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How to Let the Bible Read You

revtrev — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:33:39 +0000

Welcome to everyone that signed up for Twitter Tips, LifeAbovetheNegativity.com and RevTrev.com this week. I’m continually amazed to see how many new people I get to meet whenever I check the email.

In my new job I commute about an hour each way so I’ve gotten back into reading A LOT. I’ve had to put a moratorium on reviewing books. I have four sitting in front of me and another five ebooks I’ve promised to review. I have another five books I got over Christmas that I really want to get through.

So why did I respond to another review that needs to be done in just over a month? Because it’s for a new translation of the Bible. I get the New Testament to review. Now, I could just check the passages I always check to see the bias of the translators. I have a few places I know the Greek is open to interpretation and how they interpret it tells me why they’ve written the translation. But…as long as it’s not so out of whack to be useful (I’ve read a few of those translations)…I’m going to try to read through the entire thing before I do a review. I know I read the New Testament in less than 20 days.

How to Let the Bible Read You

You may think that reading the Bible so quickly is one of the worse things you can do. It can be, but I’ve learned to let the Bible read me as I read it.

I remember the day I had the epiphany. I don’t know how old I was – probably before I was twelve. I had memorized John 1 and John 3, Revelation 4 and a few other large portions of Scripture before I could read them. I “knew” about the Bible. I could say all the books in order before I was five and the I could tell you a bit about each one before I was ten. But the epiphany I had that day I was reading about David was, “This guy really lived. He wasn’t a myth or a legend. He lived and he loved and he fought and he died.”

It’s amazing how ancient this book we have is.

My wife bought me uncleaned Roman coins for Christmas. I have cleaned coins that I bought on eBay years before people thought to charge more money for them. I wanted uncleaned coins because I thought cleaning the coins and keeping the patina would be a good hobby for my kids and I. I got the coins the other day and I took one out and placed it in Karen’s hand. I said, “Just imagine, you may be the third or fourth person to hold that coin since the Roman soldier who buried it 2000 years ago.” I’m thinking about how that person lived and how that person died and who that person knew and what that person did. Did he here about Jesus? Was he an original pagan? We might guess more once it’s clean but right now it’s just exciting to wonder.

Karen responded, “Should I wash my hands?”

Much of the book we leave gathering dust on our shelf is was ancient when Aristotle lived. The absolute newest part was old when Rome was first sacked. In pre-classical literature it stands apart in the way it talks about people’s failures and fears. It’s rare. It’s unique. It’s more life-changing than winning the lottery.

We can read the Bible to learn knowledge, to learn how people lived and thought. We can read it to find wisdom, to light our path and guide our steps. We can read for the words of Life that flow though it as they flowed through Christ, The Word.

We can read it out of habit or just to say we did. Anything not done in faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

We can let it read us.

To let the Bible read us we need to read it regularly and not just when we feel like it. We invite the Holy Spirit to teach us. We read until something jumps out at us and then we stop and camp out there for a while. We meditate on what the Word and Spirit is saying. We change our thinking so it lines up with God’s.

Have you read your Bible today? What’s been keeping you? It’s a love letter from the lover of your soul. It’s part of His part of His conversation with you.

Don’t even follow links. Take some time to shut yourself in and let the Bible read you.

You’ll be glad you did.

Upcoming on RevTrev

RevTrev.com is becoming more of a magazine and less of a blog. I’m seeing myself more as a publisher and less of a blogger. I’m still not ready to launch it all, but I should have a video up soon that walks you through the changes and explain why I’m doing them.

Mind If I Pray For You?

Heavenly Father, Eternal Savior and Holy Spirit, reveal your love and challenge to everyone who seeks You in Your Word. Help us to make choices to stop busy-ness and other excuses. Show us how to make it part of our daily routine. The manna in the wilderness was only good for one day so to Your words of life and faithfulness is new every morning. Thank you for the spirit of wisdom and revelation so we know the hope to which you have called us, the glorious inheritance of the saints and incomparably great power for all who believe.

On Last Thing

Thank you so much to everyone who responded with comments about my upcoming book “RevTrev Q&A Volume 1”. Just so you know, review copies aren’t usually done the final edit. I’ll try to respond to each one soon.

I’ve had a surge of people like revtrev on facebook. Thanks for keeping on mentioning it to your friends. http://www.facebook.com/revtrevdotcom

Soon…Can Be a Four-Letter Word

revtrev — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:08:04 +0000

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2012. For those of you who have signed up in the last two weeks to Twitter Tips, RevTrev.com or LifeAbovetheNegativity.com you won’t see the difference. For those of you who have been here for a while you’ll notice some significant changes.

I had several people tell me the newsletter was too long and as the person who was writing them I had to agree. I’m switching over to a new format that has less flagrant self-promotion and more direct encouragement for you. Let’s get on with it shall we?

Soon…Can Be a Four-Letter Word

I’ve been thinking a lot about soon being a four-letter word. Obviously it is only four letters but I think we can think of it as a four-letter word in a couple other different ways.

First, I’ve been saying, “Soon” so often when people ask me about when I’ll get to all the plans for RevTrev.com. I had plans that should have been done over Christmas but too major things took place. My hosting company said revtrev.com was taking over too many resources (ie. it was too busy). One of the problems with a successful website is that you need to grow it. I had to spend time I would rather spend on developing the site on making sure it was up and functioning. The other issue was I agreed to help a friend with his book that I suddenly realized he needs launched by the end of this month. I’m really excited about “Closer to the Fire” by Greg Mussleman. It’s stories from the persecuted church and how they apply to us in North America. You’ll be hearing more about it in coming weeks but I should really be working on it now instead of writing this newsletter.

I really detest saying “soon” when people ask about when they can advertise on RevTrev or when the course on overcoming sin will be available or when the training on Kingdom finances will be ready to roll. “Soon” has become a four-letter word for my unachieved goals. I’ve needed to remember “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

But “soon” is more often a four-letter word for an entirely different reason. Our family just past a significant milestone. Jan 1, 2012 marked seven years to the day we immigrated to New Zealand and arrived in Auckland to find out the rest of the city was at the beach. Seven years since we left what I knew was my “sweet spot”. Seven years of questions, frustration, accusations and rejection. Seven years of thinking we couldn’t handle any more just to realize God thought we could… “soon” has often been a four-letter word. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) Do you know Jesus said twice in Revelation “I am coming soon”? He obviously has a different definition of the word. All I can say is it’s better for me to agree with God’s thoughts and the thought that keeps me going is “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV)

I’m not the man I was seven years ago. I like to think that’s a good thing. A lot of the reason why is that I’ve learned to agree with God that “soon” is a word for hope, not despair. (Hope is another four-letter word, but I’ve written a book on that one, read it if you want more.) “Soon” means He is not slow in keeping His promises, even if it seems that way to me. “Soon” means the good work He’s started in me He will complete. “Soon” means He never leaves me or forsakes me.

“Soon” still brings a smile to my face. I hope it does to yours as well.

Upcoming on RevTrev

I’m really excited to launch “Counseling Corner – with Cheryl Shea” next week on RevTrev.com. Cheryl and I have recorded a number of interviews answering questions that you and other readers have sent me. Look for it on Thursdays. You can sign up for weekly email reminder here: http://revtrev.com/cc and download “How to Fight with Honor”

Featured Discussion

You can read more about all the categories I’ll be featuring here. This week I only have a few to feature.

Guest Bloggers – Striving for Perfection
RevTrev Reviews - MindBlowing SF
Social Media Tips - How to Create Smart Tweets with TweetSpinner
RevTrev Radio - Can God Amplify Your Story? Part 2

Mind If I Pray For You?

Lord I pray for everyone who feels that “soon” is a four-letter word. I ask for those that have so much on the go to have your direction for their plans so they can walk confidently in the directions of your dreams for them. I pray for those who have had hope deferred that they would believe you once more that “soon” is a word of hope. Thank you for the many doing so much for you. Thank for the ones doing only what they can. Bless them, encourage them, and help them this week. Surprise them with your goodness once more.

On Last Thing

Can you let me know what you think of me hosting auctions on RevTrev.com? I don’t have a poll for you today, just let me know if you’ll check them out when I launch them.

Thanks.

PS. Don’t forget to tell your friends about RevTrev.com I really appreciate it.

Questions of the Week

Should We Tithe From Our Net Income or Gross Income?

Here’s another question from a reader of my newsletter. I know I’ve recently changed my mind on all of this so I welcome your comments and questions. Iron sharpens iron.

RevTrev Radio

How To Get the Good God Has For You – RevTrev Radio (part 4)

God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today.

Listen Now >>>

Subscribe via iTunes

Change is the Only Constant

In 2012 RevTrev.com is going to be doing things differently…once more. You can already see some of the changes taking place if you go to front page now. It will have more of a magazine feel, with series clearly marked and a few new exciting sections.

I’m going to blogging on topics people often ask me about on my other websites. I know…good marketing teaches to focus on your niche, but common sense tells me it’s easier to maintain and social media market one site rather than several and I think I’ve found a solution for the all important niche markets.

I’ve got posts scheduled for Social Media Tips – not new I know, but I’m delving into advice on blogging and newsletter marketing as well as a few social media topics I know well. People will be able to sign up for weekly updates of these posts and download “283 ReTweetable Social Media Tips” a series of tips I’ve written on various aspects of social media.

I’ve also scheduled posts for writing, self-publishing and book marketing and I have “Your Book Marketing Workbook” ready for people to download when they sign up for weekly updates of the posts.

I’m scheduling posts from fiction I’ve written – including poetry, novellas and novels. I still have to figure out what I’ll give people who sign up for weekly updates for my fiction posts.

