WestBow Press Signs Deal to Release Novel: The Man in White

Quote from WestBow Editor, Ami McConnell:
“____ obtained a seminary degree and spent the better part of a decade researching and writing this novel about the Apostle Paul,” says McConnell. “Billy Graham said from the pulpit that it was the best book on Paul that he’d ever read. For me, Man in White testifies to ____’s artistic intensity and to his desire to unpack the meaning of the New Testament Scriptures. It’s an amazing book.”

Do you know who the Author is?
Here's a hint: "Hello ... I'm Johnny ____!"
I am extremely excited about this book … I received it the other day and can't wait to start reading it!!!

Here’s a link to where you can order the book: Man in White: A Novel about the Apostle Paul

Today's Challenge!!!

Paul is in chains as he writes this letter to the church at Phillipi (and to me, as well as you):
(Phillipians, Chapter 1:Verses 19-30)
I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

This morning, as I read this piece of scripture, it made me think ... do we really truly realize just how much of a life altering change we are entering into when we choose to follow Christ? At the time of my baptism, I knew I needed God in my life and that I need to change the way I was living it. I just didn't realize at the time just how much I need to change. I know that as each day goes by I realize how much I have changed, but also see how much farther I have to go. But it gives me great comfort to read passages like the one above and see that even someone as faithful as Paul had a tough go of it ... but it was his faith in Christ God and his willingness to suffer for the gospel, that someone as lost as I ... could be saved ... and that really humbles me. I'm humbled even more when I realize that God has given me that same calling ... the opportunity to use my life as a tool to do what Paul did ... to humble myself before God ... before Christ ... for it has been granted to me on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, so those who do not yet know Christ God can also be saved.

So I put this challenge before you (and myself): Today as we go out into the world, will we go about about our day eagerly expecting and hoping that we will in no way be ashamed, but we will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in our body, whether by life or by death. For to us, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Will we go on living in the body, fruitfully laboring for the lord?

Where Are You in Your "Walk By Faith"???

(Ephesians, Chapter 4:Verses 1-6)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
(Ephesians, Chapter 4:Verses 14-6)
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Are you living as a prisoner for the Lord, a life worthy of your calling? Are you living as a Child of God? or Are you living as the Gentiles did? Are you saying you live for Christ but find it more important to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. When you talk, are you building up your fellow Christian or breaking him down? Are you carrying around bitterness, rage and anger, brawling or slander? Are you forgiving your fellow man as Christ God has forgiven you?

Where ever you are in your walk, I pray that you are closer to walking with Christ as a prisoner for the Lord, then walking with Christ as the Gentiles did. I pray that if you are having a hard time forgiving as Christ God forgave you, that you would pray to God, to help you soften your heart and not only forgive but also to rebuild. Amen.

Jeremy Camp - Walk by Faith (live dvd version)

I recently came across this video and thought it was awesome. I wanted to post this for Al ... a man that very much shows everyone that he Walks by Faith and Truly Believes!!! Our prayers are with you Buddy.