Love-Bless-DoGood-Pray 3/28/2023

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by Suzanne D. Williams

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 KJV)

Love. This means you treat your enemy like you’d treat your best friend. Like you’d treat your family. You feel love for them to that same measure. For God’s love sees no difference between man and woman, between ages, cultures, or upbringings.

Bless. This means when they spit in your face, when they call you names, when they simply say something you completely disagree with; whether those people you know, those you don’t, those you saw on TV or the internet, whoever makes the remark or does the offensive thing; you reply with a blessing. You wish them well. You wish their families well, their children well. Prosperous. Successful. Happy.

Do good. This means taking action. You’d walk with them the extra mile. You’d give the coat off your back. You’d DO something profitable for them. Something GOOD. Like love instead of hate, instead of complain. Like bless instead of scorn and mock. Instead of tearing them down, giving them a piece of your mind, choosing revenge, you roll your cares about that person, all your anxieties and anger, all the words you want to say but don’t, over on God and let Him take care of them. Let God have vengeance. And sometimes, His vengeance is mercy. Often, it is. You choose mercy.

It means you don’t choose to take offense. You don’t harbor a grudge. You don’t rehearse what was said. You don’t retaliate mentally, thinking evil of them, or vocally, with your negative response. You MOVE ON. Not worrying about your reputation, but saying, Who cares what people think about me? And going on with your day, your week, your life.

Pray. You pray for them. God, bless Mrs. So-and-So. And you are sincere. You swallow that big ball of gall and think of them like Jesus does. That’s really the bottom line. Because when faced with His own death, when looking day-in and day-out at a man who would betray Him, when hearing the lies and accusations He didn’t deserve, which would hang Him on the cross, Jesus said NOTHING.

When hanging on the cross, next to a pair of thieves, who did the crime, He offered one paradise.

Do you get that? He gave a thief the best gift He could give – eternal life. He would see that man for the rest of forever. He would speak to Him, pass by Him, and not think about what He’d done, what He’d said, who He was, except to see love and blessing and forgiveness.

He looks at you that way. Through His blood. He doesn’t see that thing you did, that mistake you made, nor the thoughts in your head which you let run freely … the hate, the sarcasm, the jeering. He sees Himself. He looks at you and sees His death, His suffering. His Resurrection.

We should love like that. We should bless like that. We should do good like that. We should pray like that.

About the Author:  

Suzanne WilliamsBest-selling author, Suzanne D. Williams, is a native Floridian, wife, mother, and photographer. She is the author of both nonfiction and fiction books.  

 

www.feelgoodromance.com 

www.suzannedwilliams.com 

Facebook – suzannedwilliamsauthor 

Twitter – @SDWAuthor. 

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CrossReads Weekly Devotional: Faith’s Checkbook: The Care of the Poor 3/27/2023

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FaithsCheckbook

 by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

The Care of the Poor
“The LORD will strengthen Him upon the bed of languishing”   (Psalm 41:3)

Remember that this is a promise to the man who considers the poor. Are you one of these? Then take home the text.

See how in the hour of sickness the God of the poor will bless the man who cares for the poor! The everlasting arms shall stay up his soul as friendly hands and downy pillows stay up the body of the sick. How tender and sympathizing is this image; how near it brings our God to our infirmities and sicknesses! Whoever heard this of the old heathen Jove, or of the gods of India or China! This is language peculiar to the God of Israel; He it is who deigns to become nurse and attendant upon good men. If He smites with one hand, He sustains with the other. Oh, it is blessed fainting when one falls upon the LORD’s own bosom and is born thereon’ Grace is the best of restoratives; divine love is the safest stimulant for the languishing patient; it makes the soul strong as a giant, even when the bones are breaking through the skin. No physician like the LORD, no tonic like His promise, no wine like His love.

If the reader has failed in his duty to the poor, let him see what he is losing and at once become their friend and helper.

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Racing Through Life 3/24/2023

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by Staci Stallings

I saw a post the other day on Facebook that said, “Only 45 more weeks until Christmas Day!”

For the average person, they would probably laugh that off. For me, it literally caused a zing of anxiety to zap through my body.  I’ve told you here about my son’s Christmas light show, and I know for the “watchers” it seems like a 6-week project.  It’s not.  It’s literally year-round, and the thought of having only 33 weeks until we’re putting it up again about takes my breath away.

The same can be said for most of us who write and publish. For the readers, it seems like the books only come out once-in-a-while.  I know some of my readers get a touch frustrated having to wait for the next book in a series to hit the virtual shelves. But I’m here to tell you that publishing more than a book or two starts to feel like you’re literally racing through life, and it never slows down.

It’s so funny to me because it seems like I put a book up on preorder, and it feels like I can take a breather for a couple of seconds. Then I blink, and… wow!  It’s time to final polish the next one and format the next one, and wow, I’d better get serious about getting that next one written. I only have 3 months to get it finished now. Honestly, sometimes it gets a little crazy in my mind with all of the different tasks racing around that need to be done now, now, NOW!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining, but there are moments that I do wonder what I’ve gotten myself into with this thing.

Like right now…

I just finished formatting “Only Together,” which will go on preorder in early March.

I’m final proofreading “Broken Heart Strings,” which will hit the virtual shelves March 10.

I’m writing “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” Book 6 in the Imagination Series, which needs to be ready to go on preorder the first of June.  I have to do a book cover for that one and rework the book cover for the next one because in the writing of this thing that was supposed to be three books, now my characters have all grown up on me and the original cover doesn’t work anymore.

The seventh book in this series is spiraling through my brain as well, and every so often, it’s like I get a massive “download from the cloud” about it. Then, I’ve got to pull off everything else and at least put notes to that or it will be gone.

Oh, and did I mention that recently I had a great idea for a book that’s not even part of this series, and I started writing it?  I have 130 pages on a book I’m not supposed to be writing. (Shhh… I know. I’m insane.)

In the midst of this frenzy, I’m getting tax stuff ready, teaching two classes, and doing all the other stuff a mom and wife does.

See, that’s the behind-the-scenes most readers never see or know about. I think it’s especially intense for us indie writers because we don’t just do the writing. We, in some way, shape, or form, do all of it. Find the cover art? Yep.  At least oversee the cover design? Check. Write the book? Plot the book? Format the book? Check. Check. And check.

And then there’s the marketing once the book actually comes out. It’s funny because I feel like I literally get nothing done, and yet, when I really stop to think about how much I’m doing just to stay current… it’s A LOT!

So, anyway, that’s a quick peek at my life that’s racing by. (How are we already a week from the end of FEBRUARY?!!!!)

Take it from me (even as I take my own advice!)… just for a moment, take a breath and let yourself enjoy now… because the way this is going, it will be Christmas before we know it!

 

The Imagination Series

About the Author:

Staci StallingsA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Although she lives in Amarillo, Texas and her main career right now is her family, Staci touches the lives of people across the globe with her various Internet and writing endeavors.

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CrossReads Book Spotlight: Maria Woodworth Etter Exceeding Abundantly Above all that we Ask or Think 3/23/2023

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CrossReads Book Spotlight

CrossReads Book Spotlight

Maria Woodworth Etter Exceeding Abundantly Above all that we Ask or Think

Supernatural Experiences and Visitations

by Dr Michael Yeager

Maria Woodworth Etter Exceeding Abundantly Above all that we Ask or Think

The life and ministry of Maria Woodworth-Etter has captured the imagination of Christians for generations. Many books have been written about Maria, but none quite like this. This book is not just another biography – it’s a window into the supernatural.

Drawing from the diaries and teachings that Maria left behind, this book focuses solely on the supernatural experiences and visitations that she had throughout her life. From miraculous healings to prophetic visions, each account is more breathtaking than the last.

And unlike many of the books that have come before, we have modernized this one for easier reading. We have replaced the archaic language of the past with modern words that make the stories come alive in a whole new way.

As you read these incredible accounts, you’ll be inspired to believe for the same works of God that Maria experienced. Her life was a testament to the power of faith and the supernatural, and this book will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible things that God can do. So dive in and be prepared to be amazed

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CrossReads Short Takes: Woman of God & Fascination 3/22/2023

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CrossReads Short Takes

Woman of God

by Chelsea Kong

Woman of God

Understand your value and worth as a woman of God. Children will gain confidence, happiness, and favour. They will know their identity and how powerful they are. Women were meant to be more. It’s time for women to take back their place to be strong for the Lord. Have you longed to teach your daughter or daughters to be godly? God desires that they know how to live a godly life. They will discover this from the Bible. They will understand learn how to become a woman for God. This book tells them how to stay pure and holy.

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Fascination

A 1950s sweet Southern romance

(Emotions of the Heart Book 1)

by Jo Huddleston

Fascination

Will loving her be worth the risk?

In this sweet Southern romance, Susannah is thrilled with her new independence and doesn’t need a man to complete her life. Yet when she meets Edward, she’s captivated.

Edward’s bachelor creed is to take a woman out three times and walk away. He knows dating Susannah is dangerous for his career goals, but he can’t resist her.

When Edward’s law firm assigns him an out-of-state project, he’s torn between his career success and Susannah. As his fascination grows into love, which will he choose?

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Faith’s Checkbook: Becoming Fit for Glory 3/21/2023

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FaithsCheckbook

 Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Becoming Fit for Glory
“The LORD will give grace and glory”   (Psalm 84:11).

Grace is what we need just now, and it is to be had freely. What can be freer than a gift? Today we shall receive sustaining, strengthening, sanctifying, satisfying grace. He has given daily grace until now, and as for the future, that grace is still sufficient. If we have but little grace the fault most lie in ourselves; for the LORD is not straitened, neither is He slow to bestow it in abundance. We may ask for as much as we will and never fear a refusal. He giveth liberally and upbraideth not.

The LORD may not give gold, but He will give grace: He may not give gain, but He will give grace. He will certainly send us trial, but He will give grace in proportion thereto. We may be called to labor and to suffer, but with the call there will come all the grace required;

What an “end” is that in the text — “and glory!” We do not need glory yet, and we are not yet fit for it; but we shall have it in due order. After we have eaten the bread of grace, we shall drink the wine of glory. We must go through the holy, which is grace, to the holiest of all, which is glory. These words and glory are enough to make a man dance for joy. A little while — a little while, and then glory forever!

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CrossReads Weekly Devotional: Gems From Pastor Jim 3/20/2023

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by Jim Hughes 

CrossPs. 37:8 Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others–it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.

Let it go. Whoever or whatever you are angry at, stop it! Letting anger control you does nothing but hurt you. The more you lash out, the more damage it does to your soul. Anger that is not self-controlled can only damage or destroy. Righteous anger moves us to act to right the wrong. Any other anger moves us to do wrong.

Watch out so that you don’t envy others. The world is full of people different than you. Many people are better at what you do, have different gifts than you do, are more successful than you are, look different than you do, have better jobs, have it easier than you do; the list goes on and on. It makes no difference at all as to how we differ. Everyone is on equal footing at the Cross. Everyone stands before God equally to account for their living. God treats all people the same. Everyone will be judged on the righteousness of their heart and how they have lived. The only one you will ever hurt by envying others is yourself.

If you are carrying around a spirit of anger or envy today, do something about it before they destroy your spirit. Confess them to the Lord. If you need to, let your emotions drive you in your confession. It’s okay, He can handle it. Get it out on the table so that God can help you. Ask Him to help you gain control over your emotions (after all, self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit) so that you don’t let anger or envy control you. It is sin to not do it. Don’t put it off, do it now.

About the Author:

Jim Hughes

Spending his formative years in Ft. Wayne, IN, Jim followed the love of his life to southeast Iowa where they married and have spent the majority of their lives. Jim has pastored several churches throughout his life and has worked many years in local factories to help support his family. The father of two married adult children and one son still at home, Jim is a first-time author.

C Through Marriage came into being through many years of pastoral and life experiences. The book first took on a life of its own over 20 years ago when I sought to address the much publicized moral failures of prominent leaders in the church. In the chapter on Chasity, I include the guideliness that I developed then to protect one’s self from such failures.

I am a firm believer in order to make sense out of life you have to use much common sense. We need to get back to the basics of what has worked for many, many generations. If is isn’t broke, why try to fix it? I strive to return to the basics of what really works in all my writings.

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Of Detours and Alternate Destinations 3/17/2023

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by Staci Stallings

We’ve all heard it said that God works in mysterious ways. I think some of His ways are more mysterious than others.

Take, for example, the strange case of the Bomb Cyclone and its effect on this author’s life.

Our story starts on March 8, the first day of Spring Break around here. As per the usual routine, said author’s family goes to the mountains skiing, leaving said author all alone for the weekend with Mexican food and movies (said author + mountains = inevitable trip to the ER because of breathing problems).

So, so far-so good.

Family arrives back home on Monday night and Tuesday we start to dig out from under all of the ski stuff they brought home and dropped in the floor of the kitchen, dining and living room. (We were not successful at cleaning said areas before Wednesday arrives.)

Here’s where the story takes a very strong detour toward an alternate destination we had not anticipated nor scheduled into our Spring Break plans. It begins Wednesday morning with a very strong wind. (Think hurricane or tornado force minus the hurricane or tornado. This is straight-line winds sustained at 65+ with gusts in the 85+ range…. ALL. DAY. LONG.)

Just before noon, the very strong wind did a huff-and-puff and it blew the transformer out. But the very strong wind was not done—oh, no, it was NOT DONE.

The very strong wind then got even stronger, and by nightfall, 18,000 people were without power, and traffic on multiple roads was a mess because of semis tipped over and vehicles flipped over and power lines down (you see where we’re going with this, right? Suffice it to say, it was no longer our little transformer that they had to fix).

Hunkered down in her now very cold house with no water, no heat, and no lights, said author did what any sane person would do—she started a fire and found a good book. And there she stayed for three long days.

The first book had been a recommendation by said author’s middle daughter. It was called “Off the Page.” The plot was intriguing—a character in a book, a handsome prince mind you, comes to life for one very special reader, a young girl who has fallen in love with him. In “Off the Page,” the prince is now out of the book and trying to adjust to real life. Intriguing 370 page book that took about 20 hours to read. That 20 hours was called “Wednesday.”

When that book was finished on Thursday morning, there was still no heat and no water (I’m convinced, I could do no lights if the heat and water worked, but without those two, it’s just MISERABLE). Trying not to move around too much because it was now unbelievably cold, said author began the first book in the series “Between the Lines” (some daughters don’t really care that mothers like to read books in order!).

Now, it’s Thursday and then it’s Friday.

The second book is finished when the power finally comes back on Friday afternoon.

So, lo and behold, who would have thought it, but those two books are going to factor BIG TIME into the next book I’m going to write! (I’m about halfway through Book #6 in The Imagination Series, and then we get to Book #7…. The finale, the one that I’ve been struggling to figure out HER backstory for. And now, God used a power outage that lasted 3+ days to shape and mold my character in my head and heart for Book #7. And I LOVE HER NOW!!! I can’t wait to write her story, which is odd because I’ve been dreading it for over a year now.)

So there you go, God’s ways really are mysterious. I am curious though, do you think He planned that Bomb Cyclone with the 65+ mile per hour winds so that it would knock out our power so I would have nothing else to do than to read those two books (which honestly, I would have never gotten around to reading without the power going off)?

Well, do you?

Check out the New Release in

The Imagination Series

BROKEN HEART STRINGS

Broken Heart Strings

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About the Author:

Staci StallingsA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Although she lives in Amarillo, Texas and her main career right now is her family, Staci touches the lives of people across the globe with her various Internet and writing endeavors.

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CrossReads Book Spotlight: Leaving My Father’s House 3/16/2023

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CrossReads Book Spotlight

CrossReads Book Spotlight

Leaving My Father’s House

(The Liberator Book 2)

by Anne Perreault

Leaving My Father's House

Some scars run so deep, they keep us from following the path of our hearts.

Petra Heinrich and her family have struggled to survive since the end of World War II, but the time has finally come for Petra to focus on her own goals. She has always put the needs of her family and farm first. Now, the talented horseback rider sets out to pursue fame and fortune as an international showjumper.

When she is overlooked for training in Germany, she fears her dreams may be thwarted. But a fortuitous meeting with a wealthy American businessman, who harbors a love for the sport, presents Petra with a new opportunity. Taking it would mean making hard choices to satisfy her ambition.

The price she must pay to rise to the top is steep. Is she willing to make the sacrifices?

Will success bring Petra what her heart really longs for?

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CrossReads Short Takes: The Permissive Sense & Behind the Veil 3/15/2023

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CrossReads Short Takes

The Permissive Sense

Hints and Helps to Bible Interpretation that Vindicates God’s Character of Love

by Troy Edwards

CrossReads Short Takes

The Permissive Sense

One does not have to read too far into the Bible to find that it says the following about Him:

God hardened people’s hearts.
God put lying spirits in the mouth of false prophets.
God personally deceived prophets.
God Blinded people to the truth.
God inflicted sickness.
God sent natural disasters.
God moved people to sin.
God tempted men.
God intentionally gave men unrighteous laws.
God created evil.
And even more….

Such statements have presented insurmountable difficulties to Bible readers. Failure to understand them properly have led to doctrines that paint God in less than a favorable light. However, when we understand the permissive sense, most difficulties with such verses will disappear. This book will help you understand this important principle and will remove all doubt about God’s love, goodness, and holiness.

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Behind the Veil

by Doug Veeder

Behind the Veil

David Zephyr is an average middle-aged, American man who just stepped into the middle of a spiritual war he never knew existed.

Special Agent Eric Carmichael is a highly decorated FBI agent who just inherited the most inexplicable case of his career.

David makes a decision that will change his life forever. As he races against time, can David save the world from the spiritual forces threatening to destroy it while evading the grasp of Agent Carmichael?

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