RevTrev.com will also feature “Ask a Counsellor” with your questions answered by my friend Cheryl Shea from http://EdmontonCounsellingServices.com If you have a question you for Cheryl you can let me know now. http://revtrev.com/contact
I’m working on a few more similar features from amazing people and will let you know as they are ready to be launched.

The other thing I’m doing on RevTrev.com is to provide Training and/or Encouragement through emails. I have a few set up now http://revtrev.com/training but am hoping to have a few more set up soon in response to many questions I get from my readers. I’ll let you know as I’m ready to launch them. Here’s a list of titles I have with working names…

Helping People Hope
Ministering with Expectancy
How to Help People To Forgive
How to Create A Culture of Honor
Overcoming Worry
Living Without Shame
Killing the Zombie (overcoming sin)

Oh, that reminds me – people who sign up for Twitter Tips now get a series of 7 or 8 videos sent to them to show how to put my blueprint into action. I have a few more to do as more questions come in.

I’m only confident telling you these plans because I have everything ready to go. I know how long it’s going to take for me to do each and I’d appreciate you emailing me to ask when the training you’d like to go through will be available.

In this time of year we should be talking about the past. I’ve appreciated all the Christmas newsletters I’ve gotten from friends. I don’t think I even have plans to do one up this year. I’m so excited for 2012.

Say, if you have an email newsletter you send out to your family and friends, put me on the list. You have my email. I’d appreciate hearing about your past year and plans for the future and will add my prayers to your hopes.

~Trevor

Community Feedback

Last Week I asked if RevTrev.com was getting too random. Here’s the results…

I haven’t noticed. 33%
Your blog is like you. Don’t worry about it. 33%
Share what you know. I’ll read what I want. 33%

This week I’d like to know what you think of the section-graphic free version of this newsletter. I’ve noticed most newsletter I get don’t have as many graphics as I put into the RevTrev Newsletter. I know it likely takes longer to load for some people. You might think it’s too cluttered. Is this newsletter more to your liking or the one I usually send? If you’d like to reminded of what it usually looks like see a sample here

Should the RevTrev Newsletter Lose the Section Images?

I like the picture, keep them.
I like the cleaner, less cluttered look.
I appreciate a quicker loading time.
I don’t view the images anyway so it doesn’t matter.
Why are you always changing things?

Vote early. Vote often. Vote here…

Social Media Tip

How to Easily Unfollow Those Not Following You Back on Twitter

Twitter management got you down? Do you know companies pay $500 a month for people to manage their social media accounts? Why not learn to do it the easy way? Here’s how to easily unfollow those not following you back on Twitter.

Learn Now >>>

RevTrev Reviews

The Singing Sword By Jack Whyte Reviewed by Trevor Lund

I review “The Singing Sword” By Jack Whyte It’s the second book in A Dream of Eagles.

Watch It Now >>>

Do you have a book or product that you think my readers would like to hear my thoughts on? Contact me today. I may want to get you on RevTrev TV as well.

What People Are Saying

I just hit 1500 followers and growing! Gr8 tips! ~Giselle
My favorite thing about RevTrev.com is the word study and encouragement it offers I thank God for it. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU – Jo
What’s my favorite thing about RevTrev.com? The interviews. If RevTrev.com was an animal it would a Lorikeet (a beautiful rainbow colored australian parrot). -Steve
Thank you! Thank you for all of the wonderful things you are doing for God. Don’t know how you do it, only through Christ can you do all things. Bless you for letting him lead you. I enjoy reading all of your messages, they are so informing and helpful. ~Barb

RevTrev Recommends

From Postmodernity to Participatory by Dr. Walter Surdacki of 15 Degrees Off Centre
5 Steps to Recover from Failure by Ron Edmondson of ronedmondson.com
What is Good? by Adam of The Daily Walk
Expect your best laid plans to be interrupted by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
How To Create Your Writing Content Strategy by Julie McElroy of Inspired…to Write

Kingdom News

A friend of mine, Anita Pierce, sent me her December Newsletter. It has a lot of encouragement in it and a few stories caught my eye. Here are two of them. Connect with Anita at http://inspirationministries.net/

One woman came for prayer because she suspected, and was
being tested for, Lyme’s disease. She told me that suddenly she
felt the Lord whispered in her heart that she needed to forgive a
person who had hurt and infuriated her. In that moment, when she
relinquished the unforgiveness and anger as we prayed, the pain
and symptoms of her disease vanished!

In one town, while others were receiving prayer, I saw a business
man and his wife leaving the service. I felt compelled to follow
them out to the street. There on the street, with tears running
down his face, he prayed with me to surrender his life to Christ.

Inner Strength

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,

If you can overlook when people take things out on you when,
through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without a counsellor,
If you can relax without having a hot bath,
If you can sleep without waking up worried,
If you can do all these things,

Then you are probably the family dog.

Adapted from:

<http://www.csua.berkeley.edu/~ranga/humor/inner_strength.txt>

One Last Thing…

Don’t forget…

I’d like your opinion about the new look of this newsletter

I need your questions for “Ask A Counsellor”

Put me on your email Christmas Letter list!

We make the plans, but God directs the steps!

Blessings,

~Trevor

Training and Encouragement Will Be More Structured on RevTrev.com

revtrev — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:27:49 +0000

Training and Encouragement Will Be More Structured on RevTrev.com in 2012. I’ve decided to pull my knowledge of social marketing and blogging, and book writing, publishing and marketing into RevTrev.com. I may have time for some coaching in these areas so I think the best way to see if there is any interest in my experience with these topics is to blog about it. We’ll see what happens.

I’m also setting up email courses for topics I’ve written on – hope, honor, forgiveness, overcoming shame, overcoming sin, overcoming worry, living life God’s way…and more as time develops. I’m still working on a time frame for releasing these ones. Can you let me know which topic you’d like a course in first? Feel free to write in your own choice.

Check out the Training Page and see my thoughts.

Bev Fawcett’s Jesus – God’s Gift of Love to the World

revtrev — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:52:34 +0000

Bev Fawcett’s “Jesus – God’s Gift of Love to the World” is now available and it looks great. Get a sneak peak at it even before the Author.

4 Things to Never Forget About Christmas

revtrev — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:49:06 +0000

Does it feel like Christmas is coming in your part of the world? My sister returns from Africa in a couple of days. She’s home for Christmas and them off (I think) to the Dominican Republic for another short term missions trip. She’s been asked by the organization she was with in Africa to write a book about her experiences. I’ll show her how to plan the book out and will likely publish it through ExpectancyPress.com

What makes it “feel” like Christmas for you? For me, you’ve guessed it, it’s family. We’re having a very mild so far here in Edmonton. There’s just enough snow to make sense of the short days. For some reason I’m really looking forward to Christmas. I hope you are too.

Now onto RevTrev’s Newsletter this week – a big welcome to the 51 new subscribers this week to RevTrev.com, Twitter Tips and LifeAbovetheNegativity.com. I’ve turned off a feature on my site that brings in more subscribers because I’m upgrading the system. I’ll tell you about it in a future blog post. But I’m overjoyed to welcome 51 new subscribers anyway. Drop me a line to tell me about yourself. I really enjoy getting to know you. Enjoy the newsletter!

	Top 7 Visited Posts This Week @ RevTrev.com 4 Funny Animal Pictures How I Can Seek the Lord – 7 ways 3 Steps to Cast Your Cares on the Lord 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit Can A Christian Get Breast Implants? How Can We Stop Worry? Step Two – Pray About Everything TEN WAYS TO FULFIL A VISION FROM GOD – 1-5
	Questions of the Week Does Prophecy Just Happen or Do We Have to Work For It? Here’s another question from a reader of my newsletter. I’d appreciate having your thoughts on it. Read More >>> Don’t forget to share your comments.
	RevTrev Radio How To Get the Good God Has For You – RevTrev Radio (part 3) God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today. Listen Now >>> Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover. Subscribe via iTunes
	4 Things to Never Forget About Christmas When we look at Christmas through the eyes of the gospel authors it gives us insight to the culture they lived in and what Jesus’ life meant to them. I’ve posted a long explanation about this this week. You can read it here What I never want to forget about Christmas comes from these authors. Matthew tells us Jesus came as the King. I never want to just think of Jesus as my friend. He deserves so much more respect than that. Mark tells us Jesus came to die. I can’t study the life of Jesus without considering His death and what His shed blood means for me. Everything changed at the cross. Learn more. Luke tells us Jesus came for everyone. In my own little world I can write so many people off. When I consider that while I was still a sinner, Christ died, I see His passion for people I’d rather have little to do with. John tells us Jesus CAME. This thought blows me away. The creator of the known and speculative universes took on flesh and camped out for a while. It’s amazing and humbling. Learn more about it here. These are 4 things to never forget about Christmas. Do you have more you can add? Leave them in the comments at RevTrev.com Have fun in the preparation for the season. Use it to enjoy more of God.
	Community Feedback Last Week’s Poll Results Last Week’s Question Was “What Topics Should I Blog About on in 2012?” 33% Practicing the Presence of God 33% Spiritual Warfare 17% Theology of Authenticity 17% Overcoming Sexual Sin I had some emails come in as well the included “Being Led By The Spirit”, “How Faith Works”, “Personal Responsibility for Christian Growth”, and “How to Study the Bible” Thanks for everyone’s responses! I’m excited about two new topics that I’ll have as Features – “Social Media Tips” (I have this now, but I’m working series on Basic Blogging and Newsletter) and All Things Publishing” (It will include writing, self-publishing, and book marketing). With this in mind I have another question for you this week: This Week’s Question Is RevTrev Becoming Too Random? Record your answer here Thanks for your feedback. It helps me know what blog posts and resources I should focus on.
	Social Media Tip How to Find Out Who’s Not Following You Back On Twitter Twitter has changed since I wrote Twitter Tips from @RevTrev but the blueprint I lay out is still able to be done WITHOUT paying for other Twitter services. Here’s how to unfollow those not following you back for free. View Now >>
	RevTrev Reviews The Sky Stone by Jack Whyte Reviewed by Trevor Lund Trevor reviews Jack Whyte’s “The Sky Stone” Book one in the Camuloud Chronicles. View Now >> Do you have a book or product that you think my readers would like to hear my thoughts on? Contact me today. I may want to get you on RevTrev TV as well.
	What People Are Saying Pastor, I have been so much encouraged by you, may the good Lord bless you. ~ From an email Thank you! Thank you for all of the wonderful things you are doing for God. Don’t know how you do it, only through Christ can you do all things. Bless you for letting him lead you. I enjoy reading all of your messages, they are so informing and helpful. ~Barb This is the most encouraging unsubscribe message I’ve ever received. Makes me want to leave messages like this when I unsubscribe other lists: God bless you for your faithfulness in the ministry God has called you to. Please don’t be offended that I’m unsubscribing. God has called me to “whittle down” in every way, to enable me to be with Him more often in the secret place.
	Recommended Blog Posts Why Do We Overspend? By Kevin Maritneau of Shooting the Breeze Do We Recognize Jesus? by Mari-Anna Stålnacke of Flowing Faith 5 Suggestions for Finding More Joy At Christmas by Ron Edmondson of RonEdmondson.com
	A Christmas Poem Christmas is a time to reflect On all that God has done It’s not a matter of what we get But the birth of the Holy one It’s not about gifts With ribbons and bows Or Christmas trees Tinsel and mistletoe The Christmas gift given to us Is Jesus Christ’s Gift of love © By M.S.Lowndes
	One Last Thing… Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

