Christian Viewpoint Blog

Play To Your Strengths

Craig W. Dressler — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Many of us spend too much time focusing on our weaknesses rather than playing to our strengths. I am not suggesting that we totally ignore the areas where we are prone to falter or fall. We certainly need to keep ourselves covered in prayer in those areas and continue to pray “Lead us not into temptation” and “Deliver us from evil”. What I am suggesting is that our God-given gifting, our talents, should consume the majority of our time and energy. Developing our strengths to their maximum potential will do more to expand God’s kingdom than any other activity. We were created for a purpose, and as one well-known missionary from history said, “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Do you feel God’s pleasure when you run the race God created you to run? I am not saying everything we are called to do is enjoyable. Some tasks can be tough to accomplish, but we can count on God to give us the grace to perform them. However, if we are finding little or no pleasure in our work, perhaps, it is time to set new priorities and bring our lives into alignment for our assignment.

Christian Espionage Novel Book Trailer

Craig W. Dressler — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:25:44 +0000

The following is the book trailer for the recently released Christian espionage novel entitled Heart of Terror. The Midwest Book Review said of the book: “Heart of Terror is an exciting twist of thriller and faith, very much recommended reading.” The novel is available as an ebook as well as in hard copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Christian Espionage Novel Reviews

Craig W. Dressler — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:47:42 +0000

The Christian espionage novel entitled Heart of Terror was recently released. One reviewer called the book “a well-written, engaging novel”. He went on to say: “It is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel.” Another reviewer wrote: “If you enjoy fast-paced books with lots of action, you will enjoy Heart of Terror.“ The Midwest Book Review said: “Heart of Terror is an exciting twist of thriller and faith, very much recommended reading.” The novel is available as an ebook as well as in hard copy from Amazon and the Barnes and Noble website.

Christian Espionage Novel Released

Craig W. Dressler — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:51:28 +0000

The Christian espionage novel entitled Heart of Terror was just released. One reviewer called the book “a well-written, engaging novel”. The back cover reads: “Two ill-prepared individuals are thrown into separate terrorist worlds and forced to fight and endure. They struggle to stop the ongoing onslaught of terrorism. At times, their efforts event turn humorous. Their paths, linked together from the start, eventually merge for a potentially devastating climax.” One reviewer called the book “a well-written, engaging novel”. Heart of Terror is available as an ebook as well as from the usual outlets like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Hafren’s Midwest Book Review

Craig W. Dressler — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:42:55 +0000

The Midwest Book Review just sent me a review of Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart. Here is an excerpt:

“This is the story of an adventure of two youths… The two fellows looked different and because of that others stayed away from them, but that doesn’t stop their quest… Are they afraid? Perhaps. But this trip holds many surprises for them…

This story is one of overcoming evil with the help of God, friendship, and helping your fellow man. It is an entertaining and God-principled story that any teen should enjoy.”

Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart is available from amazon.com and from the Lighthouse Christian Publishing website fantasy page 2.

Hafren Book Cover

Christian Teen Fantasy Released

Craig W. Dressler — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:14:22 +0000

The Christian teen fantasy entitled Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart was just released by Lighthouse Christian Publishing and is available from their bookstore and amazon.com.

The back cover reads: “The invasion of Hafren has begun. Two unlikely youths are thrown into the fray attempting to thwart the evil. At time their efforts even turn humorous. The outcome remains uncertain as the two head directly for the trouble’s source.”

Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart is available from amazon.com and from the following link: http://lighthousechristianpublishing.com

Icy Decision

Craig W. Dressler — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:35:41 +0000

ICY DECISIONa href=’http://craigdressler.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/icy-decision.docx’>ICY DECISION

The decision the scientists on the ice flow make in the next hours will decide whether they live or die.

Click on the link above to view the story.

Deliverance

Craig W. Dressler — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:03:25 +0000

Almost all of us as Christians struggle against some form of bondage in our life. Whether it is simply watching too much television or something much deeper passed down through our parents, the answer to gain freedom is available. God has not left us helpless in the face of any bondage. What follows are practical biblical answers towards total deliverance for any believer in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Jesus went to the cross to purchase our freedom from sin, sickness, disease and financial lack. Applying the cross, the blood of Jesus or the name of Jesus to any situation by faith will begin to reverse the curse of the law of sin and death. Applying those three(the cross, the name and the blood of Jesus) on a regular basis can break us free from any problem. Even our bloodline, our DNA, can be changed until freedom in Christ transforms us.

The Holy Spirit’s resurrection power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead is also available to believers. In New Testament Greek the word is dunamis. Application of God’s dunamis power through the Holy Spirit can empower us to overcome any temptation or problem.

Another weapon to overcome bondage and problems is the Word of God. The Bible is full of phrases and passages that can help give us freedom in Christ. One of my favorites is “I am more than a conqueror.” That word “conqueror” points to overwhelming victory and total defeat of the enemy. Repeatedly speak out such words by faith until your heart and spirit agree with your spoken words.

Applying these three areas to whatever is plaguing us may not always bring immediate results, but it can begin the journey to total release. As our faith grows in God’s ability to free us and as we continue to speak out in faith appropriate freeing words, our release or the release of others will manifest.

Roots of the West’s Demise

Craig W. Dressler — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:38 +0000

For nearly a half a century the West has been in decline. Europe and the U.S. have lost much of their prominence in the world. The sun of the their influence is waning and close to setting. But what has caused this decline? What are the roots of the West’s demise?

Economically, the U.S. and a number of countries in Europe are close to bankruptcy. Massive overspending has led a number of Western countries to imperil the Euro and dollar. Both currencies may eventually implode and cause a financial disaster.

Educationally, secularization has taken the West down a pathway towards politically correct ideals that do not foster unbiased inquiry. Certain ideals are repeatedly promulgated at the expense of basic foundational study. Instead of producing students with common basic knowledge the major focus is social engineering which attempts to create students with secularized worldviews.

Politically, progressives have implemented their socialistic plans believing true change is only possible in that direction. As more and more government programs are initiated and expanded the populace looks to the government for help where once private institutions and individuals reigned. Of course, economically these government programs are unsustainable.

Philosophically, atheists have attempted and pretty much succeeded in keeping religious views out of the public sector. Instead of Christian institutions, funded by private donations, meeting the needs of people and dealing with real heart changes, needs are met by the public sector on a never ending basis.

Where does that leave those of us who see a huge need to change the direction of the West’s decline? We can vote for and help those we believe will fight against secularization, and certainly that is good, but that won’t change hearts. Little else will change unless people’s core beliefs change. Only people turning to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will transform belief systems. Only evangelism and discipleship of new believers with biblical precepts will transform the West.

Teaching Positions Abound

Craig W. Dressler — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:29:52 +0000

The teaching jobs listed on the website abound. While most unemployed educators struggle to find a position, those not afraid of adventure can leap into a cross-cultural experience. Worldwide job listings that cry out for educators are added daily and not just in the spring and summer. Some of the teaching positions require specialized credentials, but many only require a university degree and little or no experience. It takes a tough person emotionally, physically and spiritually to go this route, but the rewards are usually very gratifying.(If you are a Christian, make sure you take a Bible, Christian music, books, etc. that you will need to maintain your inner strength.) The avenue is wide open to gain teaching experience for the inexperienced and to earn a tax-free income of up to $70,000.00(the last time I looked at the U.S. tax regulations). The salary in some countries is paltry and more of a ministry, but in others it is comparable to earnings in the U.S. At first, overcoming your fear of the unknown may be your toughest battle, but the rewards in the end are worth it. Personally, I spent two years teaching in Japan and five years teaching in Saudi Arabia, and even though it was difficult I would not trade those experiences for anything.

Here are two websites that may open the door to a new adventure:

1) Dave’s ESL Cafe or eslcafe.com for secular positions listed under Job Center Home Page and the International Job Board

2) Association of Christian Schools International or acsi.org under Jobs and Overseas Openings

***Update Note: Since this article was written the Association of Christian Schools International has changed their website, and it is no longer free to view possible job openings. Not having got into the site since the change I can’t say what is there now.