I Stand At The Door And Knock (book review)

I Stand At The Door And KnockCorrie ten Boom is an amazing woman! She hid the Jews from the Nazis, was arrested for this “crime,” experienced unimaginable horrors in a concentration camp, and was miraculously released from prison just before all the women in her group were executed. And still she remained steadfast in her trust of God. I Stand At The Door And Knock is a collection of 40 of her radio broadcasts, especially directed to others going through difficult times.

Because these are radio transcriptions, each message feels very conversational and Corrie relates many of her personal experiences to her audience. All of this makes her message more believable to those struggling with challenges.

Each message concludes with a prayer that Corrie prayed for her listening audience, and I love how she ended nearly every prayer. She said, “Hallelujah! Amen.” In other words, she was already rejoicing in the answer to prayer as she finished praying it! What an inspiring woman!

If you are going through a difficult time—of if you know someone who is—and perhaps feel like no one knows how big your struggle is, this book will “speak your language.” These are honest, comforting words from someone who truly was battle-tested and came through victorious.

Links & Quotes

link quote

“Don’t hold onto anything so tightly that Jesus can’t take it from you.” —Corrie ten Boom

“Forgiveness doesn’t diminish justice; it just entrusts it to God. He guarantees the right retribution.” —Max Lucado

“History is a vast early warning system.” —Norman Cousins

“How do we develop such trust? We seek the Lord in prayer, meditate on His Word, and walk in obedience. You may object, ‘But those things are all works.’ I disagree. They are all acts of faith. As we observe these disciplines, we are trusting that the Holy Spirit is at work in us, building up a reservoir of strength for our time of need.” Read more of David Wilkerson’s post Entering God’s Rest.

A couple of thousand years ago Socrates called the youth generation lazy, disrespectful, and lacking responsibility. Tim Elmore points out that there are 7 changes that affect every generation. Parents, teachers, coaches, and others that work with youth need to check this out.

Every summer in Cedar Springs all of the churches combine together for a huge worship service called UNITED. This year we have a special project: united to change the world.

[VIDEO] This morning I launched my first live broadcast on Periscope. You can find me there at username @craigtowens. Here is the video from my live feed—

Poetry Saturday―The Weaver

Corrie ten Boom   My life is but a weaving between my God and me,
I do not choose the colors, He works so steadily,
Oft times He weaves in sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.
   Not till the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned. ―Corrie ten Boom

Closed Door = Open Window

Yesterday God closed a pretty significant door in my life. It will mean some short-term changes, but I am confident that it also means some great long-term rewards! I’m not worried; just prayerful for the next steps I need to take.

Here’s where I base my confidence:

This didn’t take God by surprise: All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

In fact, God was the One who closed this door: A man’s steps are directed by the Lord.

And now I’m just waiting: Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Or as Corrie ten Boom so beautifully said it:

“When God closes a door, He opens a window.”