Picture a world where people live according to their own personal standards, where believers can’t seem to agree, and where people are trapped in every kind of sin. Sound familiar! While this list hits close to home today, these issues are found in the book of Judges. And it’s during times like these where God is searching for those who are ready, willing, and available to confront the enemy.

Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s best-selling “BE” commentary series, Be Available has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares the insight that God’s kingdom advances through those who are available to Him. Based on the book of Judges, this study encourages us to stand for what’s right, and step into what God is doing in our world.

Regal Books gave me a chance to interview one of their authors. It was one of the BEST interviews I’ve had on the show. She is not only an author but she is a  speaker and life coach as well. I’m referring to none other than: Joan C. Webb.  She is the author of The Relief of Imperfection and the sequel It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life.

During our interview we discussed the imperfections of a perfectionist and believe you me there are many. As a wanna be perfectionist myself Joan helped me to realize that I simply can’t do it all. That can be extremely hard for me (especially as a wife and mother), because I do try to do it all, but when I try it leaves me feeling irritated and frustrated. The word “all” is a small three letter word but it’s  heavy when you try to bear it. Joan  reminded me that no one is perfect except God.

I found myself within the pages of It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. The story on page 97 is one that particularly found its way into my heart. Listen in to hear Joan share this lesson learned from a chapter in her life.

To find out more about Joan visit www.JoanCWebb.com.

“But the child’s mother said, ‘As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.’ So he got up and followed her.” 2 Kings 4:30

In this special addition to the best selling Cup of Comfort series, you’ll find touching, biblical-themed stories written by devoted mothers who have welcomed the LORD into their daily lives. Celebrating the God-given beauty, strength, and wisdom of mothers everywhere, these daily reflections will embrace and inspire you.

Being a good mother is never easy. But with A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers, you’ll have all you need to help deepen you faith in God, family, and the power of a mother’s love.

My favorite stories are on pages 299 & 381 by Kat Crawford and page 261 byAudrey Hebbert.

About the Authors: James Stewart Bell is the co-author of Christian Miracles, A Cup of Comfort for Christians, A Cup of Comfort Devotionals, A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women, Just Add Jesus, God to God, and many others. For many years he was the editorial director of Moody Press.

Jeanette Gardener Littleton has edited more than 10, 000 articles for a variety of publications, including Moody Magazine, and has worked as a book editor on dozens of books. As a writer Littleton has authored or co-authored eight books. An active Christian she helps run her church’s bookstore, and she and her husband Mark direct a writers’ group called Heart of America Christian Writers’ Network (www.HACWN.org). She lives in Kansas City, MO.

]]> http://booksalatte.com/2009/04/10/a-cup-of-comfort-devotional-for-mothers/feed/ 2 http://booksalatte.com/2009/03/04/mom-needs-chocolate/ http://booksalatte.com/2009/03/04/mom-needs-chocolate/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:10:53 +0000 admin http://booksalatte.com/?p=606

MOM NEEDS CHOCOLATE – Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood

These are the words every chocolate lovin mother longs to hear! For all you chocoholics mommies out there this is the devotional for you!

In this interview, Debra Coty is bubbling over with excitement. She explains the importance of God, Godiva, and Girlfriends! Debra is hilarious, she offers gut-busting humor to combat the mundane duties of day-to-day life as a mom.

Unfortunately, mommies, Debra and I came to the conclusion that chocolate is not the quicker picker upper but Jesus is (chocolate is just His little reminder of how sweet He really is).

]]> http://booksalatte.com/2009/03/04/mom-needs-chocolate/feed/ 2 0:00:01 MOM NEEDS CHOCOLATE – Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood These are the words every chocolate lovin mother longs to hear! For all you chocoholics mommies out there this is the devotional for you! In this interview, Debra Coty is bub[...] MOM NEEDS CHOCOLATE – Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood These are the words every chocolate lovin mother longs to hear! For all you chocoholics mommies out there this is the devotional for you! In this interview, Debra Coty is bubbling over with excitement. She explains the importance of God, Godiva, and Girlfriends! Debra is hilarious, she offers gut-busting humor to combat the mundane duties of day-to-day life as a mom. Unfortunately, mommies, Debra and I came to the conclusion that chocolate is not the quicker picker upper but Jesus is (chocolate is just His little reminder of how sweet He really is). Devotionals takielabynum@gmail.com no no http://booksalatte.com/2009/02/13/love-as-a-way-of-life-devo/ http://booksalatte.com/2009/02/13/love-as-a-way-of-life-devo/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:58:17 +0000 admin http://booksalatte.com/?p=595

Post a comment for your chance to WIN a FREE copy!

In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.

The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.

Devotions Galore!: Warm-Ups, Wrap-Ups, and Prayers for Women’s Groups – This book includes 90 devotions – 30 “warm ups”, 30 “wrap ups” and 30 prayers. It’s a great way to help break the ice at a new group or add some spice to an existing womens group.

The Sister Circle Handbook - The Sister Circle Handbook is a great companion to the four Sister Circle novels by Nancy Moser and Vonette Bright. Being a huge reading fan, I loved that these tie in with the Sister Circle novel series. What could be better than having my devotional time and my reading time merge?

Tickled Pink Prayer Devotion – How cute is this?! I had honestly never seen anything quite like this before. What a great idea to give to a bible study leader, secret “santa” or any friend needing a little spiritual encouragement.

Here’s how Group describes it: Tickled Pink prayer devotion is a multi-sensory devotion that uses five simple object lessons to inspire new hope and joy. The Tickled Pink Prayer Devotion box contains the lesson objects and a devotional guide. Tickled Pink is an instant boost in a box—and a mini-retreat women will treasure.

Reviewed by: Jill Hart President of CWAHM (Christian Work at Home Moms).

Calling on the Lord is Prayer in its most Basic Form

The English writer Samuel Johnson once remarked that few things clear our minds as quickly as the prospect of being hung. Desperate situations seem to give us clarity of thought and action. When it comes to discovering the true nature of prayer, this has certainly been true in my experience. As I have faced desperate, seemily impossible circumstances, I have learned to call out to God. Whether it was for my health or the health of one of my kids. Whether it was for financial needs or a child who was wandering far from God.

I am talking about a prayer that comes from the bottom of our soul. This is prayer that drops away high-sounding or eloquent words. This is prayer that basically says, “O God, if you don’t show up, we’re finished.”

God can work when we humble ourselves. When we find ourselves helpless and hopeless and call unto God in sincerity and truth, He answers. He can’t help but answer. He is drawn to our needy and humble spirit. He is attracted by our sense of utter helplessness and dependence. Regardless of the problem you are facing at the moment, could I urge you to call out to God?

“This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it – the Lord is His name: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:2-3

By Cheryl Moeller

Cheryl is a speaker, syndicated columnist and co-author of three books.
Book her to speak for your women’s group, read her columns, or purchase her books and CD at www.momalughs.blogspot.com

“Or don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit . . .” 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 (NLT)
There are so many diets out there. Food can become an obsession, in the eating of it, or even the not eating of it. But I know God doesn’t want me to obsess, and in applying the above verse, it seems only right to eat in a way that will keep me healthy enough to do God’s will. Paul talks about how we’re all to run the race “to win” (1 CORINTHIANS 9:24), staying fit enough in the process to finish well. Even in the midst of luscious foods, the Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of self-control. It’s not that we have to deny the good things in life; to apply the fruit of self-control promised to us when the Holy Spirit resides within us may be the answer.
Excerpt from: From the Land of Milk and Honey, a cookbook/devotional by Jennifer Cote.

Jennifer

Get recipes at: PC Cuisine.com
Order From the Land of Milk and Honey
Preview From the Land to the Table cooking show

The doorbell rang, and since both my son and I expected packages, we raced to the door to see what the UPS man had left on the front porch.

“Yes!” I snatched up the package with my name on it.

I carried it into the kitchen, laid it on the countertop, and ripped it open. After I pushed the paper wrapping aside, I pulled out the textbook and study guide for my latest college class. I clutched the book to my chest, and said, “I can’t wait to get started on this.”

Both my son and daughter looked at me like I’d grown a gigantic third eyeball. One of them said, “Oh, Mom. You are such a geek.”

“I know!” I laughed. “And that’s one good thing about getting older. I don’t care.”

I yearn to learn. I admit it. When I attended high school, I actually liked the challenge. Of course, I never made such a confession then. It wasn’t ‘cool’ to like school.

But now I realize what a privilege it is, not only to read, research, and learn, but also to read, research, learn, AND write! Prior to 1456, when the first Bible was produced on a printing press, all manuscripts of the Bible were laboriously copied by hand. These days, you probably have a dusty copy of the Bible some place in your home. We have an entire shelf in our bookcase dedicated to all the different versions of the Bible. I have such great admiration for those who wrote my textbooks and study guides – much more so now that I know the amount of hard work that can go into writing a 400-word devotional or a 1200 word article!

When I’m doing research, I have the entire Internet at my disposal. I can read any version I want, and listen to it being read to me if I desire. I can find numerous Bible commentaries, and countless sites with Biblical teaching.

I heard the other day that even the shyest person among us would impact at least 10,000 people over the course of his or her lifetime. And then to think that God might use some of my writing to bless others overwhelms me at times. The counter on my Devotionals blog clicked over the 30,000 mark the other day, and I have to admit, my stomach fluttered at the idea that that many people had viewed the site. I prayed, “Lord, direct people by the power of Holy Spirit who need encouragement to my site today.”

It’s not about numbers or fame, but ministry. I encourage everyone to remember our purpose – to lift up the Name of Jesus, and draw others and ourselves to Him. Let’s pause to thank God for the privilege of being a scribe for Him. May we all write beautiful words of prose and poetry, stories and teaching. What a privilege!

Donna J. Shepherd – Devotionals by Donna

Website: http://www.donnajshepherd.com

“No More Gunk! & OUCH! Sunburn!” – in Bookstores Now

Staying fit can be a battle – But God has destined you to win! Learn the powerful combination of faith and fitness from an expert: CBS “Survivor: Amazon” contestant JoAnna Ward.

Surviving the Fitness Game delivers a strategic plan to overcome the challenges of the fitness game. This interactive, 28-day fitness devotional shows you how to meet weight loss and fitness goals successfully by conquering hindrances such as “spiritual heaviness.”

Part I prepares you-mind, body, and spirit-to rebuild your “temple.”

Part II gives you “Peaces” of Pineapple to sustain you on your journey of daily devotion to God. You’ll be inspired and motivated by a true survivor with:
• Real life, practical solutions for spiritual and physical exercise
• Daily workout plans-beginner, intermediate, and advanced level
• Energizing 60-minute exercise DVD

No matter what your fitness track record has been, this book will fuel you for a fresh start. You’ll learn how to remain faithful and stay fit for the fight. At the end of the day, you’ll be a victorious survivor, shouting with JoAnna, “Hallelujah, Oh Glory! Hallelujah, Amen!”