Blogging at Christian Children's Author

Though it is not my scheduled week, I am blogging today at Christian Children's Authors. The topic today is "Accepting Your Child's Reading Choices." Hope you'll visit at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2014/05/30/accepting-your-childs-reading-choices/

Tactics, Trends, & Traits Book Blast - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy by author Jermaine Gadson is a must have resource for believers who want to be well equipped to be victorious against the strategies of the devil. The devil is cunning and deceptive, and he will stop at nothing to keep God's people from reaching their potential in Christ. In this book, Pastor Gadson discusses how the enemy uses temptation, seduction, fear, isolation, guilt, shame, and other such things in order to steal and destroy a person's life. Satan works tirelessly through various means and mechanisms to keep sinners from hearing and being receptive of the Word of God, in order to prevent them from being saved. If you have family or friends who are not born-again, this resource will help you to identify schemes that the enemy may be using to keep your loved ones from being saved. This book is intended to equip the Body of Christ to wage a good warfare against the strategies of the enemy. It is not God's will for His people to be taken advantage of by the enemy because of ignorance. This book exposes who the enemy is, what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will try to do in the future, as an enemy of God's people. This book is written for the everyday believer to be able to understand and use. However, it is also a helpful tool for Christian leaders to be able to identify specific ways in which the enemy desires to attack them in order to steal their influence, kill their destiny, and destroy their reputation and ministries. In this regard, it is an encouragement to the Body of Christ to guard and protect their spiritual leaders.

Excerpt:

Know Your Enemy

Before engaging in battle of any kind, it is very important to be familiar with the opposition. The more you know about your enemy, the greater you will be equipped to fight against them and be victorious. Knowing your enemy includes being knowledgeable of their strengths, weaknesses, habits, origin, and the like. When you are knowledgeable about your adversary, you become empowered to develop a plan of action or strategy to adequately defend against their opposition, overcome their threats and defensive mechanisms, and ultimately defeat them.

Athletes and those who follow sports are familiar and acquainted with this principle. Coaches and players spend hours upon hours viewing video recordings of not only their own team, but of their upcoming opponents as well. They view recordings to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses as revealed by previous games, and they do the same to identify strengths and weaknesses of the next team they have to face.

This principle is certainly pertinent in the area of the military as well. No military general, or top ranking official who has authority over military personnel will in their right mind authorize the use of military force without adequate information concerning the enemy to be attacked. Right decisions require right information. This is especially true if you want to come out victorious and on top.

Now that we can see the importance of this principle from a natural standpoint, it makes sense that this would also apply spiritually in relation to how we are to do battle with our spiritual enemy. As you read this book, I hope that you will be able to see the importance of this material in helping you towards this very end. The reason this book is so important is because the person reading it is like a ballplayer looking at tape of his or her opponent or a military general gathering intelligence on a terrorist organization.

When you know where your enemy came from, what your enemy has done in the past, and what your enemy is presently capable of, you are more readily prepared to wage a good warfare and defeat him in any present or future encounters you may have.

Title: Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy
Author: Jermaine Gadson
Genre: Spiritual
Publisher: Crossbooks – Division of LifeWay (June 2014)
ISBN: 9781462736362—Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781462736355—Soft Cover
ISBN: 9781462736348—eBook

VIEW THE TRAILER AT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNfV81_SD0s

Pre-order at: http://www.amazon.com/PRE-ORDER-Tactics-Trends-Equipping-Believer/dp/1462736351/

Jermaine Gadson is the Senior Pastor of Faith Ministries, Inc., a non-traditional church located in Birmingham, AL. Prior to starting Faith Ministries, he served as an associate minister, youth minister, and pastor for local churches and ministries in the greater Birmingham area.  While, growing up in the Baptist church, he gave his life to Christ at an early age, and is a third generation minister of the Gospel.

He holds a B.A. in Religion with a Concentration in Congregational Studies and a Minor in Classics from Samford University, and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School of Samford University.  He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Beeson Divinity School. 

Gadson enjoys reading, writing, sports, outdoors, movies, and spending time with his family. He is happily married to his wife Kristy and they have one beautiful daughter, Khloe.

Visit Pastor Gadson online at www.JermaineGadson.com.

Pump Up Your Book and Jermaine are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms and Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes
• This giveaway begins May 19 and ends on May 31, 2014.
• Winners will be contacted via email on June 2, 2014.
• Winner has 72 hours to reply.
• Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy Book Blitz Schedule

May 19

Cheryl’s Christian Book Connection

Rebecca’s Writing Services

May 20

Inside BJ’s Head

Literarily Speaking

May 21

Lori’s Reading Corner

Between the Covers

May 22

Vic’s Media Room

As the Pages Turn

May 23

My Devotional Thoughts

Maureen’s Musings

May 26

The Book Rack

Beyond the Books

May 27

Read for Your Future

Little Shepherd

May 28

The Writer’s Life

May 29

The Book Connection

May 30

The Busy Mom’s Daily

Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible? by RL Keller

Indian nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi has been quoted as saying “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” This is a sad indictment of the Christian community as a whole. Is it true? Are believers in Christ the reason people keep their distance from Judeo-Christian beliefs and the God we embrace? I feel there’s no question that we’re partially to blame. In this book I touch on a wide variety of topics, but in the end call out Christians to immerse themselves in a time of reassessment as we all strive to be more genuine and consistent in our faith.

Excerpt:

Chapter 11
Consequences

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Paul had a specific purpose for writing to the Corinthians. The Corinthian believers were becoming arrogant over their spiritual security and Paul needed to set them straight. As The Asbury Bible Commentary rightly points out; “Christian liberty unchecked may deteriorate into license and endanger not only the weak but the strong Christian as well.”

The idea of consequences isn’t relegated only to the New Testament. Nine times in the Old Testament 25 the word ‘consequence(s)’ is used. Each time it’s referring to the result of the sins of the people of Israel or of an individual Israelite. Whether an individual believes in God or not, consequences shall come upon them, just as they shall come upon us all.

The truth revealed in verse 23 should not be considered a Biblical truth alone, but rather a universal truth. While it’s true that we can do anything we want, not everything we do will be beneficial or constructive for either ourselves or those we love. In reality, this concept has nothing to do with God, for even if He didn’t exist, there would still be consequences as the result of our words, actions and reactions. Every choice we make in this life has resulting consequences. Even inaction has consequences. We can’t escape them; they are inevitable.

Title: Man’s Rejection of God: Who’s Responsible?
Author: RL Keller
Genre: Religious/Spirituality
Paperback: 161 pages
Publisher: WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing (March 2014)
Paperback ISBN-10: 1490821481
ISBN-13: 978-1490821481
Hardcover ISBN-10: 149082149X
ISBN-13: 978-1490821498
Kindle: 9781490821474/ASIN: B00I5076TU

Purchase at http://www.amazon.com/Mans-Rejection-God-Whos-Responsible/dp/1490821481/ or http://www.amazon.com/Mans-Rejection-God-Whos-Responsible-ebook/dp/B00I5076TU/

Richard Louis Keller was born in Newark, NJ in 1955 and grew up in Middletown Township (NJ). He graduated from Montclair State College in 1978 with a degree in Broadcasting. Rich gave his life to Christ in 1979. Since his conversion he has spent time ministering for the Lord in various capacities. God gave Rich the gift of communication. He uses that gift by writing a daily devotional blog and has had two other books published.

Visit Rich online at www.breadoflifemin.net and his blog at www.minidevos.blogspot.com

Remembering the Fallen

Doubting Thomas

Thomas was one of the 12 apostles. The first time we really hear anything about him is in Gospel of John. Do you remember the story of Lazarus, Martha and Mary’s brother?

Jesus had fled Jerusalem because the authorities were going to arrest him. Soon afterwards, he received word that his good friend Lazarus was very sick in Bethany, a tiny village outside of Jerusalem. When Jesus said he wanted to go see his friend, most of his followers didn’t think it was a good idea. They knew there were people in the area who wanted to kill Jesus. But Thomas said, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” Even though Thomas figured something bad would happen if they returned to Jerusalem, he had the courage to stay by Jesus’ side and die with him.

If you remember, Jesus and his followers did go to see Lazarus, who was buried by the time they arrived. Jesus called to Lazarus, and he came out of his tomb.

Some time passed, and we don’t hear about Thomas again until the Last Supper. Jesus knew he was leaving the disciples and he spent his time telling his followers that he was going to his father’s house to prepare a place for them. Then he would come again and take them with him.

As the Scriptures tell us, Jesus is arrested, sentenced to die, crucified, and rose again three days later. On the day of his resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples, who are in hiding. But Thomas isn’t there. When he arrives, the other disciples tell Thomas that Jesus appeared to them and he doesn’t believe them. Thomas says, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” He had the courage to die with Jesus, but his faith wasn’t strong enough to believe in the resurrection.

Eight days later, Jesus appears again to his followers, and this time Thomas is with them. Now, all of Thomas’s doubts are wiped away and he says, “My Lord and my God!” This is where Jesus says something very important. He tells Thomas that he believes because he has seen Jesus, but “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

We are those people. We did not see the resurrected Jesus, but we believe in him. We have faith that what the Bible says is the Truth, it is God’s Word.

Sometimes we’re like Doubting Thomas. A bad thing happens and our faith isn’t always strong enough to keep us believing. Just like the apostles, who were scared about the future after the death of Jesus, we hear God’s Word but don’t take it to heart. How can we be more like the Thomas whose doubts were wiped away by seeing the resurrected Jesus?

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved.

Daily Bible Reading - End of Hebrews and James

I'm doing my best to stay in the habit of reading first thing in the mornings, but that might change soon. I'm close to finalizing who I will work under for real estate, so mornings might become a rush out the door once the kids are on the bus. I'm praying it all works out.

I read through to the end of Hebrews and all the way through James (one of my favorites).

Hebrews 10, 11, 12, and 13

Favorite verses:

10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

12:5-6 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 James 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

If I truly followed all the instructions in James, I would be a much better person. Though short in length, it is a powerful reminder of how to live our Christian lives. There are too many favorite verses for me to quote here, so I will restrain myself and only share my most favorite; ones that mean the most to me and encourage me in the areas where I struggle. 

Favorite verses:

1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

 3:8-10 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

 5:16 ...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors Today

It's my Friday to blog at Christian Children's Authors today. I'm sharing my "Confessions of an Imperfect Christian Mom." Hope you'll visit at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2014/05/16/confessions-of-an-imperfect-christian-mom/

Book Spotlight: "I Got This" by Wesley K. Zinn

We are taught that we find freedom in Christ, and yet many Christians never experience freedom or peace in the area of finances. Unlike books that provide tools for good financial management, “I Got This” offers profound and practical insight into the freedom and flow of God’s economy. Wesley Zinn explores the principle of first fruits, the spirits of poverty and generosity, and the importance of your heart’s posture in giving. Firmly rooted in Scripture, this book is filled with many personal vignettes that illustrate and validate the practical application of the message. “I Got This” will help you experience freedom in finances, encourage you to discover a heart of gratitude for God’s provision, and help you align yourself with God’s heart, releasing a flow of his kingdom’s resources into and through your life.

Endorsements:

The truths you will encounter in the pages of this book are living and active! They have been forged and tested in a life lived unto the Lord and in the service of his people. I have watched these truths give life and release blessing into others.

Through the centuries the church has definitely been confused and confusing in its attitude and message about money, finances, and wealth: vows of poverty, the economics of Christendom, a prosperity gospel, incessant fundraising by televangelists, marketplace ministry. How are Christ-followers to relate to money and finances in this world? What does it mean to give in and from the economy of the kingdom of God?

This book is not a theology of wealth and finance. It is a testimony and witness to the power of faith-filled obedience to the joy of generosity; to the capacity to receive and steward increase; to the ability to live in abundance without being consumed by mammon; to the faith to prophesy, proclaim, and declare truth that will change lives and life situations.