Changes to the RevTrev Newsletter

revtrev — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:07:04 +0000

The subscribers to my weekly newsletter will know I have regular features that are usually included and special features that may be in and maybe out. Next week’s newsletter is going to be highlighting a couple of changes to both.

First off, the regular feature called “Blogging Buddies” has been changed to “RevTrev Recommends”

Gone From RevTrev Newsletter

New to RevTrev Newsletter

I started having “blogging buddies” because I found out when people commented on my posts, other people would also comment. I thought if I would do the same for others it would increase the conversation on their sites as well. It turns out I don’t have all the time in the world and I haven’t become a professional blogger yet so I haven’t had time to comment 2x a week on every other persons blog. I still read everyone’s blog posts every week, but that’s been a Saturday morning pleasure for me and I have well over 150 blog posts to go through.

So what I’m going to do with RevTrev Recommends is give you links for great blog posts that have encouraged me. If you have ones that have encouraged you that you think my readers will appreciate, let me know. You can send it by email, twitter or even stumble upon.

The new section to the RevTrev Newsletter I’m expecting to be a special feature, but hoping it will a regular one as more people share their good news with me so I can pass it on to you. This section is called “Kingdom News”.

Every week lately I’ve been getting amazing stories of salvation, healing, deliverance, and financial blessing. Most of these are coming from places like Pakistan, India, Iran, and several parts of Africa. News I get encouraged by I’ll be passing on to the readers of my newsletter.

So SEND ME YOUR STORIES! We need to pass on the good news of our Good God! As you can tell, I’m quite excited by all this. Now maybe I can get onto making the changes to revtrev.com…or maybe not. I just looked at the time. Better run.

7 Things I’m Thankful For…

revtrev — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:28:44 +0000

I’ve had this continual thought: “You need to be thankful” confronting me at the weirdest times. Knowing I’d be reminding myself as I remind my readers to be thankful, I decided to make it the topic of this week’s newsletter.

Then as I listened to the market report I was reminded tomorrow is American Thanksgiving. (We have a shorter growing season in Canada and so celebrate ours the second Monday in October.) HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my American readers. Have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. I’m praying for those who can’t be with family or don’t have family to gather with. I’m also praying for safe travels for you all.

Now on to the newsletter… I need to welcome the 74 new subscribers to revtrev.com, LifeAbovetheNegativity.com, Twitter Tips and Expectancy Press. Drop me an email to tell me about yourself. Everyday I’m amazed at the incredible people I get connected with.

RevTrev Radio

How To Get God’s Good – RevTrev Radio (part 1)

Listen Now >>>
Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Subscribe via iTunes

7 Things I’m Thankful For

Here’s a really interesting statement made by Paul. It’s one we often gloss over because of the surrounding material. That doesn’t mean it’s any less insightful:

Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Romans 1:21 (New Living Translation)

Did you realize that choosing not to give God thanks starts us thinking up foolish ideas about what God is like? “He did me wrong.” “I can’t trust Him.” “He’s angry at me.” If you’ve heard yourself think or say those things you’re not alone. The way back to thinking right is to be thanking right.

With that in mind I’ve come up with a list of things I need to remind myself I’m really thankful for. I am really thankful for all these things, but when I choose to give God thanks for them I can easily forget I’m thankful for them. I was going to do these up as a list. “7 Things I’m Thankful For” gets a lot more people opening up the email. But a list is academic and I can do it without it affecting my heart. Notice Paul wrote “…or even give him thanks.” There’s something that happens when we personalize our thanks to God. So instead of list here’s part of my conversation today with God. Notice my seven paragraphs…

Lord,

I’m so thankful to you when I think about the price you paid to make it simple for me to come before you now. I don’t have to come with the sacrifice of an animal. I don’t have to prove I’m good enough to stand before you. I’m not and you know it. And you became the way so I’m in your presence with something as simple as thanksgiving.

Thank you God for my wife. You knitted her together in her mother’s womb and ordained every one of her days before one of them came to be. You knew her and loved her even before the world began. Thank you for her gifts and passion and insight and her friendship. Thank you for blessing our covenant and standing watch over our lives.

Thank you God for my kids. They are amazing people with hearts like your own. They are growing up so fast and growing more and more into your image. Thank you for who they are and thank you for all they can do.

Thank you Lord for our extended family. Thank you for the heritage and help of our parents. Thank you for my siblings. Bless them today in all they do. Thank you for my wife’s aunts and grandparents and cousins. Thanks for all the fun we have with the kids you’ve blessed us all with.

Thank you Lord for the people who pick up our garbage. I really am thankful for what they do and am thankful we don’t live in anarchy.
Thank you Lord for our police officers. I can hardly imagine living in a place where you need to be afraid of the police. Bless everyone who lives in fear of the police. Show them your love today.

Thank you Father, for letting us call you Father. There are days I miss my dad, but thank you I know he’s with you.

Thank you Lord!

Why don’t you take some time and write out what you’re thankful for? Maybe you can read it to your family before you eat turkey.

Social Media Tip

Have you heard of HubSpot? http://www.hubspot.com/ I know there is a lot of noise around how to use social media but I’m often downloading the free eBooks HubSpot offers. Often I only get 1 or 2 pieces of new information from the eBooks – but there’s not a lot of time invested in reading them and if a few minutes gets me 1 new idea I consider it time well spent. They also have sites like Tweet Grader, Blog Grader, Book Grader, Facebook Grader all centrally located at http://grader.com/

RevTrev TV

Why Does Hope In Christ Ministries Exist? – RevTrev TV

In this episode of http://revtrev.com/tv I talk to Bev Fawcett of http://hopeinchrist.info about Hope in Christ Ministries.

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

In the Silence by Adam of the Daily Walk
Thanks-Living By Pastor Thomas of the Favored Life
Faith Should Change our Attitude by Pastor Kevin of Shooting the Breeze
I Got the Opportunity to Meet this Sweet Little… by Janine Lund of From Mind to Page (and my younger sister)

5 Steps to be Thankful

This comes from my booklet How Big Is Your But?I’ve got an acrostic to help you remember how you can choose to be thankful.

F – Focus – look at what God is doing, not at what is threatening to occur

Matthew 8:23-26 (New Living Translation)?Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

A – Attention – Keep focused on the right thoughts

Philippians 4:8-9 (New Living Translation)?And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

I – Intention – Make plans and follow them through to change your thinking

Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)?Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

T – Thinking God’s Thoughts

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)?“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

H – Holy Spirit Help

1 John 2:27 (New Living Translation)?But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

You see for me, faith brings thankfulness. It brings me focus and stops worry.

From Expectancy Press

Why? (audiobook)

We all want to understand the difficult circumstances of life. We need to see the reason why. Did you know that asking “why” can lead you down both the wrong and right path? It’s important to know the difference and how to ask why in a way that gets answers. This is the audiobook.

Listen to an excerpt and download here

One Last Thing…

This newsletter feels more like a sermon outline so why don’t we go old school and end with a hymn?

Count Your Blessings
Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Have a great week! Don’t forget to stop by RevTrev.com this week I plan to have the new toys ready on it soon.

~Trevor

10 Things To Never Forget About God

revtrev — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:29:47 +0000

Welcome to the 75 new subscribers this week to RevTrev.com, LifeAbovetheNegativity.com, and Twitter Tips. Drop me a line and tell me about yourself. I did a post this week on 10 Random Things About Me if you want to get to know me a little better.

Sorry to all my Newsletter Subscribers and thanks for understanding the hiccup on Saturday with the 2 emails sent out when I only wanted and expected 1. I’m confident the issue has been fixed so this week there should be only one.

RevTrev.com is in a state of flux. I’m trying to solve the changes I want to make to the design before I open up advertising slots for purchase and cross-pollinating…I only work on the blog in my spare time so it’s taking longer than I’d like. But I wanted remember to ask you fellow bloggers to check out what I want to do and the problems I’m having with it so you can tell me your solutions. I need people smarter than me again.

Thanks in advance. Enjoy this week’s newsletter.

