ALWAYS TRUE, BY JAMES MACDONALD BOOK REVIEW

Always True by James MacDonald (Book Review)

God’s Promises Are Experienced IN Jesus Christ

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” Galatians 2:20

I wasn’t exactly on my best reading behavior as I encountered Pastor James MacDonald’s book, “Always True, God’s 5 Promises when life is hard.”  In fact, I found James’ book HARD to read!  That is, until the middle of the book and Jesus reminded me of the promise of Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

I knew there was a purpose for me to read “Always True” and I am glad I didn’t allow myself to lose confidence, but continued to read on.   I learned through God’s word, today is my chance to honor God and live my life victoriously and walk by faith as I wait for God to work.

I want to encourage you to take the time to check out the book, “Always True” by James MacDonald.  If God has demonstrated his faithfulness to you then share your testimony- encourage others to see God’s faithfulness in their lives.  Live the overflowing life of God’s promises and rejoice always giving thanks.  

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

Need to be encouraged that God IS at work today? Watch this!

Need to be encouraged that God IS at work today? Watch this!

WONDERLAND CREEK REVIEW

Wonderland Creek

By Lynn Austin

Alice Grace Ripley loves-loves-loves books! She loves books so much that was not only her strength, but it was also her weakness.  Alice, young beautiful, Pastor’s daughter, well educated, trained to be a teacher, but working as a librarian and living in a world of books and happily-ever-after’s during the Great Depression. 

Loss allows Alice to escape and try a longed for adventure of her own as she travels to the mountains of Acorn, Kentucky with five boxes of donated books. What Alice discovers is a tiny mining town with no running water, no electricity and where librarians ride horses up mountains to deliver books to families.

Wonderland Creek grabbed my attention right from the beginning!  I love-love-love books!   I found myself sitting like Alice, wanting to pull “Wonderland Creek” from my “book bag” at an “inappropriate” time, just to find out what was going to happen next!  

Lynn Austin is one of my absolute favorite Christian Historical Fiction writers and her book “Wonderland Creek” will hold your attention better than any movie or conversation.

The wisdom of God’s word intertwined with the joy of the novel is what Christian Historical Fiction is all about and Lynn Austin has successfully captured both of these in “Wonderland Creek.”

Please visit Lynn Austin to learn more about her books.

Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won seven Christy 

Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made 

into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and 

make their home near Chicago, Illinois. Visit Lynn’s Web site at www.lynnaustin.org for 

more information

I received this book for free from Bethany House.

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

FEELING ALONE? THERE IS HOPE!

Sometimes events happen in our life and we feel we are trapped all alone, with no one to talk to, staring out a window at nothing, waiting for the unknown and feeling hopeless...

There is HOPE...

It says in Romans 8:30-31 "Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified;  and whom He justified, these He also glorified.  What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?"

If Jesus Christ is Lord in your life then God is for you...

You are NOT alone!

God's love is everlasting.  He has plans and purpose for your life regardless of what your current circumstances are.  Begin by saying, "God is for me, who can be against me."  and believe it in your heart!  

Kari Jobe has a testimony of how the Lord used this very situation in her life...  Take a moment and listen... I am sure you will be encouraged today!

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR THEIR FAITH

Yesterday I  received this email from Samaritan's Purse.  I was moved with compassion to pray for those being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.


It says in Psalm 79:11 "Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; According to the greatness of Your power  Preserve those who are appointed to die;"


Please join me today in praying for all those around the world who being persecuted for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.


God Bless Your Day Today!
Kelly


To learn more about Samaritan's Purse please visit their website by clicking the link. Samaritan's Purse


Pray for Iranian Pastor 
Sentenced to Death


Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court for converting from Islam to Christianity. He is guilty of apostasy under Islamic law. Christians like this are being persecuted for their faith all over the world.


I will appear with Greta Van Susteren on the Fox News channel at 10 p.m. Eastern tonight to discuss Pastor Yousef and the global war against Christians.


In Acts chapter 12, the Apostle Peter was in prison.  The church prayed, and while they prayed God sent an angel and rescued him.  Please forward this email to your family and friends so they can join us in praying for Pastor Yousef. 


