Saving My Assassin - Book Review

The courage it took for Virginia Prodan to faithfully stand for Christ can only come from the One she served unabashedly.

Saving My Assassin, the memoir of Mrs. Prodan, is truly an incredible story of salvation, courage, fortitude and perseverance, all for the glory of Christ.

Romania is a country that has been plagued by Communism for years, and this is the country Virginia grew up in. Through God's providence and so much hard work, she was able to become an attorney for this Communist state. She became a believer soon afterward and became a defense attorney for believers who had been arrested for their Christian beliefs and how their lives were lived because of it. She ended up being arrested herself. She went through agony, torture and almost death. But God had His mighty hand on her and wasn't done with the work she had for her to do.

A couple of things struck me hard:
1. Each time Mrs. Prodan was in the valley of the shadow of death and facing extreme fear, the Word of God rolled off her lips and in her heart. His Word is what sustained her. This reminds me of how important Scripture memory is. At some point we may not have the unlimited access to our most prized possession and we must have it hidden away where no one can take it from.

2. There were so many times that the Communist Security and prosecution would say that the country's constitution meant nothing. That they could override it. This concept in hitting home way closer than I would have ever thought possible.

I believe books like this will be a source of encouragement in the days to come in America in more ways than the author may have ever thought possible. Her story will invigorate us to stand for truth. For the one who is TRUTH!

As a part of the Tyndale blogging Network, I received a free copy of this book.

They Say We are Infidels - Book Review

This world we live in is so tumultuous! We, in America, have lived in a sort of bubble for so long, but the international headlines are hitting close to home more and more often.

The latest book I have picked up to review is a hard read. Not hard in the fact that it is difficult in literary issues, just a difficult topic to swallow. But Mindy Belz does an outstanding job in raising the awareness of the topic at hand, persecuted Christians in the Middle East at the hands of ISIS. In her book, They Say We are Infidels, she takes us to pre-9/11 in Iraq. She educates us on the culture and customs and politics of the Middle East. Along the way you become introduced to several Christians who have had to flee for their lives because of persecution.

At the time of 9/11 and thereafter, the majority in America became well familiar with the name of Sadam Hussein. We were glad to see the liberation of the Iraqi people. We rejoiced to see the American flag flown in place of their former dictator! But we had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. There were people waiting for this to happen so they could come to power. And now, those of us living in 2016, are seeing the results of this. They Say We are Infidels is an excellent history of how ISIS rose to power, but more importantly, how Christians in the Middle East have the power of Someone greater than ISIS in their lives. You will be in awe and shed tears as you read this powerful book.

Read it and pass it on to others!

Note: I received a free copy of this book as part of the Tyndale Blogging Network.

Reminding Myself...

When life throws the curve ball, which seems to come way too often at 103 mph, I fight to turn to the Scripture, where I know I will find hope and peace. The fast pitch came in last night and almost hit me in the ribs. Actually knocked my breath away...again. I stumbled. I fell to my knees. Anger tried to capture me, but it wasn't long before the Spirit brought humility and right thoughts.

So as Mr. Cartwright and I opened the Word this morning, we turned to the innumerable promises of our Great God.

I meditate on them today.

Here are just a few.

*We will be rewarded for perseverance.
Matthew 10:22 "The one who endures to the end will be saved."

*The Lord will give us rest.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

*The righteous will shine.
Matthew 13:43 "Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father."

*The Lord gives wisdom.
Luke 21:14-18 "Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand on how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand and contradict. You will be delivered up even by brothers and parents and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for My Name's sake, but not a hair of your head will perish."

These are just a few of God's Words that give hope when all around gives way. My thoughts turn to those Believers in Iraq and other countries that are fleeing for their lives.

That puts life into perspective. My God and their God is good. He remains good and will uphold His children.

More promises to come.....

It's Not That Easy

The Puebla Ponderosa has just started week seven in Sabbath schooling this year. This means we are taking a break from normal school and doing some fun school; visits, field trip, etc.

This morning we were doing our worship around the breakfast table and have come to the 7th chapter of Acts. Stephen, a newly appointed deacon, is preaching to the religious crowd. He recounts the old testament seeing through the lens of God's mercy and judgment. He then pronounces the truth of where the religious leaders, chief priests and people stand.

Stiff-necked. Uncircumcised. Resisters of the Holy Spirit. Persecutors like your fathers.

Their response?

Grinding their teeth, stopping their ears, screaming; they rushed at him. Picking up stones they began stoning him.

His response as he was dying?

"Father, do not hold this against them."

This has cut to the core of my own heart. As I was relating this all to my children, my littlest one said, "Mommy, he should of asked them to 'Please, don't do that'."

I looked at her knowing she was relating information that we have used in conflict resolution. But deep down, I think she was cut to the quick too. She wanted them to stop.

God's story is amazing, for He used this to further the kingdom of His dear Son. She has a hard time grasping this, but I pray one day all my children's faith will be as strong.

One day, very soon, they may need to stand up in the same way.

The Story of Commander Deeds (Part II)

"Though he knew his life in danger, Todd refused to leave. 'I beg you to believe on the Lord Jesus', he said. The commander was furious. He went upstairs and came down with his pistol. 'Go, or I will shoot you now,' he threatened. Todd answered, 'I have come to ask you to believe in the Lord Jesus. If you want to shoot me, go ahead. But before you do, let me pray for you.' He knelt before the commander and prayed, 'O God, here is a man who does not know You. Please save him!' He stayed on his knees while the commander towered over him with the gun. 'Have mercy on him, Lord!' he cried out. 'Have mercy on the commander!'"

"Young Todd prayed like this for several minutes before he heard a sigh, then the sound of the pistol being laid aside. Soon the commander knelt down beside him and, after a moment of weeping, prayed, 'O God, have mercy on Commander Deeds.'"

"The commander was saved at that instant, and after praying some more, he rose and took the hand of his young friend, saying, 'I have heard the Gospel all my life, but today I have seen the Gospel for the first time.' On the following Lord's Day, Commander Deeds went to the church to worship. And before he died, he led several dozen people to the Lord."

As Watchman Nee finished this story, he spoke these words.

"Beloved, there are two big days in the life of the believer: the day on which he believes in the Lord - and every day after that when he leads someone to faith in Christ. This is my challenge to you. Witness to at least one person a day. Witness to whomever you meet."

-excerpt taken from Watchman Nee by Bob Laurent, pg 103

This is a challenge to me and you. Let our lights shine, sisters...brightly and loudly...with words and actions.

A Book Review...To Change My Focus...and Yours

So often, living life is all about us and our needs. In this most recent book review for Booksneeze, I am challenged to remember those far from home, that deal with pain and persecution on a daily basis. I am thankful for Beth Moore and Kim Davis' hearts in wanting all of us, but especially women, to see through the eyes of other believers around the world and the ins and outs of their lives.

We say we are persecuted here in the west, but we really don't have a clue what this means. Not only does this devotional help redirect our focus off of ourselves, but as we all endure trials, it reminds us that there is someone always dealing with harder issues than ourselves. As I read through this book, I also learned much about the lives of other women who live in much harsher and more difficult days. Running water and washing clothes is a very easy task to perform....one I take for granted. As a mother, I am rearing my children in a very safe place. Not so for many of these women. Another thing to bring much thankfulness to my heart.

God is the One making the difference in these lives. The same God I worship. The same Faithful God who cares about the very number of hairs on my head.