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About the Book
"Eyes That See" by Patricia King is a spiritual guide to cultivating a deeper relationship with God through developing a discerning spirit. The book explores the importance of having spiritual eyes that can see beyond the physical realm and perceive the spiritual truths and realities around us. Through personal stories and biblical insights, King offers practical advice on how to sharpen our spiritual vision and walk in greater intimacy with God.
Calvin Miller
Calvin Miller was a pastor, professor and storyteller, best known for The Singer Trilogy, a mythic retelling of the New Testament story in the spirit of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Miller passed away on the afternoon of August 19, 2012, due to complications after heart surgery. He was 75.
A prolific artist and a writer's writer, Miller garnered respect and praise throughout his career from peers like Luci Shaw, Max Lucado and Philip Yancey. He was the author of more than forty books of popular theology and Christian inspiration including such recent books as Letters to Heaven, The Path of Celtic Prayer, Letters to a Young Pastor and his memoir Life Is Mostly Edges.
In addition to his twenty years of pastoral service at Westside Church in Omaha, Nebraska, Miller was also a great mentor to many students and leaders through his preaching and pastoral ministry classes at Beeson Divinity School. Calvin Miller, never one to multiply words, used just four to describe his rule of life: "Time is a gift."
RESCUE FROM THE SLUSH PILE
In October 1973 one important book was rescued from the slush pile (the stack of unsolicited manuscripts every publisher receives) by assistant editor Don Smith. He read a manuscript by a little-known Baptist pastor in Nebraska that was a poetic retelling of the life of Jesus—portraying him as a Troubadour. Both he and Linda Doll excitedly encouraged Jim Sire to take this imaginative manuscript seriously. In February 1974 Sire wrote the author, Calvin Miller, that IVP wanted to publish his book The Singer.
Months before, Miller had been waking up nights, stirred to write this tale, perhaps unconsciously inspired by the recent Broadway hits Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. Later Miller wrote:
When the manuscript was done, I sent it to Jim Sire at InterVarsity Press. “It’s good,” he said, “but we want to think about it a couple of weeks before we give you an answer.” So I waited until finally the letter came. They were going to do it. Jim Sire had done his Ph.D. on John Milton, and the fact that he liked it was joy immeasurable to me. “But,” he cautioned, “we’re going to print five thousand of these. They may not do well—in fact we may end up with four thousand of them on skids in our basement for the next ten years. Still, it’s a good book and deserves to be in print.”
Far more than a thousand copies sold. Actually, over three hundred times that amount sold in its first decade. It became “the most successful evangelical publication in this genre.” The Singer was followed in two years by The Song (paralleling the story of the early church in Acts) and two years after that by The Finale (inspired by the book of Revelation). Publication of The Singer changed Miller’s life. Even though he stayed in the pastorate for many years, it set him on a course of writing and speaking that he could not have imagined.
Finding Financial Freedom
The smartest thing we can do financially is to make God’s kingdom and His righteousness our top priority. Since true financial freedom is based largely on the condition of our heart and attitude, we must consciously embrace truth not fear, contentment not greed, humility not pride, gratitude not resentment, righteousness not deceit, generosity not selfishness. The following suggestions are financial strategies that have helped many people. Look at the list, pray over it, and apply what will benefit you and your family with the goal of changing bad habits, reducing stress, and gaining financial freedom. Make a Plan Everything starts with a plan. After you do that, you’re ready to move forward with it. Set specific goals, short-term and long-term. Write them down and refer to them regularly. This will give clarity. Create a budget. This brings freedom. Seek accountability. This will provide encouragement. Give regularly. This will break the grip of selfishness. Eliminate personal debt. This will set you free. Fund an emergency account, save, invest. This will help you have margin. Change your withholding if you get tax refunds. This will boost cash flow. Celebrate milestones with gratitude. This will keep you motivated. Reduce Expenses You can take action now to reduce your expenses. Here are several actions. Keep track of all expenses for at least 30 days to learn your spending habits. Use extra money (tax refunds, raises, gifts) wisely. Become frugal. Live like you’re poor. Buy only what you need. Cancel cable and subscriptions. Limit or drop TV and social media. Find free entertainment. Read more books — use the library. Eat out only for special occasions. Recruit a couple or family to join you on this journey. Challenge yourself to eat the pantry. The smartest thing we can do financially is to make God’s kingdom and His righteousness our top priority. Chuck Bentley in Finding Financial Freedom This Year Go on a “Spending Fast.” Use cash when possible to limit credit card debt. Change your lifestyle. Move, drive cheaper cars, and so on. Reduce utility costs. Avoid “window shopping.” Assess your friendships. Plan ahead for holidays. Grocery shop with a list. Cook large meals, freeze leftovers, and take meals from home to work Say no to impulse purchases. Use coupons or buy what is on sale. Shop consignment or thrift shops. Drop gym memberships. Make coffee at home. Skip soft drinks and bottled water. Find a mobile discount plan. Trade skills with a friend (cooking, yard care, haircuts, and so on). Avoid financing cars and loans. Don’t gamble. Increase Income By taking just a few deliberate actions, you can increase your income. Work hard and ask for a raise. Improve your job skills. Obtain certifications and online training. Take on a part-time job. Sell what you don’t need. Think outside the box. Find creative solutions to problems. Improve Your Health Your health impacts your finances in several ways, including the cost of insurance, your ability to work, your energy level, your ability to sleep, and your state of mind. Sleep a minimum of seven hours. God designed you to function best when rested. Drink more water, much more than you think you need. Eat healthily. Grow food if you can. Exercise daily and spend time in nature. Sunshine is an essential part of your health. Eliminate stress and guard your mental health. Limit prescription drug use. Research natural remedies. Plan for the Future By taking just a few deliberate actions, you can increase your income. Organize your finances and emergency information. Gather documents to prepare taxes. Make a will and plan burial options. Carry adequate insurance: life, health, car, home, or rental. Plan education costs for children. Begin funding retirement accounts. Diversify your investments. Principles and best practices are of no value if we only know them intellectually. Knowing and doing is the key to experiencing God’s promises. Living accordingly will help you to thrive.
