Defiant Joy – Book Review

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Marie

Here are some thoughts I had as I read this excellent book, Defiant Joy by Jennifer Michelle Greenberg.

We enjoy so many blessings in this life. So many… Ephesians 1:3-23 gives us a nearly exhaustive list and these are only an example of the joy that will come when we get to heaven. God said so. It will be so!

We cannot make our own joy. It’s just not possible. We must understand that God gifts us with joy, His joy. I was able to find more than 150 Bible verses about joy. Every one of them connects to God! One in particular stands out to me – The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10

It has become very obvious to me that tears and joy often go together. Have you ever cried in response to joy, to worship, to intense happiness? I would venture to say that all of us have. Legitimate tears are a real sign that God lives in us.

Are you convinced that God really loves us? The conviction of God’s love for His children is absolutely necessary to understanding His joy and how it is given to us. Absolute certainty in His love and joy is where we find total rest.

The evil one, satan, loves to undermine our joy. He is a real expert at this. He does not want us to understand that our faith is the foundation of understanding joy. He will do everything in his power to undermine our faith. That includes waging war against our joy.

When all is said and done, when Jesus returns or we draw our final breath we can know, without question, that God is the foundation and giver of joy.

This book is more than worth your time. It was helpful to me in so many ways. I have a better understanding of so many of the stories in the Word and how they apply to this walk I’ve chosen with Jesus. Do you like books that are full of connections? This one is for you! I highly recommend reading this. I know I’ll be reading it again and again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free directly from Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Quit Comparing

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Marie

I’ve read that verse a hundred times or more and realized that comparisons involving myself and someone else are self-defeating. The only true comparison I can make is between me and me. If a comparison must be made it can be done a bit differently. I can look at a past experience and compare the current incident to determine if there has been any growth. So then if I can see progress I will feel better, if not, I’ll need to find a way to improve.

Abba, Father, in Jesus’ Name I thank You for creating me as a unique individual. Forgive me for comparing myself to anyone else and help me see myself as You see me.

Walking Wisely

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Marie

This verse is David’s earnest plea for God’s guidance. He wants every step he takes to be led by God’s Word. He is asking God to shield him from any and all kinds of sin.

Like David, is it your greatest desire to be in total harmony with God’s Word? I hope so and I hope these 3 steps will help you on that journey.

Step 1: Reflect on your own path. Are you following the path He has planned for you?

Step 2: Surrender completely and trust totally that He knows what He’s doing. Invite Him, whose wisdom surpasses all understanding to guide you in all you think, say, and do. (Philippians 4:7)

Step 3: In this battle against temptation and sin, we need to take up David’s battle cry, “Let no sin rule over me!” The victory is ours!

Take a moment now to meditate and pray. Allow the wisdom of Psalm 119:133 to permeate your soul. Let it guide and strengthen your resolve to walk single-mindedly in God’s Word and ways.

Lost and Found – Book Review

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Marie

Sometimes what we think is real, true, or right, isn’t close to what is really going on. Most of the time we consider only our past experiences to determine the reasons for the situations we face on a daily basis. That can, and usually does get us into problems with our decision-making process.

New beginnings, even when necessary, are difficult and require a lot of planning. It’s when we don’t think things through, try to find the truth behind what’s happening, and come up with a usable plan that things begin to fall apart and life takes turns we aren’t ready for.

Suzanne Woods Fisher does a great job of putting together a great story in Lost and Found that gives much understanding to the necessity of thinking things through, finding the truth, and moving forward when the time is right. Using characters that are avid birders, the religious beliefs and life practises of the Pennsylvania Amish, and just the right amount of characters, Ms. Fisher creates a delightful story that kept me totally engaged from beginning to end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free directly from Revel/Baker Publishing Group I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”