Come

Seashore Waves

Walking along the shore…     I hear the thunderous waves of the ocean…     calling me. They are the sound of a beating drum. It is like a primal call “Come”. I'm reminded of the words of Jesus, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” “…let the one who is thirsty come...” I think of Noah, Abraham, and Moses,     Old Testament men who actually heard...     the voice of God. The New Testament believers such as     the twelve apostles, Paul, and others…     who were witnesses to The Son of God. Today, I have my bible...     the written word of God. Still, as I walk, I hear the ocean roar. Echoing one simple word...     Come! He calls, and I rise. Eyes open, ready for the start of a new day,     a new season, a new time. I have fallen in love with a simple four-letter word...     Come! “…if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” Jesus was lifted up, and I was drawn to The Christ. I will lift up praises to Him, and perhaps...     someone will hear the word: Come!

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

I Will...But...

"But He said to him, 'Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.' Another also said, 'I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.'" (Luke 9:60-61)

I once heard author and lecturer, Ed Cole talk about, The Three T's (Time, Talent, and Tithes). As a Christian man, I've come to recognize that I can easily struggle in one (or all) of these areas when it comes to giving myself to Christ and having my focus elsewhere. When I lose my focus, I forget:

1. Who Christ is, and
2. What Christ means to me

The other night, I woke up with this thought on my mind and decided to write a poem on the topic. It is loosely based on the man who chose to follow Jesus Christ but then qualified his commitment by stipulating that he needed to first "say good-bye to those at home." (Luke 9:61)

The poem is titled, I Will...But...

I will     give my life, to You Lord But     its gonna take some time I     have so much to do, Lord The     choices made are mine It     takes a willing heart to say I     need salvation now But     with these other, priorities I     can't decide just how Not     only How, but also When I     give my life to You Surrender     all, my choices made I'll     live a life that's true I've     put You off, so many times It     never seemed to matter Things     I spoke, and promised You Were     idle words of chatter And     now, when I need You most I     have no words to say I     constantly remind myself To     wait, for one more day The     waiting isn't hard You see I     didn't, count the cost I     lived as if, life didn't end No     journey to the cross Today     The Lord, calls out to me Come     closer, draw ye near But     I ignore Him As,     I often have His     voice, I just don't hear. It     won't be long When     I will see My     journey at its end You'll     ask me one last question then You     put Me off til when?

Lord Jesus,

How often have I said, "Not Now", maybe I haven't spoken the words, but I've thought them. Putting off my time, my talent, and my tithes; I've been guilty of holding back. Lord, I want to be passionate for You! I've been passionate towards others, and for things, but they all pale in comparison to You. Because of You Jesus, I have a gift which I could never earn. I have been saved by grace, the gift of God.

What does it mean to be passionate? To express intense feelings about someone or something.

What does it mean to be passionate for Christ? Lord, You said, "... AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH."

Lord, I'm discovering that this is being passionate for You. I want to be consistent in my life by how I live, and what I say; my expression of love for You. I also want to love my neighbor as I love myself. May I never ask, "Who is my neighor?" or "Who is my brother?" May I never forget the price You paid at Calvary for me. May my life serve as a witness to others of the power of God's saving grace. Amen.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte and Ginger).

Follow Me, Following Christ

“PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).”¹

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”²

I’ve been meditating on this verse throughout the week and as I thought on it, I began to realize how confident a statement it was to proclaim the words, Follow me. I began 2010 with a sincere desire to re-dedicate my life to Christ after years of living only for myself. It was my hope that I could fit nicely into the muted background and quietly go about my life as if nothing had ever happened.

The words, My thoughts are not your thoughts, still echo in my mind.

God knows I don’t want attention. It’s funny when I think about it, but all my life that’s exactly what I’ve wanted. I pleaded with God, offering reasons why I wasn’t adequate to write about faith in Christ, but He ignored my every protest.

Did you ask Me to forgive you?

