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Sunday, November 1, 2009

How Christian Authors Can Break into Publishing

For Christian authors who have written a book and are looking for an aggressive publisher than can help publish and market that book, Strategic Book Marekting seems to offer some very good services for first time Christian authors. This publisher is currently accepting manuscript submissions from Christian authors who have a goal to spread spirituality and inspiration to the world. Their Christian publishing webpage offers Christians the benefit of excellent publishing guidance, suggestions and statements of faith to encourage authors in their journey as writers and future published authors.

“What is a Christian book? Books that support our statement of beliefs will be considered ‘Christian’ works for the purposes of publication. Writings that are religious or spiritual in nature but do not support the statement of beliefs will be referred to other divisions of the AEG Publishing Group. Determination of a writing as ‘Christian’ is to be solely determined by the publisher,” reports their webpage. Strategic Book Marketing has a mission to help new writers, especially Christian writers with a strong passion for the Gospel.

The great thing about Strategic Book Marketing is the fact that their Christian publishing division is led by devoted and passionate Christians. This helps provide leadership qualities to the division, as well as experience in writing and publishing, Christian authors have a strong advocate at Strategic Book Marketing that can direct and guide them through the publishing process.

The way the process works is simple. Christian authors are encouraged to fill out a form and provide information about themselves, their work and their goals. From there, the publisher will determine if the book is a good fit and whether or not they will publish it. The great thing about Strategic Book Marketing is the fact that they offer one-on-one, personalized attention. You’re not just a number with them; you’re a human being – an author with a message to share with the world.

It’s always a good idea to read testimonies of other writers and their experiences with Strategic Book Marketing. The author’s edge page provides a glimpse into the positive experiences of authors and the successes they’ve encountered with their newly published books.

Monday, June 1, 2009

DO YOU HAVE VICTORY OVER EVIL?

"The Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8

Many people do not believe in the devil, an evil one or anything of that magnitude, yet we're told over and over in Scripture of such a power. The good news is that Jesus lived and died to destroy the work of the devil in our lives. This doesn't mean we may not go through hard times and be tempted by evil, but it does mean that the battle is won in Christ. He secured our salvation against the evil one through living a perfect life. Satan no longer has power over those who live by faith.

The works of the devil include bondage to sin, fear, and all things evil. The power over these works in our lives is destroyed by Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

When you consider your own life, the question then becomes, am I appropriating faith into all avenues of my life? Am I aware of the complete power I can have as a follower of God? Am I still in bondage to sin, fear, death and evil?

In examining our lives, we can see whether or not we have claimed by faith the victory and overcoming blood of Christ into all areas of our lives. There is no time like the present to accept the power and victory that is ours by faith.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Don't Fear the Enemy

"No weapon formed against thee shall prosper." Isaiah 54:17

God is comforting His people with this verse. You see, many a believer has had to deal with the weapons of enemies, and usually, they are of the emotional and spiritual kind, not of the physical.

It is a nice promise to know that God will not let the weapons of gossip, slander and evil surmise to prosper against us. He will not allow His people to be destroyed by the wicked words and gestures of those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

Our focus needs to be on God, His Word, and His will for our lives. We need not tell others what to do or how to do it...often, all we need to do is pray for those around us, including those who spiritually and emotionally try to form weapons against us.

The verses in Isaiah 54:17-20 say "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me, Says the LORD."

I like the fact that it makes it clear that our righteousness is not our own. It is from God and God alone. He is the one that condemns false judgment and any weapon formed against us, and He is the one who gives us righteousness. Remember, if you are faithful to God, no weapons formed against you will prevail or prosper. Stay true to God no matter what anyone says or does.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

WHO DO YOU TURN TO AND WHO FULFILLS YOU???

"Women, in general, will find it difficult to turn from a man and stop demanding that he meets their needs, provides security, and protects their identity, and return to me. Men, in general, find it very hard to turn from the works of their hands, their own quests for power and security and significance and return to me...women turned from us to another relationship, while men turned to themselves and the ground." The Shack.

This significant passage from the book The Shack delves deeply into the condition of men and women and how we fill that empty place with anything but God. We, women, if involved in a relationship long for the man to fill and complete us. If we're not in a relationship, we usually find social means and networks to turn to, or like a man, turn to ourselves and our work, rather than turning to God.

What does it mean to turn to God? Again, it's all about relationship. It's about letting go of power and our need for control over others and over our own situations.

"Have you noticed that even though you call me Lord and King, I have never really acted in that capacity with you? I've never taken control of your choices or forced you to do anything, even when what you were about to do was destructive or hurtful to yourself and others...To force my will on you," Jesus explained, "is exactly what love does not do. Genuine relationships are marked by submission even when your choices are not helpful or healthy." Continued from The Shack.

