied; but a prayer for more grace is sure to be answered quickly.

Love has a secret yet powerful influence in hope. Moses befriended the Israelite when he killed the Egyptian who fought with him. And love kills slavish fear – one of the worst enemies hope has – and thereby strengthens hope’s hand. Whoever pulls up the weeds helps the corn to grow. It is fear that oppresses the Christian’s spirit so that he cannot act or hope strongly. “Perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). The freewoman will cast out the bondwoman. Fear is one of Hagar’s breed – an affection that keeps everyone in bondage who partakes of it.

Love cannot tolerate fear. The loving soul asks, “Can I fear that the One who loves me most will ever hurt me? Fear and doubt, away with you! There is no room for you in my heart.” Charity “thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5). Taken from The Christian in Complete Armour, November 29. Edited by James S. Bell, Jr. Moody Publishers edition, 1994.

Count Your Blessings

November 28, 2010 at 12:02 pm | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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Count Your Blessings

by Johnson Oatman, Jr. – sung in 2/4 time

1.      When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

(Refrain) Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2.      Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by.

(Refrain)

3.      When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings; money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

(Refrain)

4.      So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

(Refrain)

Prais be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. The holidays can be a stressed filled time too. Hopefully this great old hymn is a good reminder to thank God for the wonderful blessings He has put in your life now and for the blessings yet to come.

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Psalm 138:1-8

Be Thankful for this Unspeakable Gift

November 23, 2010 at 12:08 pm | Posted in William Gurnall | Leave a comment
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Wisdom from William Gurnall

I do not believe you have it if your heart is not thankful for it. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope….. to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Do you have heaven in hope? It is more than if the whole world were in your hand. Earth’s greatest king would be glad to change his crown for your helmet at his dying hour. His crown will not get him this helmet, but your helmet will bring you a crown, a crown not of gold, but of glory, which once on will never be taken off.

Remember, Christian, it has not been long since you had only a fearful expectation of hell instead of a hope of salvation. But God took away the chains of guilt which weighed your soul down in despair and gave you favor in His celestial court. Of all men in the world, you are the most indebted to God’s mercy. If you thank Him for crust and rags – food and clothing – how much more should thank Him for your crown?

After you have praised Him with your spirit, you should collect the praises to God of your friends too – and then, in heaven, continue thanking Him throughout eternity for your helmet of salvation. It will be a debt you will never be able fully to pay.

Live up to your hopes. Let there be a suitable agreement between your principles and your practices – your hope of heaven and your walk on earth. As you look for salvation, walk the way your eye is looking. If the Christian fails to walk in the worthiness of his calling, he betrays God’s hope for him. And the Word emphasizes the necessity of this walk. It stirs up to act “as becometh saints” (Romans 16:2) and as “it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). – Taken from The Christian in Complete Armour, November 23. Edited by James S. Bell, Jr. Moody 1Publishers Edition, 1994.

Coffee Review: Specialty Java’s New York New York Blend

November 22, 2010 at 12:34 pm | Posted in Coffee Reviews | Leave a comment
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We still look forward to getting coffee in the mail. It’s like getting a birthday or Christmas present and opening the package. We like to squeeze the bag and smell the aroma. Then we like to open the bag and look at the beans and move them around a little and smell the aroma again. We thought they had a little bit of a chocolate aroma. Kim likes to taste a bean to get some of the flavor. She thought the dark bean in this blend was bittersweet and the light bean had a little spice and herb flavor.

After all of that we were looking forward to trying this New York New York Blend from Specialty Java (www.specialtyjava.com). It is described as a medium-dark roast combining SHB Central American, South American and Indonesian beans to create a truly unique, high impact cup. They also put the roast date on the package which we appreciate. This helps you to know how fresh the coffee is and this coffee was fresh when we received it.

First up was the auto-drip and there is a nice aroma from the brewed coffee. We like to use the auto-drip for reviews and convenience because the majority of coffee drinkers only use an auto-drip. It has a good dark color in the pot. It has somewhat of a bright, tart aftertaste and a medium body. We were looking forward to having more of this coffee.

Next up was the French Press and the ground beans have a good aroma. It seems to have a darker earthy taste and slightly fuller body. The aftertaste seems to hit the front half of the tongue and the roof of the mouth. With each sip you want a little more.