This Week’s Guest Blogger

5 Solutions to Depression
This is a guest blog post from Wayne Brown. Find out more about him and his amazing ministry below. Thanks Wayne. You have an awesome ministry at http://www.facing-bipolar-disorder.com

Read Now >>>

Contact me if you’d like to be a guest blogger.
Find the guidelines here http://revtrev.com/write-for-revtrev/

Questions of the Week

Does God Hate?
Here is a questions someone asked me on Twitter. It’s time to wrestle with our understanding of God once more. Are you ready to let your brain hurt? I’d appreciate your comments.

Read More >>>

Don’t forget to share your comments.

RevTrev Radio

How God Heals Part 6 – RevTrev Radio
How God Heals So many times we wonder if it’s God’s will to heal. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about that. There are also questions why healing doesn’t come.

Listen Now >>>
Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Subscribe via iTunes

Social Media Tip

How do you get more exposure to your tweets, get connected with amazing people on Twitter and get tweets for yourself when you’re looking for quality content to share?

Join the Kingdom Retweet Club.

Once a week you can send one Tweet that currently will get sent out to over 170,000+ followers. You agree to send out one tweet from everyone else in the group.

As an added bonus every Friday I post my #FF recommendations and your account will be added to the list for easy following.

What People Are Saying

Thanks for the gift to help me live life above negativity. Beautifully written and inspirational! ~via @kathrnrharris

@revtrev TwitterTips is fabulous! ~via @gisellenguiar

I’ve been journeying through your devotional series “40 Days for Life Above the Negativity” and am on Day 38. The series has helped me a great deal, so much that I will probably repeat it before filing away. More inspiration on practicing the Presence of God would be great! ~Shannon

Hi Trevor, I just read your story [It Was a Bad, Bad, Very Bad, Very Bad Day - only available to RevTrev Newsletter Subscribers.]. It was a lot of fun to read. Very creative indeed! I hope you’re promoting it to a children’s market if you haven’t done it already. I’m sure they would enjoy it too. ~BJ

RevTrev TV

How God Can Encourage People – RevTrev TV
In this episode of http://revtrev.com/tv I talk to Bev Fawcett of http://hopeinchrist.info about how she encourages people through the radio.

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

Ministry Coaching with RevTrev

Quick poll for subscribers to Ministry Coaching with RevTrev. I know I’ve been neglecting the weekly emails. I am able to do webinars. Email me if you’d like to participate in a webinar where you can ask me questions directly and I’ll do my best to at least be funny if I can’t be informative. Contact me with “Yes to Webinar” in the subject field.

Sign up for this free coaching at http://expectancyministries.com/coaching/

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

Secret to Gaining Everything but Weight as a Mom Working from Home By Melissa Cameron guest posting on Inspired to Write
No one else can take your turn by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
Last Week – Part 1 by Janine Lund on Mind to Page

10 Things to Never Forget About God

No matter what your current experience is or what your past experience has been you can not let it supersede what the Bible says is true. Jesus confronted the religious ones in his time saying they didn’t represent God properly (John 8:41-44). And we all have chosen believe the misrepresentation of God to the point that we’ve taught it ourselves to others. So we need to remember the things we shouldn’t forget.

I’m not saying this is all there is to remember about God. I’m saying these are the ten things I never want to forget.

He’s good. (Nahum 1:7; Psalm 145:8-9)
He’s in a good mood. (2 Corinthians 5:19)
He’s for you. (Hebrews 6:10)
He’s not against you. (Romans 8:31)
He is love. (1 John 4:8)
He loves You. (1 John 4:16)
He’s passionate about you. (Zephaniah 3:17)
He’s not keeping His passion for you just for heaven. (Matthew 5:44-45)
He’s proud of you. (2 Corinthians 5:19)
You can’t surprise Him with your good or bad decisions. (Psalm 139:15-16)

Since all this is true why do we accept experiences that disagree with this as more true than His will and promises?

I promise to try to stop if you will as well.

From Expectancy Press

How to Steward a Suddenly (MP3)

Doesn’t a suddenly mean everything is changed? Yes…and no. It’s a lot like salvation. We have been saved, we are being saved and we will be saved. The same principles apply to a suddenly. So we need to know how to steward it. A message by Trevor Lund of http://revtrev.com

Listen to an Excerpt Now >>>

One Last Thing…

I appreciate you sharing this newsletter with people you think it will encourage. I know it’s my readers who are bringing new readers to my blog every week. Thank you so much for your encouragement on this adventure.

I’m praying for you.

~Trevor

Changing the Things We Can

revtrev — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:35:28 +0000

I did it. I took the plunge. I swallowed the red pill. I transferred my many sites to a new server promising better security and faster load times. I’d better not be seeing those 508 resource errors again any time soon. I tell you, the more traffic you get to your site the more you have to learn about the technical side of hosting. I need thank all my new readers for being part of the problem of overloading my server. Really, I’m not being sarcastic. It’s a milestone for me and one I’m truly humbled by.

But assuming all those issues are solved for a while, let’s get on with this week’s newsletter. A warm welcome to the 97 new subscribers this week to the RevTrev.com Newsletter, LifeAbovetheNegativity.com, Twitter Tips and Expectancy Press. Don’t be a stranger. Drop me a line and tell me about yourself. Those conversations are the highlight of my week.

This Week’s Guest Blogger

I’m lining up a lot of great guest bloggers for RevTrev.com. If you want to be one, check out the guidelines.

This week I was a guest blogger for The Pangea Blog. Why not check out my guest post there and read a bit more about the great discussions Kurt Willems is having there?

How NOT to Be A Jerk On Social Media (Trevor Lund)

Contact me if you’d like to be a guest blogger.
Find the guidelines here http://revtrev.com/write-for-revtrev/

Questions of the Week

How Can Non-Profits Raise Money Through Social Media?
Here’s a question a very passionate person sent me about to fund-raise through Social Media and other “out-of-the-box” strategies. I had to point him the the expert in what I consider “out-of-the-proverbial-box” strategies. Let me know what you think.

Read More >>>

Don’t forget to share your comments.

RevTrev Radio

How God Heals Part 5 – RevTrev Radio
How God Heals So many times we wonder if it’s God’s will to heal. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about that. There are also questions why healing doesn’t come. This is the final episode in the series. You can get all the past links when you listen now.

Listen Now >>>
Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Subscribe via iTunes

Community Feedback

I sent out an email and a test blog broadcast to see if readers signed up specifically to RevTrev.com would mind if I send out a weekly email with information about the posts I’ve done that week.

I want to include more people in the discussions taking place on the blog. I firmly believe that together we have a fuller understanding of the will and nature of God. (That’s just a theological way to say “I think some of you are smarter than me in some things.”)

WHEN I send out a blog broadcast, it gets included in my Feedburner count, so I don’t need as many chicklets on my site. As each of them slow down how fast the page loads, I want to keep them at a minimum.

So I was pleasantly surprised with the response. 87% of respondents have no issues or look forward to getting 1 email a week with information about blog posts that week on RevTrev.com.

So I’ve set it up to go out Saturdays.

I so much enjoy the discussion that happens on the site. Thank you all for telling your friends about revtrev.com so they be a part of the conversation as well.

Thanks for your feedback. It helps me know what blog posts and resources I should focus on.

Social Media Tip

What Do You Do When Your Twitter Account Gets Hacked?
If you follow me on Twitter you’ll likely see me tweet at least once a day “Today’s DM Phishing Scam “Today’s DM Phishing Scam ‘lmao! this pic i found of you cracks me up when was it taken?’ DON’T Click the link. Pls RT!’” I do that daily because I was tricked once and had my account hacked. What’s a phishing attack and what do you do when you’re tricked by one? Here’s what to do when it happens…

What People Are Saying

I personally THANK YOU for all the work you put into publishing your newsletter. I pray for that passion. ~ Ryan

I look forward to your emails and updates. Keep up the awesome work Rev Trev! – Conrad

God bless you. Thank you for the short story. (re: It was a Bad, Bad, Bad Very, Bad Very Bad Day” available for free to subscribers to revtrev.com) I liked it! Ultimately it brought a smile to my face. It reminded me of how you don’t really need to be a child to create a monster of worries in your head before your know the actual facts. It also reminded me that you don’t have to be a child to carry around stuff you should’ve come clean to long ago. Any one of us could be that little boy (as you were) young or old. Now on a lesser note good little story, that brings a smile to ones heart, any age:)
-Josephine

RevTrev TV

Why is Jesus God’s Gift of Love to the World?
In this episode of http://revtrev.com/tv I talk to Bev Fawcett of http://hopeinchrist.info about her book “Jesus God’s Gift of Love to the World”

I’ve decided to stop syndicating RevTrev TV through iTunes until I can come up with a better hosting solution. I found out my site backups don’t work well when the files are over 7GB. I have close to 10GB of videos hosted on my site…oh well, live and learn. If you have any suggestions for syndicating through iTunes, let me know .

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

Free Tools for Creating A Custom Facebook Page For Your Church or Ministry by Yohan of Virtual Preacher
Getting Sound Advice by Thomas McDaniels of The Favored Life
Parenting Requires On The Job Training by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
Heartbreaking….part 4 By Janine Lund (my little sister) of From Mind to Page

Changing the Things We Can

Attributed as found on a tomb dated A.D. 1100 of an Anglican Bishop at Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser,
I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and
decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years,
in one last desperate attempt,
I settled for changing only my family,
those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.
And now as I lie on my deathbed,
I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed myself first,
Then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would have been able to better my country and, who knows,
I may have changed the world.

From No More Mondays by Dan Miller

From Expectancy Press

How to Prepare for a Suddenly (MP3)
Does preparing for a suddenly make it less amazing? What if we need to prepare in order to see it happen? Listen to this message by Trevor Lund of http://revtrev.com and be encouraged that God is good and on your side.

Listen to an excerpt>>>

Imagine Ghostwriting

Are you a writer wondering what ghostwriting is all about? Find out everything you need to know to have a successful ghostwriting experience or career. http://ImagineGhostwriting.com

I help people with vision create, market and sell their books, products or business online even if they don’t have a website, a product to sell, or if they even don’t have the time for social media. http://askandimagine.com

One Last Thing…

Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

God Knows…

revtrev — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:57:36 +0000

If I’m not dropping off kids, it seems like I’m running to meetings. Not that I’m complaining about any of it. It’s all fun work I’m doing. I’m just finding I have to answer emails and comments late at night after the kids are asleep and I can’t do it everyday.

I want to welcome my 73 new subscribers this week to LifeAbovetheNegativity.com, RevTrev.com, Twitter Tips and Expectancy Press. Drop me a line to tell me about yourself. I do enjoy reading every email that comes in. Sometimes I can’t respond as much as I’d like to each one…but keep checking the Q&A section of revtrev.com – often fuller answers come later. Enjoy!

Questions of the Week

Am I Under a Curse if I Don’t Tithe?

Here’s a question that I know my answer will have some people accusing me of putting people under a curse. What are your thoughts and concerns?

Read More >>>
Don’t forget to share your comments.

RevTrev Radio

How God Heals Part 4 – RevTrev Radio
How God Heals So many times we wonder if it’s God’s will to heal. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about that. There are also questions why healing doesn’t come. While “I don’t know” can lead to encouragement, there are other Biblical answers that can also increase expectancy.

Listen Now >>>

Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Subscribe via iTunes

Social Media Tip

Do you know the best day to get followers on Twitter? If you’re going to hit a follow limit, do it on Saturday night. Sunday morning people follow back. Do you want to connect with people on Twitter? Sunday morning people are on Twitter to connect.

What People Are Saying

Thank you for making this available free! New Zealand is the one place in the world I most want to visit and I am looking forward to reading about and seeing some of your experiences. You are a good storyteller! ~Lynn

As I read your messages, a joy spread in my being. Your positive messages spread joy not fear…hope not guilt/shame. Practical messages of hope and joy. Thank God….thank you. ~Don

Thank you so much for this post (How to Pray in Tongues) Trevor. I am one who has wrestled with this subject, believing in my spirit that the gift/s still apply to us today, but have been taught the gifts no longer exist. I have earnestly desired this gift, believing it as well to be the launchpad for other gifts. It has not come as easily to me as I’ve heard it has for others, and at times have decided it just was not meant for me. Thank you for helping clear up some of those small beginnings. You encourage me to continue. ~Shari

RevTrev TV

What People Need to Know About Planting the Seed – RevTrev TV
In this episode of http://revtrev.com/tv I talk to Bev Fawcett of http://hopeinchrist.info about her book “Planting the Seed”

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

How to Be Doers of the Word by Yohan of The Virtual Preacher
7 Ways to Relationally Connect with Our Children by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
Where Are You? by Janine Lund (my sister) on From My Mind to Page (Check this one out. She’s writing during her trip to Africa.)

God Knows

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts…
God knows how hard you have tried.
When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish…
God has counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by…
God is waiting with you.
When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call…
God is by your side.
When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn…
God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated…
God has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope…
God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for…
God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe…
God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow…
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are or
whatever you are facing…GOD KNOWS
http://www.godswork.org/enpoem15.htm

From Expectancy Press

Why Should You Expect a Suddenly (MP3)
Sometimes God’s suddenlies take a long time to happen. Why can you expect one in your situation? Take a look at some of the times in Scripture when God moved suddenly and be encouraged He can do the same for you. A message by Trevor Lund

Available at Expectancy Press

One Last Thing…

I keep on forgetting to ask. Can you like RevTrev.com on Facebook? Thanks. Much appreciated. You can connect with me on the wall. Blessings.

How Do You Handle a Cold?

revtrev — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:39:54 +0000

You might have guessed from the title that I’m fighting a bit of a cold. Colds astound me for many reasons particularly because when I expect to get them I get them. We’ll discuss this more below.

Want to welcome the 55 New Subscribers to RevTrev.com, LifeAbovetheNegativity.com, Expectancy Press, and Twitter Tips. I look forward to meeting you. Please drop me an email and tell me about yourself. Now on to this week’s newsletter as I’m sneezing all over the keyboard…

Questions of the Week

What Are Some Scriptures to Keep me Encouraged?
Here’s a question I got from someone on Twitter. I thought it needed more than a tweet to respond to. Here are some verses that keep me encouraged.

Read More >>>

Don’t forget to share your favorite verses.

RevTrev Radio

How has the Economy Effected Giving? RevTrev Radio
I talk with Mike Stickler of The Vision Group about how the economy is effecting giving and how ministries can diversify to offset difficult times.

Listen Now >>>
Let people know what you think about it.

How God Heals Part 3 – RevTrev Radio
How God Heals So many times we wonder if it’s God’s will to heal. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about that. There are also questions why healing doesn’t come. While “I don’t know” can lead to encouragement, there are other Biblical answers that can also increase expectancy. Could one of the reasons people don’t get healed be we expect God to heal the same way He’s done in the past? You’ll be given more clubs for your bag. Every time this message has been preached, people have been healed during the sermon. Expect the same as you listen.

Listen Now >>>

Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Subscribe via iTunes

How Do You Handle a Cold?

Men are notorious for whining about colds. I don’t have that luxury (although with this article about it you might think I’m whining about it now). I don’t have the luxury to whine because I have a wife who has a three day tolerance for colds. After three days I don’t get no more sympathy. So I’d better get over it in three days and not whine about it along the way.

Karen has a more Biblical approach to colds than I do. She prays we don’t get them and we don’t get them. She prays when the kids have them and our kids (especially our son) recovers very quickly. She prays and expects her prayers to be answered and if it takes longer than three days she “knows” I’m not doing my part to agree with her in prayer.
I on the other hand grew up with an expectation that living in Canada we’d have colds. I expect arthritis to go when I pray for it and it does. I expect things I’ve prayed and seen healed in the past to be healed when I pray for them. I expect detached retinas to be healed and they are. I expect backs and knees to be healed and they are. But colds…

…I admit I have a blind spot to things as common as a cold.

Then I think of the story of Achan (Joshua 7) who took some treasure from Jericho when everything was to be destroyed. That little bit of stuff he buried in his tent was enough to defeat Israel when they attacked the small town of Ai. And I wonder how comprise has affected not only my life, but the life of the church.

“It’s just a cold” – Are we going to have colds in heaven? Not according to Revelation 21:4 there is no more death or mourning or crying or pain. I don’t believe we’re going to be healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, casting out demons or raising the dead in heaven. The time for all that fun stuff is now. No, there is no sickness in heaven…

…so why do I put up with it now?

Hey, I just noticed I haven’t sneeze or coughed as I wrote all of that. It could be coincidence… or there could be something when we remind ourselves of the truth of God. That’s what I do with a cold. What do you do?

Social Media Tip

I’ve been asked to be a presenter at the 2012 Raise Your VIsion Forum March 8, 2012 on Social Media Engagement.

In the forum I’ll be a part of we’ll be discussing the following:

How can a ministry best utilize the social media experience? For this session, we have
brought the mavens of the Christian social media world together to discuss this
growing area of ministry. They will answer the your top questions on topics such as:

How you can increase your ministry impact and reach using this format.
Can you actually raise money through social media?
Will I actually get more attenders or supporters with the time invested?

This session is geared toward every leader in ministry.

Today’s Social Media Tip – Sign up to be part of the 2012 Raise Your Vision Forum. It’s all online so you can be a part of it anywhere in the world.

What People Are Saying

I did apply your strategies for growing my Twitter follower base, and it works! I am just a few weeks into the strategy and have literally quadrupled my base. What’s even more impressive is that my Klout score went from zero to 42 during this same period. Check us out @WordOfHisPower and see for yourself!

@revtrev great blog love it esp confrontation post. via @dean_seddon_uk

RevTrev TV

I didn’t have time to produce the series of episodes I’ve recorded with Bev Fawcett of Hope In Christ Ministries. We’ll air them in November. Bev is such an encouraging person you don’t want to miss our these episodes. Check out her site to get to know her now http://hopeinchrist.info

View all the episodes:

God Can’t Forget You

But Zion said, “I don’t get it. God has left me. My Master has forgotten I even exist.”
”Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? ?But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you—never.? Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands.

The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.?Your builders are faster than your wreckers. ?The demolition crews are gone for good.? Look up, look around, look well! ?See them all gathering, coming to you? ?As sure as I am the living God”—God’s Decree— ?”you’re going to put them on like so much jewelry, you’re going to use them to dress up like a bride.
Isaiah 49:14-16 The Message (MSG)

From Expectancy Press

How To Fast From Negativity (MP3)
Giving up negativity is not the easiest thing in the world to do but you can when you have the tools and information available. Trevor Lund has been running international fasts from negativity since 2006. He shares in this message what it takes to live life above the negativity.

Find Out More>>>

Ask and Imagine Service

With my job at PageMaster Publication Services I’m restructuring my company in a couple of ways. I still will work with clients and need to focus on projects as I have time. This week I’m relaunching TrevorLund.com as my centre for Ghostwriting. I’m in discussion with a few very interesting clients right now. Next week I’ll tell you about a new site for the other focus I have for Ask and Imagine. Thanks for asking about my services and telling others who might be interested about them.

One Last Thing…

Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

5 Ways I’ve Failed at Confrontation

revtrev — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:40:00 +0000

It’s one of those weeks with interesting phone calls, facebook messages, meetings and emails. It’s not even just because I stepped in it (more below). There are other hard conversations and emails in completely other directions. Man, you’d think I was paid to be a pastor. Anyway, I really need to thank everyone for your encouragement. It makes me feel good to know I’ve encouraged you in some way and blesses me so much to find out you’ve been praying for me. I need you all.

A big welcome to the 78 new subscribers this week to LifeAbovetheNegativity.com, Twitter Tips, Expectancy Press, and RevTrev.com – I just figured out I’ve only been welcoming new readers to RevTrev.com in the past. I look forward to getting to know all of you. I’m a little sad your first newsletter is a personal failure story for me. Oh well, you’ll find out I share the good along with the bad and the ugly.

Questions of the Week

How Can I Defeat an Addiction to Lust?
Here’s yet another question from another reader with a similar struggle. It’s great to remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” But the question becomes, “How can I practically live that out?” I’d appreciate your comments.

Read More >>>

Don’t forget to share your comments.

RevTrev Radio

What is the Fear Factor for Fundraising? RevTrev Radio
I talk with Mike Stickler of The Vision Group about what the fear factor is for fundraising.

Listen Now >>>

Let people know what you think about it.

How God Heals Part 2 – RevTrev Radio
How God Heals So many times we wonder if it’s God’s will to heal. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about that. There are also questions why healing doesn’t come. While “I don’t know” can lead to encouragement, there are other Biblical answers that can also increase expectancy.

Listen Now >>>
Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Subscribe via iTunes

5 Ways I’ve Failed at Confrontation

I’ve never been one to run from confrontation and I am generally not one to seek it out. I angered or upset a number of people this week by posting an allegory that offended some people. The allegory is down and only 15 people viewed it, but it got printed off and read by more and there’s a tempest in a teapot.

Now I’m sorry I posted the story. I should have taken it to the ones who I could have expected would choose to be offended instead of putting it public right away. My reason was to let other stakeholders know about the some of the real frustrations and bring about an honest conversation about them so we’d have resolution.

That hasn’t worked out so well. Here are 5 ways I’ve failed at confrontation…

I know you need to go to the brother who your offended by and if someone is offended by you, you need to do what you can to live at peace with them and all people.

1. I’ve failed at confrontation because I didn’t go first to the brother at fault.

I know when you confront you need to put the others at ease by being sensitive to their opinion.

2. I’ve failed at confrontation because I simply out shouted the noise.

I know when you confront someone you need to show respect for the personal dignity of the other person.

3. I’ve failed at confrontation because I choose to use domination and intimidation.

I know that when you confront you need to be sensitive to how others react to your words, considering how they may feel.

4. I’ve failed at confrontation because I chose to use my words to rewrite a warped institutionalize story.

And finally I need to also say I’ve been given Ezekiel 2 as a passage for now and I know I’ve seen people I love not open their mouth when they were led to the slaughter and I stood back and said nothing. I’ve seen people I love spiritually bullied and I’ve stood back and said nothing. I think my frustration comes through in the allegory. So I have to admit another way I’ve failed in confrontation…

5. I’ve failed at confrontation because for years I’ve failed to confront at all.

This drama is not over but I’m keeping my mouth shut for now. Every accusation in the allegory I can back up with evidence. I know I need to do this in love…although Ezekiel 2 just tells me I need to do it.

I appreciate your prayers.

Social Media Tip

I’ve been contacted by various media outlets in North America and Europe to talk about social media and social media marketing (especially about Twitter and doing ministry through social media). They often ask for tips for people starting out. The one tip I almost always include is the tip I have for you this week – Social Media is an excellent tool but terrible taskmaster. Don’t let it take over your life. Don’t let it become your life. Schedule your time doing it and keep to your schedule…oh yah…and have fun with it.

Thus endeth the lesson.

What People Are Saying

Hey Trev! Enjoyed your article on commands from God! Last command like that I received from God was, “Make Art!” That was about 5 years ago. Since then I have had an incredible desire to be in the studio, creating. Anyway, your comments really resonated with me! God Bless!

~Mel

The enemy has launched an assault on us but thanks to your audio book on forgiveness, I was able to walk it out and see the enemy back off.

~Elaine

Wow very deep and very helpful. I have also struggled badly in this area not knowing how to properly handle such situations. Thank You!!!!!!!

~Tonya in a comment

RevTrev TV

Why Ministries Need to Know About The Vision Group -RevTrev TV
In this episode of RevTrev TV I talk with Mike Stickler of The Vision Group about what The Vision Group is and the services it provides to ministries around the world.

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

Why Does the World Need a Christian Steve Jobs? by Yohan of The Virtual Preacher
Choose to Yield First by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
Connecting to the Vine by Sue Miley of Christian Business Crossroads

On Friendship and Confrontation…

“Your noble friend will not accept pretension but will gently and very firmly confront you with your own blindness. Such friendship is creative and critical; it is willing to negotiate awkward and uneven territories of contradiction and woundedness.”
- John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

From Expectancy Press

The Freedom of Forgiveness AudioBook
Unforgiveness is the greatest inhibitor of spiritual maturity in the body of Christ. Too many people don’t understand what forgiveness is or the freedom that it brings. Learn what the Bible says about forgiveness and how to apply it to your life.

Listen to an excerpt and download your copy at Expectancy Press.

oops. I don’t have the excerpt at that link. You can listen to an excerpt here:

One Last Thing…

Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

How to Fight with Honor

revtrev — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:24:49 +0000

Happy belated Thanksgiving to all you Canadians. I’m just getting over the extra turkey I shouldn’t have had. I’ve some issues with RevTrev.com – wordpress started missing automated posts. Good news for me is that others with more talent had the same problem and wrote a plugin for that so things seem to working again. I’ve been setting up an advocacy site so this newsletter is a little sparse. Enjoy though.

A big welcome to all my new readers. I look forward to learning more about each of you.

RevTrev Radio

Why Should Ministries Consider Grants? RevTrev Radio
I talk with Mike Stickler of The Vision Group about why ministries should consider applying for grants.
Listen Now >>>

How God Heals Part 1 – RevTrev Radio
So many times we wonder if it’s God’s will to heal. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about that.
Listen Now >>>
Let people know what you think about it.

Subscribe via iTunes

How to Fight with Honor

Yes, I’m part of an advocacy group that looks like it will be going into some confrontation. Personally I don’t mind it because I’ve had a lot of experience in terrible situations that have seen better things come out of it with open and honest dialogue. I’ve also learned to fight with honor. Here’s the tool I’ve come up with…

H one in on the topic at hand.
Speak to the situation “This is what you
did/said; this is why I disagree/it upset me.”

O nly speak words of life.
Cut out the sarcasm, condemnation and shame.

N ame calling and labels are never to be returned.
    Resorting to name calling and labels is the
    same as placing curses on people. Don’t do it
    to them, even if they started it.

O perate in the present.
    Avoid saying, “You always” and “You never”. Both
    are untrue and are used to simply cause pain. If
    you’re phyiscally present with the person, look at
    them in the eye and don’t turn your back to them.

R esolve the argument.
It’s OK to disagree. Allow them the right to hold their own opinion. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t bring the argument up with others to rally support or curry pity; continue to honor the person.

Do you have stories about not using a tool like this? Feel free to share it in the comments.

Social Media Tip

I’ve written an article for CAST Magazine entitled “How is Social Media Like the Church” Here’s an excerpt for your Social Media Tip this week.

Followers of Christ have such a huge advantage when it comes to Social Media. Sure we may not understand the technology or allure of some sites, but the basics of doing it well should be woven into our DNA.

What’s the first rule of social media marketing? It’s “serve before selling.” What’s the most effective strategy for evangelism? It’s “people don’t care about what you know until they know that you care.” How beautiful an opportunity we have right now when we want to really care for people. All we need to do is earn the right to show love. How is social media like the church? To be successful we need to serve before selling.

What do you think? Let me know.

What People Are Saying

@revtrev Your very welcome.. keep up your great post! .. love to retweets.. via @allengaper

RevTrev TV

What is the Fear Factor for Fundraising? RevTrev TV
In this episode of RevTrev TV I talk with Mike Stickler of The Vision Group about what the fear factor is for fundraising.
Watch Now >>> View all the episodes:

Awaken Love

“When love awakens in your life, in the night of your heart, it is like the dawn breaking within you. Where before there was anonymity, now there is intimacy; where before there was fear, now there is courage; where before in your life there was awkwardness, now there is a rhythm of grace and gracefulness; where before you used to be jagged, now you are elegant and in rhythm with your self. When love awakens in your life, it is like a rebirth, a new beginning. ”
~ John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

From Expectancy Press

Can God Amplify Your Story? MP3
We all know people who have given up on Christianity. Some have even gone over to the enemy’s camp. Have you ever wondered what it would take to get them back? You’ve got to hear this message based on an incredible passage of Scripture that will make you pray, “Lord do it once more through me!”

Listen to an excerpt on Expectancy Press

One Last Thing…

Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

Why It’s Important to Make A Decision

revtrev — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:27:22 +0000

It looks like I’ll be sending out this newsletter on Wednesdays for now. Thursdays have booked up for me. We actually had some very exciting news this week and the complications that arose from the exciting news seemed to have been worked out.

My father-in-law gave us his brand new car the day I started my new job. Phone calls, faxes, texts and emails had everything work out. It really seemed like an amazing turn around day for us. God’s been really, really good.

I’m now the Book Marketing Director at Pagemaster Publication Services. We have a lot of exciting and innovative plans to put together. I’ll still be running my blog as usual but will have to answer emails early morning or late at night…which reminds me…I’d better answer a few now.

As a Book Marketing Director I need to be testing what could work and for that I need your help. Can you check out the package I put together for Living Positively and let others know about it? You can tweet this out or check out the page before you do and please let me know what you think.

A big welcome to the 37 new subscribers this week on RevTrev.com, Life Above the Negativity, Expectancy Press and Twitter Tips. Drop me a line and tell me about yourself. I really enjoy meeting amazing people from all over the world. I’m here to help when I can.

Questions of the Week

Can You Help with Marriage Issues?
Here’s another question that came from me via email. Please add your suggests as well.

Read More >>>

Don’t forget to add your suggestions as well.

RevTrev Radio

What You Need to Know About Shea Counselling – RevTrev Radio
In this episode I interview Cheryl Shea of Shea Counselling about what services she offers through Shea Counselling. She counsels over Skype so you can be anywhere in the world.

Listen Now >>>

Subscribe via iTunes

Why It’s Important to Make a Decision

I had a few important decisions to make this week. I can’t get into details about some of them, but you can know I was going back and forth on a number of them. I know you know what it’s like because you’ve been there too.

I firmly believe if you need wisdom, “ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5) But often confirmation and peace comes after you take that step of faith and make a decision.

You can’t keep on waffling. You need to be alright with making a mistake. Get as much information as you can, but be at peace knowing you’ll never have all the information. Only God knows the future. Listen, if it’s faith that pleases God and faith is shown by our actions we need to be doing and not just deciding.

Isaiah says, “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:20-21)

Whether I turn to right or the left, the voice is behind me confirming I went the right way. Yes there are times God calls you to a specific place for a specific time. But I find as we mature in Christ our relationship moves from being told what to do to being confirmed we’re doing the right thing.

It’s a lot like how we raise our kids. When they were young we told them what to wear, when to get up, when to go to bed. They’re getting older so we let them choose their own clothes and have looser limits on sleep as long as they’re up when they need to be. Soon they’ll move out and we’ll become even more like advisors.

And even though I have kids and love to see them grow up, there are days I wished I had my dad to just tell me what to do. I know he never would, but I think it’s normal to want to be a kid sometimes. Although I’ve found God doesn’t respond well to whining.

Congratulations! You’re growing up. God trusts you with the decision. Make it!

Social Media Tip

People often ask me how I keep up with so many followers on Twitter. There are two things I use everyday that make it possible to interact and grow my influence on Twitter. The first is free – TweetDeck I have both my accounts up so I can respond to mentions and DM’s. I also have facebook and Foursquare up (I just started using foursquare). The second is free for the basic version, but you really want the next step up – TweetSpinner lets me schedule tweets, follow, unfollow, clean up spammers and people who are just on Twitter to sell. I get about 1000 new followers a week currently just using Tweetspinner. I show you how I use it in Twitter Tips from @revtrev

What People Are Saying

@revtrev I love your words. Steward your destiny. It’s really how I see it too Rev.
via @DaraBell

thanks for all the help in increasing my twitter influence. I have been using your tips and have grown from 40 to almost 1100 in two months. via @GCMinistryOH

RevTrev TV

What is the Fear Factor for Fundraising? RevTrev TV
In this episode of RevTrev TV I talk with Mike Stickler of The Vision Group about what the fear factor is for fundraising.

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

You can’t live in a tent and a mansion too by Yohan of the Virtual Preacher
Connecting to the Vine by Sue Miley of Christian Business Crossroads
3 Tips to Make a Getaway with your Spouse Possible by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
How wonderful it is to be adopted by God! by Neil Goodman of Looking Towards Home

On Friendship

“Your beloved and your friends were once strangers. Somehow at a particular time, they came from the distance toward your life. Their arrival seemed so accidental and contingent. Now your life is unimaginable without them. Similarly, your identity and vision are composed of a certain constellation of ideas and feelings that surfaced from the depths of the distance within you. To lose these now would be to lose yourself.”
~ John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

From Expectancy Press

Soul Surgeon – becoming a healer of wounded hearts
Counselling often fails because we focus on the symptoms or behaviour without looking at the roots of the problem. Other counselling methods fall short when they focus on healing the inner wounds without challenging people to let go of their sinful ways of dealing with their pain. Ultimately any Christian counselling must address the reality that we were created to enjoy fellowship not only with God but also with each other.?Excerpt from the chapter, Walls and Boundaries
by Cheryl Shea of Shea Counselling

Available for Immediate Download at Expectancy Press

One Last Thing…

I will be offering advertising space on RevTrev.com and my newsletter that gets about a 45% click through rate. Contact me if you’d be interested in advertising or swapping ads space on your site or newsletter.

Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

How To Respond to Criticism

revtrev — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:18:18 +0000

This has been one of those kinds of weeks. I’m not discouraged, but more amazed at the emerging pattern. I have a muslim who calls himself a cleric who wants to debate me on Twitter. I have a reader who keeps emailing me arguments from 1800 years ago who I sense wants me to convert to gnosticism.

I’ve told them both, “I wasn’t argued to the faith I have, I can’t be argued from it.” I’ve never really seen debates change people’s hearts so the struggle I have is “How can I show them God’s love and power?”

I’d appreciate any advice. In the Think About It section I’ve put in how I’ve learned to responded to criticism. Appreciate your thoughts on that as well.

A big welcome to the 38 new subscribers who signed this week for Twitter Tips, RevTrev.com, Expectancy Press and Life Above the Negativity. Glad to have you with us. Send me an email and introduce yourself to me. I’m always looking for people to connect with and promote.

Questions of the Week

How to Conquer the Lust of the Flesh and Eyes

Here is a question another reader sent me. So many people ask similar questions that I really need to finish up the book I’ve been working on….leave your advice and maybe it will make it into the book (with you being properly cited).

Read More >>>

Don’t forget to share your comments.

RevTrev Radio

Do I Need A Mental Health Coach? – RevTrev Radio
In this episode I interview Cheryl Shea of Shea Counselling about what a mental health coach is and who should consider one.

Listen Now >>>

Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Why God Says No – Part 3
What do you do when God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers? We can spiritualize it and shove it down. We can get angry and choose to blame God. Or we can examine what Scripture says and align ourselves with the truth of the Word. Find out how to do this without being offended at your Father who loves you.

Listen Now >>>

Let people know what you think about it.

Subscribe via iTunes

How To Respond to Criticism

What are we to do when we’re condemned by others? We are all going to be unfairly judged. So we’d better address how to deal with it.

It’s so easy for us to be defensive and lash out. Hurt people hurt people. But you don’t have to. You can break the cycle. Here’s how: Ignore or Confront… but Forgive and Bless.

Let’s draw this out a bit…

Ignore
Nehemiah didn’t stop his work on the wall to confront those who unfairly spread lies about him. Maybe this is the tactic the Father has for you. Ask Him and obey what He says. But be careful if its in your personality to avoid conflict because you may just be assuming the Father is telling you to ignore it.

Confront
Jesus confronted the religious leaders of the day when they said it was by satan that He was casting out demons. Perhaps it serves the Father’s purpose for you to confront. Don’t do this because you enjoy it. You’re in the wrong place if you enjoy putting someone in his or her place. Still, don’t back away if the Father tells you to stand.

Forgive
We’re taught to forgive others for our sake, not for theirs. When we forgive others, Christ can forgive us. Forgiveness is not an option. You must forgive. If you want more information on this, check out our booklet “The Freedom of Forgiveness”.

Bless them
Let’s let the words of Paul to the church in Rome expand this concept:

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
   “I will take revenge;
      I will pay them back,”
      says the Lord.
Instead,
   “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
      If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
   In doing this, you will heap
      burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Romans 12:18-21 (New Living Translation)

Perhaps it’s time I let you in on the secret to how to live life above judging.

Find out more in my booklet “How to Judge Without Being A Jerk”

Social Media Tip

How to Add a Follow Button For ANY Twitter User
Why would you want to add a follow button to your blog for any Twitter user? I’m using it for two reasons and I’m showing you the code.

Learn More >>

What People Are Saying

@revtrev Spreading the word of God is such a precious mission, I always appreciate sincere, passionate believers and try doing the same. via @iperbolangie

Inspiring men of faith! @youthguy07 @Stevewillhite @revtrev @ChasingNehemiah @myemily_thebook @cowboyministry @EffectiveTeams @RickAtchley
via @christycassidy

@revtrev thanks for the awesome tweets. You are such a blessing to me. Bless you my brother
via @dwaynebear

THANK YOU. for the daily inspiration. You touch many lives with the things you post!
via @lovelalagirl

Hey RevTrev….I just wanted to send a quick message to thank you for your blog. I found your site through a google search. I grew up in a Christian home and love God with all my heart. I’ve been struggling for the past few months with my faith. I used to be in a great place and had a very close relationship with God but as I’ve gotten older, I seem to be pushing away and questioning things. I allow the world to effect me and the decisions I make. I long to be back to where I was with Him just a few months ago and your blog have really helped with finding my footing. God Bless.

RevTrev TV

Why Should Ministries Consider Grants?

In this episode of RevTrev TV I talk with Mike Stickler of The Vision Group about why ministries should consider applying for grants.

Watch Now>>>

View all the episodes:

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

Senior Pastors – 5 Reasons Why You Need A Vision by Yohan of the Virtual Preacher
Are You Trying Hard? By Sue Miley of Christian Business Crossroads
3 Tips to Gain and Maintain Your Clients’ Confidence by Julie McElroy of Inspired to Write
What Brings Your Soul Satisfaction? by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
We have been chosen by God – thank You, Father! by Neil Goodman of Looking Towards Home

On Friendship

“One of the tasks of true friendship is to listen compassionately and creatively to the hidden silences. Often secrets are not revealed in words, they lie concealed in the silence between the words or in the depth of what is unsayable between two people.”
-John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

One Last Thing…

I’ve set up a Facebook Page for my blog. IF you like this newsletter, can you like it on Facebook?

