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THIS IS THE LORD’S BATTLE by JANET SKETCHLEY 12/7/2019 12:05:00 AM BY Patti Shene
FEATURED BOOK: A Year of Tenacity: 365 Daily Devotions
AUTHOR: Janet Sketchley
PUBLISHER: Independent
GENRE: Devotional/Christian Living
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Stand alone
TARGET AGE: Adult
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR JANET SKETCHLEY TO PATTI’S PORCH. JANET SHARES A CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL AND ADDRESSES THE BATTLES GOD NEVER INTENDED US TO FACE DURING THIS MOST BLESSED SEASON.
JANET IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR WINNER’S CHOICE OF A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF A YEAR OF TENACITY: 365 DAILY DEVIOTIONS.
THIS IS THE LORD’S BATTLE
by
Janet Sketchley
And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you [Goliath and the enemy Philistines] to us!
1 Samuel 17:47, NLT*
This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15b, NLT*
When we say “this is (insert name here)’s battle,” we can mean a couple of different things. We may be that naming the commander or army or nation who is winning—ascribing victory. Or we may be pointing out where the responsibility or ownership of the conflict lies—not to absolve ourselves of the need to assist but to recognize we’re not in charge.
In today’s verses, God’s people had roles to play but God made it clear it wasn’t up to them to achieve the victory. They were to act in trust and obedience to Him.
What does this have to do with Christmas?
While our preparations shouldn’t feel like a battle—although they can at times—the pressures mount, the calendar is counting down, and we can take on too much responsibility. We’re carrying a burden of ownership that God never intended.
Are there ways to simplify? Are we doing things we’ve placed on our own shoulders that nobody else requires? Are we doing things that others require when we may need to prayerfully and gently set boundaries?
Whatever we’re doing, no matter how important, let’s remember the battle is the Lord’s. We’re not in control. We’re not the boss, nor the victor. But He is. What He has allowed into our lives for us to do, areas for us to serve in our communities, our churches, workplaces, and families, He gives the strength and the equipping to complete. Can we rest and rely on Him and experience serving without stressing?
Holy and strong God, thank You that where You call, You equip. You are our sufficiency and our competence. Please show me where to focus my attention today and each day of this blessed Christmas season. Don’t let me miss the joy by taking on responsibility for getting everything done or making everything perfect. Lead me in what to do, and help me trust You to bring it all together. Thank You for Your mercy and grace.
Back cover copy for A Year of Tenacity: 365 Daily Devotions:
365 Daily Devotions to Warm Your Spirit and Encourage Your Heart
“Tenacity” is persistence. Holding on. Not giving up. It’s a quality we need as Christians, and the beautiful thing we discover as we spend time with the Lord is the depth of His tenacity toward us. We may falter, but His hold is sure, His love unshakable, and His grace without limit.
Like the wild rose thrives with its roots anchored in the cleft in the rock, we find life and security when we abide in our Rock.
The conversational-style insights and heart-sharing moments in A Year of Tenacity will bless and inspire. Entries are numbered by day, not by date, so readers aren’t tied to a calendar year and don’t have to play catch-up if they miss a few days.
Honest, engaging, and uplifting, these devotionals are ideal for both long-time Christians and those just finding their way.
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A PRINT EBOOK COPY OF A YEAR OF TENACITY: 365 DAILY DEVIOTIONS BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH AT MIDNIGHT MST. (Print or ebook for continental US or Canada, ebook for worldwide)
BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.
Primarily a writer of Christian mysteries and suspense, Janet Sketchley is also the author of the devotional collection, A Year of Tenacity. Janet is an Atlantic Canadian writer who loves Jesus and her family, and enjoys reading, worship music, and tea.
TURNING OFF THE CHRISTMAS MACHINE by LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT 12/4/2019 6:20:00 AM BY Patti Shene
FEATURED BOOK: A Doctor in the House (The Hope of Christmas Collection)
AUTHOR: Linda Shenton Matchett
PUBLISHER: CelebrateLit
GENRE: Historical Romance
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Stand Alone
TARGET AGE: Adult
IS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS ALREADY BURIED UNDER A MOUNTAIN OF EXPECTATIONS AND COMMERCIALISM? AUTHOR LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT SHARES SOME SUGGESTIONS HOW TO TAKE A BREAK AND FIND JOY IN THE SEASON.
LINDA IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR AN EBOOK COPY OF THE HOPE OF CHRISTMAS COLLECTION (INCLUDING A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE).
TURNING OFF THE CHRISTMAS MACHINE
(or how to survive the holidays)
by
Linda Shenton Matchett
The retail industry unveils Christmas earlier each year. This year, some stores didn’t even wait until after Halloween to trot out their displays. In addition to the barrage of advertisements everywhere I look (including my smart phone – ugh!), I sometimes find myself too busy to enjoy the holiday or feel worshipful during the Christmas Eve service. The grind of getting year-end tasks done at work and meeting writing deadlines is overwhelming.
It can snuff the joy of the season right out of a person.
Here are a few ways I have found to recapture the sense of wonder and awe of God’s gift of His Son’s birth:
Listen to music. Make an appointment with yourself and God (outside your regular devotional time) and go to a favorite location where you can be alone. If it’s in the house be sure to shut the door and hang a “do not disturb” sign on the knob. Using the music producing device of your choice (iPod, CD, YouTube, etc.), listen to Christmas carols. Lots of Christmas carols. Listen at a sound level that tunes outeverything else. Sing along (no matter your vocal ability) and pay attention to the words. Let God remind you of the “reason for the season.”
Take a walk. Yes, I know it’s winter, and here in New England it’s downright frigid. Bundle up and tuck hand-warmers in your gloves. Promise yourself a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee upon return. As you walk, look at God’s creation. With the leaves gone, it’s easier to notice the variations in tree bark, size and shape of shrubs, and the nuances of color in soil and stones. Talk to God and thank Him for His attention to detail in everything He made. Be specific. Remember, He could have created one type of everything, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. Instead, He gave us variety beyond belief.
Go to church. Not on Sunday or a day it’s full of people, but when the building is vacant. Let yourself into the sanctuary. Remove your coat and sit down in one of the pews. Take a deep breath. Then another. Is there a cross in the room? Gaze at it and remember that before Christ died for us, He came into the world as a tiny baby. Then list the reasons you are thankful at this particular time of year. Speak them out loud. You may feel foolish at first, but once you get going, you’ll discover they readily roll off your tongue.
It’s my prayer that you’ll be able to turn off the Christmas machine this year, and regain the joy of the season.
“…Behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11 (NASB)
Blurb forA Doctor in the House (Part of The Hope of Christmas collection):
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?
Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF THE HOPE OF CHRISTMAS COLLECTION BETWEEN NOW AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH AT MIDNIGHT MST.
BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.
Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, she has lived in historical places most of her life. Now located in central New Hampshire, Linda’s favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors. Connect with Linda:
WHAT IF? by BONNIE ENGSTROM 11/29/2019 11:20:00 PM BY Patti Shene
Patti never expected to portray a legendary character, nor fall in love. She just wanted a part-time job over the holidays. But between the Simon Cowell look-a-like guy who played Santa and her eleven-year-old granddaughter Tabitha, and maybe God, she pulled on the green vinyl boots, powdered her eyebrows and “sucked it up,” as Tabby would say until . . . the Santa who came to give out gifts at church was different. And she kissed him. Did she kiss the wrong Santa?
Clean, inspirational fiction. Publisher ~ Winged Publications. A novella for ages 10-100.
WHAT IF?
What if you were a “slightly” older woman, a school teacher, widowed, living alone and bored during the holiday season?
What if you have a super smart granddaughter who is a bit precocious at eleven?
What if you depended on her for the truth?
What if you loved all things Christmas and always had a secret desire to be Mrs. Santa Claus?
What if the opportunity came up? Would you take it? Even if the other teachers chided you?
What if the Santa who hired you needs your help with his grandson?
What if with every suggestion or comment you make, he replies with “Whatever.”?
What if your granddaughter played Elf?
What if she spotted the fake Santa and said you kissed the wrong Santa because he smelled different?
What if you found the answers to these questions in HER SECRET SANTA?
Something fun to know:
This book is dedicated to my longtime friend from high school, Sandy Cervi Bacasa, who inspired this story by playing Mrs. Santa and never colored her stunning gray-white hair. She is a beautiful woman and a perfect Mrs. Claus.
Another fun fact:
Tabitha, the granddaughter in the story, is based on my granddaughter, Teagan, who really does always call me “Grammy.” But you have to read the story to understand this comment.
Bonnie will gladly gift either an eBook or mail a print copy of Her Secret Santa (reader’s choice) to a reader within the contiguous U.S. who makes a comment
Bonnie Engstrom loves Christmas and lives with her own Santa of 55 years, even though he complains about setting up the nine-foot tree every year, then loves putting the angel on top and stands back to admire it. She and Dave are blessed to live in Arizona with their two dogs and near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live on the beach in Costa Rica and surf. Pura Vida!
FEATURED BOOK: A Year of Tenacity: 365 Daily Devotions
AUTHOR: Janet Sketchley
PUBLISHER: Independent
GENRE: Devotional/Christian Living
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Stand alone
TARGET AGE: Adult
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR JANET SKETCHLEY TO PATTI’S PORCH. JANET SHARES A CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL AND ADDRESSES THE BATTLES GOD NEVER INTENDED US TO FACE DURING THIS MOST BLESSED SEASON.
JANET IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR WINNER’S CHOICE OF A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF A YEAR OF TENACITY: 365 DAILY DEVIOTIONS.
THIS IS THE LORD’S BATTLE
by
Janet Sketchley
And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you [Goliath and the enemy Philistines] to us!
1 Samuel 17:47, NLT*
This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15b, NLT*
When we say “this is (insert name here)’s battle,” we can mean a couple of different things. We may be that naming the commander or army or nation who is winning—ascribing victory. Or we may be pointing out where the responsibility or ownership of the conflict lies—not to absolve ourselves of the need to assist but to recognize we’re not in charge.
In today’s verses, God’s people had roles to play but God made it clear it wasn’t up to them to achieve the victory. They were to act in trust and obedience to Him.
What does this have to do with Christmas?
While our preparations shouldn’t feel like a battle—although they can at times—the pressures mount, the calendar is counting down, and we can take on too much responsibility. We’re carrying a burden of ownership that God never intended.
Are there ways to simplify? Are we doing things we’ve placed on our own shoulders that nobody else requires? Are we doing things that others require when we may need to prayerfully and gently set boundaries?
Whatever we’re doing, no matter how important, let’s remember the battle is the Lord’s. We’re not in control. We’re not the boss, nor the victor. But He is. What He has allowed into our lives for us to do, areas for us to serve in our communities, our churches, workplaces, and families, He gives the strength and the equipping to complete. Can we rest and rely on Him and experience serving without stressing?
Holy and strong God, thank You that where You call, You equip. You are our sufficiency and our competence. Please show me where to focus my attention today and each day of this blessed Christmas season. Don’t let me miss the joy by taking on responsibility for getting everything done or making everything perfect. Lead me in what to do, and help me trust You to bring it all together. Thank You for Your mercy and grace.
*Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Back cover copy for A Year of Tenacity: 365 Daily Devotions:
365 Daily Devotions to Warm Your Spirit and Encourage Your Heart
“Tenacity” is persistence. Holding on. Not giving up. It’s a quality we need as Christians, and the beautiful thing we discover as we spend time with the Lord is the depth of His tenacity toward us. We may falter, but His hold is sure, His love unshakable, and His grace without limit.
Like the wild rose thrives with its roots anchored in the cleft in the rock, we find life and security when we abide in our Rock.
The conversational-style insights and heart-sharing moments in A Year of Tenacity will bless and inspire. Entries are numbered by day, not by date, so readers aren’t tied to a calendar year and don’t have to play catch-up if they miss a few days.
Honest, engaging, and uplifting, these devotionals are ideal for both long-time Christians and those just finding their way.
Amazon buy link
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A PRINT EBOOK COPY OF A YEAR OF TENACITY: 365 DAILY DEVIOTIONS BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH AT MIDNIGHT MST. (Print or ebook for continental US or Canada, ebook for worldwide)
BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.
Primarily a writer of Christian mysteries and suspense, Janet Sketchley is also the author of the devotional collection, A Year of Tenacity. Janet is an Atlantic Canadian writer who loves Jesus and her family, and enjoys reading, worship music, and tea.
Connect with Janet:
Website
Facebook