Yes Lord.

Did you say, “My life is in Your hands”

Yes Lord…but…I can’t do this

Why?

I’m ashamed of the life I’ve lived.

Do you believe in the covenant of Christ?

Yes Lord.

Do you believe in the forgiveness of your sins?

Yes Lord.

Do you appreciate the grace I’ve extended to you?

Yes Lord.

Will you obey me?

I want to both answer and remain silent. If I say, “Yes”, I commit myself to do what He says. If I say, “No”, then, why have I asked for His forgiveness? I cannot turn back, but I’m afraid to step forward.

He waits for my answer.

Yes Lord, I will obey You.

This is how I began My Thought-filled Journey a year ago. I hoped he wouldn’t require much, but He’s only asked for my obedience. Still, there are moments in each day when I find myself overwhelmed that He forgave me, that He loves me, and that He gives me grace; when it is so undeserved.

In the past year, when I read or hear what He has imparted to other believers in Christ, I tell myself that I’ve learned so little about the measure of His love, and forgiveness.

Of the little I have learned, I’ve come to understand that He commands me to love and forgive others. While the phrase "He commands me", sounds so oppressive to the natural mind, it is a joy to those who choose to obey God.

I find it difficult to think that I would ever have the courage to say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Taking ownership of that kind of responsibility and saying to someone else, “Trust me, I know where I’m going.”

It’s easy to follow, it far more difficult to lead.

As a follower:

1. I can always complain about the direction I’m headed in
2. I can question whether the leader knows where he or she is going
3. When things aren’t going the way I planned, I can always just quit

I’m not a fisherman, but I’ve cut bait in my life enough times to know that I was never bothered by doing it (quitting). I never liked following anyone, never wanted instruction, and I never accepted correction.

I’m learning that humility goes hand-in-hand with following Christ, taking instruction, and accepting correction. I may not feel confident in telling someone to, “Follow me”, but I realize that every moment of my life is a demonstration of my willingness to follow Christ; whether I say follow me with confidence or not, my life is speaking for me. Others will see whom I follow.

The scriptures say,
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”³

And yet, I know there were times, I wished He didn’t. The Lord weighs my motives against the depth of my words.

What does it take to say the words, Follow me?

It takes a heart that seeks to please Him with my life. It takes a mind that has learned the importance of running to Him, rather than running away. It takes a realization that in this life, I walk by faith rather than sight. It takes believing that The Lord, He is God. It takes appreciating that His grace really is sufficient for me, even when my mind says that I need something more tangible. It takes me knowing that although I cannot undo my history, Christ empowers me to change my today, which will help shape my tomorrow.

Whether I say follow me with confidence or not, my life reveals whom I follow.

To be called a follower of Christ, or a Christian means I’m demonstrating the love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and obedience of Christ in every aspect of my life. I haven't reached the end of my journey, nor have I reached the apex of my spiritual ascent...but I press on to grab hold of He who has taken hold of me.

Father God,

I praise You for Your goodness, mercy and grace. I cannot truly understand the depth of You love, but how I appreciate Your love for me! Who is like You? What is there to span the height, depth, length and breath of You? There is none like You Lord. You are teaching me to cast aside every weight and sin that brings me down to the depths of despair, replacing it with by focusing my eyes on Jesus Christ; the author of faith, even my faith. Order my steps Lord that I may come to know You better. Teach me the lessons of humility. I pray that I not forget Your deeds concerning my life. How You delivered me from sin and blessed me beyond measure. My life is revealed to You as an open book. I pray that my life help others discover You; that others learn of Your mercy, love and grace. When I fall Lord, and I will fall, not because I want to, but because I am weak, help me to stand up again and declare Your goodness.

Look on those seeking healing for their body, or the life of a loved one. Open the door of opportunity for that one who seeks employment. Touch the life of a child who needs love and encouragement. Pour out Your grace on that mother and father concerned about their child. You are The God of Possibility!. We know with You are things are possible, and we believe this. We trust You with our life. May You be please by the life we've chosen to live in honor of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Bless us today in Jesus name. Amen.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte and Ginger).

Footnotes:

1. 1 Corinthians 11:1, Amplified Bible
2. 1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV
3. Psalm 139:23, NIV

References:

1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
2. The Amplified Bible, by The Lockman Foundation, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan, ISBN-13: 978-0310951414
3. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
4. The Message Bible, by Eugene H. Peterson, NavPress Publishing Group, Colorado Springs, CO, ISBN-13: 978-1600060250
5. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
6. The New Living Translation Bible, by Tyndale Charitable Trust, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, ISBN-13: 978-0842384896

The Keys to Listening

Last week I wrote about discovering what God wants from me. At the time, I remember thinking; there is so much to be said on this topic. How can I fit it in just one post? I decided to write it in a way I felt gave honor to God, while offering encouragement to

those who hear or want to hear from God. Little did I know, that post would lead me into an area on my spiritual journey, which speaks to the subject of listening.

A friend whom I love and respect shared some thoughts about me (I asked) and my friend realizing how I (at times) tend to overreact tempered what was said. Of the few words which were spoken to me, there was one word which caught my attention. The word was never.

Now never is a word in and of itself, which can be either good or bad. I understood it to be absolutely bad. To me, the word was all-encompassing (even though it perhaps was not meant that way). For me, the word never, spoke to my past, present and future. For me, there was no escaping never.

I was imprisoned by a word which offered no reprieve.

I decided to go and pray because I needed grace to overcome the disappointment, hurt and anger echoing in my ears. I found myself directed by the Holy Spirit to James 1 and there I read something that pierced my disappointment, hurt and anger.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”¹

What caught my attention were the words, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Anger does not produce agreement or the correct standing with God. I will never agree with God when I’m angry. If I won’t agree with God, I’ll never agree with anyone else.

I thought it might help if I looked at other versions of scripture to learn how it might be expressed:

The Message:
“Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!”²

Living Translation:
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.”³

This time, what caught my attention was, “get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts”. To accept the word God has planted in my heart takes humility. I cannot take a defensive position regarding my life (no matter how justified I may feel that position is) and be humble to the extent of accepting God’s word.

Why do I attempt to defend myself? What will my pleading and arguments accomplish?

The key to listening seems to be tied to both my senses and emotions. There are three actions I must take to humbly accept the word of God:

1. Be quick to listen
2. Be slow to speak
3. Be slow to anger

Why does God want me to be quick to listen?

I believe listening in conjunction with my silence, short-circuits my mouth and emotions. If I’m not talking, I’m not attempting to defend myself. Look at the example of Christ:

“The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”⁴

Instead of listening, I opened my mouth in a vain attempt to defend myself. I was wrong.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”⁵

The example set forth by Christ is that of a servant! How can I presume to be more than Christ? Can I sublimate my ego to the place of humility? When I get there, I will find Christ waiting for me. To be humble, I must do more than listen…I must do what I hear. It serves me no useful purpose to listen, if I’m not committed to obeying God.

“Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.”⁶

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”⁷

Humility and obedience are interconnected as spiritual virtues. The more humble I become, the greater my capacity to obey God word. Having the capacity to obey is not the same as obeying. To obey takes discipline and self-control of my life, particularly what I say.

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.”⁸

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”⁹

“Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief. You know their names—Brash, Impudent, Blasphemer—intemperate hotheads, every one.”¹⁰

It is a difficult lesson, but one worthy of learning:

1. Be quick to listen
2. Be slow to speak
3. Be slow to anger

These lead me to the place of humility and the path of obedience where I am welcomed by Christ.

Father God,

I realize that the in order to hear your voice, I must come to the place of humility. It is there where Christ wants me to stay, that I will hear Your voice. You don't want me to just hear, I must obey You. This is my desire O Lord. I reject my ego and my arrogance. I accept the mind of a servant; I will not practice my own form of self-justification. I am only justified by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Without Him, I am lost and I have no hope. I exalt You because You are life to me.

Now, O God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servants. For Your sake, Lord, look with favor on this nation of people. Give ear, our God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the emptiness of our hearts. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because the people of this nation call on Your Name.

When we are weak, You give us strength. When we are afraid, You give us courage. When we are distressed, You give us peace. When we cry out for forgiveness, You hear and forgive our sins.

Thank You for all that You are O Lord. You are the Great and Mighty God who reigns supreme throughout eternity. We praise You with our hearts. Amen.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte and Ginger). I believe you will find the blogs linked there filled with a passionate love for Christ. I encourage you to visit. You won't be disappointed.

Footnotes:

1. James 1:19-22, NIV
2. James 1:19-22, The Message Bible
3. James 1:19-22, New Living Translation Bible
4. Mark 15:3-5, NIV
5. Philippians 2:5-8, NIV
6. Ezekiel 33:31-32, NIV
7. James 1:26, NIV
8. James 3:5, NIV
9. Psalm 19:14, New Living Translation Bible
10. Proverbs 21:23-24, The Message Bible

References:

1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
2. The Amplified Bible, by The Lockman Foundation, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan, ISBN-13: 978-0310951414
3. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
4. The Message Bible, by Eugene H. Peterson, NavPress Publishing Group, Colorado Springs, CO, ISBN-13: 978-1600060250
5. New King James Version, by Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., PO Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee, ISBN-13: 978-0840713704
6. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
7. The New Living Translation Bible, by Tyndale Charitable Trust, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, ISBN-13: 978-0842384896

What Does God Want From Me?

“Call me ‘the Quester.’ I've been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I looked most carefully into everything, searched out all that is done on this earth. And let me tell you, there's not much to write home about. God hasn't made it easy for us. I've seen it all and it's nothing but smoke—smoke, and spitting into the wind.

Life's a corkscrew that can't be straightened,

A minus that won't add up.

I said to myself, ‘I know more and I'm wiser than anyone before me in Jerusalem. I've stockpiled wisdom and knowledge.’ What I've finally concluded is that so-called wisdom and knowledge are mindless and witless—nothing but spitting into the wind.

Much learning earns you much trouble.

The more you know, the more you hurt.”¹

But life must be more than just a quest to know, if it is to have real meaning. I thought about those of you who write about Christ, life, relationships and what it truly means to live a life that truly pleases God.

What does Christ see when He looks at me?

Am I seeking to give myself to Him or am I only seeking what I can get from Him?

I ask the Lord for something every day in prayer; without fail. I want something. I make my requests known to Him. Last night I confessed.

“Why am I asking You when You already know my thoughts Lord?”

When I pray for my son, or daughter, a relative or friend, when I pray for those who read this blog, is it then wrong to share my own personal needs before You Lord?

There is silence as I attempt to still my thoughts from running back and forth; keeping busy. My thoughts often seem to parallel Martha, who was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen when the Lord visited her home. I need silence that I might hear God speak to my spirit.

What does God say to you in the silence of your thoughts?

Often I hear the same words, time and again.

Worship Me.

Confess before Me.

How do you worship the Lord?

I looked for examples of worship in scripture and came across this tidbit:

“…you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go...”²

I thought about these words, “you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose… there for his dwelling”, and I realized that the place the Lord chose for me to worship is within me.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”³

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”⁴

God has put His Spirit in us so that we would walk before Him in the only way that truly pleases Him, faithfully.

But how am I to worship God?

In the Old Testament, the Israelites worshipped the Lord with burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings, but what does God really want from me?

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.

