Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 54
April 8, 2013
God With Us=Success
But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. ~Genesis 39:2 (AMP)
I've never met a person who didn't want to be successful at what they do. But there is only one way to truly be successful, and that is to have the Lord with us. Granted, His definition of success is different from the world's definition, but His presence with us brings success.
Though a slave, Joseph was successful, but only because the Lord was with him. Here is another verse that states the same truth:
The prison warden paid no attention to anything that was in [Joseph’s] charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper. ~Genesis 39:23 (AMP)
Joseph was only one of many people in the Bible who was successful because of the Lord's presence with him. Consider the following:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:6-9 (NIV)
These words were spoken by the Lord to Joshua after Moses died. Notice that God's promise of success (and His presence) required something of Joshua. He had to be obedient.
It's important to remember that God won't be manipulated. We can't pretend to follow Him and expect His presence and guarantee of success. And there are no guarantees that life will be easy. Joseph suffered thirteen years of slavery before He was promoted to a leadership position in Egypt. Joshua had to fight many battles and lead a nation that didn't always do what they should. Moses was a hunted man who dwelt in the wilderness for forty years as a shepherd before being called by God to shepherd the grumbling nation of Israel.
But in each instance, God's presence under-girded them and gave them the courage they needed to do their job.
“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.'" ~2 Samuel 7:8-11 (NIV)
As God was with Joseph, Moses, and Joshua, He was also with David. Only the Lord can give us victory over our enemies through His presence with us.
For those of us who have trusted in Him, His presence is with us. Our response is to be obedient.
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). ~Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ~Matthew 28:20b (KJV)
Dear Lord, how grateful we are for Your presence with us. Thank You for Your indwelling Spirit. Help us to be obedient and to entrust our lives into Your care. Lord, we're grateful that You are too big and Sovereign to be manipulated by Your creation. Help us to serve You with pure motives and to boldly move forward as warriors for Your Kingdom. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
I've never met a person who didn't want to be successful at what they do. But there is only one way to truly be successful, and that is to have the Lord with us. Granted, His definition of success is different from the world's definition, but His presence with us brings success.
Though a slave, Joseph was successful, but only because the Lord was with him. Here is another verse that states the same truth:
The prison warden paid no attention to anything that was in [Joseph’s] charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper. ~Genesis 39:23 (AMP)
Joseph was only one of many people in the Bible who was successful because of the Lord's presence with him. Consider the following:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:6-9 (NIV)
These words were spoken by the Lord to Joshua after Moses died. Notice that God's promise of success (and His presence) required something of Joshua. He had to be obedient.
It's important to remember that God won't be manipulated. We can't pretend to follow Him and expect His presence and guarantee of success. And there are no guarantees that life will be easy. Joseph suffered thirteen years of slavery before He was promoted to a leadership position in Egypt. Joshua had to fight many battles and lead a nation that didn't always do what they should. Moses was a hunted man who dwelt in the wilderness for forty years as a shepherd before being called by God to shepherd the grumbling nation of Israel.
But in each instance, God's presence under-girded them and gave them the courage they needed to do their job.
“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.'" ~2 Samuel 7:8-11 (NIV)
As God was with Joseph, Moses, and Joshua, He was also with David. Only the Lord can give us victory over our enemies through His presence with us.
For those of us who have trusted in Him, His presence is with us. Our response is to be obedient.
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). ~Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ~Matthew 28:20b (KJV)
Dear Lord, how grateful we are for Your presence with us. Thank You for Your indwelling Spirit. Help us to be obedient and to entrust our lives into Your care. Lord, we're grateful that You are too big and Sovereign to be manipulated by Your creation. Help us to serve You with pure motives and to boldly move forward as warriors for Your Kingdom. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Free Christian Kindle Books for April 8, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
A Bid For Love
by Rachel Ann Nunes
Suspense: Cassi is the head buyer for a prestigious art gallery in California.
Jared is a buyer for an exclusive New York gallery. Sparks fly as the
two come head to head in a bidding war for a hideous but very expensive
Indian Buddha. Cassi and Jared are both determined to win the
statue, but others also want the Buddha—at any cost. Thugs, art
forgers, the FBI, or Jared’s beautiful and alluring boss . . . who will
end up with the statue? During a string of hair-raising exploits, Cassi
and Jared are forced to develop a tentative friendship that deepens into
romance. Will they survive long enough to see it through?
4.6 stars with 27 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Appointment at Christmas Bay
by Diane Chase
Fiction: Juliette Prescott intends to spend the summer
at her parents' historic home in Galveston tending to her art history
dissertation and September wedding details. What she doesn't plan is the
minor accident at Christmas Bay or the miracle that follows. Imbued
with new faith, Juliette must decide what...and who...stay in her
revised life, including sport fisherman Paul Quinn who helped rescue her
that day.
4.2 stars with 23 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Crispens Point
by JoHannah Reardoa
Romance: Charlotte is a successful romance novelist who escapes city life and
moves to the small town of Crispens Point in Blackberry County. She
immediately connects with some of the quirky but friendly residents and
begins to feel at home right away. When a friend invites her to attend a
local community church, Charlotte is attracted to the pastor, but
refuses to acknowledge that attraction because of some dark things in
her past. What is the mysterious thing in Charlotte’s past that
seems to dominate everything? Is it enough to keep her from ever finding
a lasting relationship?
4.3 stars with 90 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Rebel's Pledge
by Rita Gerlach
Historical Romance: He was a rebel to King James, hunted down, captured, and enslaved in
Colonial Maryland. Haunted by war and wrestling with a troubled past,
Matthew Hale pledges to protect the daughter of his former owner and
bring her from England to her father’s plantation along the Chesapeake,
an undertaking that challenges the depth of his courage, and the
strength of his faith. Lara Carey will only wed for love, having
kept the story of her parents’ unwavering devotion for each other in her
heart. When she learns her guardian has promised her in marriage to a
rich English lord in order to save the ancestral home, her hopes
unravel, until she meets the heroic stranger that rescued her from the
hands of a highwayman.
4.6 stars with 77 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
A Bid For Love
by Rachel Ann Nunes
Suspense: Cassi is the head buyer for a prestigious art gallery in California.
Jared is a buyer for an exclusive New York gallery. Sparks fly as the
two come head to head in a bidding war for a hideous but very expensive
Indian Buddha. Cassi and Jared are both determined to win the
statue, but others also want the Buddha—at any cost. Thugs, art
forgers, the FBI, or Jared’s beautiful and alluring boss . . . who will
end up with the statue? During a string of hair-raising exploits, Cassi
and Jared are forced to develop a tentative friendship that deepens into
romance. Will they survive long enough to see it through?
4.6 stars with 27 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Appointment at Christmas Bay
by Diane Chase
Fiction: Juliette Prescott intends to spend the summer
at her parents' historic home in Galveston tending to her art history
dissertation and September wedding details. What she doesn't plan is the
minor accident at Christmas Bay or the miracle that follows. Imbued
with new faith, Juliette must decide what...and who...stay in her
revised life, including sport fisherman Paul Quinn who helped rescue her
that day.
4.2 stars with 23 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Crispens Point
by JoHannah Reardoa
Romance: Charlotte is a successful romance novelist who escapes city life and
moves to the small town of Crispens Point in Blackberry County. She
immediately connects with some of the quirky but friendly residents and
begins to feel at home right away. When a friend invites her to attend a
local community church, Charlotte is attracted to the pastor, but
refuses to acknowledge that attraction because of some dark things in
her past. What is the mysterious thing in Charlotte’s past that
seems to dominate everything? Is it enough to keep her from ever finding
a lasting relationship?
4.3 stars with 90 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Rebel's Pledge
by Rita Gerlach
Historical Romance: He was a rebel to King James, hunted down, captured, and enslaved in
Colonial Maryland. Haunted by war and wrestling with a troubled past,
Matthew Hale pledges to protect the daughter of his former owner and
bring her from England to her father’s plantation along the Chesapeake,
an undertaking that challenges the depth of his courage, and the
strength of his faith. Lara Carey will only wed for love, having
kept the story of her parents’ unwavering devotion for each other in her
heart. When she learns her guardian has promised her in marriage to a
rich English lord in order to save the ancestral home, her hopes
unravel, until she meets the heroic stranger that rescued her from the
hands of a highwayman.
4.6 stars with 77 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
April 6, 2013
Free Christian Kindle Books for April 6, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
Living Still
by Abby Lewis
Nonfiction: Do you want peace in your life? Are you ready to be free to live and love? Sometimes
all it takes to change the course of our day is a simple, quiet moment
of stillness in the midst of our chaotic living. When we choose to
practice stillness with God, we open ourselves to His offer of strength,
wisdom, clarity, direction and peace. It is from this still, quiet
place that we discover the depth of God's commitment to us and His
desire to continually restore and transform us into the people He
designed us to be. In moments of stillness, God gives us the
courage to look beyond our problems, fear, pain and insecurities and
empowers us to make real and lasting change. Whether we have one primary
struggle, or many, there is always hope for greater freedom and deeper
peace. In Living Still, Abby Lewis shares her journey from the chaos of
anxiety, depression, addiction, physical pain and broken personal
relationships to a life of freedom that is full of love, peace and
purpose. Presented with clarity and compassion, Lewis recounts
how her spirit, mind and body were completely transformed by learning
the practice of "living still." Her life's journey inspires us to
practice stillness before God where we too can find the courage to
identify anything that is holding us back from the abundant life God has
for us, and where we find the freedom to be love and give love to those
around us.
5 stars with 11 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Let in Light
by Kari Patterson
Nonfiction: Every single day, first thing in the morning, we must let light into our
world. We all must. Without His Light, we're lost. We're in darkness.
We must daily turn on the Light of God's Word, to allow us to see.
Without His light, we're lost. We'll see the world through a distorted
lens. We won't know which way to go. We won't have the wisdom we need
for decisions. We'll be stumbling along through life, groping in the
dark each day, desperate for guidance, starving for hope. He has
given us everything we need for life and godliness. But we must let His
light into our lives. Every single day. This little book helps you
establish this light-letting-in habit: His truth every morning for 31
days. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). "In Your light we see light" (Psalm 36:9).
5 stars with 13 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Olde Mysterium
by Douglas Patten
Fiction: Daniel is a middle-aged, unemployed journalist
whose reality shatters when the ultimate bomb drops on his marriage.
With only pocket change and everything he owns on his back, Dan attempts
the cold, wet streets of Seattle alone. He is adrift, discouraged and
his path looks bleak until he makes an unusual friend in Saba, the owner
of a quirky used bookstore called Olde Mysterium. Saba offers Dan more
than friendship -- a path to begin rebuilding upon the ruins of his
life. But will he take it? Dan will face his greatest fears, his pain,
and discover that everything he thought he knew about his world turned
upside-down when confronted by the true meaning of LOVE.
5 stars with 8 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Plenty
by Kari Patterson
Nonfiction: For moms everywhere, there is plenty. Plenty to worry about. Plenty to
do. Plenty of people demanding your attention and needing your love.
But there is also plenty for you. There is plenty of grace to forgive
every fault. There is plenty of mercy to help in time of need. There is
plenty of love to cover a multitude of sins. There is plenty of courage
to make you brave for the battle. There is plenty of strength to help
you stand. There is plenty of power for life and godliness. There is plenty of joy in God's presence. This
inspiring and encouraging 31-day devotional book features words of
truth and stories of hope, practical advice and creative ideas for
putting faith to action. Above all, each day is a reminder that every
mom truly has been given plenty for whatever comes her way each day.
4.9 stars with 32 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
Living Still
by Abby Lewis
Nonfiction: Do you want peace in your life? Are you ready to be free to live and love? Sometimes
all it takes to change the course of our day is a simple, quiet moment
of stillness in the midst of our chaotic living. When we choose to
practice stillness with God, we open ourselves to His offer of strength,
wisdom, clarity, direction and peace. It is from this still, quiet
place that we discover the depth of God's commitment to us and His
desire to continually restore and transform us into the people He
designed us to be. In moments of stillness, God gives us the
courage to look beyond our problems, fear, pain and insecurities and
empowers us to make real and lasting change. Whether we have one primary
struggle, or many, there is always hope for greater freedom and deeper
peace. In Living Still, Abby Lewis shares her journey from the chaos of
anxiety, depression, addiction, physical pain and broken personal
relationships to a life of freedom that is full of love, peace and
purpose. Presented with clarity and compassion, Lewis recounts
how her spirit, mind and body were completely transformed by learning
the practice of "living still." Her life's journey inspires us to
practice stillness before God where we too can find the courage to
identify anything that is holding us back from the abundant life God has
for us, and where we find the freedom to be love and give love to those
around us.
5 stars with 11 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Let in Light
by Kari Patterson
Nonfiction: Every single day, first thing in the morning, we must let light into our
world. We all must. Without His Light, we're lost. We're in darkness.
We must daily turn on the Light of God's Word, to allow us to see.
Without His light, we're lost. We'll see the world through a distorted
lens. We won't know which way to go. We won't have the wisdom we need
for decisions. We'll be stumbling along through life, groping in the
dark each day, desperate for guidance, starving for hope. He has
given us everything we need for life and godliness. But we must let His
light into our lives. Every single day. This little book helps you
establish this light-letting-in habit: His truth every morning for 31
days. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). "In Your light we see light" (Psalm 36:9).
5 stars with 13 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Olde Mysterium
by Douglas Patten
Fiction: Daniel is a middle-aged, unemployed journalist
whose reality shatters when the ultimate bomb drops on his marriage.
With only pocket change and everything he owns on his back, Dan attempts
the cold, wet streets of Seattle alone. He is adrift, discouraged and
his path looks bleak until he makes an unusual friend in Saba, the owner
of a quirky used bookstore called Olde Mysterium. Saba offers Dan more
than friendship -- a path to begin rebuilding upon the ruins of his
life. But will he take it? Dan will face his greatest fears, his pain,
and discover that everything he thought he knew about his world turned
upside-down when confronted by the true meaning of LOVE.
5 stars with 8 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Plenty
by Kari Patterson
Nonfiction: For moms everywhere, there is plenty. Plenty to worry about. Plenty to
do. Plenty of people demanding your attention and needing your love.
But there is also plenty for you. There is plenty of grace to forgive
every fault. There is plenty of mercy to help in time of need. There is
plenty of love to cover a multitude of sins. There is plenty of courage
to make you brave for the battle. There is plenty of strength to help
you stand. There is plenty of power for life and godliness. There is plenty of joy in God's presence. This
inspiring and encouraging 31-day devotional book features words of
truth and stories of hope, practical advice and creative ideas for
putting faith to action. Above all, each day is a reminder that every
mom truly has been given plenty for whatever comes her way each day.
4.9 stars with 32 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
April 4, 2013
Frugal Friday - How To Make Your Own Baking Powder
I came across this super simple DIY Baking Powder recipe yesterday, and thought I'd share it in today's Frugal Friday post. After all, you never know when you'll reach into the pantry for some while in the midst of a baking project and realize you're out! =)
Here it is:
4 t. baking soda
6 t. cornstarch
8 t. cream of tartar
Put the mixture in an airtight container and shake!
(I love the 4-6-8 mixture--makes it easy to remember!)
Ka-ching!
Here it is:
4 t. baking soda
6 t. cornstarch
8 t. cream of tartar
Put the mixture in an airtight container and shake!
(I love the 4-6-8 mixture--makes it easy to remember!)
Ka-ching!
Free Christian Kindle Books for April 4, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
Broken Things
by Andrea Boeshaar
Romance: Returning to her hometown, Chicago, Allie Littenberg learns her actions
had worse repercussions than she realized - especially for Jack
Callahan, the handsome Chicago cop she loved, but left. She finds Jack
is now a bitter shell of a man, his tenderness erased by years of
anguish. Can God use Allie to not only mend the hurts in her own
family, but also bring peace to Jack, his son, and estranged wife?
Allie is compelled to find out.
4.6 stars with 24 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Road to Mercy
by Kathy Harris
Fiction: Josh Harrison, a contemporary Christian singer, and his wife Bethany
face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in
Beth's carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death even as she's
pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Ben Abrams urges her to
terminate the pregnancy to save her own life, she and Josh step out on
faith and decide to carry the baby to full term. During
the next few months, Josh struggles with his faith, Beth hides a secret
that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old
connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.
4.4 stars with 16 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Starting Seeds
by Kristina Seleshanko
Nonfiction: This step by step guide offers everything you need to know to start
vegetables, herbs, and other edibles from seed. Includes complete
information on:
* How to choose a seed starting method
* How to winter sow
* How to indoor sow
* How to direct sow
* How to transplant seedlings
* How to save seeds for years
* How to make your own seed starting pots from recycled materials
* How to make your own durable plant markers from recycled materials
and more.
