A Prickly Lesson by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier

I love growing cactus and succulents. They are prickly but they have the most beautiful blooms and are such unique plants. I love how they adapt to environments where many plants would not survive. 

The problem comes when I have to do transplanting or weeding. Ouch! Even when I wear gloves, I end up with stickers in my fingers. No matter how careful I am, one little move will have the prickly end of a cactus spine reminding me of their nature. 

Sometimes it’s easy to remove that spine, but some of them are so small and they blend in with my skin to the point that I can’t find them to remove them. I have to wait until the wound shows up and gets sore to be able to remove the sticker.

I am reminded of these cactus spines and the way they aggravate me when I read this story in Judges:

Then the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not heeded My voice, I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the Lord, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.” Judges 2:20-22 (NKJV)

God allowed testing by leaving these nations to become a thorn that poked at the Israelites. What would they do? Would they turn to God for help? Would they succumb to temptation and embrace foreign gods? Would they be drawn away from the one true God, the God of their fathers or would they stay true to Him? What would the testing of those annoying stickers, the nations around them, bring?

Likewise, we have those things in our lives that bring testing. We have those around us who are not walking with the Lord. We have many distractions outside the church and within the church that can lead us away from our walk with Christ. We harbor little impurities within us that cause problems.

Is it a superior attitude as we settle into our secure Christian life looking down on those around us who don’t know Him? Are we blinded to what God wants us to do or to become because we are confident in our beliefs? 

Is it the comfort of our material possessions that makes us forget our calling, or the importance of sacrifice? Maybe we need to cut back and ask God what He wants us to do. Think of the rich young ruler who walked away sad when Jesus asked him to give up the one thing he treasured most – his wealth. What is God asking each of us to sacrifice?

Maybe that thorn is an actual person and God is using them to refine our character. We must learn to love with God’s love and to trust in His grace and mercy. Loving is not always easy.

Having a sticker that is painful can keep us humble and reminds us of God’s goodness just as this thorn did for Paul.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12: 7-9a (NKJV)

God’s grace is sufficient. We can depend on His strength when those thorns of life poke at us in uncomfortable ways. Through prayer we can have an attitude like Paul demonstrated:

“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12: 9b-10 (NKJV)

As I work with the cactus in my garden, I know I will get spines in my fingers, but I can be reminded that my weakness shows God’s strength.

Let’s learn to be thankful for those trials, those painful moments of testing. Instead of complaining, we can praise God that He is the strength we rely on, not anything else.

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An Easter Prayer by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Bridget

When I was growing up, Easter Sunday was a fun day. After church, we had an Easter egg hunt with hard-boiled, dyed eggs (indoors since I grew up in the north). A basket filled with sweets awaited us, courtesy of the Easter Bunny. My sister, who is three years older than me, would sample this and that from her basket. Being a little sister who wanted to do whatever her big sister did, I tried to keep up with her. But I usually had to quit because I wound up feeling sick with all the candy.

Nowadays, Easter looks different. We don’t have an egg hunt at my house, because we don’t have any little ones. And I rarely get much, if any, Easter candy. But the most important difference is my focus. When I was younger I knew what Easter was about. But now that I am an adult, I have more of an appreciation for the true meaning of Easter. I don’t put my attention on what the Easter Bunny will bring me this year. Instead, the emphasis is on what Jesus brought for all of us over 2,000 years ago.

Last Easter we were all in the throes of the pandemic, so my husband and I watched church on television and then we watched The Passion of the Christ. This movie is such a genuine depiction of what Jesus went through. It can be difficult to sit through this movie without tears, or at least a deep sense of mourning for what our Lord and Savior had to suffer for each of us.

Even reading about Jesus’ death in the Bible will bring remorse. But when we keep reading past the pain that Jesus faced on Good Friday, we find the joy of Easter morning. With Jesus’ death and resurrection, He paid the price for our sins and He bridged the gap between our Heavenly Father and us. We can never repay Jesus for what He did. But we can use our time to worship the Lord, to remember what Easter is all about, and to give Jesus our gratitude. Let’s take a moment to do that now. Let’s thank Jesus for what He did for us on the cross. Will you pray this Easter prayer with me?

Dear Jesus, how can we begin to thank You for what You did over 2,000 years ago? The words “Thank You” will never be enough. In fact, no words could ever fully express our heartfelt gratitude. We are deeply humbled to think about what You did for us and for all who would accept You. You, who knew no sin, took on the sin of the world. You knew each and every one of us would stumble and fall. But You still loved us all so much that you went to the cross for us. You paid our sin debt that we could never pay on our own. And as a result, you washed us clean. You made us as white as snow. You redeemed us from our sins. You saved us from death. You gave us the gift of salvation. You gave us the opportunity to have a relationship with You. And this relationship is more precious that anything we will ever know on this earth. Nothing compares to the price you paid for us. But today and everyday, we give You our hearts. We surrender all to You. We honor You. We worship You. We love You. You are our Redeemer, Provider, and Shepherd. We praise Your Holy Name. May our lips praise Your name every day of our lives. In Your Holy Name we pray, amen.

If you have never accepted Jesus as Savior, I invite you to do so today. If you want to know how, you can say the prayer found here. This will be the best decision you ever make. This will bring true contentment into your life. And this will bring you hope. In these uncertain times, we all could use hope. And the only way to find true hope is through Jesus.

I pray you all have a blessed Easter!

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Spiritual Reminders by Tara Randel

Posted on March 29, 2021 by tararandel

He says, Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Ps. 46:10

The beginning of this scripture has been my go-to for a large part of my life. It is simple, yet at the same time, so very deep. What I love is that when you meditate on these words, there are many layers of understanding and devotion. As I get older and look back at my life, I see that this scripture helped me refocus in so many life experiences when I needed to be grounded and reminded that I can’t do everything by myself, no matter how many times I try to prove otherwise.

The first time I really felt the impact of these words was a period when I was overly stressed. My husband and I own a business and at that time, our children were young. I was also working, so between the three responsibilities, I felt like I was hanging on by a thread. We had a specialized truck we used in the business that had to be serviced. Of course, the only garage capable of doing the work was over an hour away. My husband left early to drive it over, then I was to follow after getting the girls to school to pick him up.

I remember being wound tight, my mind racing with the tasks that awaited me later that day. Even that week. I started talking to God, whining about my busy life, how I needed a moment to slow down, but countering with, if I did, nothing would get done.

Does that refrain sound familiar?

As clear as a bell, I recall the Spirit saying. “Be still.”

Well, that caught my attention. What I translated was, “Stop talking and let your mind dwell on Me.” So I did. I abruptly halted my internal dialogue and waited. In the time that followed, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, reminding me that no, I can’t do it all. Nor do I need to. Spending time with God is more important than anything on my to-do list. This was a moment in time I still call to mind when I get overwhelmed.

Years later, when my oldest daughter died, there was a long period when I spoke to God but didn’t really hear anything. Looking back, I think this was because I had a lot to get out of soul. A lot of grieving. Once I was ready to listen again, a peace came over me when I waited quietly enough to acknowledge that God’s presence had never left me during that terrible time. He was patient, always listening to me, and when it was my turn to listen, His wisdom and love helped me heal.

Flash forward to the present. Now that I have established a career as an author, I still allow the same types of struggles to overpower me. Deadlines that are too close together, along with the ancillary things that go with promoting a book. Worrying about getting that next contract. Balancing time between work and my quiet time with God. All the day-to-day worries, even if you work in a different profession, that we all go through. And when the dust settles and I step away from the noise, the words that comfort me are always the same. Be still and know that I am God.

I finished a project last week. In my devotion time , I realized I’d let myself get wound up again. Instead of focusing on God, I was planning for the next few months and making myself worn out before I started. I’ve since taken the past few days off to slow down and listen. To savor the special time I only experience when I am quiet and hear from the Spirit of the Lord.

As I was reading a book, I came across another scripture that caught and held my attention this week. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; Psalm 37:7a.

See a theme here?

My point is, we all get busy. We all have too much on our plates from time to time. We still think we can do it all. And once we realize that God is bigger than any of our problems or stresses, that ultimately He is in control, these words from scripture are a beautiful reminder of how much God loves us.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, STEALING HER BEST FRIEND’S HEART, available  August 2021. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.

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The Man on the Park Bench: A Short Story by James R. Coggins

Posted on March 24, 2021 by jrcoggins

The man on the park bench looked utterly forlorn. He was sitting with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.

“Good afternoon,” I said. “How are you doing?”

“It’s hopeless,” he said. “It’s hopeless.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I said, sitting down beside him. “I’m an outreach worker with Downtown Mission. I’ve been able to help a lot of people. Maybe I can help you.”

“There’s nothing you can do. It’s hopeless,” he repeated.

“Why don’t you tell me what the problem is, and I’ll see if I can help. Do you have a job?”

“Yes. I just moved here a couple of months ago to accept a new job as sales rep for Nolix Corp.”

“Well, that sounds good. What is the problem?”

“I’ve got a long list of contacts I’m supposed to be meeting this afternoon and later this week.” The man caught his breath and continued. “But I lost my cell phone. It has all of my contacts’ information. Now I don’t know where I am supposed to go or who I am supposed to meet.”

“Why don’t you go back to your office at Nolix?” I suggested.

“I guess I could, but I don’t go there very often, and I would probably need my GPS to find it.”

“So, use your GPS.”

“It’s on my phone,” moaned the man. “And so is my pass code for the employee entrance.”

“So, use the public, customer entrance.”

“It wouldn’t do any good. I don’t have any back-up files in my office. All my client info and my presentation materials were in my cell phone. That’s why I don’t have to go in to the office very often.”

“Do you have any friends or family members you could call to help you?”

“I don’t have any family close by. I have friends, but I don’t know their last names or contact info. All of their phone numbers and addresses were in my cell phone. I didn’t memorize their phone numbers because I never had to dial them.”

“Do you have a car?” I asked.

“Yes, but how could I turn off the security lock and get into it without my cell phone?” the man complained.

“What about a home? Do you have a home?”

“Yes, I have a home in the suburbs, but I only moved in a couple of weeks ago. It’s in one of those neighborhoods where all the streets twist around and go off on angles. I don’t remember the address, and I need my GPS to find it.”

“That’s too bad,” I said.

“Besides, even if I got there, what good would it do?” he asked. “Without my cell phone, how would I turn off the security alarm or open the garage door or the house door? How would I turn up the heat or turn on the lights or start up my entertainment system or program the stove to cook dinner? How could I order groceries to be delivered or food from a restaurant?”

I sat there beside the man for a few moments deep in thought. The man was right. His case was hopeless.

I stood up, mumbled a half-hearted goodbye, and headed down toward the next park bench. There were a couple of homeless, long-term drug addicts there. Their situation was undoubtedly far more hopeful.

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How’s Spring Look Where You Are At?

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Author Mary Alford

Saturday was the first official day of spring and here in Texas the signs are all around.

I spotted my first bluebonnet yesterday, a sure sign the rest of the wildflowers are soon to follow.

The trees are beginning to bud, the fields are turning green. And the first mesquite tree on our property has bloomed. My father-in-law was a wise man. Though he only made it to the eighth grade in school, he was blessed with common sense and one thing he always said; when the mesquite trees bloom, winter is done. That was one of the many words of wisdom that he taught me through the years.    

Spring is a wonderful time of the year. A reminder of God’s promise of renewal. He renews our spirit daily. And just like springtime, he showers us with His blessings and restores our strength.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Just seeing the new life blooming all around me definitely renews my spirit. It’s been a long hard 2020 and more than ever I think we all need our spirits renewed.  I pray that wherever you are—whether spring is popping its head out for you to enjoy, or winter is still holding fast—God will renew your sprit and help you run and not be weary. Walk and not grow faint.

Happy spring!

Today, I have a new Christian Suspense release entitled Firestorm, book eight of The Courage Under Fire series.

Here is a little about the book:

To save her brother’s life, Sarah Hancock must risk everything to find the one man who can bring Blake home. Former Navy SEAL, James Cooper.

Amidst talks of peace and the rise to power of Daniel Pamphili, the unthinkable happens—an attack like no one in Strike Force could have predicted proves the depths in which Pamphili is willing to go to silence Strike Force.

After a daring attempt results in Blake’s rescue, Pamphili steps up his attempts to find Strike Force.

Hiding out in the wilderness of Wyoming, Sarah’s and James’s relationship grows stronger. With the world quickly moving toward unprecedented times, Sarah knows she loves James and she’ll spend whatever time they have left here on earth loving him.

When Pamphili announces his pledge to rebuild the Jewish Temple, he sets in motion events that will mark the beginning of the end.

And the countdown clock is ticking down to zero!

All the best,

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Having a Bad Day by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Matthew Sichkaruk on Unsplash

We were all horrified at the shootings in Atlanta this past week perpetrated by the gunman who took the lives of eight people before being stopped by the police. Eight lives cut short in a senseless act that is impossible to understand. 

What I found just as disturbing was the police captain who gave the press conference to talk about the crime. He stated that the shooter was having “a really bad day for him and this is what he did.” 

Having a bad day. And he killed eight people.

I have had a lot of bad days. Heart crushing loss and grief. Days I thought couldn’t get much worse. I’m sure most of us have faced such circumstances. Thankfully, they are rare, but they do happen. However, I did not unleash my frustration, hurt, or anger by killing someone. That isn’t a reaction to having a bad day. Not at all.

When I think of having a bad day, I consider some of those who have gone before me and left their testimony. I think of Job losing all that was dear to him. I think of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. I think of Moses coming off the mountain with the ten commandments after meeting with God only to see the people indulging in horrible sin. I think of David faced with the truth of his sin and the death of his own son. I think of the Mary and the disciples on the day Jesus was crucified and their hope was shredded.

What is the proper response to having a bad day?  What did those who went before us do?

Job—In one day Job faced the loss of his livestock, the death of his servants, and the death of his children. His response: “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.” Job 1:20 (NKJV) He didn’t rant or go after those responsible. He worshiped God in the midst of his grief.

Joseph—Joseph was a young man when his brothers conspired against him, threw him in a well, and sold him to be taken to Egypt as a slave. Years passed before Joseph and his brothers were reunited. After their father’s death, the brothers worried what Joseph would do to them since by then he was the second most powerful person in Egypt. When they fell to their knees before him, hoping for mercy, “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…”And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Gen. 50:19-21 (NKJV)

Moses—When Moses came down Mount Sinai after talking with God and receiving the stone tablets with the ten commandments, the people had fallen into sin. They turned away from all Moses taught them and all the miracles they’d seen God perform. Moses had good reason to be angry. What did he do? “…So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain…” Deut. 32:19 (NKJV) This is after God wanted to destroy the Israelites for their sin and Moses interceded and begged God to forgive them. 

David—Nathan the prophet came to King David to confront him with his sin of adultery and murder. David had taken Bathsheba in adultery and then killed her husband Uriah. When faced with the enormity of what he’d done, “…David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” 2 Sam. 12:13 (NKJV) David humbled himself instead of blaming others.

Mary and the Disciples—Jesus’ followers were there as he was crucified. Mary’s beloved son and the disciples’ teacher, whom they knew to be the Son of God, died and they could do nothing. While there were many reactions to Jesus’ death on the cross, we read this about the disciples and Mary, “But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” Luke 23:49 (NKJV) We read after this that they were together, most likely praying since this was their habit as seen in the book of Acts.

What great examples of how to handle a “bad day” or the crushing hurt or grief that can overwhelm. We are to pray, be humble, ask God’s forgiveness for those who hurt us, worship God in the midst of our bad day, and consider that God works out all things to our good, when we are called according to his purpose. (Ro. 8:28)

Our response is not to be one of hatred or violence and likewise we are not to excuse those who act in this way. Instead, we must encourage the above attributes and promote love toward all. We must love as God loves us.

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Cutting With Scissors by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Valeriia Kogan on Unsplash

Yesterday, my five-year-old grandson was working on his school work at home. He had one last assignment to complete—cutting out figures with his scissors. He loves doing this, although in his enthusiasm he doesn’t always stay on the line. 

Still, having a task he likes frees my daughter to do other things while he works. She went to get dinner started while he was studiously cutting the papers assigned by his teacher. 

When she went to check his progress a few minutes later, my grandson has his bangs between his fingers and snips of hair scattered across his homework paper. He’d gotten distracted from his homework by the lure of using this tool in a way he wasn’t meant to. 

What could be wrong with this? His mom takes him to get his hair cut and that person uses scissors on his hair. Why can’t he?

I’m sure every parent here understands this frustration and many of us have faced this as we raised children. The hair cutting episodes usually precede some important event and our child looks lopsided for a while. Thankfully, hair does grow out.

How many times do we, as adults, receive tools or gifts from God, and in our enthusiasm to see how they work, use them the wrong way? Or, we see someone else using the same gift and decide that must be what God wants us to do without ever asking Him for guidance. 

When we do this, we end up with lopsided results and blows to our faith that can be damaging for us and for those around us. God gives each of us a gift or talent and a specific way to use that gift.

For instance, if you have the gift of teaching. There are many ways to use this talent: teaching children in a school, teaching a Bible study, teaching classes online, etc. The list is endless and may simply be teaching your child about your faith. What could be more important?

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deut. 6:6-7 (NKJV)

If you have a talent for music, maybe you are to use that in the church, or on a stage somewhere, or simply to sing to someone who needs a comfort that words won’t reach. Maybe you only need to use that gift to raise your instrument to God in private worship. 

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” I Cor. 12:4-6

We are all different. Our callings are all different. But all are blessed when we follow God’s leading. When we ask Him to show us what to do.

Whatever tool we are given, whatever gift or talent, we must ask God His intent for our lives. How does He plan for us to use this for His purpose? Then we need to grab out sheet of paper and our little pair of scissors and do what He wants. From that will come beauty beyond what we can imagine.

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Nora’s Review of: The Key to Everything by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Vicki Hinze

Nora St Laurent, Christians Read, Reviews,

 

The Key to Everything

By Valerie Fraser Luesse 

Published by: Revell

348 Pages

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORA’S REVIEW: This novel reminds me of the movie Forrest Gump (as both characters went on an adventure that had them meeting fascinating people). There is a Forrest Gump kind of feel mixed with a coming of age story minus the graphic sexual side of things.

From the start readers get to know Peyton and his mother after a tragic event. They are waiting for medical news about their loved one. It’s then Peyton learns the details of his mother and father’s love story and a few surprising things about himself.

This is a heart-warming and delightful story of Peyton and his quest to go on the same journey his father went on when he was 15 years old. He sets out with his bicycle and backpack filled with his stuff and goodies from his mom.

The expedition begins in Georgia and goes all the way to Key West, Florida. I enjoyed Peyton’s adventures and the interesting people he meets. I lived in Georgia and Florida, so I appreciated the trip through the streets of Georgia and Florida and all he saw there. Peyton says to Lisa, “Do you think my father found it?” Peyton propped on his elbow, looking down at Lisa. “Yeah, I think he did. But the sad thing is, he left it here.”

