Book Review: REMARKABLE FAITH by Shauna Letellier

Hebrews 11:1 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

PUBLISHERS DESCRIPTION

This book will draw you into the
Word of God where you
will find rest for your
weary soul.

This collection of inspirational vignettes, based on eight of the Bible's unlikely examples of faith, will give readers a fresh intimacy with Jesus.

REMARKABLE FAITH tells the stories of people whose faith was of such quality that Jesus himself marveled at it-people who were broken, needy, and dependent. These eight inspiring vignettes weave history, theology, and fictional detail into their biblical accounts to bring relief and a new perspective to those whose faith feels unremarkable. Written to encourage and relieve discouraged Christians who wonder if their faith is a disappointment to God, this book will demonstrate that remarkable faith-the kind Jesus marveled about-isn't about achieving or performing. Readers will discover they can exchange their performance-based evaluation of their faith with a fresh, life-giving intimacy with the Jesus who delights in transforming inadequacies into irrepressible affection.

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier is a touching book filled with Biblical truths and written with deep conviction. It's an encouraging read for both the Christian and non-Christian alike.

As described in the previous publisher's description, Remarkable Faith highlights eight unnamed figures in the Bible whom the Lord defines as having amazing faith. At first glance, these people may appear to have an insignificant part of the Bible story, but Letellier contends that their lives are marked by an outstanding belief in Christ that sends them running to Him with open arms. After reading and pondering each of their stories, I would absolutely agree.

The book is very thought provoking in that it makes the reader stop and analyze each of the actions and presumed motives of the chosen characters. As your imagination flows thinking about each day that the characters come in contact with the Lord, much is revealed within their hearts, as well as our own. 

Each chapter is devoted to the story of these individuals and ends with a meaningful prayer that begs reflection. The author is continually thankful throughout the book for Christ and the gift of worship, the ability of the Lord to hear us, and His exchange on the cross for us to be given new life. The assertion that "remarkable faith is often grown in the broken soil of desperation," is made clear by her eight illustrations. 

This is truly a wonderful read filled with hope and encouragement, in addition to the word of God. Remarkable Faith is a must read for anyone who is searching their heart for the true meaning of Christianity or struggling with their sense of significance. Letellier doesn't shy away from tough questions as it relates to suffering or rejection and the role each of these play in our lives as Christians. As is stated within the pages, "Remarkable faith is not an archaic memory. It is a present reality. Will Jesus find faith when He comes again? Yes, He will."

Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier will be released July 11, 2017. This great book can be pre-ordered by clicking here. Thank you to FaithWords a division of Hachette Book Group Inc for this review copy of Remarkable Faith. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to give my honest opinion of this work. 

What To Do With A Sleepless Night

Psalm 119:62(MSG)

May snow storm?  Huh?  In the Midwest?!

I get up in the middle of the night to thank You;  Your decisions are so right, so true--I can't wait till morning!

Confession time here. I'm rarely thankful when I wake up in the middle of the night. I wish I could tell you that I am, but unfortunately, if I find myself coherent in the darkness of night when everyone else is sleeping, my mind is anything but thankful. First of all, this rarely happens, because I am a very good sleeper for the most part.  However, on those rare nights when I can't sleep, I will often succumb to a mind full of worry.  For some reason, the black stillness of the hour brings a deluge of thoughts and like a derailed train headed for catastrophe, if I don't reign those thoughts in, I'm headed for even more distress. 

This scripture gives clear direction for what to do the next time I find myself sleepless.  I will literally count my blessings with a thankful heart and meditate on the Word of God and His promises while I lift up every worry to a God who loves me.  I will not get my eyes on circumstances that I cannot change, but rather, I will choose to ponder on the promise that He will be with me in those circumstances.  In her book, Each New Day, Corrie ten Boom writes, "We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers.  We must cast our burdens on the Lord."  Yep...good advice indeed. 

Lord,
Thank You for bringing the light of Your word to the dark and sometimes scary places in our minds.  Your peace will always overcome our anxiety as we remain in You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Giving Thanks

Psalm 119:7(MSG)
I thank You for speaking straight from Your heart;  I learn the pattern of Your righteous ways.

It has been a simply gorgeous fall here!  The trees are taking on their brightest colors and the crisp breeze brings a chill to the air.  A walk was most certainly in order!  As I meandered along a winding trail with my husband, daughter, and son, I became overwhelmed with thankfulness for all that the Lord has blessed me with! 

It is always a perfect day to praise the Lord for He is so loving, gracious and kind.  The blessings of health, family, and friends are just a few of the things that come to my mind.  I am also so thankful for His Word that, as the verse says, speaks  to us straight from His heart, so that we have a pattern to model our life after. 

I saw a bumper sticker again today.....you know I am drawn to reading these if you've read very many of my posts.  This one said....."JESUS IS".  That's it.  That's all there was.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  I like that bumper sticker....enjoy the rest of your day or night...with a voice of praise and thankfulness to the Lord...because...He is! 

A day can hold a lot of things.....but we know who holds the day!!
Lord,
I am not always as thankful as I should be.  I am sorry about that.  Please help my mind, heart, body, spirit, and soul to take on a stance of praise and worship to You throughout each and every moment that You allow me to have down here on Your earth. 
Praises to Your name~
Amen

The Calling

Psalm 136:26(MSG)
Thank God, who did it all!  His love never quits! 

Wow, this is the last verse in this wonderful Psalm!  What a blessing the words of Psalm 136 have been in my life over the past few weeks.  They have certainly become part of my thoughts and prayers, as I have reflected on His continual love for me....no matter what!  I am so glad I have been able to ponder on the goodness of the repetitive statement, "His love never quits." 

Last night, I had the opportunity to meet Eric Metaxas at an event for our school.  He is the author of the New York Times Bestseller:  Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.   I listened intently as this writer addressed the room full of people.  There was a definite sense that Eric genuinely loves the Lord and that he wrote this book out of a heart filled with this "unquitting love" for God and a driven desire to carry out the calling on his life. As he passionately told the story of this German pastor, who lived by faith and conviction and ultimately gave his life for standing up against the Nazi regime to honor God, it came to me! 

The simple word "calling".  It kept replaying in my head.  We always talk about finding our "calling".  But, last night, for the first time in my memory, I felt sure that I finally understood it.  As children of God, we all have the same calling!  It's so simple that I wonder why it has been this big question in my mind since I was in high school.  My calling, your calling, Bonhoeffer's calling, your children's calling, and your grandchildren's calling, are all the same!  Ready....I read it in last night's post.....

"Feed my sheep".  That's it!  Feed His sheep.  If I will do that with the "little while" that I am here on this planet, then I have accomplished my calling!  It's so simple.  I guess the hard part is walking in the courage and faith to step out and do it........no matter the cost!
Can't wait to read more of this book and hear how Bonhoeffer completed the task of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ (feeding the sheep)!
As always~I'll keep you "posted"!

Father,
Thank you for Your Word that tells me so much about Your never ending love for us.  It is a faith builder for certain!!  
Amen 

The God Of All gods

Psalm 136:2(MSG)
Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits.

While returning from my run this morning, I noticed a large leaf stuck to the middle of the garage door.  We recently had some wind, so I figured it was just whipped up and tossed against the door, although it was perfectly in one piece.  This seemed a bit unusual sense normally the leafs are chewed up into small bits after our storms.  It afforded a closer look.  I moved right up to the door and was stunned to find that this wasn't a leaf at all!  It was a beautiful flying creature the likes of which I have never seen before! 



Luna Moth



I stared at it for quite some time, slowly inching my way closer hoping it wouldn't take flight.  I studied it's wing span which measured somewhere around four inches and gawked at the two fake eyes on each wing that I have since learned were placed there to scare off predators.  Once I soaked in the uniqueness of this amazing sight, I dashed inside for my camera hoping to capture him before he disappeared. 

I now know that what I was blessed to see this morning was an Actias luna, commonly known as the Luna Moth.  They only have an adult life span of seven days and while they are common, they are rarely seen.  What a treat!  What a creative God we serve!

This is a beautiful and timely verse as I study the fact that there really are no other gods besides the one true and living God!  What a treasured word to read and hold tightly to!  Thanking Him for so many blessings tonight, a few of which are: my dear family, precious friends, health, shelter, food, a church home, the word of God.....and intricately designed flying creatures!

His Love Never Quits

Psalm 136:1(MSG)
Thank God!  He deserves your thanks.  His love never quits.

Psalm 136 has found it's way into my heart and life right now, as I search for His strength to carry me through a new and challenging season in my life.  In every verse of this chapter, I am told that "His love never quits!"  In the NIV and ESV, it is "His love endures forever!"  The chapter reads like a love letter listing item by item ways that the Lord God has shown His love to His people.....seriously fascinating. 

As we continue our Bible study by Kelly Minter titled No Other Gods, I am reminded that one of the things we are constantly searching for in our lives is love and acceptance.  That sense of complete fulfillment can only come from God our Father.  If we purpose to look to someone or something to fill that void, it will only end in disappointment and possibly disaster, because we set up an idolatry scenario with this action.   

I am serving a God who truly does deserve all of my thanks!  I am worshipping the real God who offers me true love that NEVER QUITS!  Now that is something to be thankful for indeed!!  I am choosing to live in an attitude of gratitude toward the one who gives me life.  Over the next twenty~six days (verses), I will be reminded of all the different ways He has shown me His unfailing love!

God,

You truly are worthy of my thankful heart and words of unending praise.  Open my eyes to Your presence and love in my day today and help me to share that love with others.

Amen