Thank you and God bless you.


Sincerely, 




Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan's Purse

A CONFIDENT HEART by Renee Swope

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks

 Joyful Books Book Club, will begin reading the book, "A Confident Heart" by Renee Swope, Wednesday, March 7, 2012.

Here are some of her video's you can preview.

You can also visit her website by clicking on the link.

A Confident Heart

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

PUT ON CHRIST

PUT ON CHRIST…

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”  Romans 13:14

So many folks having been talking lately about clothing; what to wear, places to shop, where to go to find bargains.

Did you know that the Word of God tells us, that we as believers should focus on clothing ourselves with Christlike characteristics?

What does that mean?

Romans 13:14 tells us “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lust.”

I was thinking about what it means to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,”

How is that different?

It means…

Put on Truth…

John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Put on Righteousness…

1 Corinthians 1:30 “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God –and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-“

Put on Peace…

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.”

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

I want to encourage you to take time today to think about John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, No one comes to the Father except through Me.”   


Think about, Jesus is our truth.  Jesus is our life… 1 Corinthians 1:30  Jesus is “wisdom from God and righteousness” 

When you have clothed yourself today with Jesus and “Put on” His truth, then the fruit of Galatians 5:22-23 will become more abundant in your life…

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

RECLAIMING LILY...BOOK REVIEW

Reclaiming Lily

A Novel by Patti Lacy

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

“When an insidious genetic disease strikes her family, Harvard graduate Dr. Kai Chang must alert Lily, the sister Kai left on orphanage steps years earlier.  Standing in her way are the Powells, Lily’s adoptive parent.  Gloria Powell, a shy pastor’s wife, distrusts Kai and things her presence will send their troubled seventeen-year old over the precipice of teenaged angst.  A Texas-sized tornado whirls when Kai summons the Powells to a Fort Worth hotel.  Tempers and cultures collide.  Can Kai and Gloria, separated by culture and faith but devoted to Lily, reconcile their differences and trust their dreams to God?”

Sitting at lunch the other day with a friend, we leaned toward one another to get close enough to see the small photo of my new baby grandson less than a week old sent to me on my IPhone .  My friend who has never been able to marry and have children looked at me through very sad tear filled eyes and said, “All I have ever wanted was to be married and have children, but it is now too late, and I am now too ill.”

So many of us desire children…

For many of us, we must face the world of adoption…

If you have ever wondered about the adoptions that take place in China, Patti Lacy’s book, “Reclaiming Lily” does a wonderful job exploring the subject to give the reader through fiction an idea of what might happen.

The character of Kai was so intense.  At times I didn’t find I liked her very much.  But isn’t that the way it is sometimes with those who don’t know Jesus?  Those who may want something from us drive us crazy with irritation.    Have you ever thought that maybe God has allowed for the situation to happen just so that person can come to know Him?  That is why God gives us His promise of Romans 8:28.  He is working it out for good.  We need to hang in there…  Keep going… Pray…

If you are looking for a good contemporary fiction book, I highly recommend the book, Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy.  You will find yourself reaching for a cup of coffee or tea as you turn page after page until you finish!   Yes, it is that good!

I received this book for free from Bethany House.

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

ALWAYS TRUE, BY JAMES MACDONALD PROMISE 4 MY REFLECTION

WANTING TO RUN …

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

This week in Joyful Books at Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks, we are reading the book, “Always True” by James MacDonald; Promise (4) God is Always Watching.  I will not falter.

Before reading through the chapter, I had these preconceived ideas in my head of “temptation” and the meaning behind, “God is always watching.  I will not falter.”  I kept thinking to myself that this was going to be a chapter not really applicable to me.  I kept thinking the temptation going to be spoken of would most likely be one of adultery. 

So read on:

Temptation:  is a trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue and constancy

The BIG 4

This means it is much more encompassing than just fidelity.  Temptation covers: fidelity, integrity, virtue and constancy.  This means anything that causes us to move away from our walk in faith and holiness with Jesus Christ.

For me it meant that when the trials came and any one of the big (4) was being put the test, I need to look to God to provide the way of escape, not ME and MY way of ESCAPE!

You see, my NORMAL M.O.  (mode of operation).  Was to RUN!  To shut down MENTALLY, draw into myself and RUN far away to my own world.

When the fiery trials came in my life, I was always looking for the way of escape.  I wanted to run away from the “hard things.”  Run to the hills.  Run as far away from my trials as possible, even when God had not told me to run.  I never realized that (escape) was lack of constancy, dependability, even if it was only for a moment, even if it was only (mentally).

Life, (Relationships) to me just seemed too OVERWHELMING!  Too HARD!  That is why being (Alone) is much easier.  BUT, it isn't good to always be alone.  God wants us to share His love with others.

I now see why (lack of constancy) is a temptation.  I also see why it falls under the heading of God’s promise to us, God is Always Watching.  I will not falter.  

I realize now what 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” means to me and how I can better apply it to my life.

WHAT AM I DOING DIFFERENTLY?

My first reaction…

When the trials come…which they still do, my first reaction still immediately falls back to old habits.  Yes, for a split second I find I want to mentally escape.  But, the Holy Spirit reminds me to stay.  God is with me, He promises me that. 

My second reaction…

When the trials come…I have been reading my Bible so I draw from His word.  I remind myself of a scripture and I dwell on that scripture.  I believe it by faith.  I sustain on His word.  Then I sing a song of Praise to God.  Soon my spirit is comforted in Him and my joy is full.  It is all because God is faithful.

God Bless Your Day Today!

I hope you will find comfort in God’s Word and stay the course…

Kelly

WHEN LIFE IS TOO BUSY

When Life is Busy…

 “O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness,

That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Psalm 90:14 (NASB)

Satisfy…

You know that feeling when you have eaten the best you could have ever eaten and you are filled to the tops?

That is what is means to ask to be satisfied by God…  With His lovingkindness…  His mercy…

We want to begin each day spending time filling-up on the Word of God… The Bread of Life… so when life gets busy we won’t reach for “fast food” or skip a meal!

The Psalm goes on to say, “That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Jesus promised an abundant life!  When we are caught up in obligations, busyness, and being overtired, there isn’t anything abundant and satisfying about that.

Instead remember to seek Jesus early each morning!  You will find joy and be glad!

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

GOD'S LOVINGKINDNESS

Longing for the Morning

“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.” Psalm 143:8

God makes things “new” every morning.  Each day is fresh.

Do you wait expectantly to hear from God each day?

Do you long to know the plans He has for you?

Ask Him to give you a renewed sense of His presence in your life.

“Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning.”  Psalm 30:5

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

ALWAYS TRUE.. GOD IS GOOD...I WILL NOT DESPAIR

God is Always Good…

I Will Not Despair!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His love endures forever!  For He is good He is above all things!  His love endures forever!  Sing Praise!  Sing Praise!”  These words to a Michael W. Smith song echoed through my mind after reading an email.  The email wasn’t a happy email, or one that anyone would naturally feel they needed to praise the Lord over.  But still, “God is good was what kept repeating through my mind.”

As I picked up my Bible to read a Psalm before going to bed for the night, Psalm 118 was where I was led to read.  It begins “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”  Throughout the Psalm, Praise is given to God for He is our deliverer. Our hope is in Him!  I thought about the Psalm.  I thought about the email.  I thought about God!  I thought about verse 6 “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?”

Psalm 118 tells us we do not need to despair, when we are His child, He is on our side!  

I may be in distress…

God is good!  God is my helper!

Even when people hate me…

God is good!  God loves me!

Even when I feel all alone…

God is good!  He is with me!

When I am weak…

God is good!  He is my strength and song!  He is my salvation!

This gives me a reason to REJOICE!

For God is good…

“What shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE- BOOK REVIEW

Bad Girls of the Bible

by Liz Curtis Higgs

Review

If  you are anything like me, you have your favorite women and men in the Bible that truly inspire you to strive to become more faithful in your Christian walk.  I know for myself, I wish I could give up my "Martha" of having to have everything just right, and become more like "Mary", learning to sit at the feet of Jesus. 

