Yvette Walker's Blog, page 7

How to fill your lives with joy

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This is a special newsletter posting.

Dear subscribers,

Your weekly newsletters are free, but a few of you support what we’re doing here at Positively Joy Ministries. So, consider becoming a paid subscriber for as low as $7 a month to see additional videos and inspiration!

I love this short video that turns to the Gospel of John, Chapter 15, verses 9-11. I call it Jesus’ DIY to have a life filled with joy.

I’d love for a few more of you to become a paid subscriber and help spread real joy! Your support pays for production costs of the podcast and newsletter and writing costs. Pray for guidance, and if you can, please support us.

Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

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I've got JOY in chaos

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This week in the newsletter:

Choosing joy in chaos

A new feature: On The Bookshelf

New podcast episode of Positively Joy

How to support the ministry

The Joy of Choosing Jesus in Chaos

Life can often feel chaotic and overwhelming, but as Christians, we have a source of joy that transcends our circumstances. In John 15:9, Jesus tells us, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." This is a powerful reminder that no matter what chaos surrounds us, we can find joy in the love of God.

Choose Joy in Every Situation

I love “Firm Foundation” by Cody Carnes (see video below). The line, “I’ve got joy in chaos, I’ve got peace that makes no sense” connects with me in a way nothing else does. It’s like when the character of Mary Magdalene in “The Chosen” says she was one way, and now is another, and the difference was in meeting Jesus.

Jesus is the JOY, if we let him.

It's easy to let the chaos of life steal our joy, but we have the power to choose joy in every situation. When we focus on Jesus and His love for us, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Instead of allowing fear and anxiety to rule our hearts, we can choose joy by trusting in God's plan for our lives.

Finding Joy in the Midst of Chaos

When life feels out of control, it's important to remember that God is always in control. By turning to Him in prayer and seeking His guidance, we can find joy even in the midst of chaos. Rather than being consumed by worry and doubt, we can choose to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. I’ve written about this here and here and here.

FAQs About Choosing Joy

How can I choose joy when everything around me seems to be falling apart?

Choosing joy is a mindset shift that requires intentional focus on the love of Jesus. By meditating on His promises and spending time in prayer, we can cultivate a spirit of joy in the midst of chaos.

What are some practical ways to experience joy in difficult circumstances?

Practicing gratitude, surrounding yourself with supportive Christian community, and staying connected to God through scripture and worship are all ways to experience joy in difficult circumstances.

Why is choosing joy important for my faith walk?

Choosing joy not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us. When we demonstrate joy in the face of adversity, we reflect the light of Christ to a world in need of hope.

Your sister in Christ,

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Read more about joy: visit Positively Joy here. And visit my speaking page if your church or women’s ministry would like to explore real joy!

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Last days for edgy Christian fiction!

Sometimes Christian books like my novel, “Sixty,” depict intense situations. However, as long as Christian books don't glamorize these sinful or distasteful actions, and stories have an overall message of redemption and/or salvation through Christ, there is nothing biblically wrong with depicting these situations in our books. Check out a selection of these (and more) here.

WATCH: “Firm Foundation” by Cody Carnes

Watch the video for inspiration.

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I hope you are enjoying this newsletter. If so, consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

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Seeking the Joy of God

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So, we’ve just finished seven weeks traveling with the apostles in our Bible study of Acts. And those apostles were spreading the Good News. Maybe you didn’t know it, but they also were spreading The Joy of God.

I’ve long said it: Many people chase joy and happiness in their lives, often looking for it in material possessions, relationships, or success. However, true and lasting joy can only be found through a connection with the divine.

The Joy of God is a profound and transformative experience that goes beyond fleeting happiness and provides a deep sense of peace and contentment. It’s what my ministry is all about and what God told me to share with all of you.

Understanding the Joy of God

The Joy of God is not dependent on external circumstances or the fulfillment of desires. It is an inner state of being that arises from a sense of connection with something greater than ourselves. This divine connection can bring a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment to our lives, regardless of what may be happening in the world around us.

When we open our hearts to the presence of God, we invite in a powerful source of love and light that can uplift and transform us. The Joy of God is a gift that fills us with gratitude, compassion, and a deep sense of well-being.

Oh yes, God does want us to experience joy, even to enjoy our life. But God’s joy allows us to experience life with a sense of wonder and awe, knowing that we are connected to something greater than ourselves.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

To experience the Joy of God in our lives, we must cultivate a relationship with the divine through prayer, meditation, and acts of service. By opening ourselves up to the presence of God, we allow the divine light to shine through us and illuminate our path. This light brings clarity, guidance, and a deep sense of peace that can sustain us through even the most challenging times.

As we deepen our connection with God, we begin to see the world through new eyes, recognizing the beauty and goodness that surrounds us. The Joy of God allows us to experience a sense of unity with all of creation, seeing the interconnectedness of all beings and the divine presence that flows through everything. It is what completes us.

The joy we have been chasing elsewhere is found in God’s love and commands.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. — John 15:9-11

Cultivating the Joy of God

The Joy of God is a priceless gift that can fill our lives with light, love, and purpose. By cultivating a relationship with the divine and opening our hearts to the presence of God, we can experience a profound sense of joy that transcends the ups and downs of everyday life. May we all bask in the Joy of God and spread its light to all those we encounter on our journey.

Your sister in Christ,

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Read more about joy: visit Positively Joy here. And visit my speaking page if your church or women’s ministry would like to explore real joy!

Listen to the latest episode of the Positively Joy podcastChristian fiction and nonfictionEdgy Christian fiction!

Sometimes Christian books like my novel, “Sixty,” depict intense situations. However, as long as Christian books don't glamorize these sinful or distasteful actions, and stories have an overall message of redemption and/or salvation through Christ, there is nothing biblically wrong with depicting these situations in our books. Check out a selection of these (and more) here.

Support the ministry!

I hope you are enjoying this newsletter. If so, consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Why didn't God save Paul in Acts of the Apostles?

Photo by Dan Senior on UnsplashIn this week’s Bible Study:

Part seven of our study of the Book of Acts!

Edgy Christian books sale!

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Pentecost is Sunday! We made it! This last week focuses on Paul’s arrival to Rome, where he stayed the rest of his life in prison, We are using the NIV translation, except where noted. This week, we are studying chapters 27-28.

It feels like we just started, but we have arrived at the last two books in Acts. I wanted to spend time on these books because we see miracles happen, we see the grace of God and we see Paul arrive in Rome.

Paul’s journey from Jerusalem in chapter 26 bookends with his arrival to Rome. Back in Jerusalem, he was taken into custody by officials because Jews there did not like what he was preaching. When he finally arrives, still in custody, he calls for the Jewish leaders in Rome and explains to them that he is not trying to harm the Jewish people.

He preaches boldly, and makes many converts — but not all, as he notes from the prophet Isaiah:

“ ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ “ Acts 28: 26-27

Some Jews did not like hearing this, and left with hardened hearts and closed ears and eyes.

Let’s not skip over the shipwreck on the island of Malta, between Sicily and North Africa. There is so much to reflect on here. First of all, through Paul’s instruction, God saves EVERYONE on the boat. He encourages them to eat for strength, tells them to stay with the boat no matter what, and God softens the heart of a centurion who protected the prisoners from being killed by the other guards. In this, all 276 people survived.

Then, when they get to Malta, God heals Paul from a snake bite and allows him to heal the Maltese chief official’s father, and many others.

If God can do all this, why not allow Paul to escape, or why not kill all the guards and let Paul live the rest of his life in peace? It’s a version of the “why do bad things happen to good people?” question.

God’s plan for Paul’s life is not so easy to understand. But we know he was with Paul the rest of his life, inspiring him to write encouraging (and sometimes, correcting) letters to the early churches of the day. These letters became a large part of the New Testament.

Paul’s life didn’t end peacefully but it didn’t begin that way, either! Jesus saved him from judgment (as he was responsible for killing Christians) when he appeared to him on the road to Damascus.

The Bible does not tell of Paul’s end, but historically it is believed that he was killed by Nero in Rome during the fall of many Christians.

Paul, like many of the apostles, had a full life in Jesus that eventually saved millions of believers.

In last week’s poll, you said you are most interested in Paul’s letter to the Romans. You won’t have much time to wait because it’s the next book after Acts! Many people refer to this book as the Roman Road, or a way for new Christians to begin reading the Bible and learn about Jesus.

