Nikki Arana, one of my favorite authors, has just released a new novel that you will NOT want to miss! Here's a brief note about it:


When extremists murder Austia Donatelli’s student and then set their sights on her, she must untangle a web of deception to save herself, her underground ministry to Muslims in L.A., and the women she serves.


 Intrigued yet? You should be! Click on this link to order it. Warning: It might keep you up at night, but it will be worth the sleep you lose!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-Target-A-Novel/dp/0781404312/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335567786&sr=1-1

Go...and Sin No More

“Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11, NKJV).

            The story of how Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery is an all-time favorite for many of us. We love that the Savior was merciful and compassionate, even turning the spotlight from the woman to her self-righteous accusers. But to focus on the Lord’s lack of condemnation to the exclusion of His admonition to “sin no more” is to misrepresent the truth and power of His words.

            A few decades ago I came across a popular book titled I’m Okay, You’re Okay, and it struck a chord of concern in me because the book was selling like crazy and readers were extolling the virtues of its anything-goes message. Some years later I had the privilege of working on Josh McDowell’s manuscript for his book The New Tolerance, in which he cautioned the Church not to get caught up in the world’s ever-increasing love affair with that “I’m okay, you’re okay” type of mantra. Josh rightly predicted that our society was well on its way to making tolerance the number-one virtue and intolerance the gravest sin. We now live in that culture, where the most oft-quoted (and misused) verse in the Bible is “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1, NKJV). Though it is true we are not to judge others based on our own opinions or personal values, neither are we to toss out the absolutes of God’s Word in fear of being considered intolerant.

            The Scriptures are clear that murder, stealing, lying, adultery, and other behaviors contrary to the character of Christ are absolutely wrong. Period. Not because we say so but because God says so. To proclaim His Word is not judging; it is simply believing that what He says is True because, after all, He is Truth, and God cannot contradict His own nature and tell a lie.

            The Scriptures also instruct us to “[speak] the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15, NKJV). Certainly we need to proclaim God’s truth from a heart of love, desiring to see people saved and healed and set free, for truth without love causes terrible damage to the hearers. However, love without truth becomes license and allows people to remain in their sin and continue in their separation from God.

            And that is why Jesus so clearly said to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” He assured her that she did not have to live under condemnation, but He also admonished her to change her ways. “Sin no more,” He warned her, for if she truly understood His message and received His forgiveness, her life would be marked by repentance, an “about-face” from her previous walk away from God to one heading straight for His heart, a life epitomized by a desire to please her Lord and reject a life of sin.

            By all means may we refrain from imposing our opinions and personal values on others, but may we also love enough to speak the truth of God’s Word so others can turn from sin and enter into eternal life.

Touching True Story You Won't Want to Miss!

Lisa Keck is a friend of mine, as well as a colleague and dear sister in the Lord. Despite all that, I really didn't know her story until I read The Monday Came. What an inspiration! This is a must-read book, folks. Here, let me have Lisa tell you about it.

***

I smiled for the camera but by the time the photographer took our picture in 1990 my brother had been an alcoholic 8 years. Our relationship had been severed by childhood abuse long before that.  The day our father died was the first time Paul drank on a Monday and alone. After the funeral our mother asked when he was going to quit and he said, “When my father wakes up.” Then Monday Came is a story of tragedy and triumph. I relied on my faith to get me through the tough times. These are my memories and recollections of how God worked in my life to help me forgive the past so I could lead Paul back to Christ and the ultimate rehab center: Heaven.

About the Author:

Lisa Keck is a wife and mother of two. She loves stories of God's redemption and shares them on her blog, When My Father Wakes Up (www.owstowows.wordpress.com)

https://www.createspace.com/3766028

I am so excited to have MaryAnn Diorio as a guest on the blog today. I've had the pleasure of knowing MaryAnn as a dear friend and respected colleague for many years now, and I couldn't be happier than to feature her two new books on Easy Writer today. Read on--and don't miss these great books!

***

Here at last! A dynamic book that will help you overcome negative feelings about yourself and put you on the road to success in every area of your life. Using sound Biblical principles, nationally known author and life coach, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, deals with such life-changing topics as overcoming worry and fear, taking charge of your life, learning to accept yourself, and finding your life purpose.

PREFERRED ORDERING LINK: http://www.amazon.com/You-Were-Made-Greatness-ebook/dp/B0067PZMZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337866139&sr=8-1

Are you frustrated with where you are in your writing career? Have you been trying to get published, but to no avail? Do you wonder if there are secrets to writing success? If these questions describe you, you need The ABCs of TopNotch Writing. Learn how to turn your writing career around with the three key elements of writing success: Attitude, Business, and Craft. Get your copy now!

PREFERRED ORDERING LINK: http://www.amazon.com/The-ABCs-TopNotch-Writing-ebook/dp/B0080ID6QY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337866246&sr=8-1

Do Names Matter?

“There is no other name under heaven given among men

by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NKJV).

            When we were young (or maybe not so young) and people called us derogatory names, it hurt our feelings. If we ran home crying about it, our parents may have tried to make us feel better by telling us that names don’t matter. But is that true?

            In many cultures, names matter a lot. Parents don’t choose their children’s names based on current trends or popularity contests. The names they assign to their offspring mean something, whether the name of an older relative or a name denoting the parents’ dreams or wishes for their child’s future.

            God didn’t pick a name out of a hat for His only Son. He called Him Yeshua (Jesus), meaning “God’s Salvation” or “Rescuer/Deliverer from God.” Later, in the Book of Acts, we see Peter and John confronted by the Jewish religious leaders and asked in whose authority they preached. Peter proclaimed the name of Jesus as not only his authority but as the ONLY name given by God and carrying the power of salvation for mankind.

            No other name. None. Only one. Exclusive? Absolutely. Not Buddha or Mohammed or Moses or anyone else. Only Jesus. Do names matter? They certainly do. And the enemy of the souls of mankind knows this full well. It is the reason you never hear people use the names of other religious leaders as curse words—only Jesus. It is the devil’s attempt to mock and denigrate the only Name that can bring salvation. May we, as Christians, be found faithful to not only honor that Name when we speak, but also in our everyday lives and actions. For names truly do matter—especially the Name above all names, the Name of Yeshua/Jesus.

Maintaining Your "Right Mind"

And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever:

For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom is from generation to generation (Daniel 4:34, NKJV).

            Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, “I think I’m losing my mind”? I have, and it’s usually because my brain is overloaded with multi-tasking. All I really need to do is slow down a bit and things come back into focus.

            It wasn’t that easy for the once great King Nebuchadnezzar, who had gazed upon his empire and boasted that it was all of his own doing. God quickly gave the arrogant ruler a reality check, driving him out into the fields to eat grass with the animals. It wasn’t until he lifted his eyes to heaven that his understanding returned to him and he finally gave glory to God, recognizing Him as the sovereign ruler over all.

            How easy it is to become like Nebuchadnezzar and gaze out over our own little kingdoms (home, family, occupation, possessions) and begin to think that we’ve achieved it all in our own strength! And how important it is to keep our eyes lifted toward heaven so we don’t do such an evil thing! Apart from God’s mercy and grace we could not take our next breath, let alone amass fame or fortune. May we never be so foolish as to think we are in charge of anything, for it is only in Him that we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

            Personally, I find that very comforting, don’t you?

How Cute Is This???

I've had this for a while but just came across it again and thought it was too cute not to post for everyone else to see. This is my youngest son, Chris, and his family: Kenni and daughters, Marisa and Adriana.

Sometimes it just blesses a mom's heart to see something like this and share it, don't you think?

Blessings!

Are You Ready to Be "Tested by Fire"?

It isn't often that I come across a study from a new author that excites me as much as this one, but Tested by Fire is certainly one of the few that does. I encourage you to check it out as a resource for individual or group study. Though God will use it to stretch and refine you, I guarantee you won't regret it!

Do your beliefs about Christianity align with God’s Word? Are you missing God’s power because of your approach to Him? Tested by Fire: Will What You Build Survive? is a practical roadmap to experiencing God personally. This four week, interactive study will help you consider:

·       Do you really know Jesus?

·       Do you have the ability to hear from God?

·       Are you building your life according to your plans or God’s purpose?

·       Do you need to understand before you obey?

·       Are you wearily struggling to make something of your own life, or are you living evidence of God’s power?

Discover what it really means to walk with Jesus and become a "living stone," propelled by the power of the Spirit. Allow Jesus to reveal Himself in you, and leave a legacy that survives the flames.

To order this excellent book click here: 

http://kelleylattaministries.com/store#ecwid:category=2476049&mode=product&product=10731939

To learn more about the author click here:

www.KelleyLattaMinistries.com

“FINDING LIFE AND LOVE IN THE PURSUIT OF JESUS”

A Promise You Can Believe In

“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, NKJV).

            Fear. Sometimes its identity is terrifyingly clear; other times it is but an unnamed, vague sense of unease. Either way, it can be a formidable enemy, one that may drive us to make unwise choices or to stand paralyzed, unable to move in any direction.

            God hasn’t purposed for fear to control us in any such manner. Fear does not come from God; it is a tool of the enemy of our soul. And our faithful Lord has provided all we need to defeat it. “Be strong and of good courage,” He calls to us. “Do not fear nor be afraid.” Why? Because there is NOTHING in our lifetime that we will ever have to face on our own. The Lord our God, He is the One who goes with us, who stands with us, who fights for us, and who carries us when we are too weak to stand.

            Today, whether fear whispers your name or screams its threats, stand strong, beloved, for underneath are the everlasting arms, strengthening and holding you, fighting for you and declaring victory over you. Be strong and of good courage, for God has promised NEVER to leave or forsake you. And that’s a promise you can believe in.

Two Great Books from a Dear Author Friend

 My friend Marlayne Giron is offering her two new books on my blog today, and you can get autographed copies by going to this link: http://marlaynegiron.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html

You can also see the videos for the books at that same site or on YouTube:
Make a Wish: http://youtu.be/80OipjQ_KNA
In Plain Sight: http://youtu.be/uDA7hTR1cQU

Blessings, dear readers!

What Does the Lord Require of Us?

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

(Micah 6:8, NKJV)

            I’ve always loved this verse, but lately it’s been rolling around in my heart and mind a lot, stirring up thoughts and feelings I hadn’t considered before.

            First, I’ve been impressed by the opening words: “He has shown you.” That’s God speaking to us, isn’t it? He has shown us. But what has He shown us…and how did He do so?

            He showed us that He requires three things of us: to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with Him. And, of course, knowing that we are unable to fulfill those requirements on our own, He sent His Son to model and live those requirements for us.

            If you consider the life of Christ as depicted in the gospels, I believe you can find that every act or deed falls into one of the three categories of God’s requirements for us. Isn’t that amazing? Another proof that God is righteous and requires righteous behavior from His children, but also another proof that He is merciful and provides a way for us to fulfill those otherwise impossible requirements.

            The next time you read through the gospels, I challenge you to consider each scene of the Savior’s life and ask yourself which of God’s three requirements Jesus models in that scene. I believe it will give you a fresh appreciation for the amazing life of our beloved Lord and Savior during the time He walked this earth.

Perfect Mother's Day Gift--Enter to Win a Free Copy!

I'm giving away three copies of Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today as Mother's Day gifts. All you have to do to enter is LIKE http://on.fb.me/Ia29Tz and leave a comment. You can also become a follower of this blog (if you aren't already) and leave a comment here for a SECOND chance to win. This book is also available in Spanish, so if you win, you have a choice of either language. To see more about the book go to:

http://www.christianbook.com/mothers-the-bible-speak-to-today/kathi-macias/9781596692152/pd/692152?product_redirect=1&Ntt=692152&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP