Will you feed your faith or your fears?

There comes a time when your faith and trust meet up against your doubts and fears. It is at that time you decide who you will become. There is a choice to be made. Will you feed your faith or feed your fears? Which table will you choose to sit at?

At one table God has laid out countless promises in His word. The buffet of blessings is abundant but this table requires an understanding of adoption. You can't come in as a guest, but rather you must pull up a chair as a son. To fully experience the unlimited possibilities available at this table you must come in faith, trusting the one who has called you to pull up a chair. He is inviting you to feast, not to merely be a bystander watching others get fed.

At the other table is comfort and a false feeling of safety. This table is surrounded by the familiar. There may not be much selection, but at least you know what to expect. At this table you don't have to wonder if you will be welcome because it is one you have encamped around for years. The pull attached to the table carries the weight of a ball and chain. You will be fed at this table but from a position of lack and striving. This table will always leave you wanting more.

Why spend another moment hungry at the wrong table? The buffet has been spread out for you at the table of  promises and blessings. Why don't you pull up a chair? Feed your faith and starve your fears until they no longer have the power to limit you.

Free to Be Amazing!

I love books and most of all I love books that have the ability to edify, encourage, and equip! This weekend I had the opportuity to read and review You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth.

From the first chapter I was embraced by Holley’s gift for connecting with her reader. She gently takes you by the hand and moves you past your doubts into the wide open space of God’s grace. With heartfelt vulnerability, she shows how although broken we are wanted, needed, and amazing.

Holley’s skills as a counselor are evident in the wonderful way she uses charts, lists, and grafts to help make her points stick with the reader. The going deeper study section in the back of the book is wonderful for personal or group study.  Every time I picked up You’re Already Amazing, it was like sitting down for my own personal counseling session with Holley.

This book was a great compliment to other books I have recently read from Revell on strengthening and encouraging women to live fully. You’re Already Amazing is an excellent addition to any woman’s library and one women's small groups should consider.

Join Holley as she and the InCourage Book Club team discusses her book online as a community starting March 26th. Click Here to learn more.

I Needed to Forgive God

Sometimes life does not go as we would like. Whether we admit it or not these times of disappointment affect our relationship with God. It's impossible to grow in intimacy with someone you are mad at. In order for growth to occur forgiveness must be extended, only then can a foundation of love be established.

This week I share a part of my testimony on Forgiveness Formula Blog. Visit me there as I share my story of forgiveness.

Link to Article: http://www.theforgivenessformula.com/stories-of-forgiveness-i-needed-to-forgive-god/

The Promises of God

God's promises are the seeds of all hope and joy. As we plant them deeply inside our heart and daily water them with worship, these promises become a part of our belief system. What you believe is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. God is drawn to great faith and honors the type of faith that takes him at his word.

As we conclude 2012's Daniel Fast, I encourage you to spend a few moments reading this wonderful article below. Allow these 10 promises from God to be the foundation on which you build this new year.

The Promises of God: 10 Powerful Bible Verses
http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/the-promises-of-god-10-powerful-bible-verses-1/

Sizing Up 2012

What is it about our weight and the time period between October and December? January 1, 2012 I found myself squeezing into my clothes wondering why I ate those extra helpings of holiday goodies! So today I'm plan my strategy to regain control of my munchies and of my health. My family medical history includes diabetes, hypertension and heart disease so keeping within a decent weight is not just about being cute for me, its about being around for my kids.

In my years of battling weight issues I have found one thing to be true in every season of losses and gains; food is not the enemy. Food is a gift from God. Some foods are meant to be staples and some rare treats, but it is not the enemy. I do have a real enemy who's goal is to do whatever he can to halt progression into the things God has planned for me. This battle is not just about what to eat and not to eat, but pursuing all God has for me. Thankfully God gives the grace to pursue each healthy choice, each day of activity, and each lifestyle change with a heart of gratitude and hope for a healthier tomorrow.

Today's online devotional by Sheri Rose Shepherd really blessed me and I pray it blesses you as well. She is offering Online Kitchen Coaching to help move God's princesses into a new place of health and wholeness. I will be doing this 20 session coaching series and would love to have you join me!

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and completely whole 2012! May God take you on a journey beyond your wildest imagination and land you smack dab in the middle of your calling and purpose!

You Are a New Creation

My Princess,

You are My precious daughter, and now that My spirit lives within you, I long to teach you about who you are. Let Me start by defining what you are not, My love. You are not a slave to sin any longer. You are no longer under Satan's power. You are not even your own because I bought you with My life.

As your Father, I'm asking you to set a higher standard for yourself. Let go of the old habits that are holding you back from becoming the new you. I can't take you to the next level of your faith until you're willing to receive My instruction. Just as I asked Abraham to leave his comfort zone and go to unfamiliar territory, I am leading you away from your former life. And then I invite you to enter into My presence and receive My power to transform your life.

Love,

Your King who gives new life

~ 

"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!"

~2 Corinthians 5:17~

 from His Princess

by Sheri Rose Shepherd

  

    View this Love Letter and more at HisPrincess.com

Forgiveness Formula - “C” students vs. “A” students

Today's guest post is by CJ Hitz, co-author of the bestselling book Forgiveness Formula: Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ.

“C” students vs. “A” students

(Matthew 4:18-22)

Up until the second quarter of my 8^th grade year, I garnered my fair share of “Cs” in school.  My grade point average went from 2.7 the first quarter to 3.63 the second quarter.  Why the sudden improvement?  My mom motivated me more than she ever could have imagined by telling me that college basketball scouts looked at the grades of players all the way back to the middle school years.  This wasn’t completely accurate information but it worked.  Though I still had a “C” from time to time, they came fewer and further between.  Back in those days, I ate, drank and slept basketball and my dream was to play in college and eventually the NBA.  My grades weren’t going to stand in the way of that dream.


It was similar for teens back when Jesus was alive. Jewish boys & girls would often attend school until age 10 where they would literally memorize the Torah which is the first five books of the Old Testament.  From this point only the best and brightest boys would go to the next level where they would study the rest of the Old Testament Scriptures until age 13 or 14.  And finally, only the cream of the crop would be chosen to “follow” the local rabbi. This elite group of disciples would go where he went and eat what he ate—modeling their lives after the rabbi. Those who didn’t make the previous cuts would pick up the trade of their mother & father like carpentry, sheep-herding, or fishing.


Guys like Simon, Andrew, James, and John hadn’t made the cut. So instead of following the local rabbi, they were down by the docks, working the family business.  It’s interesting that Jesus went after men the local rabbi had rejected. Instead of targeting the cream of the crop straight “A” students, Jesus offered His invitation, “Follow Me,” to former “C” students.  They would become followers of the ultimate Rabbi.


Can you imagine schools like Harvard or Yale going after “C” students?  Once again, this sort of ‘math’ wouldn’t fly in today’s competitive, dog-eat-dog society. 


No wonder Matthew 4:20 says these guys ‘left their nets at once and followed Him.’  They were being given an opportunity they thought was lost.  To follow a rabbi in Jewish society was the greatest of honors. 


The qualifications for Jesus’ honor society are different…boy am I grateful!

CJ Hitz is the co-author of Forgiveness Formula: Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ, along with his wife Shelley.  Visit their book website to check out the full virtual book tour schedule and special gifts with purchase at: www.TheForgivenessFormula.com

Warring Spirits

There’s a party going on!!


Historical fiction author April W Gardner is celebrating the release of Warring Spirits, the second book in her Creek Country Saga! Everyone who purchases Warring Spirits on Amazon today, Thursday, December 15, 2011, will be entered into SIX different drawings for some cool and unique prizes. That’s right—ONE purchase. SIX chances to win. 


CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.


She’s also giving away personalized, signed book plates (labels for the inside cover). One for every book you purchase. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Order today and cross a few names off your Christmas list!


So what’s this book about? Warring Spirits is the sequel to Wounded Spirits, April’s Grace Award winning debut novel. Here’s a bit about today’s featured novel: 


Where blood is spilt, unexpected love may bloom.


In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.


Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.  But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.


Sound intriguing? Head over to APRIL'S PLACE to learn more! Or go straight to AMAZON to get your copy.



Books excerpts are a great way to get a feel for the author’s writing style, so I asked April to share a scene with us. Here’s a taste of chapter one when we’re introduced to the hero, Major Phillip Bailey.


****


Phillip knew it was a dream. He told himself again, though it did little good. The children’s shrieks grew louder. The flaming pickets roared with new life, as though fueled by his denial of their existence.
His legs churned, but he couldn’t free his mind of the constant nightmare. At least this time, he reasoned, he wasn’t awake. Small blessings.
And then, he saw her.
Adela.
Arms dangling at her sides and skirt undulating in the waves of heat, she stood across the compound. Her lips were motionless, but her voice echoed through his mind. “Phillip.”
He rushed toward the vision, and she reached for him. “Phillip, love, you must wake up.”
With a cry, he bolted upright.
The silhouette of a woman hovered over him. He stared at her, unblinking, afraid to move and frighten her away.
Sweat poured down his chest—sweat as real as the shadow seemed.
“That’s better,” she whispered. “You’ll be alright.”
He disagreed, but if he spoke, he might shatter her. He’d done it before.
Her loose hair swayed as she moved so near, he should feel her heat.
Taking in the comfort of her presence, he held his breath until his lungs burned with need. Refusing to be contained any longer, air exploded from his mouth. The sound ripped through the cabin, and in one blink, Adela vanished.
A moan built in Phillip’s throat, and he buried his head in his trembling palms. When his fingers collided with the jagged flesh on his face, he recalled again why Adela was no more to him than a mocking shadow, a figment of his deluded, half-crazed mind.
She had turned him down.
Familiar nausea haunted his gut. With a growl, he threw his damp pillow across the room. The sound of splintering glass sent him scrambling for the musket by his bed. He had the unsteady barrel aimed toward the source before he realized he’d been the cause of the commotion.
He dropped the weapon and backed away from it as though it were a copperhead. Blood pounded in his throat. He swallowed hard, terrified of his own mind.
It had been nearly two years. One more night of this and he would prove the gossip correct. He would go mad.
There had to be a better way. 
“Help me.” His voice shivered, and for once, he was thankful to be alone. “Sweet Jesus, show me a better way.”


****


Get on over to APRIL'S PLACE to see what all the hoopla's about! Or go straight to AMAZON to get your copy.

About April:
April W Gardner resides in Georgia with her USAF husband and two sweet kiddos. She is the author of the historical romance series, the Creek Country Saga, as well as the children’s adventure series, the Channel Islands Resistance. She is the founder and senior editor of the fun literary website, Clash of the Titles. In her free time, April enjoys reading, organizing, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian.