READING a little deeper...

This weekend, in order to fight JET LAG from my recent Malaysian trip, I entertained my mind by creating BUTTONS for a list of book reviews found on the internet about Mesu Andrew's latest book, In the Shadow of Jezebel.

Fifty-seven reviews were posted about this biblical fiction book, in the Mesu Andrew's BFF group. I read many of their posts and hunted for a specific quote that revealed a little snippet about the story and also summarized their review. Then, I took that quote and matched it up to my understanding of lifestyle Christianity in our modern age of Grace. Some of the quotes were best used to characterize the author, Mesu. I think she revels in God's attributes and His Truth as she prepares and researches the treasures hidden in the true stories of Old Testament characters.

I enjoyed reading this novel and doing my own review about it on my blog, but these other reviews refreshed my mind on many of the scenes and characters that impacted my own thoughts during my reading. Many biblical passages came to my mind which re-enforced the truth God offers us through faith in Jesus Christ. 

These caused my meditations to reflect on the Grace of God which placed me securely in Christ for all eternity. 

My heart was full of gratitude as I re-read Romans 3:21-24 and heard again God's declaration 

              "Not Guilty"...

Nothing but thanksgiving and praise can I give to such a loving God. I am overwhelmed that on top of all His Grace and Mercy, he chooses to use His justified children as Ambassadors in this world. He makes His appeal through us as we implore others to be reconciled to our holy and loving God.  

              

Trusting a Faithful God

A NEW Biblical Fiction

OK. I admit it. I like reviewing new books.
I love the smell of ink on the pages, the feel of stiff paper before use does its damage, and it gives a certain pleasure to be the first one to bend back the cover so a book never really closes tightly again!
For me, Mesu Andrew's books never really close again in my mind. The mere mention of this title will bring back memory of the living biblical characters of past centuries. Their traits, struggles, loves, and most of all, their learned steps of walking by faith parade through my mind again and leave a sweet smile in my heart.

Thank you, Mesu, for allowing me these joys with the gift of your newest book In the Shadow of Jezebel. There are lessons in this book that my heart wants to grab tightly so that I become a more faithful follower of our loving God. I want my heart to trust His protection and walk in His purpose, faithfully proclaiming His goodness and helping others respond to His love because they learn to serve Him.

Even more than reviews though, I love seeing how an author weaves biblical principles into the decisions of fictitious characters and allows her readers to ponder the greatness of a loving God who patiently "works good according to his purpose for those who love him."
I realize Jehosheba is the main character, but I fell in love with the Jehoiada's heart while he was still second to the high priest and assisted in daily struggles of the elderly honorary. As I read the opening pages of the plot, I was given the opportunity to hear the musings of his heart and his conversations with his God, Yaweh.

Photo by Desiray Lewis

So often, those who have faithfully followed the Lord obediently and consistently, believing the Scriptures to be the manual for a godly life and God's final word on any matter are overlooked by those who are prone to wander from their God.
In every circle the discussions begin on a modern trend that accepts the acts of unbelief and disobedience as "a normal" for the majority. I recently found this online rejection to the popular Christian discussion, reminding believers to claim the power in the gift of the Holy Spirit given to God's children .

For some reason, there are some who show the possible acceptance of God's love immediately and use His Word as their guiding lamp throughout the rest of their lives. Jehoiada is one of these men. He was trained to know and practice God's laws and be a leader in righteousness, but he also learned to live faithfully in his daily decisions because he believed in the comfort of a loving God. He picked up the mantle and followed a holy calling voluntarily because he recognized God's awesome Presence and trusted God's mighty help in times of trouble.
When this approach is mentioned in modern Christian circles, the word perfection is scoffed. Yet, Mesu did an wonderful job showing that Jehoiada's love and obedience did not make him perfect, but allowed him to surrender to the constant peace of God's involvement in his nation, in his personal life, in his relationships, in daily decisions made on his account, and in his priestly service.
I wondered at Jehoiada's family tree as I read the many times where anger was his first response. As far back as Genesis 49, a patriarch's blessing marks the anger of his forefather, Levi, as a constant historical remembrance. This could have been a red thread of sin that Jehoiada inherited in the flesh and had to battle constantly in his zeal for the Lord. His anger almost blinded him to common sense and reason, made stumbling doubt creep into his heart and confronted his faith as a substituted worshiped god. His anger was his constant personal battle and often hurt those he loved.
Yet this anger also turned to zealous courage when he needed to stand against the audacious and confused king who questioned the righteousness and sovereignty of God's law. His zeal also stood boldly, upholding the faithful worship of Yahweh when confronted by the evil queen and her false religion. His aging body often challenged this zealous strength in his fight on the Lord's side, and although he admitted his weakness was part of his sinful nature, he didn't allow it to have ultimate control or become the normal excuse.
He strongly stands firm when he turned his weakness into a godly trust and lived God's Word for others to follow. His faith leaned on the knowledge of a Sovereign God for the outcomes of life and was rewarded over and over again for his faithful walk with His God.

Preparing Hearts for Easter

LENT is a traditional religious season leading up to Easter and carries the meaning of "preparing one's heart" for the victory found in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As a child, my family didn't practice LENT. I was taught that it belong to only a certain religious group and had nothing to do with the fellowship we attended. I only heard bits and pieces of the external practices tied to this season, and none of them really were explained to me.

Even though we had a deep love for the Lord Jesus, my younger years were filled with external family preparations with the practice of cantata music, Spring cleaning, shopping for new clothes, and of course, parties, hunts, and the childish hopes of a Spring basket full of candies.

Oh, our parents taught us the Easter story and hoped we understood the victory celebrated each Sunday because Christ arose from the dead long ago. As a little one, I even remember becoming very excited the week before Easter when our Sunday School class made paper palm branches and marched around the room singing "Hosanna! Hosanna!" We all knew it was the announcement of another special holiday coming in just a week and shouted all the more!
As a young pre-teen, the Passion Week celebrations became ETERNAL for me. I realized Christ suffered and died for me. He became my personal Lord and Savior, forgiving me of all my sin that put him on that cross. I began my spiritual journey with Him.

This year while overseas visiting our daughter's family, we're enjoying the daily "ritual" of family devotional time around the dinner table. Last night, it was absolutely adorable to hear the youngest response for the reason of LENT.
"We're preparing our hearts for Easter".

These parents pulled an older book off the shelf which our daughters found when they were old enough to prepare for Easter themselves. They shared their love of Preparing for EASTER by James Evans with me. I found it a beautiful treasury of daily devotions.
Around this table, I've been reminded of how rich this whole season became to me as a young adult.
Each daily Scripture readings points to Jesus, "who became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him".

The little object lessons explain the daily Scriptures read and the truth comes alive using common household items. The older children are challenged to answer specific questions by writing their thoughts in a journal each day during their own quiet time. These journal entries hopefully help their hearts grasp the truth of the focused Scriptures and then, verbally relating their thoughts help the parents know whether the truth is grasped or needs further explanation.

My own heart has been challenged to stop and ponder what God did for us in Christ as I listen to these daily devotions. The little object lessons make me realize that even the youngest among us can retain truth retold. It is a wonderful practice and could enhance many special family times for my friends back home.

So, just what does Easter mean to you?
If you asked your kids what EASTER means to them...what would be their first response?
Do you have a traditional practice that prepares your family's hearts for the special celebration of Easter?
I'd love to hear what you do to help you and your children understand Christ's sacrifice and resurrection a little more this year.

It's not too late for your family to pick up a good devotional book to get started preparing your hearts for a wonderful celebration of victory found in the empty tomb.

A Scavenger Hunt, a Snowy Day and a BIG HOP to..

OK...being snowed in wasn't too bad an experience for the first weekend of March.
More than showing an empty cup from the comfort of steaming hot chocolate, I have accomplishments to give value for my time spent warmly tucked in.

I finished reading an excellent novel,
In the Shadow of Jezebel. I wrote a review, began work on a devotional, and made several comments on FB and Google+, hoping my friends would join in the SCAVENGER HUNT Blog Hop and win the prizes. I even had some time to work on my personal notes and comments containing several favorite sections in the book.
Through this online connection with her fans, I now call the author, Mesu Andrews, a new friend and look forward to reading more of her biblical fiction books.

I also enjoyed hopping to new blog sites and reading reviews in my participation in the Scavenger Hunt Blog Hop hosted by Tina Chen @ Mommynificent. Hurry, dear readers!
This HOP is only for a couple more days (March 1-4)

Scavenger Hunt Blog Hop

Good Reads

I had so much fun blog hopping! I found new authors and more books to add to my personal list of "books I'd like to read" on Good Reads.
I'm beginning to think that my summer leisure list is being planned out quite rapidly, even before the snow has melted and the blossoms decorate the gardens!

Tina Chen

But really, who cares about snow when packed suitcases are lining the free spaces of the rooms? We are going to actually HOP on a plane and visit this Scavenger Hunt host and her family.
Our "End this Winter thing" begins when packages start to arrive at the door and piles of curriculum books rapidly grow in the spare bedroom. We add shopping items making new piles, and finally, we turn the calendar page and pull out suitcases and scales to evenly pack all our collected items.
In just hours, we leave this frigid air, the snow, and the remains of a long winter and board a plane for a real HOP...

As I work around the house, I remember that hit song "Leaving on a jet plane..." and smile.

We're glad for Skype and photos sent through internet outlets, but nothing compares to the real hugs waiting for us on a warm tropical island. It's so fun to actually see how tall the grandchildren have become, or maybe it's just how much more we're beginning to bend over in old age!
We love the scenes and feel of this tropical island, but even more we love to become part of the daily routine of our loved ones and watch them perform home school assignments, laugh and play in their yard, and visit the favorite places they've discovered in our year's absence.

In the Shadow of Jezebel Scavenger Hunt and Book Review

HI! I'm Debi and this is my journey...

Welcome to my "journal" where you'll find records of little steps I've attempted as I mine "the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God..." (Rm 11:33)
Like most of my hand scripted journals, there is a little bit of everything experienced on this trek toward my heavenly home. My pilgrimage began as a young girl when I met Jesus Christ as the Forgiver of my sins. Years later, I realized the Bible was His manual for success and I accepted His offer as my Guide and Teacher. God also uses my gleanings from a harvest of good books to strengthen my faltering steps of faith. Often, I discover hidden treasures through biblical fiction because I see others who struggled through their time of life. This helps me grasp a deeper understanding of the spiritual battle I am a part of in God's plan to regain His Kingdom. It also helps me grasp a little tighter onto the love God extends to me. Through my musings, I hope to help others trust the Guide through valleys or over mountains of their own personal journey.

We are having a scavenger hunt! 
Wanna play? Read the rules and then jump right in!

Somewhere in my review below, there is a single word that is in BOLD AND ALL CAPITALS. Write it down. Then, go to the other stops to find more hidden words. Once you have all the words, unscramble them to find a verse from the Scriptures. You can enter it into the Rafflecopter on any of the stops to have a chance to win a great prize from Mesu herself!

About the Book

Title: In the Shadow of Jezebel

Author: Mesu Andrews

Publication Date: March 4, 2014

Publisher: Revell

Print Length: 417 pages

Summary (Amazon):

Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel's strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh's high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves? With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings Old Testament passages to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.

Purchase

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My Review of this Book

Recently, my favorite type of fiction led me to Mesu Andrews.
I love the way she surrounds the plot with actual places, times and biblical characters who learned to walk by faith in their unseen God. Through their spiritual struggles, inner conversations, and prayers, I watch them hold onto the promises of God. Many times as I read her book, my heart fell deeper in love with a beautiful God who declared Himself in all creation, throughout history and who gently loved me before I was even aware of Him.

I was thrilled to be given this gift of her newest book, In the Shadow of Jezebel. In its pages, I was drawn to see Yaweh through the personal thoughts of a dear experienced High Priest who served God's people in the temple.
Jehoida has so many of the same inner turmoils I have on my spiritual journey. He stumbles, questions, doubts, and even fails at times, yet, he also stands strong, is brave, and intimately talks to God as His precious friend. As I trudge this daily walk of trust in God's guidance, I stand AGAINST the same spiritual enemies of faith and respond with so many of these same deep emotions.

My favorite quote from her book has become a prayer and challenge this week. In an intimate moment with his young wife. Jehoida finishes telling a miraculous story of God's protection in their history and quotes Psalm 17 to her.
Smiling in the dark, he admits secretly his recitation also comforted his own heavy heart, but with growing awe, he muses, "And I get to demonstrate His love to you for the rest of my life." 

Oh! My desire is that in each relationship, I would grasp the awe of such a marvelous privilege!
We are given so many opportunities by our awesome loving and protective God and all He asks of us is to demonstrate His love to others! By this demonstrative love, they will know that we are truly His disciples and perhaps, they will learn to trust the loving outstretched arms of our God.

The Buzz - Praise for Mesu Andrews' Biblical Fiction

"Mesu Andrews has pieced together Scripture's truths with historical supposition through her masterful, research-based writing and captured the spiritual climate of those ancient days."--CBA Retailers+Resources on Love in a Broken Vessel "Andrews weaves a beautiful tale and takes readers to an ancient Jerusalem rich with history and customs and a culture that struggles to follow the one true God."--RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, on Love's Sacred Song

About The Author

Mesu Andrews  is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture, bringing the biblical world vividly alive for her readers. She lives in Washington.

Mesu's Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Stops on the Scavenger Hunt

Got all your clues? Enter the giveaway here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My New Book

"Coming Soon" changed to "ARRIVED" in my mailbox!

A couple of weeks ago, I excitedly joined the team for Mesu Andrew's BOOK LAUNCH, coordinated by Tina Chen at mommynificent.com and since then, I've been waiting anxiously for a package to fill my mailbox.
On February 14th, Mesu Andrews gave her new book to me! It's cover is gorgeous with rich purple and golds and the artist caught a beautiful pair of eyes, making me love the main character's sweetness covered-up well by brave caution. I cannot wait to begin my new read!

Until I read Tina's link for Booknificent Thursday, I didn't know that February 14th was International Book Giving Day but will remember the gift given to me on this special day!

Sadly, I was not prepared to give away any books. I have bookcases in every room and could freely give many books away, but each time I dust the shelves, I am reminded of the joy I had in reading the book pulled off the shelf and add it to a basket to read real soon. Now, not only is my house full of bookshelves, but baskets rest in each room, overflowing with old favorites waiting to be read again!

Theater

Garage Sale

But February 14th was a long day away from home and my books as I served little ones on our missionary campus. I watch wonderful foreign missionary children while their parents are in training. This past week there were five little ones and on Friday, five more staff kids joined in the play.
We spent the day playing TOWN.
The room held a full-fledged layout with a bank, theater, jail, factory, home, church, garage, and so on. The children filled hours performing the business of daily chores they had seen their parents live. Play money was attained at the bank and spent everywhere around the room. I enjoyed listening to their conversations, their laws, the Scripture readings, and even the choice of movies (DVD) at the theater while enjoying real popcorn!

Church...Scripture Reading

A waitress graciously served snack at her restaurant and they even had fun around a supper table while their parents enjoyed a Valentine Dinner in the main dining room.
I was invited to join my husband and have adult conversation for a couple of hours, but I found our conversation was wrapped around our children, their play and the enjoyment I found hanging out with them.
I rushed back to the playroom for cleanup and tired good nights.

Mesu Andrews

It was a great week because of the great LOVE we all share in Jesus Christ.  This new book is based on God's precious Scriptures and segments of the story can be found in the Old Testament. Even before I begin my book, I want to say I appreciate Mesu's research and preparation. Even through fiction, her love for our Lord causes her pen to proclaim the goodness of God and His covenant of grace extended to each of us.