Seeker of Hearts

Seeker of Hearts by Steven P. Smith is a recounting of the life of Jesus in a modern day setting. And I do mean modern day. Think Jesus and the disciples wearing blue jeans, driving vans and using cell phones. The setting is an America-like land, currently occupied by foreign troops. Much of the dialog is straight from the NIV Bible following the gospel accounts accurately. This gives Christians a fresh way of thinking about Jesus and his mission.

Seeker of Hearts is written in every day language and the scenes flow smoothly from one location or view point to another. Smith very adeptly describes, for example, the healing of the man born blind and the hullabaloo following it. He is inventive in scenes such as the raising of Lazarus from the dead - in a modern cemetery. Smith fills in behind the scenes stories we’ve always wondered about, including dialog between Caiaphas, the chairman of City Council, and Judd (Judas).

The events from the Last Supper on are riveting. I couldn’t put Seeker of Hearts down. It reminded me of Riven by Jerry Jenkins! I won’t tell more or I’ll spoil all the surprises. This is a must read for Christians who want to gain fresh insights into the life of Christ. The book can be read aloud to children, with discussion to help them see Jesus as a real person and as God in the flesh. Teen-agers also will find this book inspiring, even life-changing.

“I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6

Blessings, Dottie

Investing Time

Here are more thoughts about time. There are three ways to spend the present. We can waste it, spend it or invest it. Time wasters include worry, fear, sleeping more than needed and busyness, accomplishing little. We also waste time on petty anger, procrastination, indecision, complaints and pity. These confuse us and keep us from accomplishing our dreams. They also separate us from God.

Spending time might be described as merely existing. Our life has no purpose or direction. We simply do what has to be done, no more. We sleep, work, eat and little more. Our life is dull and routine.

We invest our time when we know our life has purpose and meaning beyond our own self-interest. We invest our time when we do some thing that touches the lives of those around us, when we offer a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word. We invest our time when we help a worthy cause.

We waste some time. We spend some time aimlessly. We’re human. When we focus on God and have purpose we minimize time wasters and we live with zest. We do what has to be done with speed and joy in order to have time to invest in our purpose.

To make changes this year lean on God and live in the present. Make conscious choices about your priorities in life and take small steps each day to pursue your dreams. Someone has said “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift - that’s why it’s called the present.” Enjoy the gifts of God given each day to us.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines is steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Blessings, Dottie