I have benefited from these testimonies. They have become a witness in my own life and circumstances and to the church that Wes and I have the privilege to serve together. Read this book with your heart and hands open—your heart open to receive blessing and your hands open to give the blessing away to others.
Rev. Rick McKinniss
Senior Leader, Wellspring Church

The revealed word of God brings light. This was my experience reading Wesley Zinn’s book “I Got This”. It is a refreshing approach to giving and receiving. I found it both helpful and liberating in removing wrong attitudes and approaches to giving. This book is a must read for those who desire to become a greater conduit of blessing in the earth. It will help remove the sense of duty, and release us into the joy of giving. God loves a cheerful giver!
Jeff Collins
Jeff Collins Ministry

Asking Pastor Wes to speak at our annual leadership conference in Uganda was one of the best decisions I have ever made for the conference. His down to earth lifestyle, along with his integrity in leadership and God’s resources has ministered to all of us. He opened our eyes to a generous God and released us from a God we always had to bribe if we stood any chance of getting blessed. The impact of his teaching at our leaders’ network was so phenomenal that now his message is being echoed by many of our pastors to their congregations. I wish I could put a copy of this book in the hands of every African leader from church to government.
Bishop Arnold Muwonge
Founder, Nations Discipleship Enterprise
and Kampala Children’s Centre

PURCHASE AT:

Amazon
iTunes
Nook
Kindle

Following a successful business career, Wesley Zinn joined the pastoral staff of Wellspring Church in Berlin, CT where he presently serves as Lead Pastor. His vision is to equip and release the church and individuals to take hold of the fullness of life and the destiny that God intends. Wesley has taught on the topics of generosity and giving in numerous churches and in many settings both stateside and abroad. He and his wife, Pam, carry a special grace for understanding and living in God’s kingdom economy.

Visit Pastor Zinn at http://wesleyzinn.com/

Writing World Update

Here is a long overdue writing world update. As is usual, I set goals at the end of last year to keep me focused through 2014. I am a big believer in goal setting and breaking larger goals down into more manageable chunks. As I look back on what I've accomplished through the first four and a half months, I am proud of the progress I've made, but switching careers has meant not as much writing time. Here's where I stand as of right now with my goals.

Reduce blogging/reviewing duties.

I'm snickering as I type this. Blogging and reviewing is probably the largest drain of my writing time, and yet, I can't stop doing it. I love blogging. I actually created a new blog this year. Last one, I've promised myself. Though I started out focused on working my way through the mountain of books I've amassed over the past three years, I've begun taking on new titles to review for virtual book tours. Sigh. I really need to get this under control. Thankfully, summer is on the way and I already know that focusing on real estate won't allow as much blogging time anyway.

Complete the first draft of my middle grade historical Amelia's Mission by February 28th.

Definitely not, but a ton of progress has been made on this project. It had been a while since I worked on this one, but I truly love the story and was determined to get back to it. I edited the entire manuscript before picking it up again. It's much tighter and focused than it was before. Thanks to my online critique group, I've been able to see where else things might be improved once I complete the first draft. In addition, I joined a new writers group in town. I got a chance to read the first chapter of this project last week and they loved it. Another reason to keep plugging away.

Right now, I have one book I'm skimming for research and then I will start writing again. The book is now overdue at the library, so I need to finish that this week. There are currently eleven completed chapters and I am partway through the next one.

Research one new publisher/agent a month.

Maybe not every month, but I have been researching them more often. Actually, I just looked into another publisher this week.

Write one short story for submission each quarter.

With so much attention on Amelia's Mission, this has fallen by the wayside. I knew it was an ambitious goal when I posted it. I think it's time for a change. My new goal is to write two short stories this year. I think that's much more realistic.

Daily Bible Reading - Hebrews Continued

How is it more than two weeks have passed since my last update? The girls have kept me running with a variety of things. The Lil' Princess started soccer and the Lil' Diva is in rehearsals for Peter Pan Jr. MCAS testing is finally done for the year, so they are thrilled. As for me, I've been planning book tours for clients and working on finding a real estate broker to work now that I have my license. I've been very bad about my daily Bible reading, which is a shame because I am in a much better frame of mind with it than without it.

We've been studying the tabernacle at church, so some of these chapters in Hebrews solidified that learning.

Hebrews 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

Favorite verses:

6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

7:22  by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.

7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

8:12 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

9:13-14 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

9:28 ...so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors Today

Today is my day to blog over at Christian Children's Authors. I am talking about RL Keller's book, Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible? and asking "Does Christianity Have a PR Problem?" I hope you'll visit at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2014/05/02/does-christianity-have-a-pr-problem/ and share your thoughts.