I appreciate the truth expressed in Ephesians 4:11-16. God has given gifts to His church for the purpose of building it up. Since I believe it is not a complete list, I take the liberty to add writers, singers and poets to the list.
I began journaling 5 years ago and as a result have come to enjoy writing. My time with God is rich and I enjoy writing the thoughts I have from those times. I do not write as much to attract a following, as much as I write to leave what I’ve found for those who are already following – for those who will follow.
Ephesians 4:16 says, ‘From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.’ For now, writing is the work He has given me to do. For those who are following Him, should their paths cross mine, my hope is that they would be built up by the work I have done.
Speaking of which, I have written and published two books: ‘Finding God in the Storms of Life’ is my first. It is subtitled, ‘The Testing of Our Trust’. It is divided into 3 parts: 1) The Distractions to Our Trust, 2) The Strengths for Our Trust, 3) The Benefits of Our Trust. It contains the lessons I learned during a 5 year period of starting over – my journey out of ‘flat Christianity’.
The second, ‘A New Set of Cravings’ is a collection of stories I wrote while studying the writings of John. John wrote most about the life we’re supposed to have when we become Christians. After 30 years of Christianity, I finally had to admit to myself that I didn’t have it. And so began my new journey to see what I had missed. Now, 8 years into this new journey, I have finally discovered where I went wrong. John nails it. The new life is there . . . and with it comes ‘A New Set of Cravings’.
I have one other book not yet published; ‘Lost Wonder’, ‘Assurance from the Writings of Luke’. I am working on a 4th. Not sure yet what it will be called.
I go into the local jail once a week. I have found common ground with the guys. I bottomed out in my Christianity where they bottomed out in life. In both places, God brings us into a place where we are ready to listen to Him.
Thanks for visiting. I look forward to meeting you.
Mike
Hunger and Thirst 
I just found your site on Sermon Index. After reading the posts my heart was stirred with what seemed to be a “purity” of thought and longing for God. I am just a 73 year old longing for more of God, reading His word and “waiting” before Him.
May God bless you, lead you and encourage you as you walk in obedience to Him.
I will be back Lord willing.
David,
I appreciate your encouraging comments and will look forward to more. It is always good to hook up with others who have a longing for more of God. It is the only pursuit I have found in life that I have not grown tired of. In fact it is just the opposite – the closer I get to God, the more of Him I want.
Thanks again for your comment. Come back any time.
Mike
Hi Mike,
I too am happy to discover your blog. My prayer today is to pursue and enjoy God only.
Judith
Judith,
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you again.
Mike
Mike . . .you’ve mentioned a book you wrote, and I know you are not promoting it exactly, but . . .is there any way you could give me more info so that I could get it? Thank you! deb
Mike,
Followed your link from a comment you made at Stirring the Deep, Rachel DiPaolo’s blog.
Since she has good taste and excellent discernment, I can safely presume your blog will be worthwhile.
I need some time to properly peruse your stuff, but I am quite sure I shall be commenting. Eventually.
In Christ my King,
Donald in Bethel, CT
Donald,
Thanks for stopping by. Over time maybe we can get a little better aquainted.
Mike
Mike … I’ve been following your blog posts for a while, but some how missed that you had published a book. Shoot me an email if you don’t mind. I’d love to hear about your journey in publishing.
God bless,
Scott
Hey Scott,
In the middle of the process on my second. Heading out of town. Will send you a note later.
Glad you liked the vine analogy. Couldn’t get it off my mind. Knew I had to write something on it. Now if it could just help someone.
Thanks
Hi, I came here by way of Deb’s Blog (and Aubrey). I like what I see, and what you said about “attracting readers/followers” really ministered to me this morning–I don’t need to worry about the numbers! God bless you abundantly today, and always. sis Caddo
Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I can tell you’ve spent a little time here. Glad you have found some things here that you like. This thing with Aubrey will not let go and I think I’ve decided to not let go either. God started it, which I take the liberty to remind Him of from time to time, 🙂 and I just try to remain faithful. God is not fickle; there must be a reason.
I liked the story about the vines. That was rolling around in me for a few days. I had to get it out. God is good.
I’ll look forward to getting to know you. I don’t comment on every comment but some call for it and when they do, I do.
Thanks again,
Mike
Mike,
May we both have more and more and more hunger for Christ, His beauties and a walking with God. Amen!
Blessings my brother,
Jeremy