It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of his pasture”⁵

“Do you think I feast on venison? or drink draughts of goats' blood? Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises...”⁶

God wants to see me filled with gladness when I come before Him joyful songs. To worship Him in a way that tells Him, “I don’t want to hold anything back from You Lord.” God takes no pleasure in the sacrifice of animals when He has offered the ultimate sacrifice: His Son, Jesus Christ. He wants me to serve Him a banquet of praises, my very own recipe. God wants me to be faithful as He Himself is faithful, by keeping my word. God is Light so there cannot be even the slightest change that would mutate the character and nature of His promises. God is saying to me: Be faithful by keeping your promise to Me.

We say, “Take my life Lord.” What do we mean by these words?

Do I want God to possess me in such a way that I’m not reserving any part of me from Him?

Have I given God access to my life which I previously kept reserved for me?

The Israelites sacrifices animals, what am I offering up to God from my life?

Do I give Him my time or am I too busy for God?

Do I give Him my talent, or am I using it to indulge myself?

Do I give Him my treasure, or is my treasure reserved for only me?

Do I realize how badly God wants what I hold on to so tightly?

It is an awesome thing to ponder the thought that, God values and wants me; all of me.

God is not satisfied with just a morsel of my life. No more than I would be satisfied with just a prayer that is proportionally answered to the degree I give myself to Him. If God divvied out His love, blessings, and grace to us the way we give ourselves to Him, would you be pleased with His effort?

God said this regarding His relationship with Abraham:

“The LORD said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do'...”⁷

God had no desire to hide from Abraham what He was about to do. I don’t believe God wants to hide from you or me what He is about to do in our life.

Do I want to know what God is going to do?

What can I learn from God when I come before Him with a heart willing to listen?

Will God respond when I: Worship Him without reservation Serve Him a banquet recipe of my sincere praise Confess my life before Him openly Honor my promises to Him faithfully Demolish the walls that hinder me hearing Him

I believe He will respond.

I can never meet the extent of God’s response to me, but I will never cease my effort to extend myself more and more towards Him.

Father God,

You are The Awesome God, the great I AM! It is You alone that I worship, You alone that I praise and You alone that I adore. How faithful You are to me! I want to prepare myself for You as a banquet of praise. You are too great for the few words I have to extol You. Someone once said, "What a wonder You Are!" How true these words echo in my thoughts. Your love and peace flood me beyond measure. I confess my sins that I may stand before You in reverence and adoration. Through Your Son, Jesus Chirst, there is no longer a wall of partition beween You and me. Thank You Lord Jesus for tearing it down and establishing peace with God on my behalf. No one could have done this but You Lord Jesus. I want to be faithful Lord, that I may stand in Your presence and hear what You're going to do. Heal those who cry out in anguish. Give favor and blessings to those who've lost job, career, home or family, but cling to a hope that You will respond. Move forth by the power of Your Spirit and reveal Yourself as The Sovereign Lord. Amen.

Note: Several months ago, a blogger friend suggested I visit Charlotte and Ginger who host the blog Spiritual Sundays, and that I should link in with fellow bloggers who share encouraging and inspirational posts.

I believe you will find hearts ablaze with faith, love, compassion, kindness, humility, and fellowship in Christ. I encourage you to visit. You won't be disappointed.

Footnotes:

1. Ecclesiastes 1:13-18, The Message Bible
2. Deuteronomy 12:4-5, NIV
3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NASB
4. Ezekiel 36:27, NASB
5. Psalm 100:1-3, NIV
6. Psalm 50:13-14, The Message Bible
7. Genesis 18:17, NASB

References:

1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
2. The Amplified Bible, by The Lockman Foundation, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan, ISBN-13: 978-0310951414
3. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
4. The Message Bible, by Eugene H. Peterson, NavPress Publishing Group, Colorado Springs, CO, ISBN-13: 978-1600060250
5. New King James Version, by Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., PO Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee, ISBN-13: 978-0840713704
6. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
7. The New Living Translation Bible, by Tyndale Charitable Trust, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, ISBN-13: 978-0842384896