Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

What Godly service REALLY looks like

The life of a true follower of Christ can be defined by a number of attributes and we can test this by what the scriptures say.

*A true Christian is not popular with the world.

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (says Jesus)

* A true Christian forsakes ungodliness.

Titus 2:12 “..teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteous and godly in this present world.”

* A true Christian relies on the authority of scriptures on all matters of life and godly service.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.”

* A true Christian understands that life on this side of eternity is not always fair but trusts in His sovereignty and providence.

Psalm 135:6 “Whatever the Lord please, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.”

* A true Christian seeks to invest in God’s kingdom rather than their own.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”

This month, I have started to study the book of Jeremiah. The commentary I am reading in conjunction with the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament is Warren Wiersbe’s ‘Be Decisive, Taking a Stand for the Truth’ which I highly recommend.

The prophet Jeremiah was called by God to take a public and unpopular stand for God’s truth and by studying his life, we too can be encouraged to do the same.

One of the reasons I have chosen to look at Jeremiah’s life is that his ministry as a God- chosen prophet was powerful and God led. My hope is that Blended not Shaken Ministries is the same and that I can emulate some of the traits seen in the prophet Jeremiah. But another reason has stemmed from the rise in prophetic ministry in this era. Unfortunately we seem to have many so called and self professed ‘prophets’ today.

The basic definition of a prophet is a ‘truth teller”, one who communicates God’s words. While I believe there are prophets today and their ministry is needed, I fear there are too many calling themselves prophets when they are not and are leading people astray in the meantime. I have listened to a few ‘prophetic words’ from a couple of people who call themselves prophets and have both bemused and ill at ease with what they say and how they conduct themselves.

Below are a few questions to ask ourselves as to whether a ‘prophet’ is in fact a prophet by biblical standards:

1. Have they received this gift of prophecy from the Holy Spirit? (1 Cor. 12:28-29)

2. Do their words agree with scripture or what the Lord has previously spoken? (See 1 Kings 13

3. If they are speaking truth, will it/has it all come true, word for word ? (Jer. 28:9)

4. Are their prophetic words being confirmed?

5. Are they living godly lives? (Jer. 23:14)

6. Do they speak truth with humility? (Look at Jesus’ life and ministry)

7. Do they announce sin before promising blessings? (Lam. 2:13b-14)

8. Do they offend many? (Is. 30:9-11)

9. Do they never predict ‘new truths’ about end times? (Rev. 22;18)

(Excerpts taken from article by Julie Ferwerda, Cross walk. com)

If a person who has identified themselves as a prophet answers ‘no’ to some or all from this list, they need to be avoided. Those who are actually not prophets but claim to be, charge fees to churches for their ‘ministry’, are very popular and proud and only focus on blessings rather than repentance from sin.

If we look at Jeremiah’s life, he was defined as a:

-destroyer and builder

-pillar and wall

-watchman

-tester

-physician

-sacrificial lamb

-long distance runner

-shepherd

-troublemaker!!

This list doesn’t equate to an easy life to me! And certainly DOES NOT define many of the so called prophets out there today!

God showed Jeremiah that:

1. Godly service is not easy. It’s likened to running a long distance race; it’s not for the faint- hearted!

2. The life of service becomes harder not easier. Like Jesus, Jeremiah’s own family opposed him and misunderstood him!

3. The life of service gets better as we grow and mature. With every new challenge and trial, God was allowing Jeremiah’s ministry skills to grow and develop.

The Lord continues to remind me of these truths. I need to rely on the on- going sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit as I walk out this life and His call. Although the life of true and godly service doesn’t come naturally to us, as we battle our carnal nature that leans towards selfishness, it’s comforting to know that there have been many that have gone before us, like Jeremiah, who were ordinary people, set apart by God for God’s work. I look forward to studying the book of Jeremiah and passing on what I’m learning to my readers.

Blessings…

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TESTIMONIALS

What people say?

My Two Houses was one of my favourite books as a younger person. It helped me understand how I was feeling about having two homes. I feel as though Karina’s books have simplified a confusing situation, in a way for all ages to understand.

Charlotte

There is affirmation and encouragement to single dads and mums through “Let’s shout out to single dads” and “Sing a song to single mums”, anchoring their value, peace and endurance in the Word of God.

Librarian

Clear, fun explanations in “My family bush” of hard to decipher terms like half-brother and half-sister, full brother or sister, step-parent and how they connect to the relationships within a family.  Relating that to Jesus’ own family could be a revelation to children that their own family structure is not so different after all, that families who love and care for each other are part of God’s plan, no matter how they are made up.

Librarian

One step at a time: a step family journal“ is an honest, humorous yet life and faith affirming read for those approaching and in middle years. The use of illustrations in the text make it appealing and engaging.

Librarian

Karina’s books are very helpful when you struggle to relate to a child of separated or divorced parents when you haven’t experienced this yourself. I have quietly read or given time for a child to read one of the books and then wait for their responses. I find Karina’s books extremely helpful in my ministry to children.

Chaplain

I am often in awe of God’s amazing timing! My morning began with feelings of despair over a family relationship that had broken down. I poured out my heart to the Lord, seeking His comfort and guidance. A short time later there was a knock on my door and the postie handed me a package. It was Karina’s book “Sing a Song to Single Mums”. As I read, I came across a page that spoke directly to my situation!

Even down to the illustration! My day ended with renewed hope in God’s promise that He works all things… good things and bad things… together, for the good of those who love Him. I am so thankful to Karina for writing such a beautiful book and for the Lord’s timing in delivering it into my hands precisely when I needed to read it!

Single Mum

Caught in the Middle is one of my favourite books because, whenever I read it, I feel close to God.

River

I read My Two Houses with my entire Year 5 class. They loved it! It began a wonderful conversation which allowed many students to be vulnerable enough to be open about their feelings and situations at home as well as to a better understanding of what some of their classmates go through with divorced parents.

Primary Teacher

I have used My Two Houses with a 13-year boy during one of my sessions with him. He loved that he could relate so well with the book, stating, “That’s just like me” and I could see a change in his demeanour and body language in his knowing that there are other kids out there, just like him.

School Counselor

As a nuclear family, we love that the books contain so much scripture in teaching our children God’s word.

Ces, Father of 5, Pastor

Karina’s books give children permission to have their feelings validated and provide comfort and healing to their souls.

Tania

When it comes to blending 2 families together or doing it by yourself there are a number of unique issues.  If you find yourself in a role as a single parent, stepparent or trying to help siblings navigate their new situation it can be very tough.   

We at Focus on the Family Australia, want to help relationships and families  be as healthy as they can be.  We know it is not an easy task unifying 2 families or doing it solo.  

We highly recommend Blended Not Shaken Ministries to help provide some tools to cultivate a loving, blended or single parent home to achieve a sense of unity in your new family. 

Brett Ryan, CEO Focus on the Family Australia