Pastor Steve Brown writes an honest account of his experience with the Holy Spirit, not just what he has learned about Him. He admits his own interpretations may be wrong or may be right; the important fact is that he believes in the Holy Spirit as part of the Triune God with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. He also admits in this book that he is an effective sharer of God's word and he attributes that to his relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Wind. That relationship is not predicated on fear and submission but rather a friendship and love. This point Pastor Brown stresses for Christians to see how much the Holy Spirit is involved in their lives. To support this thought, Brown presents the fruits of the Holy Spirit in an in-depth look at its application in his life.
Without judging how anyone else interprets their faith, Brown realizes people perceive differently and worship differently. The difference does not make anyone wrong or right, just different. Once one drops their own perceptions and surrenders to the Holy Spirit; then he experiences God's will instead of trying to identify, categorize, dissect, and create it.
A chapter in history of which I know very little, this book beautifully tells the story of Mexico's political growing pains. The discovery of the New World becomes fertile soil for European powers, opportunists, and anyone who could conquer indigenous people to blend cultures, if not, assert existing foreign culture in the challenging territories of the Americas. This account does not cover Mexico's initial conquest but the battles among the conquerors, themselves, to establish a Monarchy in this part of the world.
The influence of Spain is great but the French appetite for riches and dominance begin the story of The Last Emperor of Mexico: The Dramatic Story of the Habsburg Archduke Who Created a Kingdom in the New World. The tradition of European Monarchy is the excuse Napoleon, of France, uses to employ a prince of Austria as Emperor of Mexico. This insertion accompanies the French Foreign Legion, French and Prussian advisors in military and foreign relations besides carving out a palatial existence in the rugged terrain of Mexico.
The interesting facets of resistance to Monarchy and the threat of Republicanism cause events to remain in a state of flux for the upper class dignitaries who look to share the stage of prominence in the world of aristocracy. The story reveals mankind's ambition with greed, pride, and power producing an unfavorable outcome and hardships along the way.
As a month's calendar unfolds with all of its appointments and synchronized events, the In Touch: Daily Readings for Devotional Living series aids in my efforts to maintain an even keel regardless of circumstance. Scripture and discussion of it reveals truth that may unsettle my soul. Solutions to my problems are not specifically granted if for selfish reasons. The education devotionals provide develops a more God-centered life that makes discernment between righteousness and evil easier. With a loving relationship there is a desire to pursue God's word and become aware of His Holy Spirit who blesses, comforts, warns, encourages, and loves every day. Instead of angst God's word produces a peace and joy only experienced through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This May issue's theme is a reminder that God is always with us.