Sunday is the celebration of Pentecost, which actually happened in Book 2 of Acts but comes at the end of our study. I hope you have enjoyed spending these seven weeks together. I encourage you to go back to Book 2 and reread about that early Pentecost and how it changed the apostles.

Your sister in Christ,

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Be sure to listen to the latest podcast episode of Positively Joy! This week, a college graduate decides to work full-time in student ministry. Find out why.

Christian fiction and nonfictionEdgy Christian fiction!

Sometimes Christian books like my novel, “Sixty,” depict intense situations. However, as long as Christian books don't glamorize these sinful or distasteful actions, and stories have an overall message of redemption and/or salvation through Christ, there is nothing biblically wrong with depicting these situations in our books. Check out a selection of these (and more) here.

Sale: Fiction and nonfiction

Searching for your next favorite story?

The sale lasts for just a few more days! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time. Click here to learn more.

Support the ministry!

I hope you are enjoying this study of the Book of Acts. If so, consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Is following Jesus inconvenient?

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on UnsplashIn this week’s Bible Study:

Part six of our study of the Book of Acts Countdown to Pentecost!

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One more week leading to Pentecost, I’m studying the book of Acts each week. I hope you join me in this study! We are using the NIV translation, except where noted. This week, we are studying chapters 19-26.

We’re turning back the pages to chapter 19 this week, because there is some content that needs to be addressed: mainly, Paul’s time in Ephesus and the riot there. The people who turned against Paul were not just Jewish Sanhedrin, Sadducees and Pharisees. Those worshipping idols hated him too. But this section reveals the selfish motives of some of Paul’s detractors. They were afraid he would damage their business. How inconvenient.

They were willing to kill him just to prevent their income from declining.

About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.” — Acts: 19:23-27

Has preaching the Good News ever been inconvenient to you? Have you shied away from public faith because of family, friends, or a job. It happened to me mid-career as a newspaper editor. I was so concerned that showing bias toward faith would affect my credibility in making decisions for the front page.

That is the opposite of bold faith, which we see through out the Acts of the Apostles.

In this week’s chapters Paul, who has been told by the Holy Spirit that he will face jail and all sorts of trials, pursued his mission anyway. He headed back to Jerusalem against the warning of many of his followers.

Paul is a hero of the Christian faith who wrote many of his letters in the New Testament from jail. His message spread far and wide even though he was persecuted. It’s not what we want to hear, for sure.

Will you have bold faith no matter the risk?

In last week’s poll, you said Paul’s journey to Ephesus was most important, and I agree with you! Not only did he warn the leaders of the trials to come, this scene of his visit set up the book of Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. Go here to vote if you missed it.

We are days away from the celebration of Pentecost and I have just one more entry in our study of the Book of Acts. coming later this week

Your sister in Christ,

By the way, if you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Be sure to listen to the latest podcast episode of Positively Joy!

Christian fiction and nonfictionEdgy Christian fiction!

Sometimes Christian books like my novel, “Sixty,” depict intense situations. However, as long as Christian books don't glamorize these sinful or distasteful actions, and stories have an overall message of redemption and/or salvation through Christ, there is nothing biblically wrong with depicting these situations in our books. Check out a selection of these (and more) here.

Sale: Fiction and nonfiction

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time. Click here to learn more.

Support the ministry!

I hope you are enjoying this study of the Book of Acts. If so, consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Apostle road trip in the book of Acts

Aerial view in Turkey, now modern-day Antioch. (Scopio)In this week’s Bible Study:

Part five of our study of the Book of Acts, Chapters 11-20. Countdown to Pentecost!

Edgy Christian books sale!

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In the weeks leading to Pentecost, I’m studying the book of Acts each week. I hope you join me in this study! We are using the NIV translation, except where noted.

So far, we have seen the apostles get the Holy Spirit, preach despite persecution, and God reveal to Peter that the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) should also receive the Holy Spirit.

This week, the boys hit the road and deliver the Good News to several cities around Jerusalem. Both Peter and Paul, separately, are thrown in jail. There are also some arguments and disputes. Whew! Just imagine a reality TV show about Acts!

Because we have a lot of ground to cover (no pun intended!), we are reading chapters 11-20 this week!

The apostles traveled throughout modern-day Turkey, Syria and Greece and spent time church-building, while Peter stayed in Jerusalem and was imprisoned but escaped. Herod died in a gruesome way, (this is not the one who sent Jesus back to Pilot, but reportedly his cousin) and Jews turned on the newly named Christians for teaching the word to Gentiles.

Peter was imprisoned by Herod, but escaped with angelic help. Paul was imprisoned, too, but look what happened:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16: 25-30

I tried to calculate how many miles the apostles covered but it was tough. Many sources did say that Paul alone traveled about 10,000 miles. We know that Paul took a boat (because of the shipwreck on his way to Rome) but he and the apostles were on foot for a lot of their quest. Amazing.

We also see a quarrel between Paul and Barnabas, and they go their separate ways for a while. This is a good reminder that the apostles — even Paul! — were human with foibles, just like the rest of us.

Next week, we’ll continue to move quickly through the book. Stay with us! Just one and a half weeks until Pentecost!

Be sure to take this week’s poll because I’ll share what I think the most important was next week. In last week’s poll, you said you’d never really thought about Peter’s dream/vision where God told him to share the word with the Gentiles. Go here to vote if you missed it.

Your sister in Christ,

By the way, if you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Be sure to listen to the latest podcast episode of Positively Joy!

Christian fiction and nonfictionEdgy Christian fiction!

Sometimes Christian books like my novel, “Sixty,” depict intense situations. However, as long as Christian books don't glamorize these sinful or distasteful actions, and stories have an overall message of redemption and/or salvation through Christ, there is nothing biblically wrong with depicting these situations in our books. Check out a selection of these (and more) here.

Sale: Fiction and nonfiction

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time. Click here to learn more.

Support the ministry!

I hope you are enjoying this study of the Book of Acts. If so, consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Want to pray more?

Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

Thursday, May 2, was the 2024 National Day of Prayer. I admit it almost slipped past me, and that’s why I wanted to send out this short reminder. Did you miss it?

I’m using it as a catalyst to prime my prayer life. You can too. I’ve been meaning to spend more quiet time with God.

If you’ve been following me, I’ve been writing the Bible study, recording the podcast, sharing my books, you know, all the things. But have I been talking to and asking Him for guidance?

Not as much as I should.

So this is my wakeup call. Yours, too.

Happy (belated) National Day of Prayer!

Your sister in Christ,

Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Saul's Christ transformation

On the road to Damascus, everything changed. Photo by Ethan Dow on Unsplash

In this week’s Bible Study:

Part four of our study of the Book of Acts.

Edgy Christian books sale starts tomorrow.

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In the three weeks leading to Pentecost, I’ll post an extra newsletter studying the book of Acts each week. Our regular newsletter will post at the end of the week. I hope you join me in this study! Today, I use the King James Version. Normal use is the NIV translation, except where noted.

Acts, chapters 9-10

We are only covering two chapters today, but they are meaty ones and are all about God’s grace in giving the news of Jesus to the non-Jewish people. Most of you reading this probably are “Gentiles,” so we should all appreciate this.

In chapter 9, we witness Saul’s transformation on the road to Damascus. The actual encounter with Jesus in the story is small, only 9 verses. But as many of us know, Saul becoming a Christian changed the world.

Just before the encounter, he was still planning harm to the Christ followers:

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. — Acts 9:2

I mention this because the transformation was real! He hadn’t begun to waver, or was changing his mind about persecuting the people. No! He was on his way, plotting. But then, Jesus!

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. — Acts 9: 3-6

I did not understand what Jesus meant by kick against the pricks. It is only mentioned in the KJV and is explained here.

The rest of chapters 9 and 10 refer to the non-Jewish people, Gentiles, being given the Holy Spirit and the good news of Jesus Christ. Peter’s vision is interesting in Chapter 10, don’t miss it!

Next week, we’ll move quickly through the book. Stay with us!

In last week’s poll, you were encouraged by the apostles release from prison in chapters 5-8! Go here to vote if you missed it.

Your sister in Christ,

By the way, if you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Be sure to listen to the latest podcast episode of Positively Joy!

Christian fiction and nonfictionEdgy Christian fiction starts tomorrow!

Sometimes Christian books like my novel, “Sixty,” depict intense situations. However, as long as Christian books don't glamorize these sinful or distasteful actions, and stories have an overall message of redemption and/or salvation through Christ, there is nothing biblically wrong with depicting these situations in our books. Check out a selection of these (and more) here.

Sale: Fiction and nonfiction

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time. Click here to learn more.

Support the ministry!

I hope you are enjoying this study of the Book of Acts. If so, consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Pride before a fall shown on big screen

In this week’s newsletter:

Thinking about pride, and King and Country’s new film

Remembering Mandisa

Christian books giveaway

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I saw an early screening this week of the new King and Country film, “Unsung Hero,” and I was reminded how pride often goes before a fall.

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. — Proverbs 16:18 KJV

The movie shows the story of the Smallbones, the Australian family that raised three singers that would go on to dominate contemporary Christian music: older sister Rebecca St. James, and brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, who formed the band For King and Country.

Joel actually plays their father, David, a music promoter whose pride gets him into trouble as he tries to rebuild his failed career in America. The lesson, taught by wife and mother Helen, is that family and prayer can heal anything. SHE is the unsung hero.

There are several verses about pride and humility — many in Proverbs — but also including James 4:6, Psalm 75:4, Jeremiah 9:23–24, 1 John 2:16 and more. Throughout the movie, we see father David’s lack of humility and, later, anger, undo his success.

When the family comes to America and a music job falls through, he is forced to clean toilets and mow yards. He rebuffs people trying to help him and has a breakdown. But Helen and her Godly teachings raise the family back up.

It’s not a preachy movie, and families not looking for a Christian film will find a lot to like. It’s a thumbs up from me!

Remembering Mandisa

The film was an uplift I needed after hearing about the death of Christian singer, Mandisa, who died Thursday, Apr. 18, 2024. Mandisa was such an encourager and inspired thousands of fans through her music and testimony. Rest in peace, beautiful lady.

Your sister in Christ,

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, like and comment!

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This week’s episode of the Positively Joy podcastFeatured book: "Naaman’s Faith” by Mary Jane Humes

HOW DOES A PERSON LEARN TO TRUST GOD?

Strong, handsome, decorated war hero Captain Naaman was on the verge of losing everyone he loved after he contracted leprosy—an uncurable, contagious, deadly disease. But his wife’s Israelite slave girl had a wish…
Join Mary Jane Humes as she weaves both her narrative and insights on Naaman in this eight-day, daily devotional Bible study that brings the Word alive. Get a free copy!

Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Mighty acts of God this week

Photo by WWW PROD on Unsplash

In this week’s Bible Study:

Part three of our study of the Book of Acts.

Christian books giveaway.

Support this ministry

(Mailbox version! Go here for the full study.)

In the five weeks leading to Pentecost, I’ll post an extra newsletter studying the book of Acts each week. Our regular newsletter will post at the end of the week. I hope you join me in this study! I’m using the NIV translation, except where noted.

Acts, chapters 5-8

Oh my, there is so much goodness this week as we study the book of Acts. I don’t have time to spend on everything these chapters give us, but I’ll break it down into four parts. We even meet Saul. Go to the website to read more:

Deaths of lying Ananias and Sapphira

Apostles delivered from prison to preach

Preaching, and then, stoning of Stephen

Philip converting Samaria, and persecution of apostles.

Each chapter contains so much inspiration and encouragement. Please read the full study here so you don’t miss any insights!

Next week, we’ll move on to chapters 9-11, where we encounter the conversion of Saul!

In last week’s poll, you loved the bold preaching in chapters 3-4! Go here to vote if you missed it.

Your sister in Christ,

By the way, if you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Be sure to listen to the latest podcast episode of Positively Joy!

Christian fiction and non-fiction

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time. Click here to learn more.

One more day to win books from 10+ fantastic authors AND a BRAND NEW eReader? 😁 You can win my novel, “SIXTY,” plus books from authors like Jan Thompson and Jo Grafford.

Enter the giveaway by clicking here 👉 https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/azbb-

inspirational-fiction-non-fiction/

Good luck and enjoy!

Support the ministry!

I hope you are enjoying this study of the Book of Acts. If so, consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry