Following Jesus Devotional

Following Jesus is a daily devotional Christopher D. Hudson. Immediately I was drawn to the dandelions which are the symbol for a local charity. The light sprinkle of color and silhouettes of dandelions across the bottom of each page begs the reader to pick up the book and thumb through the devotions for one hundred days. The author talks of our generation being followers on social media and encouraging us to follow Jesus and experience life-changing ways. Divided into five sections the authors tells us to strengthen our faith, grow our faith, share our faith, standing strong in our faith, and the goal of our faith which to develop a Christlike character and eternal impact. The last twenty devotions include the fruit of the spirit. Each day begins with an appropriate bible verse worth memorizing. A Reflection Question, a short prayer, and several additional scriptures complete each daily devotion. Thank you Rose Publishing for allowing me to review this PDF free of charge.

Help a Friend-Disability

This spring I trained to become a volunteer at a local museum/library. To my surprise, another Ann was also training for the position. She was in a wheelchair and was very small for a woman in her mid-twenties. I realize now that I do not know the extent of her disability. She had a ready smile and a wonderful sense of humor. Help a Friend-Disability gave wonderful needed advice concerning the deepest desires and needs of friends with disabilities. This includes what they want us to know and how we can best be of help. This resource helped me look at disabilities differently. Some disabilities cannot be seen in the physical appearance of the person. It meant a lot that Joni and friends have included Wounded Warriors in this grouping. Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq returned from the war with disabilities both visible and invisible. Nobody can know the daily battle they face against their terrors and fears. This PDF files was given to me by Rose Publishing for a fair and honest review.

Making Sense of Suffering

Joni responds to people who are suffering by providing scripture promises in God’s Holy Word. I comfort to those who are suffering through “Search for Jesus” email ministry. Not everyone who writes is a Christian, but Jesus still has comforting words. 1 Corinthians says these are “light and momentary troubles” when we consider the joys of eternity in heaven. Joni admits this answer was not helpful when she had gut wrenching pain. It took five years of being in a wheelchair to learn that suffering was refining her character and making her into a vessel for God’s work and bringing glory to God. “Affliction is like a fire, having potential for good and bad:” Joni during her suffering searched scriptures on God’s purpose for our pain. Sometimes it is to draw us closer to Him; if we will allow it to humble us and not make us bitter. Our suffering can help us be empathic to others in their pain and we are more able to comfort them. Finally our endurance is earning rewards in heaven where everything will be clear and justice will be served by the righteous judge of the universe. Rose Publishing allowed me to have this PDF file for a fair and honest review.

“God's Hand in our Hardship” written by Joni Eareckson Tada

“God's Hand in our Hardship” written by Joni Eareckson Tada attempts to answer the hard questions people always ask about suffering. The author uses her own experience to share how God has used her accident and brought good from the tragedy in her life. Her life’s work has brought glory to God. Sin came into the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We live in a fallen world. Each of us in born into sin and if not for Christ’s work on the cross we would have no chance for salvation. God uses our pain to help purify us and draw us closer to Him. Joni shares many good lessons of God's mercy and grace. She shares how difficulties strengthen our character and accomplish His purpose in our life. There are pages and pages of scriptures that I plan on using for an email prayer ministry. God's word gives us peace and reminds us of His faithfulness and provision. Joni reminds us of God's sovereignty and control over creation. Rose Publishing gave me this PDF free for an honest and fair review.

Joni Eareckson Tada No Longer Alone

Joni Eareckson Tada uses life experiences to illustrate gut wrenching emptiness.  I'm always eager to use the scriptures that Joni shares in her pamphlets. I have a widows ministry where I run errands and visit and encourage widows in my church and family. Loneliness may occur from death, divorce, job loss, or any change in circumstances. "When loneliness is coupled with physical pain it can be a dangerous potion. " Joni quotes Mother Theresa "Loneliness and a feeling of being uncared for or unwanted are the greatest poverty." She encourages the lonely to take the focus off self and onto God who then strengthens them to care for someone in greater distress. I enjoy the fact that the photographs in her pamphlets include people with disabilities. There are places a wheel chair user can volunteer. Lonely people can improve their situation if they get involved: such as join a book club, volunteer at a senior citizens center, help students do their homework, volunteer at hospitals, libraries, animal shelters. I specially like the page that encourages us to look for divine encounters. God will remember your needs and bring someone into your life. If we approach new people with this outlook, it can be a bold step to overcome loneliness. Since I'm reading this after Easter I enjoyed the examples of Christ. Even in His sorrow when he was forsaken by His father, rejected, and suffered terrible pain He thought of others from the cross. Jesus gives us power to do the same. Joni shares an anecdote about Dorothy Williams the British missionary who trained nurses in west Africa. This lesson teaches us the Devils instruments is a tool of discouragement. The Bible repeat 112 times do not be afraid. Hebrews 4:12 is our shiny sharp tool to use against our adversary. Joni's  compares our emotions to a restless tide with ebb and flow drawing us up and pushing us down down. She suggest during these times to remember the sunnier days: our blessings are gifts from God the Father. "Never doubt in the darkness what you once believed in the light." Joni shares her desert of solitude and her lonely times she sought the fellowship of the Lord Jesus. Her loneliness drove her to a deeper relationship with her Savior. One section shares the authors view of the spiritual world of angels and demons. God's angels actually rejoice when we trust and obey God. "Friend you're life is on display for millions of unseen beings." Demons and angels are watching to see if God sustaining grace really is sustaining your life. There are several prayers scattered throughout the pages which are very uplifting and meaningful. I will use them in my own prayer life. Rose Publishing gifted me with this resource for a fair and honest review.

Joni Eareckson Tada "Help a Grieving Friend"

Joni Eareckson Tada in her series "Help a Friend" writes about what to do and say to help someone suffering grief. When I saw this title I knew I had to find out how to help a dear friend who is recently lost her husband. Joni has good advice; she list the stages of grief which are usually sequential. Depending on the person; "Grief can also go underground". This is what had happened with my friend. For a while I called her weekly. Then I felt a withdrawing because of all the technicalities and paperwork that encumbered her while closing accounts and filing insurance. It is hard to know when to back off and allow time for healing yet not forget this person going through such pain. The scripture references about grief were from an easy to read translation.  My friend continued to attend church and Bible study but one week it was rainy and dark and she had a meltdown. She came back to me the next week asking if I was the one who gave her a book on dealing with grief. When I gave her the book several weeks ago she didn't seem interested. Saying everyone was giving her books. I hesitated but told her will just keep it and when the time is right to read it. Sure enough after that rainy day it was the time for her to read the material. The scriptures that give us assurance in Revelation 21:4 and Ecclesiastes 3:11 would be helpful to include in a card or a note. One page in the pamphlet reveals signs to look for in your friend that could mean they need to seek professional help. The list of do's and don'ts are essential for caring friends who want to be sympathetic, but sometimes need to deliver advice in love. Often the grieving person needs help taking step forwards like joining a new book club or support group, beginning a new hobby. They may just need to take a respite in the mountains or the beach. Rose publishing provided me with this PDF for a fair and honest review.