4 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Priceless
by Tom Davis
Fiction:
Photojournalist Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After
suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered his
faith while helping a young African orphan. Now his photo work carries a
greater mission: To educate people about social injustice happening
around the world. Daniels next assignment carries him
back overseas and into the heart of Russia. Once there, Daniels is
persuaded by an old friend to help save two girls from a desperate
situation. Soon he becomes a key player in a dangerous campaign to
rescue helpless women trapped in the sex-slave trade. What Daniels
encounters during his journey will shake his faith, test his courage,
and even threaten his life. Yet as Daniels gets deeper and the stakes
get higher, he will discover that hope can be found in the darkest of
places.
4.9 stars with 36 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
Broken Things
by Andrea Boeshaar
Romance: Returning to her hometown, Chicago, Allie Littenberg learns her actions
had worse repercussions than she realized - especially for Jack
Callahan, the handsome Chicago cop she loved, but left. She finds Jack
is now a bitter shell of a man, his tenderness erased by years of
anguish. Can God use Allie to not only mend the hurts in her own
family, but also bring peace to Jack, his son, and estranged wife?
Allie is compelled to find out.
4.6 stars with 24 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Road to Mercy
by Kathy Harris
Fiction: Josh Harrison, a contemporary Christian singer, and his wife Bethany
face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in
Beth's carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death even as she's
pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Ben Abrams urges her to
terminate the pregnancy to save her own life, she and Josh step out on
faith and decide to carry the baby to full term. During
the next few months, Josh struggles with his faith, Beth hides a secret
that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old
connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.
4.4 stars with 16 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Starting Seeds
by Kristina Seleshanko
Nonfiction: This step by step guide offers everything you need to know to start
vegetables, herbs, and other edibles from seed. Includes complete
information on:
* How to choose a seed starting method
* How to winter sow
* How to indoor sow
* How to direct sow
* How to transplant seedlings
* How to save seeds for years
* How to make your own seed starting pots from recycled materials
* How to make your own durable plant markers from recycled materials
and more.
4 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Priceless
by Tom Davis
Fiction:
Photojournalist Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After
suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered his
faith while helping a young African orphan. Now his photo work carries a
greater mission: To educate people about social injustice happening
around the world. Daniels next assignment carries him
back overseas and into the heart of Russia. Once there, Daniels is
persuaded by an old friend to help save two girls from a desperate
situation. Soon he becomes a key player in a dangerous campaign to
rescue helpless women trapped in the sex-slave trade. What Daniels
encounters during his journey will shake his faith, test his courage,
and even threaten his life. Yet as Daniels gets deeper and the stakes
get higher, he will discover that hope can be found in the darkest of
places.
4.9 stars with 36 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
April 3, 2013
You Catch More Flies With Honey Than Vinegar
You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? ~Romans 2:1-4 (NLT)
I think one of the biggest battles Christians face is overcoming the tendency to be judgmental. Humans place degrees on sin, but God doesn't. In His eyes, one sin is as bad as another.
Yet in spite of our unrighteousness, God loves us completely and He proved it at the cross. He is kind, tolerant and patient.
If He is so gracious to us, shouldn't we extend the same graciousness to others--especially to those who are lost?
Hitting people over the head with their sin doesn't get very far.
An axiom that my mom has always said comes to mind: "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar."
If we are nothing but vinegar to the outside world, I don't believe we stand much chance of winning them to Christ. Only as we demonstrate His love and grace will they see a glimpse of our good, glorious and gracious God.
Oh Father God, how grateful we are for Your kindness, love, patience, tolerance and grace toward us. Thank You for not counting our sins against us, but instead providing a way for us to come back to You through Christ. Lord, as we try to live a life that models You before a lost world, help us to remember Your grace and extend it to others. Amen.
I think one of the biggest battles Christians face is overcoming the tendency to be judgmental. Humans place degrees on sin, but God doesn't. In His eyes, one sin is as bad as another.
Yet in spite of our unrighteousness, God loves us completely and He proved it at the cross. He is kind, tolerant and patient.
If He is so gracious to us, shouldn't we extend the same graciousness to others--especially to those who are lost?
Hitting people over the head with their sin doesn't get very far.
An axiom that my mom has always said comes to mind: "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar."
If we are nothing but vinegar to the outside world, I don't believe we stand much chance of winning them to Christ. Only as we demonstrate His love and grace will they see a glimpse of our good, glorious and gracious God.
Oh Father God, how grateful we are for Your kindness, love, patience, tolerance and grace toward us. Thank You for not counting our sins against us, but instead providing a way for us to come back to You through Christ. Lord, as we try to live a life that models You before a lost world, help us to remember Your grace and extend it to others. Amen.
April 2, 2013
The Best Sort of Friend
As a self-confessed introvert, I often wonder if I couldn't live happily in a cave in the middle of a barren wilderness. But the older I get, the more I realize the importance of friendship and interaction with others. I've thoroughly enjoyed finding old and new friends on Facebook.
Very few stories about friendship in the Bible stir my heart like the friendship between Jonathan and David. What makes this friendship especially touching is the fact that Jonathan was heir to the throne, but gladly relinquished that position to the one God had anointed to follow King Saul.
Consider the following verses:
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. ~1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NIV)
By giving David his robe, sword, bow and belt, Jonathan shared the symbols of royalty with him. And I love the words "Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." When asked what the greatest commandment was, the rich young ruler replied to love God with your entire being and to love others as yourself. Jesus verified this confession by saying that all the Law and Prophets hung on those two commandments. Loving ourselves often isn't easy; loving others as ourselves is even more difficult. Surely the oneness in spirit the two friends shared was God-inspired.
Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.”
Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?” Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.” So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before. ~1 Samuel 19:1-7 (NIV)
Look at all Jonathan does for David out of friendship in the above passage:
He warned David about Saul's plan to kill him.
He protected David (even in the face of dire consequences).
He spoke on David's behalf.
He persuaded his father not to kill David.
He served as a mediator between Saul and David.
