Matthew James Elliott's Blog, page 3

Greetings,I'm updating today to share just a couple of an...

Greetings,

I'm updating today to share just a couple of announcements that I sent to my email list earlier this week. Two important events that are taking place in the next month. Several other things are going on as well since the release of The Hope of Inheritance is almost upon us. These two announcements are big, and while I can't believe we are finally here, everything is just so exciting.

Pre-Orders and ARC:

If you would like an advance reader's copy of The Hope of Inheritance in exchange for a review on Launch day, I have good news. I am giving out a special gift titled Redemption: Before the Cross - A Forgotten Chapter, to anyone who can prove they preordered the book, and for anyone who signs up as an Advanced Reader. All I am asking in return is for you to leave an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads. These reviews help spread the word about this special story, and they play an important role in doing just that. 

The links to the forms are below, and you can go to this post for more information: Redemption: Before the Cross.

ARC Form

eBook Pre-Orders

Launch Day:

One last word of encouragement. On launch day, June 15th (Yes, that is Father's Day), I will be on my author Facebook page talking about all kinds of things and even giving away things. Feel free to follow my page and share the event with anyone who might enjoy the event. There is a chance I may also have some signed copies of the paperback to hand out, too. Don't quote me on that, though, Amazon will have to get them here before then for that.

Okay, that's it. You can Pre-Order The Hope of Inheritance at this Amazon Link.

See you in the Pages, 

M.E.

The Hope of Inheritance and Redemption: Before the Cross

Greetings,

I am so excited about the upcoming release of The Hope of Inheritance. There is so much the Lord has done throughout the last year of this process. I, for one, cannot wait to share more about the story in the time we have before Father's Day comes, and this is just the beginning. 

Several things are going to take place on my social media accounts over the next month, and it's going to be a lot of fun. One of the biggest surprises, even to me, is Redemption: Before the Cross. This is a special gift I am offering to anyone who can confirm they pre-order The Hope of Inheritance or become one of my Beta Readers.

This special gift will be sent out to anyone on the list once it has been converted for release and sent out via email. It is what I have dubbed "A Lost Chapter". One of the aspects I really struggled with for this book was all the changes that came along the way. There are several moments in this story that I actually took out of the book itself to keep the focus on the Early Church. While the parts that were removed still speak to the message of the book, I felt that keeping the focus on the Church and the struggles they endured was important.
Many of these moments focus on specific encounters between characters in the story. Redemption: Before the Cross is one of those moments. It is the last conversation John Mark and Peter have throughout the story itself.  It is a reflection of redemption in more ways than one, also. John Mark feels the weight of his new role in the overall ministry of the Early Church. Peter embraces the fulfillment of the promise Jesus gave him the day he called him to 'Feed My Sheep.' There is one other aspect of this particular scene that I will leave a mystery for now, but it is just as purposeful.

While this 'Lost Chapter' still has value to the message behind The Hope of Inheritance, it was more important to the story to keep it out. It is a beautiful moment and is filled with more emotional depth than I thought it would be. In all honesty, I have shed more than a few tears putting it together for those who pre-order or become a Beta Reader. The cover for it mimics the cover of The Hope of Inheritance, but the focus is on the chains that hold us down rather than the idea that we are the letters of Christ. I will share more on that later over the next month.

Along with this exclusive gift, there will be other things that come up as well. Quote and Scripture card downloads, character cards, moments that I consider my favorite throughout the story, and I will answer questions like, why I did certain things in each chapter, or what the purpose of specific events meant to me along the way. I plan to share special insights into my writing process, and even a sneak peek at where The World of Kedoshim may go next. It's sure to be an exciting time to get to know this story, and Kedoshim, a little better before you are able to read The Hope of Inheritance on June 15th. 

It's going to be a busy month for sure.

See You in the Pages,

M.J.E.

(PS, If you are interested in becoming a Beta Reader, I am opening this up on 5/18, maybe sooner. Comment below or on my social media accounts, and I will get you on the list. You can Pre-Order The Hope of Inheritance HERE. )

The Hope of Inheritance - Cover Art Results

 Greetings, 
I'm so excited to announce that The Hope of Inheritance placed 4th in the Cover Art Competition with Clean Fiction Magazine. I am beyond amazed at the support I received for this completion. While it did not win, the cover still place much higher than I thought it would. My cover received the most votes out of anyone in the last 48 hours, making it the biggest mover of the completion.