God seeks to fill our lives with relational love for one another. In such relationships, there is no power and control over those around us. True love allows for freedom of choice to always be present. Love is an inner circle of respect and care for the other's needs.

"My life was not meant to be an example to copy. Being my follower is not trying to 'be like Jesus,' it means for your independence to be killed. I came to give you life, real life, my life. We will come and live our life inside of you, so that you begin to see with our eyes and hear with our ears, and touch with our hands, and think like we do. But, we will never force that union on you..." Jesus, The Shack.

Let Christ in you be the ONLY hope of glory...all other means are substitutes; none of which work, nor satisfy.

ARE YOU A LAW ABIDING PERSON?

"Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10

The law of God, also known as the 10 Commandments or Moral Law, is a very exact "do's and don'ts" list. For the believer, it is the mirror one compares him or herself to. It either shows you are aligned with God's "letter of the law" rules or you're not. The fact is, none of us are. We are not without sin and therefore, all of us have broken the rules.

This is why Christ had to die for us. He was our substitute for sin...the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Only Christ met the conditions of the law. He was perfect and kept the law perfectly. He was not only our substitute, but our example. Christ as God on earth was love magnified, and love is the fulfillment of the law. This is the key to the law - love.

Love leads to grace. Though God has a standard, He loves us and sent His only Son to die on our behalf...before He died, He also lived. In that life, love was magnified. Christ was perfect and taught us not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law. As we invite Him into our hearts, He becomes the law abider in us. "Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Not only does God long to fulfill His will and His law in you, He longs to show you that perfect obedience is found in love - love for God and love for others. As you love God, you obey Him and as you obey and love Him, you can't help but share love with others. Love, my friends, is the fulfillment of the law.

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Power of Love

If there is one force in the world that can change a person, it's love. Mushy love. Devoted love. True love. Redeeming love...no matter the type of love, it has power.

God has the ultimate kind of love to give the human race. It's the type of love that flows down and into the very dark places of our souls that need healing. These are areas closed off to most people. These broken places are what God longs to heal in us. If the person you love most has brought you much happiness, what God can do is bring you ultimate joy of soul that lasts. Even when you're apart from the one you love, God's love is always there with you and so is His presence.

Through the Holy Spirit, man is cared for in ways that no one fully understands. This powerful energy source tends to our greatest needs, bringing comfort when we need it most. Truth when we hunger for it. Conviction when we're in a place of decision.

God's love comes to us in ways we don't always realize. He is there when we are alone and in need. He is there when everyone is gone or we have been abandoned. He is there when we are hurting and broken. God longs to love us and bring us into a healing relationship that transforms the human heart.

God's love is all around us in nature...in the quiet, remarkable sunset; in the amazing peaceful river flowing by...in the picturesque snow fall that takes us by surprise...in the beauty and calmness of a sleeping pet. God's love flows to us from everywhere. He longs for our joy and happiness...He longs to give us salvation and bring us into a relationship of trust with Him.

Everything that is good, pure, holy, true and redeeming comes from God. Everything that brings rest of spirit and life to the soul comes from God. He is simply waiting for you to see all that He has done for you...like a lover, He has done all He can to show you how much He cares and loves you. He longs for you today...simply open the door of your heart and let him in.

Monday, May 25, 2009

A Walk of Faith

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Faith is one of the most powerful substances in the world. It's what creates change in one's life. Faith, even outside of a belief in God, can help a person achieve much. Faith in God, however, is the greatest power in the world.

As you lay hold on the author of your faith - God Himself, you join with Him in recreating your heart, mind and soul. Faith is the saving element. Through the grace and mercy of God, your faith can save you. More than just in salvation, faith can lead to a changed life. Old habits and patterns are broken. New life and hope are injected into your psyche. You begin to live in possibilities, not limitations.

When people begin to see the possibilities of life, their faith and hope grows. Faith is a substance, an energy, a life force -- a seed to greatness in achieving anything one puts her "faith" into.

All of us have a degree of faith...each person has hope...alone a person can achieve a lot, but in cooperation with God, a supernatural creative being, that person can achieve all things. "All things are possible with God." Not some, but all! Do you believe it??

Faith is a supernatural-like motivation that each person has been given. The Bible says all of us were born with it. Unfortunately, many give it up, thanks to their own doubts and so-called "rational thinking." If only they had taken that seed of faith and planted it! If only they had watered it with inspiration, meditation and prayer! It's not too late. It's never too late! You still have that seed of faith in you that God planted at your birth. Take it today and build on it. It is a SUBSTANCE, to be directed towards your salvation first and foremost and to the benefit your life and the lives of others throughout the course of your time on earth.