He restored David to Saul's household, even in spite of the fact that it further supported David's impending kingship.
Of course, it didn't take long for Saul to become even more jealous of David and more determined to kill him. David tried to explain the situation to Jonathan, so Jonathan devised a test for his father in order to see Saul's true motives.
Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the Lord, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know? But if my father intends to harm you, may the Lord deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself. ~1 Samuel 20:12-17 (NIV)
A binding covenant was established between the son of the king and the one King Saul wanted dead. And the entire reason was love.
Saul miserably failed the test, and Jonathan knew what had to be done to protect his friend.
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. ~1 Samuel 20:41-42 (NIV)
The two friends' tears are so touching. Jonathan and David both must surely have recognized that David was about to be a man on the run. And because of that they would most likely not see each other again. A meeting between the two would surely have clued King Saul and given him pertinent information to David's whereabouts. At the same time, it could have also put Jonathan's life in danger since he was aiding and abetting an enemy to the throne.
The Bible doesn't record another meeting between the two friends. Instead, we later read in 2 Samuel about the death of Jonathan. When David learns of his friend's demise, he is understandably grieved and writes this song to commemorate his fallen comrade:
“How the mighty have fallen in battle!
Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
you were very dear to me.
Your love for me was wonderful,
more wonderful than that of women." ~2 Samuel 1:25-26 (NIV)
We may never know the sort of earthly friendship that existed between Jonathan and David, though I suspect that the good Lord gives us all at least one friendship like this. For certain, Jesus is that sort of friend.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ~John 15:12-15 (NIV)
Not only is Jesus that sort of friend for us, but He commands us to have that sort of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Indeed that love for one another what distinguishes us as followers of Christ.
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” ~John 13:35 (NLT)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Oh Lord, help us to love each other the way that You command so that the world might know we belong to You. May our love for one another be a brilliant light in a dark world. Amen.
Very few stories about friendship in the Bible stir my heart like the friendship between Jonathan and David. What makes this friendship especially touching is the fact that Jonathan was heir to the throne, but gladly relinquished that position to the one God had anointed to follow King Saul.
Consider the following verses:
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. ~1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NIV)
By giving David his robe, sword, bow and belt, Jonathan shared the symbols of royalty with him. And I love the words "Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." When asked what the greatest commandment was, the rich young ruler replied to love God with your entire being and to love others as yourself. Jesus verified this confession by saying that all the Law and Prophets hung on those two commandments. Loving ourselves often isn't easy; loving others as ourselves is even more difficult. Surely the oneness in spirit the two friends shared was God-inspired.
Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.”
Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?” Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.” So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before. ~1 Samuel 19:1-7 (NIV)
Look at all Jonathan does for David out of friendship in the above passage:
He warned David about Saul's plan to kill him.
He protected David (even in the face of dire consequences).
He spoke on David's behalf.
He persuaded his father not to kill David.
He served as a mediator between Saul and David.
He restored David to Saul's household, even in spite of the fact that it further supported David's impending kingship.
Of course, it didn't take long for Saul to become even more jealous of David and more determined to kill him. David tried to explain the situation to Jonathan, so Jonathan devised a test for his father in order to see Saul's true motives.
Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the Lord, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know? But if my father intends to harm you, may the Lord deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself. ~1 Samuel 20:12-17 (NIV)
A binding covenant was established between the son of the king and the one King Saul wanted dead. And the entire reason was love.
Saul miserably failed the test, and Jonathan knew what had to be done to protect his friend.
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. ~1 Samuel 20:41-42 (NIV)
The two friends' tears are so touching. Jonathan and David both must surely have recognized that David was about to be a man on the run. And because of that they would most likely not see each other again. A meeting between the two would surely have clued King Saul and given him pertinent information to David's whereabouts. At the same time, it could have also put Jonathan's life in danger since he was aiding and abetting an enemy to the throne.
The Bible doesn't record another meeting between the two friends. Instead, we later read in 2 Samuel about the death of Jonathan. When David learns of his friend's demise, he is understandably grieved and writes this song to commemorate his fallen comrade:
“How the mighty have fallen in battle!
Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
you were very dear to me.
Your love for me was wonderful,
more wonderful than that of women." ~2 Samuel 1:25-26 (NIV)
We may never know the sort of earthly friendship that existed between Jonathan and David, though I suspect that the good Lord gives us all at least one friendship like this. For certain, Jesus is that sort of friend.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ~John 15:12-15 (NIV)
Not only is Jesus that sort of friend for us, but He commands us to have that sort of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Indeed that love for one another what distinguishes us as followers of Christ.
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” ~John 13:35 (NLT)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Oh Lord, help us to love each other the way that You command so that the world might know we belong to You. May our love for one another be a brilliant light in a dark world. Amen.
Free Christian Kindle Books for April 2, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
Candle in the Darkness
by Lynn Austin
Historical Fiction: Book 1 in the Refiner's Fire series. The daughter of a wealthy
slave-holding family from Richmond, Virginia, Caroline Fletcher is
raised in a culture that believes slavery is God-ordained and Biblically
acceptable. But upon awakening to the cruelty and injustice it
encompasses, Caroline's eyes are opened for the first time to the men
and women who have cared tirelessly for her. Her journey of maturity and
faith will draw her into the abolitionist movement, where she is
confronted with the risks and sacrifices her beliefs entail.
4.7 stars with 114 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Heartless
by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon be married. She
dreams of a handsome and charming prince, but when the first suitor
arrives, she finds him stodgy and boring. Prince Aethelbald from the
mysterious land of Farthestshore has traveled far to prove his love--and
also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be
approaching Parumvir. Una, smitten instead with a more dashing
prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the
Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away
unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. Only those courageous enough to
risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.
4.3 stars with 108 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Bond
by William Donovan
Suspense: The nation sits precariously on the brink of total collapse. Natural
disasters, changing weather patterns, food shortages and riots in
various cities led the President to declare Martial Law. A secret
government commission, empowered by presidential order, each day
strengthens its stranglehold on the freedoms once enjoyed by all.
Unknown except to an elite few, the Triad Commission is secretly
orchestrating the ongoing crisis in order to initiate an ultimate and
complete takeover of the nation. Dark times have befallen the United
States of America. A lone Alaskan pastor, Joshua Jacobson,
unwittingly finds himself in possession of the truth that exposes the
devious plan of the Triad. Problem is, he doesn’t know what that truth
is. Given the task of delivering the encrypted message to the right
people, he finds himself on the run. But, who are the right people and
is the information he carries truly needed to save the country? Pursued
through the wilderness of Alaska by the military, federal marshals and
the FBI, Joshua is soon surrounded with no way out. From Alaska, across
the continental United States to Washington D.C. one lone man runs for
his life and to protect the truth that has something to do with the
bond. The secret of The Bond will keep you guessing until the very end.
5 stars with 11 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Capture the Wandering Heart
by Elaine Littau
Romance: In 1866 Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, a medicine woman's skills were put to
the test as her little boy, Nobel, watched. A series of events began on
that day and eventually drove him from the place that he loved until,
years later, he returned to the canyon with his wife, Myrtle, and their
children, There they fight against evil from the past and present. Myrtle
and her friend, Sally, were rescued from a brothel as children. Sally
takes the arduous trip to Texas in search of the mother who sold her to
the evil man who took the girls to the mining camps of Colorado.
4.9 stars with 10 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
A Father's Quest
by Lee Dalton
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Raymond Morgan’s life would appear successful to the casual observer: a
successful securities trader with all of the money and prestige afforded
to his elite position. However, his personal life could not be more
chaotic with a nasty divorce that poisoned his relationship with his
only son, Eric. In an attempt to salvage the fraying relationship
with Eric, Raymond takes his son on a weekend trip to Raymond’s
grandparents’ house. In the midst of enduring his son’s contempt and
reminiscing about the happier days of his past, Raymond finds himself
violently pulled from the world he knows into a strange, war-torn
country full of evil creatures, hideous monsters, and dangerous enemies. When
Eric is kidnapped by the minions of a dark master bent on world
domination, Raymond must set out on a quest not only to rescue his son,
but to save the world which has led him on an incredible journey to find
the warrior within.
4 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Living a Virtuous Life
by Lori Ramsey
Non-fiction: You can live like the Proverbs 31 woman. Did you ever feel attaining to
her example was impossible? You will discover the simple truths behind
the scripture, that will set you free. This is a simple devotional
diving into Proverbs 31:10-31. If you have ever sought to understand
the virtuous woman and desired to be more like her, you will have a
better understanding and see the possibilities of this very simple yet
profound truth.
4.4 stars with 14 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
Candle in the Darkness
by Lynn Austin
Historical Fiction: Book 1 in the Refiner's Fire series. The daughter of a wealthy
slave-holding family from Richmond, Virginia, Caroline Fletcher is
raised in a culture that believes slavery is God-ordained and Biblically
acceptable. But upon awakening to the cruelty and injustice it
encompasses, Caroline's eyes are opened for the first time to the men
and women who have cared tirelessly for her. Her journey of maturity and
faith will draw her into the abolitionist movement, where she is
confronted with the risks and sacrifices her beliefs entail.
4.7 stars with 114 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Heartless
by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon be married. She
dreams of a handsome and charming prince, but when the first suitor
arrives, she finds him stodgy and boring. Prince Aethelbald from the
mysterious land of Farthestshore has traveled far to prove his love--and
also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be
approaching Parumvir. Una, smitten instead with a more dashing
prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the
Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away
unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. Only those courageous enough to
risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.
4.3 stars with 108 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Bond
by William Donovan
Suspense: The nation sits precariously on the brink of total collapse. Natural
disasters, changing weather patterns, food shortages and riots in
various cities led the President to declare Martial Law. A secret
government commission, empowered by presidential order, each day
strengthens its stranglehold on the freedoms once enjoyed by all.
Unknown except to an elite few, the Triad Commission is secretly
orchestrating the ongoing crisis in order to initiate an ultimate and
complete takeover of the nation. Dark times have befallen the United
States of America. A lone Alaskan pastor, Joshua Jacobson,
unwittingly finds himself in possession of the truth that exposes the
devious plan of the Triad. Problem is, he doesn’t know what that truth
is. Given the task of delivering the encrypted message to the right
people, he finds himself on the run. But, who are the right people and
is the information he carries truly needed to save the country? Pursued
through the wilderness of Alaska by the military, federal marshals and
the FBI, Joshua is soon surrounded with no way out. From Alaska, across
the continental United States to Washington D.C. one lone man runs for
his life and to protect the truth that has something to do with the
bond. The secret of The Bond will keep you guessing until the very end.
5 stars with 11 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Capture the Wandering Heart
by Elaine Littau
Romance: In 1866 Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, a medicine woman's skills were put to
the test as her little boy, Nobel, watched. A series of events began on
that day and eventually drove him from the place that he loved until,
years later, he returned to the canyon with his wife, Myrtle, and their
children, There they fight against evil from the past and present. Myrtle
and her friend, Sally, were rescued from a brothel as children. Sally
takes the arduous trip to Texas in search of the mother who sold her to
the evil man who took the girls to the mining camps of Colorado.