I can't wait to see where we go next? 

Coming your way on Father's Day, The Hope of Inheritance is a story written from the heart explores themes of faith, legacy, and redemption, resonating with readers seeking hope and spiritual depth. 

See you in the Pages, 

M.J. E. 

The Hope of Inheritance - Cover Art Competition

Greetings, 
I am excited to announce that my upcoming release, The Hope of Inheritance, was entered into at least one competition. This competition is a cover art competition. The contest is through clean fiction magazine and there are some other really good covers entered as well. 

When the idea for The Hope of Inheritance came bursting through my imagination, I was quite literally shocked. Writing a book about the persecution believers faced in Rome after the great fire of 64 AD was not something I wanted to do.  I wrote the prologue before The Cyprus Journal was even an idea, and it was terrifying. 

If you look at the research, Nero was one of the worst emperors of the Roman Empire in history. He violently encouraged his army to chase down the early Christians and was determined to end the movement. When I had to imagine what the streets of Rome would look like in the aftermath of The Great Fire, I also had to imagine what kind of scenes would grab the attention of readers. When I imagined the suffering of God's people, it brought me to tears. It was a dark and painfully accurate scene that I struggled to grasp.

When the idea of bringing Paul's final imprisonment into the story, as well as several other characters, came, I realized that this story was quickly becoming too complicated for me to write at the time. So I put it on hold and wrote The Cyprus Journal instead. Since its release, though, everything else in this new Kedoshim Story came together in a very unique way. Thus, the mystery of the cover for The Hope of Inheritance was born. I had to find a way to incorporate fear and courage, light and dark, sorrow and hope, and then tie it all together... somehow.

In all honesty, I designed this cover after the 7th attempt to do so, and at the time, it still didn't seem just right. However, when the final component of having the main characters write a letter in the midst of everything else came, I knew adding one last component would make it all come together.  Thus, the cover you are seeing today was born, and so was the complexity of this story that holds a very high place in my heart. 

So, with all that said, I would love your help in building awareness for this upcoming release, and it begins with this cover art competition. While I would love to win, I also know that there are many other very well-designed entries. The Hope of Inheritance is entry #12, and I would love your vote, but also don't be afraid to go with your heart. Please go here to vote for the entry of your choice. Voting is live until 5/10/25 starting tomorrow, 4/28/25.

Soon and very soon, I will see you in the pages of The Hope of Inheritance. 

M.E.
(PS. The Hope of Inheritance comes out on Father's Day, 6/15/25, and is already up for Pre-Order if you'd like to take your support a step further.)

Greetings, I have loved coming to post things more regul...

 Greetings, 

I have loved coming to post things more regularly. I still have a desire to build this blog out more and hope to get there, eventually. There are so many things that I could capture within the confines of the stuff that I post here and as I continue to build out my ideas and thoughts, I'd love to let everyone know that mjelliott-author.com will be getting a bit of a makeover in the coming weeks. I have thought about doing this for several months, and am now going to transition this website to something more purposeful for all that I am working on. 

There are several changes that will unfold, starting with a repurposing of the tabs at the top. For a long time, these tabs have focused book information regarding upcoming releases or books I have written over the years. When everything is said and done, they will focus more on all things Matthew James Elliott. Whether is a devotional, an idea that I'm pondering, a prayer or song that has been on my heart lately; I hope to build something relatable and in more ways than one.  While some of the existing tabs will remain, I intend to remove specific books tabs and replace them with something else.

Eventually, I intend to give the website a fresh new look as well. Often there have been those that read my blog reporting that they are having issues reading the mobile version of the website and I want to remedy that. While the focus will still be "The Gathering Room," I am excited about embracing that concept on a deeper level. Creating a place where readers feel like they can find a home away from home, so to speak, is important to me, as that has always been my desire as a writer. I want to connect with readers, and writers, in deep and hopeful ways, and this website should reflect that more often. 

There are significant changes that God is bringing about in my personal life that will be reflected more in what I publish here on the website/blog as well. Do not worry though, I remain the old school blogger many of my readers connect with. I have no intention of turning this writing avenue into some giant marking tool. That's not who I am. Anyone who reads my monthly emails can tell you that. I love being the writer who establishes the idea of connecting with readers rather than leveraging their support. Not that this is a bad approach to building a brand, I simply prefer to be the way I am in that regard.

So with all that in mind, know that your support means the world to me and that every change that is coming builds on this.  Please let me know in the comments below if any ideas spark your fancy with all that I have written today. 
See You In The Pages, 
M.J.E.

A Promise of a New Journey

Greetings,

There are times when we are taken down a path in life that we never really expected we would be taken down. In all honesty, I am being taken down more than one of those paths and it has been an eye-opening experience. It has all helped me see the world a little differently and while the paths I am heading down are struggles in their own right, I am seeing changes within that I didn’t know were needed.

It's a funny thing, isn’t it? You live life expecting one result and one path forward but as you embark upon the journey things lead a different way and the result, while difficult for a season, is always much better than we could ever imagine.  I’m at that place yet with the paths I am being led down. In truth, the path ahead is still a dimly lit road amid that forest that I was talking about in one of my other posts or emails. We have these moments where we have to choose to surrender to a higher power (in my case that is God) but getting to the point of surrender is much more difficult than we could ever dream.

I am hopeful, but also facing the reality of where I am being led. While the details aren’t really what matters, the idea is there and taking over almost every aspect of my life. I am sure there are others out there who feel the same way. 

We hold on to the things that we dreamed about as children and young adults hoping things will work out the way we want, but we have to come to that place where we have to let go of all of it. We long to get to that place but something continues to hold us down and we just can’t get a ‘handle’ on it.

It is a stressful place to be, and the weight of the world seems to get heavier with each passing day. We look for those little glimpses of encouragement along the way, only to find more struggles along the way. Life in itself almost becomes an enigma of lost hopes and hidden costs. In the midst of all these things in my life, I found myself walking amid a damaged forest along the Pathfinder trail, and that is where I began to see it—that glimpse of hope in the midst of the chaotic destruction that still clutters a once beautiful forest full of life. When the tornado hit my town in May of 2024, everything in this forest was destroyed.

Some of the images you’ve already seen in this post are of that destruction. But today, I began to see the results of the changing seasons taking shape amongst all of the destruction. Little beacons of hope are starting to appear everywhere this destruction has taken over.

Where there was once nothing but death and loss, the joyful undertones of new life are finding their way into the light that shines down upon that forest trail every day the sun shines. It's a beautiful tapestry being painted by the creator of all things and He is reminding us that, while those seasons of pain exist and always will be there, we can have hope that things will get better and that the promise of a solidary rainbow will always be there. So what's the moral of this post?

Well, it's simply that even in the midst of the struggles we face, there is something we can put our faith in, and that is the promise of the changing seasons. 

See you in the pages, 

MJE

Greetings,It's time for a sneak peek of the newest story...

 Greetings,

It's time for a sneak peek of the newest story from The World of Kedoshim, The Hope of Inheritance...

I cannot wait to get this story out into the world. I have been working on this book for a very long time. I mean we are talking, I wrote the Prologue at the end of 2023. So we are more than a year down the road on this project and let me tell you, it has become something bigger than I ever thought it would be. 
More to Come Soon and I'll see you in the pages, 

MJE

The Ephesus Pages Devotional: Dawn of Daybreak

 “Paul teaches us not to give in to fear and doubt, but to speak into those things with the word of the Lord. I find this difficult because of everything going on with Titus and John Mark. How can we continue to speak life into the Ephesian people when we are still searching for them? As a doctor, I must seek life. I am not seeking to save their lives by staying here.”

~Aristarchus ~

♰♰♰

There are moments, like the way Aristarchus feels, in life that we are going to struggle to understand. We are also going to struggle with the weight of the choices we have made and often wonder, “Was this the right choice?” As someone who endures a lot of anxiety at times, I can attest to how true feelings like these cloud our minds. They are intrusive thoughts that tend to keep us from seeing the path laid out for us through the chaos we face. 

When we are faced with uncertainty, emotions can run rampant and overwhelm us in every way. We can do everything in our power to fight those feelings off, but they aren’t as easy to get out of the forefront of our minds. Paul’s teaching in the moments that have led Aristarchus to this place reminds us that the power of scripture is stronger than any fear or doubt we may encounter. In times like these, we must strive to hold on to the truth of Gods promised future. 

As we struggle to navigate the trials of life, it is often easier for us to become consumed by those fears. While Aristarchus struggles with the absence of Titus on John Mark, we too will find ourselves seeking companionship and the presence of loved ones through difficult times. It is in these moments that we can turn to the power of Gods word.

There are passages all over scripture that help us form the ability to shape our reality and what we seek. When we find ourselves suffering through these hardships, choose to align yourself with the truth God gives us, which reminds us to put our trust in something bigger than ourselves. The foundation we build upon in our own lives can help us stand strong amid any storm that comes our way. With Gods help of course. 

When uncertainty comes, we must ask ourselves how we can speak life into the circumstances we are facing. It is important to seek life, but we are also called to embrace that life in our own  lives. Do not be afraid to seek help and to trust in God. He brings peace that transcends the test of time. By prayer and worship, thanksgiving and honestly, we can present our anxious thoughts to God and HE will guide is into HIS holy light. 

By bringing our fears and doubts before the Lord in these ways, we are reminded of His sovereignty and His ability to bring peace to our hearts and minds. As we continue to navigate the uncertainties of life, let us hold onto the truth of God's word and choose to speak life into our circumstances. Let us remember that we have the power to shape our reality and the realities of those around us through the words we speak. Let us seek life and trust in the Lord's promises, knowing that He is faithful and His word is true.

♰♰♰

“The troubles of my heart are enlarged;

Bring me out of my distresses.”

~ Psalm 25:17 (NASB) ~

What are Words Series: Resilience

Greetings, 

One of the best things about a new year is that it is a fresh start. We find ourselves searching for things that me may already understand or things that we don't even know are there. 

The Ephesus Pages Devotional: Ties That Bind Us

 “I point to the weak moments in my life not to offer evidence of who I am, but to illustrate where my path has taken me.  Finding your way amid the chaos of what lies within is never easy, dear one, but facing that chaos will show you the way of glory. In finding my way, I found confidence in who I was created to be...”

~ John Mark ~

♰♰♰

At this point in John Mark’s story, he is beginning to see that there are things in his life that are worth reflecting upon. One aspect of life he is beginning to understand is that it is often the weakest moments that reveal the most to us. We should not see our weaknesses as stains upon who we are but as opportunities for growth and transformation. There is beauty found in our struggles, and they are the very foundation of what our strengths become. 

Life is a continuing journey that will take us through a roller coaster of experiences in life. Some of those experiences will be filled with joyful thoughts and feelings and still others will be profoundly challenging. It is in our moments of weakness and chaos that we often find our true selves. A while back, I had this image in my head of being lost in a giant forest with nothing but a dim light to lead me through all that was around me. 

That sense of being lost was overwhelming to me, but what I am learning is that even though I am still following that dimply lit path, I am taking a step of faith and navigating that chaos to the best of my ability. It is never easy to admit that you are struggling, especially in a format like this, but the reality is that we are all struggling. Finding our way amid that chaos will show us where we are heading. 

There is a passage in 2nd Corinthians that reminds us that “HIS grace is sufficient for us and HIS power is made perfect in our weakness.” These words remind us we do not have to hide our struggles, our weaknesses, or our pain from the world around us. Instead, just as John Mark is doing here in this week’s quote, we should embrace them. Why? Well, because each trial we face is an opportunity to deepen our trust in God’s plan. A plan that will help us grow stronger in our faith. 

In finding our way through the chaos, we begin to accept that our weaknesses do not define us. In truth, it is our weaknesses that will reveal the strength and resilience God has planted within our hearts and minds. God walks with us through and with every step, he guides us to the path we are meant to travel upon. Even when things seem to be the worst they have ever been, we can find strength through prayer, scripture, and community with others. 

Scripture is filled with stories of individuals who faced incredible challenges and even though it is not in the way we expect, we will always come out on the other side. In our own lives, there are examples of how God has helped us find our way, whether we can see it or not. The path ahead may be filled with things we don’t understand and difficulties we never imagined we would face, but they are also filled with moments of genuine revelation and growth. 

One of my favorite passages in scripture comes from Hebrews 10:24-25. In that passage, we are encouraged to “consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds as we see the day drawing near” and that passage has always reminded me we can find our way through the chaos that life throws in our path. While it may seem as if we face that path alone, there are always others willing to help us along the way. 

Remind yourself often that you are not alone. Embrace the journey ahead with courage and faith, but make every effort to step in the way of glory. The weak moments we face do not have to be classified as failures. Instead, let’s call the moment we embraced resilience and the transformative power of God in our lives.

♰♰♰

“My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of
my heart and my portion forever.”

~ Psalm 73:26 (NASB) ~