“I don’t want to do that, Lisa. Because there’s something else I’ve figure out. You can’t follow anybody else’s path, like I tried to do with Daddy – Like Daddy thought he had to do with Granddaddy.  Somewhere along the way, you gotta draw your own map.”

Good point. I loved the charming cast of characters (including the ones you were not meant to like) with a captivating deep story I could not stop reading. It was a grand adventure mixed with a splash of young romance, family drama and a remembrance of a life well lived.

At the end the author shares what inspired her to write this story, “…General Patterson really did ride his bike to Key West and back, Sleeping in police and fire stations, ..Like Peyton, General Patterson loved to fly, completing 101 missions as a US Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War… couldn’t resist giving Peyton Cabot just a little bit of my own dad, Junior Freser, whose creative, adventurous, take-it-as-it-comes spirit always amazed me growing up. There’s just a touch of Daddy in my protagonist. I don’t think Holly will mind. There’s room for both of our heroes in Peyton.”

This is a book that would work well for a book club pick. There is so much to talk about. If you have not read a book by this author, I highly recommend you read this heart-warming tale that will leave you with a smile on your face and a happy heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent 

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! 

The Book Club Network Blog www.bookfun.org

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Freedom from Perfectionism by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Bridget

There are many days when I fret and worry about all the things on my to-do list. I wonder when I would have time to get it all done. Twenty-four hours in a day just doesn’t seem like enough time. Other days I beat myself up for small mistakes. A harsh word, a forgetful moment, a small mishap. Thoughts of failure marched through my head. I wonder why I am so incompetent.

While these two scenarios look different, for me they both boil down to the same thing – perfectionism. According to Oxford, perfectionism is a “a refusal to accept any standard short of perfection.” The world teaches us we have to do everything right, that we cannot fall short, and that weaknesses aren’t acceptable.

We also have the enemy whispering in our ear, reminding us that we are not good enough, not strong enough, not smart enough, and just plain not enough. We easily accept his lies and think badly about ourselves. And sometimes, in an attempt to feel better about ourselves, we work harder, pushing ourselves beyond our limits.

We have to be careful in this area of perfectionism because it could easily evolve into working for our righteousness. When we check off everything on our to-do lists, it makes us feel accomplished. When we succeed at something, we seek approval and recognition from ourselves, from others, and from God. We believe our achievement will gain our acceptance. And the messages we receive from the world seem to agree with this theory,

On the flip side, when we fall short, we feel weak and useless. We believe due to our lack of performance, others won’t love us and accept us. So we push ourselves even more to get back on top. The enemy is all too happy when we fall into this trap. If we keep pushing ourselves, we will lose sight of our true identity.

When we see this issue stirring in our lives, it would be helpful to remind ourselves of Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

But that’s not all. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul also said, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

And another verse to keep in mind also comes from one of Paul’s letters. In Romans 8:1, it says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

I believe Paul is one who rested in the security that Jesus offers, without the need to strive or to prove himself. Before Paul was converted, he did terrible things against Christians, imprisoning them and not thinking twice about their deaths. But one day, Jesus appeared to him and he was instantly a changed man. If anyone felt like they had to prove themselves, I would think Paul would be first in line. But he wasn’t. Yes, he worked hard, out of his love and devotion to Jesus. But he didn’t work to gain approval. He knew he was already accepted and loved by His Lord and Savior.

If this is an area that you struggle with, take one (or all three) of the verses above and tuck it into your heart today. We are already righteous, thanks to Jesus. We don’t have to be perfect, we don’t have to get everything right, we don’t have to beat ourselves up for small mishaps, we don’t have to walk around with guilt on our shoulders for our mistakes and regrets, and we don’t have to work to earn God’s love. We are already loved, accepted, approved of, and chosen children of God. As you remind yourself of these truths, I pray you find a new sense of freedom. Extend grace to yourself, as you rest in the loving arms of Jesus.

Photo by Samuel Silitonga on Pexels.com

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Introducing Proverbs 9:10 Ministries by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 17, 2021 by juliearduini

From Julie: I recently had the opportunity to host Christine Paxson and Rose Spiller at juliearduini.com. I was so impressed with their ministry that I invited them to share more here. I hope you check them out!

We are Christine Paxson & Rose Spiller. Co-founders of Proverbs 9:10 Ministries, co-hosts of the Podcast, No Trash, Just Truth, and co-authors of books, No Half Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message (book & study guide released on May 8, 2020) and The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation (due out Spring 2021)

            We both come from different backgrounds, but in 2009, God brought us together by putting us both at the same church. The friendship was instantaneous; and out of that friendship has grown a partnership and passion to serve the Lord by learning, discipling, teaching, writing, and speaking.

About four years ago, we felt led to create Proverbs 9:10 Ministries. We chose that title because Proverbs 9:10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom; knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The only way to grow in your faith and in wisdom is to know God! And the only way to truly know God is to study Scripture. We saw a deep need for Biblical literacy while we attended a church that had did not put a high priority on knowing Scripture, doctrine, or theology. Sermons and Bible Studies offered there were little more than moral lessons and self-help sessions. This ignited in us both, a passion to help women move away from the garbage that is being pedaled as “Women Bible Studies,” but is instead, false teaching that is dumbing women down with fluffy, often times heretical nonsense that is much more about the individual and her victories, than about learning the Bible or understanding and glorifying God. Our motto for our podcast says it all, “Taking out the trash of false teaching and replacing it with Biblical Truth.”

We had both been teaching Bible Studies for over 20 years, but it was at this time, that we felt God leading us to begin to write our own Bible Studies. It was out of one of those studies that the book, No Half Truths, was born. Along with need for deeper study and more knowledge of the Bible, is understanding and being able to articulate the complete Gospel message. The Gospel message is the life-saving, life-giving, life-transforming message that every human being of every age needs, and is the central message of the entire Bible! It’s crucial that we get it right so that we are not selling those we witness to, and more importantly God, short. Just like false teaching, there are a lot of false gospels out there and they are often used in Christian circles on a regular basis. In the book, we go through many of these false gospels, and point out why they are not the Gospel. Besides explaining every facet of the true Gospel message, the book also gives a solid foundational theology, with chapters on each of the three Persons of the Trinity and touching on a few essential doctrines.

No Half Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message has recently won bronze in the “Illuminations” award for theology! We are very excited about this honor and pray our book continues to bless those who read it!

Next, in the very near future, is the release of our second book, The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The original release date was February, but with Covid, production was pushed back to this spring. The Bible Blueprint divides the entire Bible chronologically into six easy to read sections. It provides a basic understanding of Scripture as a complete story that links all the various books together. It gives an overview of each book, touching on highlights and some of the amazing and significant events in each, while helping with comprehension of the more difficult sections.

And everyone is always welcome to check out our podcast, No Trash, Just Truth, for weekly 20 to 30 minute episodes. The audio podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, while the video version is available on YouTube and Rumble.

May you all have a blessed day!

Chris & Rose are co-founders of Proverbs 9:10 Ministries and co-hosts of the No Trash, Just Truth Podcast. They have been teaching Bible Studies for over 20 years and have written many of their own studies. Along with teaching together, they also speak at conferences and retreats. Both have graduated from the “Dimensions of the Faith” Program from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary; and continue their seminary studies by taking online classes through Reformed Theological Seminary and through Biblical Training’s “Institute” Program.

Chris resides in Lancaster County with her husband of over 31 years, John. They have twin sons in the USAF. Rose and her husband, Ed, have recently sold their home and now live full-time in their RV to travel between their four children and eight grandchildren.

Besides their first book, No Half-Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message, Chris and Rose have a second book, “The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, is due out in spring of 2021. They are in the process of writing their third book.

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Romanticizing History & Allowing Creativity

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Kristin

I grew up on a steady diet of old movies, classic books and a love of history. Reading especially helped me disappear into an idyllic pastoral setting in a Thomas Hardy novel. Watching “Masterpiece Theatre” in high school whisked me away to another world of Regency England. But California history is what really sparked my interest. I loved the old ghost towns of the Gold Rush and the missions during the “Californio” days. If you haven’t read, “Redeeming Love” — well first off, what is stopping you? And secondly, Francine Rivers brings the California Gold Rush to life, so please rush to get your copy. It’s going to be a movie soon.

I lived in Redwood City where the redwoods were cut down to create the timber to build the mining towns of old. So my first book was set in “Searsville” which is modern-day Woodside. I loved doing the research and learning how this port down pretty much killed everything in its wake to build mining towns. The California Grizzly, which is on the state flag, is extinct now as well. I wondered what it used to be like, so I researched and wrote a book.

Next up, I wondered what it was like to live in the Californio era, which was a time of milk and honey for the few rancheros who owned such vast wealth they didn’t need fences for their cattle — who roamed free. They used California dollars (cowskins) to trade for everything and lived a life of leisure on the beautiful land Steinbeck called “brown grass love.” That book became a novella with a sword-wielding circuit-riding preacher and a trip into pastoral life in California.

I’ve mostly written contemporary novels since then, but I still get lost in whatever world I’m creating. It doesn’t have to be a trip down memory lane. It can also be a trip to exist in a world I’ll never be a part of. This is why the “you must be Hispanic to write a Hispanic character” does not work for me as an author.

Imagine if Harper Lee was told she couldn’t write about African-Americans. or if Jane Austen was told she wasn’t part of England’s nobility and could not pen Mr. Darcy. These are dangerous precedents to limit people’s creativity based on not being that person. An author sees life from outside and often has a deeper perspective. In fact, someone just told me yesterday I needed to write my daughter’s story and I said, “I can’t. I’m too close to it.”

Allow authors the freedom to get lost in the creative world of their choosing. Last time I checked, George Lucas hasn’t visited the Death Star. Although some might argue that point.

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One Incident Changed Everything by Vicki Hinze

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Vicki Hinze

Indications are this will be a challenging week, which means we will be looking for insights and practical coping skills that we might or might not easily find.

A few years ago, I wrote two projects–a short novella and a book–about Dr. Dana Perkins, who encountered not one but two incidents over a period of years that completely changed everything.  Back then, Dr. Dana dictated a few articles to me that she thought might come in helpful in the future. Please note that these are general market projects (clean reads). What follows is one of Dana’s dictated articles…

One Incident Changed Everything–Twice

Death and loss and grief impact us in different ways but the burden is always a heavy one.  We struggle with healing, with feeling normal or even letting light penetrate the veil of darkness that enshrouds us. 

 

No one is immune from the effects of death or loss.  No one escapes the trials and burdens of grief.  As adults, we struggle.  But for children the burdens are in ways even heavier and more confusing.  Most don’t fully understand the finality of death.  Children are young and inexperienced and most things are new and different to them.  So too is death and loss. 

 

When death or loss occurs as a result of violence, for most kids, that too is a new and different experience.  Parents and caregivers typically do their best to shield children from those harsh realities.  When the death or loss happens in their presence, kids are as shocked and as terrified as adults.  They lack the coping skills of older people who have had more experience at coping, so the kids look to adults they trust to see how they should react to the event, to death, and to loss.

 

It’s been said that kids learn what they live. There’s a lot of wisdom in that. They also learn from those they trust and how those people react.  If a parent or trusted one reacts well, the child will take cues and react well.  If the adult does not, the child will follow that lead.

 

After a tragedy, children need information and tools.  To know it’s okay to be sad. To miss the person who has died.  To heal, and recover, and continue on with life.  They need to know that it is okay to laugh and play and be happy again. That it is not an insult to the person no longer there.  They need to know that life goes on, as it has and will in the future.

With grief typically comes guilt.  For smiling again. For going a whole day without thinking of the departed.  For feeling happy.  For some, they feel guilty that they survived while others died.  Especially if they were responsible for the departed’s safety.

The emotions that come with death and grief are harsh, merciless and few escape them.  Striving for perspective is a struggle and a journey.  But we make it.  At first, the pain of loss is such a shock, so intense, we feel we’re ripping apart inside.  Rightly or wrongly, we regret everything we did or didn’t do.  We buckle under the weight of what ifs or I wish I had, and our souls cry for just five more minutes with that person, for one chance to change something, anything and cheat death.

With time, the numbness of shock wears off, and we grind through all that to acceptance.  We adjust.  And we ache.  But we go on, and one day we see the sunshine and don’t curse it as being arrogant for daring to shine when we’re in such a dark place.  We hear laughter and aren’t appalled by it but intrigued to see what brought that joy.  In other words, we crawl out of the dark abyss of grief and rejoin the world of the living.  That too can make us feel guilty.  Make us question whether or not we deserve more life.  We do, and eventually we accept that and we do recreate our life and go on.  We don’t forget, but we do move forward and live.

Some say we grieve a year.  That we should give ourselves that long to process it.  I say dates on a calendar don’t dictate any of the stages of grief.  That’s a gauge, but not the way it works out for everyone.  We do have to work at it.  We do have to sometimes make ourselves get up and keep getting up and going on.  But the second time we do is easier than the first, and the twentieth time is easier than the nineteen times before it.  We get better at coping.  And we must.  Otherwise we condemn ourselves into living in the grief abyss. 

her deepest fear, vicki hinzeIn Her Deepest Fear, Dr. Dana Perkins experiences a life-shattering event that changed her forever.  The story is about that event and how it impacted her and those around her.  It drove her to a fresh start she needed more than wanted.  And that need is what took her to Shutter Lake in So Many Secrets.  It was supposed to be crime-free–the perfect town.  And it is for seven years.  Then Sylvia Cole is murdered.  And that one incident changes everything for Dana.  Again.

so many secrets, vicki hinzeFor the second time in Dana’s life, one incident changed everything.  For adults and kids, friends and neighbors.  But Dana is not now the same woman she was the first time.  She has filled her coping toolbox and she now knows that one incident–for the first or second or tenth time–no matter how difficult and challenging it is, does not have to be destructive or disruptive forever. If you have the courage to seek the truth, no matter the personal costs, you can find answers. You might also find out that the perfect town isn’t so perfect. That your friends and neighbors aren’t exactly who you thought they were.  And you might be stunned at exposing so many secrets, but courage and truth can see you through.  Can help you not fail to protect others this time, which helps you protect and preserve yourself.  

Helps you to bend and not break.

 

And that is an important lesson for us all in the power of any one incident.

 

Blessings,

Vicki, duly nudged and instructed by Dana

Remember

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  –Romans 8:28

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”  –Psalm 55:22

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Reaching Out in Faith by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier

My dad was terrified of snakes. Growing up in Indiana, he said the big black snakes in the barn would chase him. I have no idea if this was true or his youthful imagination, but those snakes left a mark on him and he would run the opposite way any time he saw a snake. I’m not talking about quick steps or a slow jog. He would flat out run.

One time when we were camping, my sister, my cousins, and I found a snake on the road that was dead. We thought it would be a fun joke to scare dad, so we took the snake back, put it up on the tent awning with the tail trailing down. Dad didn’t notice at first, so one of us made a comment and he looked up. 

I had never seen my dad move so fast. He could have been an Olympic sprinter in that moment. I had also never seen him so angry. Dad wasn’t one to get really mad at us, but that stunt tested his limits. And possibly gave him some gray hairs.

I am reminded of my dad when I read about Moses talking with God in Exodus. God is asking Moses to go to his people in Egypt, but Moses isn’t sure the people will listen. God gives Moses a sign to convince him.

“So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He [Moses] said, “A rod.” And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.” Exodus 4:2-3

When I read that Moses fled from the serpent, I picture my dad running away from that snake. Running as fast as he can. Moses must have had similar experiences with snakes and didn’t like them at all. 

The interesting note is what comes next. 

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand)” Exodus 4:4

Isn’t Moses’ faith amazing? He had this horrible fear of that snake yet he reached out and took it by the tail. Why? Because he trusted God. And when he had faith in God, Moses conquered his fear. 

The same can be true for us. We all have a certain thing we fear, many of us have more than one. Heights. Water. Spiders. Crowds. The list is long. Yet, when God asks us to step out in faith and do something out of our comfort zone, we must be ready to set aside the fear and trust God implicitly. 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” 1 John 4:18

Some may be saying a sound mind doesn’t pick up snakes. (Smile) But, this isn’t about picking up snakes. This is about conquering our fears – no matter what they are. With God at our side, we can trust that what He asks us to do will be safe and right. Even if that rod looks like a serpent, when we reach out in faith it will become the staff. 

My dad’s fear of snakes did mellow. He never developed a love for snakes despite my trying to convince him they were beautiful. But in his later years, he didn’t run from them when he saw them in his barn.

We must all work to put aside out fears and step out in faith when God calls us to do so. The benefits of overcoming that fear will be amazing.

The picture above is a rattlesnake from one of my walks in the desert. I did not pick it up by the tail to see if it would turn into a staff. (Grin)

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Blessed is the Man … and Grandma! by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on March 11, 2021 by kathc2

“Hey! I’ve got something to say!”

Lately it seems as though my blessings are too numerous to even consider counting. Welcome to the world, little one! My sweet and precious first grandson was born a few days ago and he’s healthy, happy and beautiful. He certainly has a lot to say as he joins his sister as my only other grand baby (at least as of now). I am so happy.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” ~ Proverbs 17:6

What more could a grandmother want?

Well, I haven’t seen my granddaughter in over a year, nor have I had an opportunity to see and hug my newest grand baby — all thanks to the pandemic. But my son and daughter-in-law say I can come visit them in a few days and my wishes will soon be granted 🙂

Our Heavenly Father has indeed blessed me and my family. It’s already been such an unusual year–mourning my sister’s absence and now welcoming a new life. I’m unsure about the world my grandson has been born into, but I’m hopeful that he’ll find his place in this world and in the hereafter.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

 

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Getting to the Bottom of Things by James R. Coggins

Posted on March 10, 2021 by jrcoggins

Raising sons can be challenging. Consider the following conversation.

The mother says, “I have just been folding the laundry.”

The seven-year-old shrugs. This is a topic that clearly holds no interest for him.

The mother continues, “Can you explain why your little brother changed his underwear nine times last week and you only changed yours twice?”

Another shrug. “Nobody checked them, so I just kept wearing the same ones.”

This is not a good answer from someone whose favorite word is “fart.” (He is, after all, a seven-year-old boy.) The mother moves into lecture mode. “You need to be more responsible. Nobody should have to check your underwear. It is your responsibility to change your own underwear. Your little brother changes his underwear more often than you do.”

Another shrug. “That’s because he has more accidents than I do.”

It is hard to argue against logic. The mother changes the topic. “And can you explain why the two of you only wore three socks between you last week?”

Another shrug.

“And why none of them match?”

The seven-year-old has no answer. There are some things in life that must remain a mystery. Many of them have to do with parenting.

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