-
Book Review – Nan’s Journey by Elaine Littau
Nan’s Journey is the first book in a series of Historical Christian fiction novels by Elaine Littau. In this book, Nan learns what it means to forgive and to be forgiven, no matter what the circumstances or the situation. I enjoyed the story and especially appreciated the very clear message of salvation that is found in its pages. Elaine has a wonderful ability to craft a story and to weave traces of Christ’s love in and through the story. I found hope and inspiration on the journey that Nan went on and I know others will as well.To learn more about Nan’s Journey, Elaine Littau, or any of her other…
-
Devotional – October 10, 2011
VERSE: Amos 1:2–He said, “The Lord roars from Zion and from Jerusalem He utters His voice; and the shepherds’ pasture grounds mourn and the summit of Caramel dries up.” TRUTH: Sometimes, it seems God does not hear or react to the evils and injustices of the world. Yet God roars His displeasure here. God is not passive, He is patient. He longs for all to come to Him. But make no mistake, He will respond and His word will be the final word. RESPONSE: Lord, thank You for Your holiness, but also for Your patience and mercy, desiring that none would perish but that all would come to repentance. I…
-
Devotional – October 9, 2011
VERSE: Romans 16:17–No I urge you, brethren, keep an eye on those who cause divisions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned and turn away from them. TRUTH: Now, just like then, there are people who try to stir up arguments and division between believers in Christ. We must be wary of these people and not get caught up in arguing with one another. Do we remain focused on Christ and His goals or allow ourselves to be distracted by petty disagreements? RESPONSE: Lord, help me to see when people are trying to distract from the things of You. Help me to seek You first and not get…
-
Devotional – October 8, 2011
VERSE: Romans 15:1–Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. TRUTH: God has blessed each of us in different ways for different purposes. When we find ourselves strong in situations, we are to use that strength to help and encourage others. Have we shared our blessings with others today? RESPONSE: Lord, I thank You for Your blessings in my life. I pray that You will help me not hoard those to myself, but share them with others who need to know You love them.
-
Devotional – October 7, 2011
VERSE: Romans 14:12–So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. TRUTH: Even as a believer, we are responsible to God for everything that we do. We must realize that Christ dies to save us from all our sins; past, present, and future. But even so, we still must give an accounting of how we use the time and resources God has given us. RESPONSE: Father, today, help me to use my time and resources to be a blessing for You. I want nothing more than to be pleasing in Your sight today.
-
Devotional – October 6, 2011
VERSE: Romans 13:8–Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. TRUTH: How should we manage the resources God gives us? We should owe people, but only owe them love. We are to strive to live without owing people any money or anything else except for love so that they see our focus on them is only about sharing God’s love, not about anything else. When people receive payment from us, is all they see love? RESPONSE: Lord, thank you for meeting our needs everyday so that we can focus only on showing love to others, not paying any other debt. Help…
-
Devotional – October 5, 2011
VERSE: Romans 12:21–Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. TRUTH: We are to overcome evil, but how do we do that? Often, we thing we overcome evil through justice. We punish evil. But according to this verse, the way we overcome evil is through good, not justice. The previous verses explain how we are to go about doing good to the evil that we face. RESPONSE: Father, it is hard to do good to those who are evil to us, but today I will trust in You and Your ways. I will do good and You, in Your perfect timing, will handle the justice.
-
Devotional – October 4, 2011
VERSE: Romans 11:18–Do not be arrogant toward the branches, but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you. TRUTH: It can be easy to get our perspective turned around and be focused on all the good things we do for God. “See God, how great I am and all I do for You?” Paul reminds us here that we should never lose focus of the fact that Jesus Christ is the root, the source of all our strength and ability. Only by being connected to Him are we able to do anything. Apart from Him we can do nothing.…
-
Production Diary – The Decay Within, Part 5 – Cover Design
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.Well, I’m now beginning the search for a picture that will be worth a little over 24,000 words!That’s right, after two and a half months of writing and rewriting and reviewing and reading, I’ve finalized the content for The Decay Within. It comes in at a little over 24,000 words, which is a nice size for a ten session Bible study. I have so much to thank my editor Lindsey for. She was fabulous to work with and had some great ideas and input!Now comes the time when we get to put a visual image with the words that have been so carefully…
-
Devotional – October 3, 2011
VERSE: Romans 10:17–So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. TRUTH: The word of God is more powerful than anything else. By it, people are brought into an understanding of their need for a relationship with Jesus Christ. Are we sharing Gods word with others? There is nothing that will have a greater impact on their lives than that. RESPONSE: Father, Your word gives life to all who hear and believe. I pray today You will help me to share Your word to others who have not heard of You.