4.9 stars with 10 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
A Father's Quest
by Lee Dalton
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Raymond Morgan’s life would appear successful to the casual observer: a
successful securities trader with all of the money and prestige afforded
to his elite position. However, his personal life could not be more
chaotic with a nasty divorce that poisoned his relationship with his
only son, Eric. In an attempt to salvage the fraying relationship
with Eric, Raymond takes his son on a weekend trip to Raymond’s
grandparents’ house. In the midst of enduring his son’s contempt and
reminiscing about the happier days of his past, Raymond finds himself
violently pulled from the world he knows into a strange, war-torn
country full of evil creatures, hideous monsters, and dangerous enemies. When
Eric is kidnapped by the minions of a dark master bent on world
domination, Raymond must set out on a quest not only to rescue his son,
but to save the world which has led him on an incredible journey to find
the warrior within.
4 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Living a Virtuous Life
by Lori Ramsey
Non-fiction: You can live like the Proverbs 31 woman. Did you ever feel attaining to
her example was impossible? You will discover the simple truths behind
the scripture, that will set you free. This is a simple devotional
diving into Proverbs 31:10-31. If you have ever sought to understand
the virtuous woman and desired to be more like her, you will have a
better understanding and see the possibilities of this very simple yet
profound truth.
4.4 stars with 14 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Dealing With Rejection
Few things in life hurt as much as rejection. Unfortunately, it is one of the things that is fairly common in the human experience. This is especially true for believers as we try to reach out to a lost world. So as Christians, what's the best way for us to handle it? Here are a few things that have helped me, and I hope you find them useful as well:
God Understands
God understands our hurt because He has experienced rejection as well.
God answered Samuel, “Go ahead and do what they’re asking. They are not rejecting you. They’ve rejected me as their King. From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they’ve been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they’re doing it to you." ~1 Samuel 8:7-8 (MSG)
He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. ~Isaiah 53:3 (NIV)
Knowing that He understand my pain makes rejection easier to bear.
God Sees
Through no fault of her own, Hagar found herself running from the rejection and oppression of her mistress Sarai. Alone in the desert, and pregnant, God saw her plight.
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” ~Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
God Hears and Delivers
There is nothing we can't take to the Lord in prayer. He hears the cries of those who belong to Him and acts on their behalf.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles. ~Psalm 34:17 (NIV)
God Cares
No matter what we face, we can always rest assured in God's care and concern for us. What He did for us on the cross proves His love.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
God Comforts
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ~2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)
God Is In Control
The enemy of our souls uses the rejection of others to bring us down, but we should always remember that ultimately, God is in control.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s
And He rules over the nations. ~Psalm 22:28 (NASB)
God Is With Us
The Bible is full from cover to cover with the assurance that God is with us. Though the rest of the world reject us, we can be sure that God never will. He's always waiting with open arms for those who earnestly seek Him. We need to always be mindful of His presence with us wherever we go.
"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28:20b (KJV)
God Has A Plan And A Purpose
Thought it is certainly not easy for us to comprehend, God has a purpose and plan for everything He allows in our lives--even rejection. Don't forget the story of Joseph, rejected by those he loved the most and sold into slavery. Only years later could he speak the words: "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good to save many people alive."
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28 (NIV)
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Lord God, we give You praise, because You are the only One worthy of our praise. We thank You that even in rejection, Your Word gives us these truths to bolster our face and give us the strength we need to keep moving forward in life. We love You. Amen.
God Understands
God understands our hurt because He has experienced rejection as well.
God answered Samuel, “Go ahead and do what they’re asking. They are not rejecting you. They’ve rejected me as their King. From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they’ve been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they’re doing it to you." ~1 Samuel 8:7-8 (MSG)
He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. ~Isaiah 53:3 (NIV)
Knowing that He understand my pain makes rejection easier to bear.
God Sees
Through no fault of her own, Hagar found herself running from the rejection and oppression of her mistress Sarai. Alone in the desert, and pregnant, God saw her plight.
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” ~Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
God Hears and Delivers
There is nothing we can't take to the Lord in prayer. He hears the cries of those who belong to Him and acts on their behalf.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles. ~Psalm 34:17 (NIV)
God Cares
No matter what we face, we can always rest assured in God's care and concern for us. What He did for us on the cross proves His love.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
God Comforts
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ~2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)
God Is In Control
The enemy of our souls uses the rejection of others to bring us down, but we should always remember that ultimately, God is in control.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s
And He rules over the nations. ~Psalm 22:28 (NASB)
God Is With Us
The Bible is full from cover to cover with the assurance that God is with us. Though the rest of the world reject us, we can be sure that God never will. He's always waiting with open arms for those who earnestly seek Him. We need to always be mindful of His presence with us wherever we go.
"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28:20b (KJV)
God Has A Plan And A Purpose
Thought it is certainly not easy for us to comprehend, God has a purpose and plan for everything He allows in our lives--even rejection. Don't forget the story of Joseph, rejected by those he loved the most and sold into slavery. Only years later could he speak the words: "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good to save many people alive."
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28 (NIV)
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Lord God, we give You praise, because You are the only One worthy of our praise. We thank You that even in rejection, Your Word gives us these truths to bolster our face and give us the strength we need to keep moving forward in life. We love You. Amen.
April 1, 2013
Free Christian Kindle Books for April 1, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
The Anvil of the Craftsman
by Dale Amidei
Political Suspense: A doctoral candidate in Theological Studies accepts recruitment by a
friend in the U.S. State Department for an initiative to the most
troublesome province in 2006 Iraq. The many challenges of nation
building expand the mission from diplomacy to a survival situation as
local and international interests position themselves to oppose a State
Department initiative: one vital to progress in an uncertain theater. Terrorism
and counter-terror operations threaten to keep the team from leaving
the relative safety of Baghdad. Until, that is, a former USAF Special
Tactics operative hunting the men who want to kill them draws duty as
their protector. The simple questions posed during a tribal council
threaten provincial and regional stability; the conclusions reached
explode into a clash of faith, loyalty, schism and betrayal that will
help shape the future of two nations.
5 stars with 23 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Declaring God's Word
by Derek Prince
Non-fiction: For the first time ever, internationally renowned Bible teacher Derek
Prince will lead you to power and victory each day in this 365-day
devotional. Each week features a scriptural declaration of truth to be
confessed daily, along with Derek Prince's amazing insight and teaching.
4.9 stars with 18 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Found Adrift
by Pauline Creeden
Non-fiction: Welcome fellow drifter. I don’t know about you, but I’m easily
distracted. If God set me in a rowboat on the water and told me to pay
attention and not let myself drift too far from the shoreline, I’m sure
I’d be in the middle of the lake before I realized I’d drifted from the
shore. Then sitting in the middle of that lake, I’d realize I didn’t
have a paddle. And sometimes I feel so far away that no one on the shore
could possibly hear me. Have you ever been there? If you
have ever been distracted by your daily life and suddenly looked up and
found yourself far behind where you should be in your walk with God,
then you are a drifter like me. This devotional is your paddle.
4.8 stars with 17 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
All in Good Time
by Maureen Lang
Historical Romance: Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former
prostitutes in Denver’s roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all
charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in
town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins
National Bank. Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the
most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three
successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he’s the most eligible
bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he’s built a
fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can
tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank
requesting a loan. Though he’s certain her proposal is a bad
investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa’s passion. But that same passion
drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about
whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her
mission—but he also threatens to bring Henry’s darkest secrets to light.
As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must
choose between their plans and God’s, between safety and love.
4.7 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Impact Player
by Bobby Richardson
Non-fiction: Former Yankee Bobby Richardson played alongside Mickey Mantle, Roger
Maris, Whitey Ford, Joe Pepitone, and Yogi Berra during one of the most
prolific dynasties in baseball history, and he remains to this day the
only player from the losing team ever to be named World Series MVP. In Impact Player,
Bobby shares his life story, including never-before-told tales from the
Yankee clubhouse during the historic ’55-’65 pennant runs and World
Series appearances. The book also features the unlikely friendship
Richardson, a devout and outspoken Christian, shared with Yankee legend
and renowned drinker and womanizer, Mickey Mantle. The perfect combination of faith and baseball, Impact Player
offers a rare glimpse into one of the most celebrated dynasties in the
history of the game, and it paints a fascinating portrait of a life
well-lived and the lasting rewards that come from knowing and loving
God.
4.3 stars with 18 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!
The Anvil of the Craftsman
by Dale Amidei
Political Suspense: A doctoral candidate in Theological Studies accepts recruitment by a
friend in the U.S. State Department for an initiative to the most
troublesome province in 2006 Iraq. The many challenges of nation
building expand the mission from diplomacy to a survival situation as
local and international interests position themselves to oppose a State
Department initiative: one vital to progress in an uncertain theater. Terrorism
and counter-terror operations threaten to keep the team from leaving
the relative safety of Baghdad. Until, that is, a former USAF Special
Tactics operative hunting the men who want to kill them draws duty as
their protector. The simple questions posed during a tribal council
threaten provincial and regional stability; the conclusions reached
explode into a clash of faith, loyalty, schism and betrayal that will
help shape the future of two nations.
5 stars with 23 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Declaring God's Word
by Derek Prince
Non-fiction: For the first time ever, internationally renowned Bible teacher Derek
Prince will lead you to power and victory each day in this 365-day
devotional. Each week features a scriptural declaration of truth to be
confessed daily, along with Derek Prince's amazing insight and teaching.
4.9 stars with 18 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Found Adrift
by Pauline Creeden
Non-fiction: Welcome fellow drifter. I don’t know about you, but I’m easily
distracted. If God set me in a rowboat on the water and told me to pay
attention and not let myself drift too far from the shoreline, I’m sure
I’d be in the middle of the lake before I realized I’d drifted from the
shore. Then sitting in the middle of that lake, I’d realize I didn’t
have a paddle. And sometimes I feel so far away that no one on the shore
could possibly hear me. Have you ever been there? If you
have ever been distracted by your daily life and suddenly looked up and
found yourself far behind where you should be in your walk with God,
then you are a drifter like me. This devotional is your paddle.
4.8 stars with 17 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
All in Good Time
by Maureen Lang
Historical Romance: Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former
prostitutes in Denver’s roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all
charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in
town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins
National Bank. Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the
most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three
successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he’s the most eligible
bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he’s built a
fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can
tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank
requesting a loan. Though he’s certain her proposal is a bad
investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa’s passion. But that same passion
drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about
whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her
mission—but he also threatens to bring Henry’s darkest secrets to light.
As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must
choose between their plans and God’s, between safety and love.
4.7 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Impact Player
by Bobby Richardson
Non-fiction: Former Yankee Bobby Richardson played alongside Mickey Mantle, Roger
Maris, Whitey Ford, Joe Pepitone, and Yogi Berra during one of the most
prolific dynasties in baseball history, and he remains to this day the
only player from the losing team ever to be named World Series MVP. In Impact Player,
Bobby shares his life story, including never-before-told tales from the
Yankee clubhouse during the historic ’55-’65 pennant runs and World
Series appearances. The book also features the unlikely friendship
Richardson, a devout and outspoken Christian, shared with Yankee legend
and renowned drinker and womanizer, Mickey Mantle. The perfect combination of faith and baseball, Impact Player
offers a rare glimpse into one of the most celebrated dynasties in the
history of the game, and it paints a fascinating portrait of a life
well-lived and the lasting rewards that come from knowing and loving
God.
4.3 stars with 18 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog
FREE digital copy of A PATH LESS TRAVELED (2nd stand-alone book in the Miller's Creek novels and an Amazon Kindle Best-Seller) when you subscribe to Cathy's FROM MY FRONT PORCH newsletter. On my blog
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