Well  did you know that there is just as much we can learn by looking at the lives of the "Bad Girls" of the Bible too?  Liz Curtis Higgs does a splendid job of combining modern day stories of women, and then retelling verse by verse the biblical version of "Bad Girls" just so we can learn from them.  

In the book, "Bad Girls of the Bible" you will be engaged with Eve right from the very beginning.  This book is one you will not want to put down.  You will learn whether these women were "Bad to the Bone," Bad for a Season, but Not Forever" or only "Bad for a Moment."

Liz says,"Women are physical, emotional, and spiritual in nature, and all three areas have their weak spots.  In Eve's case, the serpent sank his fangs into all three, by appealing to her physical appetite for food, her emotional appreciation of beauty, and her spiritual desire to be like God.  Satan uses exactly the same tactics today.  He's not creative in the least, just persistent.  By identifying our weaknesses in all three areas, then arming ourselves with biblical defense methods, we can keep from experiencing our own daily (hourly!) reenactment of the Fall."

In Bad Girls of the Bible you will meet Eve, Potiphar's Wife, Lot's Wife, The Woman at the Well, Delilah, Sapphira, Rahab, Jezebel, Michal and The Sinful Woman.

I highly recommend this book as I am sure you will enjoy it!  You can take a look at the first chapter by clicking the link and downloading now.

Visit Liz Curtis Higgs to read more about her...

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Waterbrook Multnomah Press.

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

Click the link to download and read the first chapter

ANGRY WORDS...I WILL NOT FEAR

Angry Words... I will not fear!

God is Always With Me…

“God is Always with me…I will not fear.”  I grabbed hold of this promise, as I waited for my anticipated fear of someone’s unkind loud condemning words ready to tell me everything that I had done wrong to pass. 

“What is the verse I memorized that goes along with this promise? “Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid…God is with you.”  That is all I could remember.  So I said it again, “God is with me…I will not fear.  I will be strong.  I will be courageous.  I won’t be afraid.  God is with me.  God you are with me.  I know you are here.”

Even though I could still hear the loud voice approaching, I knew I was protected.  I had peace that passed all my understanding. The door opened and out of the intruder’s mouth, shot loud angry poisonous words. But, in my mind I was protected.  I kept repeating, “Be strong.  Be courageous.  God is with you.  Don’t be afraid.  God is with you.  God I know you are with me here.  Thank you Dear Heavenly Father for being with me.”

 It says in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD our God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

I am sure many of you have been in a situation like the story above.  You might have experienced an (Intruder’s) loud angry poisonous words, that have caused you be afraid. That (Intruder) into your normally calm peaceful world may have been a husband, teenager, parent, boss or someone you may not even have known.   

God gives us a promise to tuck in our heart so we know He is with us.  God tells us we can “Be strong and of good courage.”

This doesn’t mean we can begin fighting back with the “same” words the (Intruder) uses towards us.

Remember, who is with us?

God!

God tells us not to “Fear nor be afraid of them.”

Don’t be afraid of the words.

The words hurt!  The words sting!  Remember the words are poisonous venom to the heart!

But…

Who is with us?

God!

I thought a lot about this promise and knew I could trust God fully.  I know God is Always in Control.  I will not doubt.

It says in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

This means to me, when angry words come my way, I am going to trust in the promise of God to always be with me and give me the courage to not fear in the angry words.  

God Bless You Today!

Kelly

I AM AFRAID... ENCOURAGING PROMISES

Fear...Doubt...Despair... Temptation...Failure  are all met by promises given to us in God's Word.

This week in our Joyful Books Book Club we are thinking about these (5) promises as we read the book by James MacDonald, "Always True, God's 5 promises when life is hard".  

Take some time today and meditate on God's word.  Remember Jesus Christ loves you!  When He lives in your heart He is Always with You!

Promise 1

God is Always with Me.  I will not fear!

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Promise 2

God is Always in Control.  I will not doubt!

“​​Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  ​​In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Promise 3

God is Always Good. I will not despair!

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

Promise 4

God is Always Watching.  I will not falter!

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

Promise 5

God is Always Victorious.  I will not fail!

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.”  Isaiah 54:17

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly