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#WalkItOut Podcast 080: Audrey Frank

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I can't wait for you to listen to my impactful interview with Audrey Frank!
I can’t wait for you to listen to my impactful interview with Audrey Frank, author of the book Covered Glory! I know you are going to be so blessed!

I know that you may think that I record this podcast for you — and I do! but really, I get so much out of it. Every time I’m done recording, I turn off the mic, I sit back and I think “Thank you, God, so much for that conversation.” Through these amazing interviews with my guests, God opens my eyes to what He is doing in the world. In today’s episode with Audrey Frank, you will definitely feel that. We’re going to chat a little about her new book, Covered Glory: The Face of Honor and Shame in the Muslim World. I learned so much in this interview about honor and shame in the Muslin and other communities and how so much in their culture stems from those two things.

In talking with Audrey, you can really hear her love for sharing the gospel. Not in a way that is pounding it over their heads, but in a loving way. Just sitting face-to-face and opening the Word of God and letting the Word of God speak to the listener. I think so many times we think that we have to have all the right words and all the right things to get someone to follow God when really it’s not up to us. We just have to present the gospel, and God will work in amazing ways.

I know you are going to enjoy my conversation with Audrey Frank! I know you will be blessed!  You can listen above or on iTunes. I’d love it if you share this with your friends.

This week’s episode is sponsored by:

Links from the Show
Covered Glory
Honor and Shame: Unlocking the Door
Audrey Frank’s Free Resources

This week’s Walk It Out scripture 

Isaiah 61:7
Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

Learn more about Audrey Frank
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter

Connect with Tricia
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

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My Soul Finds Rest | Psalm 62:1-2

 

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Saturday Scripture

Psalm 62:1-2

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Only you provide the peace, the rest, the hope my soul so desperately longs for. Forgive me for looking to other things to fill the ache within or calm my fears. Only you will suffice. You are my fortress, my rock, my salvation. I don’t deserve your steadfast love, but am so grateful you will always give it to me. I love you, Lord, and I trust you with my today and tomorrow.

My soul finds rest in God alone. Psalm 62:1-2 is @TriciaGoyer’s verse of the week

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

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Alive in Christ Jesus | Romans 6:8-11

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Saturday Scripture

 

Romans 6:8-11

 

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

 

Prayer

Papa God, I can never fully express how grateful and humbled I am that you sent your one and only son to die for my sins. Thank you for this holiday season to celebrate the new life I have in you because of Jesus. May I not take your sacrifice for granted, but embrace and honor it every day. Thank you that I am dead to sin and alive in you! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

The best news to celebrate: we are dead to sin & alive to God in Christ! @TriciaGoyer

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Walking with Jesus

walking with jesus

Walking with Jesus

 

One of my favorite things about writing devotions for Mornings with Jesus was sitting down and thinking about my own encounters with Jesus—really taking that time to reflect on my relationship with Him. I began writing or thinking about each devotion by asking myself, “What Scriptures have really impacted my life?” I would write out the Scripture verse, and then jot down experiences I’ve had that are related to that verse. It was a wonderful time of reflection for me as I looked back at the moments in my life and realized how God’s Word has brought understanding and strength to my life, and pushed me to change.

What Scriptures have really impacted your life? @TriciaGoyer

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Some of the devotions came to me through that reflection process. Others were borne out of my own personal quiet time. As I met Jesus in the morning and read His Word, special Scriptures would stand out. I knew God had a plan for me to include those, too.

Since I’m a novelist, I like lots of description … it was hard to keep myself to the shorter word count of a devotion. Writing for Mornings with Jesus has also reminded me to pause as I read God’s Word and think about what one message God’s speaking to me at that moment.

The biggest lesson I learned as I was writing was thankfulness. As I wrote about the Scriptures that meant the most to me—and about the numerous ways Jesus met me in everyday moments—my heart was flooded with gratitude. I realized even more that Jesus has given us the amazing gift of salvation but He didn’t stop there. He gave us Himself to walk beside our every step. My life and my devotional stories are proof of that.

My prayer for every Mornings with Jesus reader is that these devotions stir their hearts to open to our amazing Savior, and that the devotions give them a hunger to build a deeper, personal relationship with Him.

Jesus gave us Himself to walk beside our every step! @TriciaGoyer

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 Read the original post at Guideposts.org. Want more devotions? Check out Mornings with Jesus 2015.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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What’s So Good About Good Friday?

good fri“I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you … that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, [and] that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1,3-4 (NIV)

Today, people all around the world are celebrating Good Friday. Businesses are closed and, in some cases, school is out. Yet, when I was younger I used to wonder what was so “Good” about it. I mean Jesus died a horrible death . . . are we supposed to celebrate that?

As I grew older, I came to realize that the “good” part of Good Friday is what I received out of the deal.

The “good” part of Good Friday is what I received out of the deal! @TriciaGoyer

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Before I accepted Christ at age seventeen, I was empty, lonely, and fearful. I was pregnant and alone. I had no hope for the future.

Today, I have family, friends, and a writing career, but even more than that–I have Christ. He fills me with joy, guides my steps, and strengthens me to live in this confusing world. He has given me hope.

What about you? Have you taken time to think about your life and where you’re headed? Good Friday is a great time to ponder this. Because what happened on this day thousands of years ago can profoundly impact your life, too.

It can hard to celebrate such a somber day—the day your one and only Son died on the cross for me—but I am forever grateful for the love and saving grace I have as result. Thank you for Jesus and his sacrifice for ME! Help me remember that powerful truth each day and not just around the Easter season. I love you, Father God!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Unwrapping the Gift | The Angels

MOB-Dec15

Unwrapping the Gift – The Angels

In our household, Christmas doesn’t seem like Christmas until the tree is set up and the angel graces the top. Dressed in a white dress with feathery wings, our ceramic angel looks a bit like Elsa from Frozen. She’s a total sissy if you ask me.

During the Christmas season it may be easy to forget about how awesome angels were when we’re surrounded by chubby cherubs or Elsa look-alikes, but, Moms, we’d be doing our sons a disservice if we didn’t reveal angels according to the true Biblical account. We have a lot we can teach our boys about this. The real angels were very cool dudes who ushered in the answer for the greatest mystery of the universe.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” Luke 2:8-9 (ESV).

Church Christmas pageants aren’t complete without adorable children dressed in angel costumes declaring, “Glory to God in the Highest and peace on earth and good will to men.” The angels sent by God, however made the shepherds very afraid. These were no princesses in pretty dresses–they displayed the power and glory of their Creator.

Message Delivered

When the shepherds headed to the hills with the sheep that night, they didn’t expect to meet eternal messengers. Angels in the Bible are exactly that: messengers. They take the words of God and deliver them to men. Their words are not their own. They only speak what God tells them.

These messengers were eternal beings. They were created by God and were witnesses to the earthly struggles. Angelic messengers were sent many times in history, but never with good news such as this:

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger,” (ESV).

That was their message: God was coming to earth as a man. The immortal was becoming mortal. An unbelievable message indeed!

The Mortal Discovered

Can you picture the angel’s whispered awe when they witnessed the babe in the manger, “He has his Father’s eyes.” Jesus was everything they knew God to be, and something completely new too: flesh.

“For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,” says Colossians 1:19 (NLT). Christ in His human nature was the visible essence of the invisible God. The very angels who worshipped God on His throne witnessed God cloaking himself in flesh by becoming a frail babe.

God-come-to-earth became alive as a man. As everyone knows, what lives can also die. God, who was eternal became mortal. But why? What would make God lower himself in such a way? The clue was in the words they proclaimed.

Mystery Solved

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:10-14 (ESV)

The reason for the birth was peace on earth. Not the peace like men and women have prayed for—begged for. Even 2,000 years after Jesus’ birth there are still fights and wars and battles between (and within) men.

Instead, because God chose to live as a mortal, and die as one too, sin and death were overcome.

The mystery was that the angel’s praises weren’t just for that night, but for all time … and for all people. Angels were sent to deliver the best news ever: God made into mortal man made a way for all men—not just Jews during that generation—to become children of the one and only God.

Read the rest of the post and find out who the mystery is for over at themobsociety.com!

The angel’s praises weren’t just for that night, but for all time & people @TriciaGoyer

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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3 Reasons You Need Jesus

3 Reasons You Need Jesus

Three Reasons You Need Jesus

You can sing Jesus Loves Me, but it’s more than a song. You wonder if life can be different. You wonder if it’s just enough to respect who Jesus was. Do you really need Him?

Yes, and here are three reasons why:

1. Because the Nothing Takes the Emptiness Away

You may have been an unplanned pregnancy. (I was.) You may have grown up with feelings that you aren’t enough. (I did.) Maybe you’ve tried to find happiness from people or things. (Done that, too, and failed.) Maybe you question if striving for happiness will ever bring it into your life. (It won’t.)

Inside there is a void. There’s an empty feeling that tells you things aren’t OK, even if you have a smile plastered to your face. In your mind there is a clanging—like a hammer against a bell. Ringing out the regrets. You’ve done things you hope no one, no one, will find out.

Jesus already knows. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He’s seen it ALL, and He still loves you—more than you can ever know.

2. Because You Can’t Do Life Alone

You weren’t made to take a solo journey. You weren’t made to have to try to figure it out all by yourself. Jesus not only wants to be there to give you strength, help, hope, love—He wants to give you Himself. He wants to be your best friend. He believes in you. He believes in the best in you. He doesn’t see you as you are, but who you will be when He gets His hands on you.

3. Because You Long for a Happily-Ever-After

Even though fairytales are things of books, you want to have something to look forward to. You want a love that will last. You want a future you can eagerly anticipate. You want to have someone you can trust forever. You want joy in a world of sadness, and peace in a world of restlessness.

The best part of Jesus being there yesterday, today, and for all eternity is that He’s had time to think of you and plan an amazing life—and eternity—for you.

Psalm 40:5 says, “O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.”

Psalm 33:1 says, “But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.”

If you’re ready to 1) allow Jesus into that emptiness, 2) turn over your life into His hands, and 3) place hope in the plans He has for your life and your eternity, then here’s a simple prayer.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I know that You created me with a need that only You—as my Lord—can fill.

I place my life in your hands.

I believe you lived on earth, died for me, and that your death paid for my sins.

I trust that from this moment, Your shed blood covers over all I’ve done and gives me a clean slate.

By faith I accept what you’ve done as a free gift—a gift I’ll never have to work for or try to make up.

From this moment I turn in my dreams for yours, and I accept your gift of eternity.

I confess you are Lord of my life. Amen.

If you’ve prayed this prayer today, can you let me know? Also, if you know a Christian, personally tell him or her about your decision and ask for help in finding a good Bible-believing church. Also start reading God’s Word for yourself. (Try www.biblegateway.com if you don’t have a Bible at home.)

I’m thrilled about your decision, and I know your life will never be the same!

God doesn’t see you as you are, but who you will be when He gets His hands on you! @TriciaGoyer

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More Resources:

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

New Christian’s Handbook: Everything Believers Need to Know by Max Anders

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Resurrection Eggs Crack Open Easter’s True Meaning

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Resurrection Eggs Crack Open Easter’s True Meaning

I’ve been a fan of Resurrection Eggs for many years. I started using them a few years ago with the young women in Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Many of these young women had never heard the TRUE Easter story, and it was a great way to share the gospel in a fun and non-threatening way.

This year I was excited to use Resurrection Eggs with my little kids. They are ages six, four, and three. I decided it would be too hard to do them all in one day (because of their attention span), so we’ve been using them over Easter week.

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The kids loved the eggs. They enjoyed opening them and revealing the object. They loved hearing the story of Jesus. And it’s opened up great conversations. For example, most children’s Bibles or storybooks do not talk much about Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, but the coins in the second day revealed the true motives of Judas’ heart.

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If you’re looking for a fun and insightful way to share the gospel go to your local Christian bookstore and pick up Resurrection Eggs!

Need a new #Easter tradition? Try @FamilyLifeOrg’s Resurrection Eggs! @TriciaGoyer

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About Resurrection Eggs

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Rediscover a perennial Easter classic: Resurrection Eggs! Each of these twelve colorful plastic eggs holds a different memory-grabbing object to take Jesus’ journey to the cross and beyond right into children’s hearts—from home to the classroom to the neighborhood hunt. The English/Spanish bilingual booklet uses simple language for children. Discover how the anticipation, surprise, and experience of Resurrection Eggs has helped Easter come alive for children around the globe.

*These Resurrection Eggs were sent to me courtesy of FamilyLife to use and review. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

I have a few books on sale right now! The Swiss Courier and Chasing Mona Lisa are only $1.99! The Promise Box is only $3.99! And Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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