If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

How Does God Discipline Us?

revtrev — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:45:21 +0000

Things that have been put on the shelf are slowly being made useful again. It’s that way for my blog and honestly, it feels that way for me as well. I may tell you more as time goes on, but for now let’s just say I’m being blown away by the goodness of God and the kindness of friends and family.

A big welcome to the 42 new subscribers we had this week on RevTrev.com, LifeAbovetheNegativity.com and ExpectancyPress.com. This is the first RevTrev Newsletter you’ll be getting. I’d really appreciate knowing what you think. If you have suggestions let me know. If you like it, let your friends know.

Questions of the Week

What Colour was Jesus?
Here’s a series of questions from a reader on the history of Jesus. I hope I wasn’t too sarcastic.

Read More >>>

Don’t forget to share your comments.

RevTrev Radio

Why God Says No – Part 2
What do you do when God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers? We can spiritualize it and shove it down. We can get angry and choose to blame God. Or we can examine what Scripture says and align ourselves with the truth of the Word.
Listen Now >>>

Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Do I Need A Mental Health Coach?
In this episode I interview Cheryl Shea of Shea Counselling about what a mental health coach is and who should consider one.

Listen Now >>>

Let people know what you think about it.

Subscribe via iTunes

How Does God Discipline Us?

I’ve just finished up a ghostwriting gig and I’ve really enjoyed working with this author. We have different takes on debatable theology. I have no problem writing what he believes because it’s his book.

Every once in a while I challenge his understanding. He calls it being a “bane to his existence.” I think it’s more akin to friendship.

I’ve haven’t told him, but God has been ripping apart things I’ve believed and taught. Yes, a book is in the works. The working title is “Confessions of a Recovering Walking Oxymoron.” One of those things is my understanding of how God disciplines us.

Hebrews tells us to “endure hardship as discipline” (Hebrews 12:7) and often that’s the only discipline we think God gives us. We look at the difficulties of life and the crap that gets handed to us and it’s good if we “consider it all joy” (James 2:1-4) but one thing I find is that we forget another key way we’re disciplined…

…“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. John 15:1-3 New American Standard Bible

It’s the word of God that cleans us. It’s the discipline of word that lines up our thoughts with God thoughts and allows us to change our thoughts so that they agree with the Father’s. I wonder if we’d spent less time complaining and more time in His word if the discipline would give way to joy sooner?

I’ve got a lot to work out here. I just am really drawn to the thought I need to know more of the Word and have more of the Word in me. That seems like a good policy whether I’m being disciplined or not.

What are your thoughts? Email me or leave them in the comments.

Social Media Tip

So I found out this week I ticked off a former reader because she thought I’d be sharing all my insights into social media. As a pastor, she felt she knew more than I was sharing…which might be true, although I know I know more about how to judge without being a jerk than she seems to show.

Let’s leave my sarcasm out of it. I think she had a good point. In my day job I do social media management for people, so why not share what I know with the readers of this newsletter? I don’t know if this will be a weekly tip but I might as well at least highlight what I’ve posted on RevTrev.com or give you tips you’ll likely not find anywhere else.

Here’s a quick one I included this week. Thanks for Retweeting it.

How to Add A “Tweet This” Button to Any Document

(BTW I’ve used this in the “One Last Thing” Section at the bottom of this newsletter.)

RevTrev Reviews

Signs and Wonders by Alex Adena – a review
I was intrigued with the idea of Alexa Adena’s book “Signs and Wonders“. That was even before I read the concept for the story….

Read More >>>

Do you have a book or product that you think my readers would like to hear my thoughts on? Contact me today. I may want to get you on RevTrev TV as well.

What People Are Saying

@revtrev thanks for your encouraging tweets!
From @HisScribeArtist

@revtrev Your tweets put my faith back in the Lord’s people I wish more Christians imitated God. ?From @nolegirl

Loved the fast {from negativity}. Planning on spending a week on each challenge to hit it deeper. It has been life changing and I am sure my family is thankful too. Just spreading the love. God bless – Shannon on Facebook.

RevTrev TV

What You Need to Know About Shea Counselling – RevTrev TV
In this episode of RevTrev TV I interview Cheryl Shea of Shea Counselling about Shea Counselling. She does counselling over Skype so you don’t need to be in Edmonton.

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

Ministry Coaching with RevTrev

How to Write an Effective Grant
I’ve scheduled a series of interviews with Mike Stickler of the Vision Group that I don’t think anyone in the ministry coaching with RevTrev will want to miss.
Watch Now >>>

Do you have a question about ministry I could help answer?

Sign up for this free weekly coaching at http://expectancyministries.com/coaching/

Posts From My Blogging Buddies

It Must Be A God Thing by Sue Miley of Christian Business Crossroads
6 Helpful Ways to Handle Conflict by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze
God is the greatest Gift. Why don’t more people accept You? By Neil Goodman of Looking Towards Home

Encouragement for the Week

“One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.”
? John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong

Have you encouraged someone today?

One Last Thing…

Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

The Coolest Thing for Submitting Job Applications

revtrev — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:44:38 +0000

I got some information on what makes a good newsletter. To my surprise, I’m actually doing almost all of it. I realized I shouldn’t try to get everything in I want to in a week and that’s it’s OK to mix up features. All that being said, I’ll stop calling these “short” newsletters.

My bigger surprise this week was to find out this newsletter goes out to at least 78 countries. Check them out. If your country is missed it could be your IP is registered in another country, or my system didn’t pick it up, or I missed it in my less-than-scientific analysis of the data. Let me know in the comments. I want to update this every few months.

A big welcome to the 50 new subscribers this week! Great to have you. I would love to meet you. Send me an email and let me know about yourself.

This Week’s Guest Blogger

Sometimes I Wake Up Grumpy. Sometimes I Let Her Sleep.
I finally got to the bottom of my inbox and realized I NEVER posted this guest blog by Bud Bilanich. He wrote it to tie into the negativity fast. My apologies Bud.

Read More >>>

Contact me if you’d like to be a guest blogger.
Find the guidelines here http://revtrev.com/write-for-revtrev/

Questions of the Week

How do you Fast and Pray and Help Others Out?
These are questions I need a lot more time to answer fully but let’s start with the basics right now. How are we to do everything we are to do?

Read More >>> Don’t forget to share your comments.

RevTrev Radio

Why People Should Know About Soul Surgeon – RevTrev Radio
In this episode I interview Cheryl Shea of Shea Counselling about her book “Soul Surgeon”.

Listen Now >>>Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover.

Why God Says No – Part 1
What do you do when God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers? We can spiritualize it and shove it down. We can get angry and choose to blame God. Or we can examine what Scripture says and align ourselves with the truth of the Word. Find out how to do this without being offended at your Father who loves you.

Listen Now >>> Let people know what you think about it.

Subscribe via iTunes

The Coolest Thing For Submitting Job Applications

Yes, I’m looking to be gainfully employed. I’m not going to go into the details and yes, those details may go into a book one day. Suffice it to say I’m sending out applications for positions that look perfect for me – who knew the seemingly random skills I’ve acquired over the years fit perfectly for companies looking to both traditional marketing and emerging social media.

Anyway, I don’t like sending in “To Whom It May Concern” and I find it’s not really my style to call and talk to a company’s HR department until I find the one who will be reviewing my resume.

In walks Rapportive. Rapportive works with Firefox and Gmail. So you need both for the magic to happen. What Rapportive does is shows you all the contact information and social conversations of any email you receive or start to send.

I’ve used it to connect with the coolest people on Facebook, LinkedIN and Twitter.

When it comes to submitting job applications I noticed the HR department of a company I was applying to had a name and face to the department…turns out almost all do.

You think twice about sending me an email. I know everything about your online profiles as soon as I open your email. I think it’s best if we’re all just authentic and true to who God’s made us to be…then we don’t have to be worried about people finding stuff out.

What People Are Saying

“Twitter tips from @revtrev” -This really works! Started with less than 100 followers 10 weeks ago. Now have 10,000 Free! @365globalprayer

Have you downloaded “Twitter Tips from @revtrev” yet? I’d appreciate hearing how you’ve used the blueprint to increase your influence for the Kingdom.

RevTrev TV

Do I Need A Mental Health Coach?- RevTrev TV
In this episode of RevTrev TV I interview Cheryl Shea of Shea Counselling about what a Mental Health Coach is.

Watch Now >>>

View all the episodes:

BE ENCOURAGED

You are chosen and from death you were raised
The Lord is wonderful and to be praised
Be strong in Him and lift your head up high
His trumpet is sounding and His coming is nigh
Be of good courage, He will appear before your eyes
He’ll lift you up and carry you to Paradise.

from http://achristiancounselor.com/poem.html

From Expectancy Press

How Confession and Forgiveness Heals Us -eBook
Many Christians struggle with condemnation. We desire change. We want to break bad habits and develop godly character but our attempts often end in frustration. We have incredible encounters with God that change us for a short time, but back we go to the same behaviour. We desire to walk in another direction, to repent, but we keep on repeating the same sinful patterns over and over again. This booklet provides a way out by reminding us that the real change comes first in our hearts through confessing our sins and knowing we are forgiven. It’s not about self-help, it’s about positioning our hearts so that Jesus can change us from the inside out.

Find out More>>>

Ask and Imagine Service

“Imagine Ghostwriting” is Available!

Are you a writer who knows how to write a book and are looking for a stable income? Get everything you need to become a ghostwriter.

Find out more>>> ImagineGhostwriting.com

One Last Thing…

Do you know anyone who may be encouraged by something in this newsletter? Why don’t you pass it on to them. I really appreciate it.

Have a great weekend.

-Trevor

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