The third brewer we used was the Chemex coffee maker and here the distinct flavors of this blend came out. There was a mildly sweet aroma as we poured the dark coffee into our cups. The flavor seems to hit the tip of the tongue and then roll over the sides leaving you with an earthy, slightly smoky taste. The bright tart finish was very pleasing. This was a very enjoyable cup of coffee.

Kim thought it paired well with chocolate and good with lemon, cinnamon peanuts and dates. It was o.k. with vanilla and almonds. This New York New York Blend was good in the morning and afternoon and with desert. It is a good all around coffee that everyone enjoyed drinking.

If you are looking for a new roaster to try during the holidays we encourage you to try this New York New York Blend from Specialty Java. We think you will enjoy it. We received this coffee for free and offer objective feedback. Until next time remember to stop and enjoy the coffee and conversations.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill and Kim

(Romans 15:13; Psalm 34:1-10)

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

November 21, 2010 at 9:33 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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Sunday’s Hymn

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

By Henry Alford; sung to 4/4 time

1.      Come, ye thankful people, come; Raise the song of harvest home;

All is safely gathered in Ere the winter storms begin.

God, our Maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied.

Come to God’s own temple, come; Raise the song of harvest home.

 2.      All the world is God’s own field, Fruit unto His praise to yield;

Wheat and tares together sown, Unto joy or sorrow grown.

First the blade, and then the ear, Then the full corn shall appear;

Lord of harvest, grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may be.

 3.      For the Lord our God shall come, And shall take His harvest home;

From His field shall in that day All offenses purge away.

Give His angels charge at last In the fire the tares to cast,

But the fruitful ears to store In His garner evermore.

 4.      Even so, Lord, quickly come To Thy final harvest home;

Gather Thou Thy people in, Free from sorrow, free from sin.

There forever purified, In Thy presence to abide.

Come, with all Thine angels come; Raise the glorious harvest home.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. Be safe and enjoy your family and friends. Be sure to give God all the praise and glory you possibly can. Remember, Jesus is coming again, it may be soon, or it may be far away; but it is a sure thing! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; 1 John 3:1-3

Coffee Review: Cafe Volio Founder’s Blend

November 18, 2010 at 4:22 pm | Posted in Coffee Reviews | Leave a comment
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I started to tell you about our trip to the West Side Market. If you are ever in or near Cleveland, Ohio it is well worth your time to stop there. The Café Volio coffee shop is tucked in the produce section of the market. We met one of the representatives of Café Volio and talked with him.

They only roast and sell Costa Rican coffee. They have been in business since 1938 and you can learn more about them at: www.cafevolio.com. At their stand they have a little machine and they give away free samples. Let me tell you that coffee is good, real good. It was a cool day and that little cup of coffee started our visit at the market in a good way.

We were drinking the Founder’s Blend and it comes in both whole bean and ground. It is a medium-dark roast with a deep dark color. Our first brew was in the auto-drip. There is a deep dark color to this coffee, but it is not over roasted. It has a smooth taste with some bittersweet chocolate undertones. There’s also a hint of tartness.

We then tried the coffee brewed in the Chemex coffee maker. You see this deep dark color and yet the aroma is somewhat mild. It has a smooth, full body and it tasted bright on the sides of the tongue and the front of the palette. Along with the bittersweet chocolate we thought we noticed a little spiciness too.

The French Press was up last and the bittersweet flavor stands out. The color of the brewed coffee is so dark that we were surprised at how smooth it tasted. The mixture of bittersweet chocolate, spices and tartness is a very good combination. Kim thought it paired well with chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon.

If you have read any of our reviews you know we like to share coffee with our friends. Sometimes we give beans away and sometimes we grind the beans and give the ground coffee away. Other times we have friends over to drink coffee and sometimes we take coffee and a brewer to a party to share it. Usually we ask friends if they would like to take some coffee home. Each of our friends that tried this coffee liked it.

If you have never tried Costa Rican coffee before or want to try a different coffee we suggest you try the Founder’s Blend from Café Volio. We think you will like it. We received this coffee for free and offer objective feedback. Until next time, remember to stop and enjoy the coffee and conversations.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill and Kim

Romans 15:13; Psalm 34:1-10

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