Category Archives: GENERAL INTEREST

LOVE REVOLUTION: Rediscovering the Lost Command of Jesus by Gaylord Enns (Xulon Press, 2005, 2011 Revised)

This is just one of those books! I’ve read it. Reread it.  Given away copies to my pastor, worship leader, family and friends. I’ve mentioned it when I speak, referenced it in my writings, and referred to it in casual conversations. This book’s message resonates with me. Gaylord Enns has started a movement toward the center. The message of this book cuts through the layers of separation found in religion and meets on one uniting truth. The words are for the Church found in Christ’s words to all who put their faith in Christ. We are to love one another. Profound. “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35)  When love comes first, walls come down. The strength and validity of Christ’s command comes to Pastor Enns rather late in his pastoral ministry. He is in his prime, a well-known and respected minister in the Chico area, a loving mentor of Christian people. A personal crisis stops him in his tracks. The year is 2001, it is in the early hours on a Sunday morning before a day of scheduled preaching. But it soon becomes the day he can’t preach, is unable to preach.  Depression hit hard. Then cancer. Time away from ministry. Soul searching. A personal longing begins to gnaw at him. He wants to hear his father say the words, “I love you.” Enns’ interesting and amazing journey leads us to the words, “This is my command: Love each other.” He is startled as he contemplates these words. Why is this command is so little emphasized, ignored, almost brushed aside? A quest is undertaken. He searches for the command’s historical church context from deep in the archives. Little is found. He knows he is on to something. He writes Love Revolution and begins to share with local church leaders. The book’s message of love multiplies. Sessions are held in local churches to bring Christian people together. They are uniting in love. It is a beautiful movement of God. I know this because I attended some of these sessions to fellowship with my sisters and brothers in the faith, people I didn’t know prior to the meetings. . .   In 2008, a friend gave me this book. Its words are timely for there is much truth written in its pages. I highly recommend Love Revolution.

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The Pain of Rejection, When Your Mate Leaves You

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A Hope and A Promise

He will be with you, he will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:8

Rejection has the power to spew injurious messages inside the wounded person. When a marriage is ripped apart, negative emotions can ravage the mind’s sensitivities. It can leave a person gasping, struggling to make sense of what happened. Divorce smashes the dream that once shone so brightly and leaves destruction in its wake.

There are many ways to absorb these internal hurts. Some bury their feelings. Others unleash volleys of red-hot attacks. Some become overwhelmed by loss and grief. Others walk away in denial, never looking back.

Unwelcome intruders jump on the emotional bandwagon. Resentment and bitterness visit in the quiet hours. Anger and spite seek payback with a vindictiveness that sabotages efforts at joy and happiness. Sorrow and sadness become a cloak of gloom that is difficult to lift. Depression and discouragement may rob children of the home they once had that is now just a wistful dream. It is hard. The devastation of divorce will have repercussions and outfall. What to do?

You are stronger than you think. It is not hopeless even when it may seem so. For you see, it is not the end of the story. Life goes on. The person must go on with it. Once the shock wears off and pain is managed, then it becomes possible to learn, change, and grow. It takes time, patience, and hard work to recover from injured self-perceptions and personal loss before one is able to live again.

We are not alone. God strengthens us when we feel weak. He holds us when we are weary. He guides us when we are confused, struggling with our present and fearful of our future. Our heavenly Father promises to never leave us even when the alone-ness seems almost unbearable. He is true and steady. Gentle is His healing balm and loving grace. God is here and He is with you.

Dear Father God, you are my comfort and peace, an ever present help in times of trouble. I’m so glad.

N. L. Brumbaugh, Chico, California