Verse of the Day

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. (1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP)

Verse of the Day

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:33–34)

"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (Matthew 6:33–34 The Message)

Verse of the Day

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. (Romans 4:20–21 NLT)

Verse of the Day

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. (Romans 15:13 AMP)

Verse of the Day

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.—When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.—And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.—Again Jesus [the Word] spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:22–23; Isaiah 30:21; John 8:12 ESV)

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Verse of the Day

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Philippians 4:6–7 MSG)

Verse of the Day

The LORD who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1–3 NLT)

Verse of the Day

O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD. (Psalm 4:3-5)

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Verse of the Day

I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10 NLT)

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NLT)

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Verse of the Day

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.—He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. — My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. — He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him. — The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee. (Prov 24:10, Isa 40:29, 2 Cor 12:9, Ps 91:15, Deut 33:27)

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/cEhOH

About the Book:

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.


Margie's Comments: Tidewater Inn is the latest book by Colleen Coble in a long list of excellent romantic suspense stories. The setting is exquisite, a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina. And as always, it plays a role in the story. The characters are believable; their occupations are interesting. And the suspense factor is wonderful. As always with this author, I've found another great read. I highly recommend this book to lovers of mystery and suspense and romance.(The publisher provided me with a free e-book copy in exchange for a review.)





Meet Colleen:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com <http://www.colleencoble.com> . Twitter @colleencoble.

Blog Tour Schedule

Please include this link to the blog tour post in your review (you do not need to post the whole schedule). Again, if you need to change your date, no problem. Just email me back with your preferred date

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13526905/tidewaterinn


Win a $500 Weekend Getaway Package from @ColleenCoble and Connect with her at 8/23 Facebook Party!

Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com

A copy of Tidewater Inn.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen's "Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!

So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd  for a chance to connect with Colleen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER about Colleen's giveaway and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

 

Verse of the Day

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23–25)

Walking off Cliffs

In my office I have a quote by Davis Bunn that says something to the effect that faith is like stepping off a cliff and learning to fly. Since our move, it’s no longer hanging on the side of the file cabinet but stuffed in an unpacked box somewhere in that room. And I can’t find the quote online.

The picture in Scripture of a mother eagle pushing her babies out of the nest in order to teach them to fly is how God pushes us out of our comfort zones and into His plans and purposes for us. When we are in the freefall He bears us up on His wings and teaches us to fly. He equips us with all we need in order to fulfill His calling.

Still, in this year of major changes, I’m not surprised that the Lord has been slowly, inexorably, and lovingly moving me to the edge of a cliff. I’m not a fan of heights in the physical realm or the spiritual realm. But I have faced my fear in the physical realm when I rappelled—once—reminding my husband, who was the lead instructor for the teens involved in the activity, that I was the mother of his children. (They were quite young at the time.) He laughed and then gently coaxed me over the edge of the cliff with only a rope as my lifeline.

So taking that step of faith off the spiritual cliff into the unknown is very hard for me, even knowing that when I’ve done it before, God has never let me down. In both cases, it’s a matter of trust. A theme that repeats itself over and over in my life, in my writing.

The cliff that the Lord has been so patiently guiding me toward has long been my dream . . . and my greatest fear. Since I was young and learned to read, I have loved books—the whole process from writing them to publishing them to reading them. I longed for a job that would allow me to read, to write, to edit. Not something that’s pure fluff, though I’ve done my share of that.

I love books with substance. I want my fiction to bear a strong spiritual message based on Scripture. I want my nonfiction, including devotionals, to inspire others to dig more deeply into the Word of God to find answers to life’s problems. However, whenever I read books like the ones I dream of writing, the ugly thought that I could never accomplish it rears its ugly head.

The Lord has allowed me to have jobs where I can read. He’s even taken me out of the classroom (both elementary and high school) in order to edit on a full-time basis. And I love it. I’ve grown comfortable in that role of editor, reviewer, and judge of good writing.

Now He’s opening the doors to getting published, both in fiction and nonfiction. Not just short stories, articles, and devotionals, but books. Books!! He’s given me a designer for a new website—an author website. I’ve caught glimpses of a speaking/teaching ministry related to the books He wants me to write. Exciting. And scary.

He asked me to take the summer off from taking on new clients in editing. And He’s cut way back on the number of editing projects I’ve received from the publishers and individuals. I’ve had time to pray and to think about the next step He’s asking me to take—the one off the cliff of the known into the unknown. He’s showing me who I am, how He’s shaped me and molded me into the person He envisioned before the foundation of the world. Not that I’ve arrived by any means, there’s still so much shaping and pruning that needs to happen before He’s done with me.

It’s hard to see ourselves as God sees us. We can only see through the glass dimly. I’m so thankful He has surrounded me with not only one group but two groups of godly ladies who pray for me, who honestly confront me when necessary, and who are my cheerleaders and encouragers. In one group we’ve taken turns being the mirror for each other, revealing who we are in the Lord’s eyes. It’s a humbling exercise yet incredibly enabling and confirming for me.

What these ladies told me along with Scripture to back it up has pushed me even closer to the edge of the cliff. The pressure to step off, to accept the call to change my focus from all editing to taking the writing projects He’s laid on my heart and make it my priority, has increased over the past month. Through my devotional reading, reviewing and endorsing books, conversations with editors and writers at a conference, and the preaching of His Word, the Lord has made it very clear that the decision is now. I can no longer put it off nor try to push backward into the comfort of editing.

Last night at church, the Bible study was about Moses and the burning bush. In that encounter God gave Moses his “marching orders.” And in that He revealed Himself and how He would work through Moses. Thinking about the rest of the story and how Moses made up excuse after excuse as to why he wasn’t a good choice for the job, I realized I have been doing the same thing. I like my rut. I’m comfortable there. And frankly, the glimpses of the future He’s allowed me in this process terrifies me.

So this morning, I read the verses that the Lord gave me for this year: “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

He reminded me that I will not be alone, nor will I be in freefall when I step off the cliff. All year He’s given me many opportunities to “fix”—focus—my eyes on Jesus. In our move, in making new friends, in our church—He’s showing me His faithfulness, His trustworthiness. He isn’t going to let me step off without the proper gear or abilities through Him.

Then I read in A Taste of the Spirit by Karen Moore:

New developments bring a mixture of emotions that are both exciting and scary. You have to choose when a dream can come to life. Only you will know when you’re ready to jump in and take a leap of faith. Remember that you are not alone because God walks with you every moment of your life.

            He encourages you through His Spirit to act according to His will and purpose for you. He sends teachers, friends, and inspiration to keep you on the path. He also makes you aware of opportunities that will enable you to reach your goal.

            It’s your day to get started. Take that great idea or action that you’ve been holding on to for too long and give it wings. You’ll be glad you did.

Umm . . . it doesn’t get much clearer than that.

So today I’m taking the step off the cliff. Writing will take priority in my calling. The opportunities are there. I’m sure the enemy will continue to battle against me. But I’ve not been promised a life of ease. I have been promised that the Lord will never, ever leave me or forsake me. He will enable me to do all He equips me to do. He will fulfill His purposes in me. His Word continues to be my foundation; His Son is my cornerstone.

In spite of the glimpses I’ve had of the possibilities in my future, I don’t know what He has in store for me. But I do know He’s in control, and there’s no other place than in the center of His will that I’d rather be.

Verse of the Day

So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong. (Hebrews 12:12–13 NLT)

Verse of the Day

Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20–21)

Verse of the Day

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness]. (Romans 8:28–29 AMP)

Verse of the Day

I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness. (Psalm 145:1–6)

The Choice by Robert Whitlow

About the Book:

One young woman. Two very different roads. The choice will change everything.

Even as a pregnant, unwed teen in 1974, Sandy Lincoln wanted to do the right thing. But when an ageless woman approached her in a convenience store with a mysterious prophecy and a warning, doing the right thing became even more unclear. She made the best choice she could . . . and has lived with the consequences.

More than thirty years later, a pregnant teen has come into her life, and Sandy’s long-ago decision has come back to haunt her. The stakes rise quickly, leaving Sandy with split seconds to choose once more. But will her choice decision bring life . . . or death?

Margie’s Comments: The Choice is the story of an unwed high school student who is pregnant and the choices she made then as well as later in life when she is faced with the consequences of those choices. Since I was a senior in a very large public high school in 1974, the consequences of Sandy’s situation rings true—the talk, the gossip, the ostracism that resulted from her pregnancy unfortunately happened both at school and at church. From the unsettling predictions of an old woman Sandy had never met before to their fulfillment, the story moves inexorably forward. The author handles a tough subject with compassion in this very real scenario of what resulted from a careless moment in the protagonist’s high school years. For those who like legal thrillers, I highly recommend Robert Whitlow’s The Choice. (The publisher, Thomas Nelson, provided me with a free Kindle edition of The Choice by Robert Whitlow in exchange for this review.)

Meet Robert:

Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.

For more about Robert and his other books, visit www.robertwhitlow.com.

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/cJsiD


Blog Tour Schedule
Check out what others are saying about The Choice:
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13527503/robertwhitlow

Win a Nook Color from Robert Whitlow in The Choice Giveaway. RSVP for 8/28 Facebook Party.

Celebrate with Robert by entering to win a Nook Color with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about The Choice!

One "choice" winner will receive:

A Nook Color with GlowLight

A four book Robert Whitlow library (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 27th. Winner will be announced at the "The Choice" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/28. Meet Robert, get a sneak peek of his next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of The Choice and join Robert on the evening of the August 27th for a chance to connect with Robert and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Verse of the Day

I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD; I make supplication with my voice to the LORD. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path. . . . "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living. Give heed to my cry, . . . for You will deal bountifully with me." 

(Psalm 142:1–3, 5–7)

Verse of the Day

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. . . . For my eyes are toward You, O GOD, the Lord; in You I take refuge. (Psalm 141:3, 8)

Verse of the Day

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. (Psalm 139:7–12) No matter how hard we try, we cannot outrun God.

Verse of the Day

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; do not forsake the works of Your hands. (Psalm 138:7–8)

Verse of the Day

Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praises to His name, for it is lovely. (Psalm 135:3)

Verse of the Day

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!  (Psalm 98:1 ESV)

Remember Me by Penelope Wilcock

This week, the  
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  
is introducing  
Remember Me  
Crossway Books (July 31, 2012)  
by  
Penelope Wilcock    


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

PENELOPE WILCOCK is a full-time author living in Hastings, Sussex, on the southeast coast of England. Her blog, Kindred of the Quiet Way, is about a simple and spiritual Christian lifestyle. Her other books in The Hawk and the Dove series are The Hawk and the Dove, The Wounds of God, and The Long Fall.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Remember Me is the third of a trilogy of books focusing on the character of William de Bulmer, his conversion of life and heart, and the flowering of his ability to love. After the brothers of St. Alcuin take William into the abbey (in The Hardest Thing to Do), he falls in love with Abbot John’s sister (in The Hour Before Dawn) and now has accidentally lost all of the abbey’s money (Remember Me). Seasoned author Penelope Wilcock unlocks the story of one man’s struggles, mistakes, and heart’s longings, and traces the possibility of what it means to get things wrong and begin again. As with each novel in this series, the reader is encouraged to explore a universal aspect of the Christian faith—in this case, the cost of allowing God to do what is necessary to make one whole.


If you would like to read a chapter excerpt of Remember Me, go HERE.