The Bendable Jesus

I took a self-proclaimed writer's retreat last week, which proved very productive. Finishing the first draft of a chapter book I had been working on, I rewarded myself with a "window-shopping" spree down a historic street in Galena, Illinois, one of my favorite places for a "get-away".

As I was walking by a bookstore, my eye caught a item in the window. It was an "action figure" of sorts, labeled "Bendable Jesus". I immediately chucked to myself and thought: Isn't it just like our culture to attempt to bend and shape Jesus Christ, the Son of God into any shape we so desire?

    Thinking about it further, we have the "mad-at-the-world" Jesus, or the "He-doesn't-care-what-I-do-as-long-as-I'm-happy" Jesus, or "He's-just-another-prophet" Jesus, or "He-wants-me-to-be-healthy-wealthy-and-wise" Jesus.  All of these can be misleading, since none of them describe who he really is.

    Normally, if we want to know about a historic character, we read his or her biography, or a work written by the person in question. So why, I ask myself, do folks assume they can define Jesus when they haven't read his autobiography?

    And where can we find that biography? The Holy Bible, or God's Word, of course! But, where can one begin? The Bible can be intimidating.  

    Here are a couple of suggestions:

• You can find the first chapter of the book of John HERE.  Jesus is described as the Word in this passage.

• Also, the link for the book of Mark, about the humanity of Christ, can be found HERE.

• Or, if you are curious about specific topics in the Bible, check out ONE PLACE.

Are you bending Jesus into something of your own making? Or, are you relying on the solid, unchangeable Word of God?

Are You Calling Evil Good? 15 Habits of Great Writers

This is the toughest assignment yet...for me, anyway. I like to be nice, helpful, encouraging. But, there is a lion inside, waiting to pounce at any minute. I usually show my claws with strangers or acquaintances. But, I CAN'T HOLD IN THE TRUTH FOREVER...

Jeff challenges us on DAY 12:

"Are you ready? No more prompting, no more practice. Write something that gets under our skin, that tests our nerves. Provoke us. Not for the sake of being being contentious or intentionally provocative, but for the sake of being honest.


Why do we do this?


Because we live in a world of lies. Of false flattery and exaggeration. And we need you, the artist, to tell the truth. To help us get out of our comfort zones. After all, that's the only place we grow.


Because this sets others free. To do the same. To live freely and honestly. So get in our faces; tell us the truth. And watch the ripple effect."


So, I'll take a big breath...

I am becoming concerned over the rise in "paranormal romances" or "sweet vampire stories".

 Can anyone see the "oxymoronic" nature of these words: sweet/vampire, paranormal/romance? Incongruous, to say the least. What's more, it's dangerous to "sweeten" a bloodthirsty relationship, or foster a romance with something abnormal, psychic or other-worldly. Our only source of inspiration should come from Go(o)d, not D(evil)...do you see what I mean?

God's Word, in Isaiah 5:20,21 it says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

By now, some of you might be fuming. These are not my words. They are God's...but I believe them. That's the crux of the matter...we put ourselves and others in jeopardy when we become the authority, instead of the God who created us.

Enough said. I will let my words simmer and sink in...

PUBLISH

The challenge for DAY 13:


"Today, we're going to publish something. Anything, really. Whatever you do, don't play it safe. Go for broke. Stop hiding and start writing for real."

So I did!

I'm sending a book proposal and full manuscript of my children's picture book, "You're on the Wrong Road, Solomon!" to messianicjewish.net next week. It's exhilarating! A shot in the arm...a boost! Just what I needed...thank you Lord! And I do appreciate Jeff Goins' challenge these last three weeks...what a blessing!

So, what project are you ready to complete or send off in the next few days? You don't need to be a writer to act now. What will you release to the world??