Subject: FaithWriters March Newsletter for Friend

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FaithWriters 
March 2015 








"News & Information for the Write Brained Christian" 
Today's Devotional and the Newest Member E-books Included
New Release: Trials and Triumphs II 
Rooted and Grounded in Love

The Powerful and Personal Testimonies of Fifty FaithWriters Members

Support fellow members by getting a copy of this inspiring book, which contains Fifty unique true stories from members around the world. These testimonies are powerful and encouraging. Makes a great book to leave on your coffee table for a conversation starter. Check it out HERE! 

NOTE: If your story is in this book, you can obtain copies to handout at a nice discount. 
You must contact Michael@faithwriters.com right away if interested. 
Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional
Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE.


PLEASE PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
.....Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy..... Hebrews 11:35b - 38a ESV
God's Twenty One Martyrs 
by Lewis E. Thomas

Twenty-one Egyptian Christians lined up in a row on their knees.
God listened intensively to their final pleas.

They prayed their very last prayer on this old earth.
They were Children of the Cross who believed in Christ's virgin birth.

As they prepared themselves to depart and go to Glory.
They were beheaded by ISIS terrorists and the executions were gory.

They were murdered by the servants of Satan in the name of of Allah.
There would be many more Christian martyrs to follow.

They were offered the opportunity to reject Christ and live.
But to reject Jesus, was something they just could not give.

As the Twenty-One said their final prayers to the God they loved.
Jesus and the angels stood and applauded up in Heaven above!

My own faith has been tremendously strengthened through their deaths.
I am more determined than ever now to be faithful to my last breath.

Jesus put something within me, worth more than all the world's gold.
"Faith in Him and His Cross," that will save my eternal soul.

I want the Islamic terrorists to know God's Twenty-One died not in vain.
Because of their faithfulness, I'll never ever be the same.

Now I'm more determined than ever, no matter how great the price,
To be faithful unto death following my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

As given by God on 2-23-15
Find this poem and information about the twenty one men, their families and stories HERE. Read more poetry by Lewis E. Thomas and contact him HERE.

These are the names of the men. Please pray for their families. 1. Hani Abdel Messihah 2. Yousef Shoukry 3.Towadros Yousef 4. Maged Suleiman Shahata 5. Milad Makeen Zaky 6. Abanub Ayad Atiya 7. Kirollos Shokry Fawzy (Kirollos Bashree Fawzy) 8. Bishoy Astafanus Kamel 9. Malak Ibrahim Sinweet 10. Girgis Milad Sinweet 11. Mina Fayez Aziz 12. Samuel Alham Wilson 13. Samuel Astafanus Kamel 14. Ezat Bishri Naseef 15. Loqa Nagaty Anees 16. Munir Gaber Adly 17. Esam Badir Samir 18. Malak Farag Abram 19. Sameh Salah (Sameh Salah Farug) 20. Girgis Sameer Maglee 21. Unknown

Our devotional is now on over 22,000 websites/blogs plus 15,000 by email and Twitter. FaithWriters members are encouraged to submit a devotional for publication HERE. Submissions are a maximum of 300 words teaching you to write to topic and word count. Plus you will be spreading the news of Jesus with us.
Submit Articles to The 
Critique Circle

We have paid editors who visit the Critique Circle on a regular basis and they are telling us they need more submissions. This is a real chance to receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing. 

The Father Love's You As Much As He Loves Jesus

I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Jesus in John 17:23 NLT

So if you can figure out how much the Father loves the Son, you will know how much He loves you. 

Meditate on this truth and see what happens.
The Writing Challenge Will Improve Your Writing

"There's simply nothing like FaithWriters' Writing Challenge anywhere on the internet.You'll develop the disciplines of writing to a topic, writing to a deadline, and writing within a word limit--all in a safe and nurturing environment of fellow Christian writers who will encourage and mentor you while you hone your craft." Jan 

"There is no better place at FaithWriters to get feedback, make friends, and improve your writing than the Writing Challenge." Joanne 

"Participating in the weekly FW Challenge has been so much fun and a true blessing. It is a joy-filled experience to blend my writing and my faith within a community of very talented writers. Reading entries from other members has probably helped me the most. I continue to be in awe of the master story-tellers who can do so much with 750 words (or less!). The weekly cycle of entries is exciting and addictive." Sherrie 

BIBLE STUDIES FOR WRITERS

Called to "Write His Answer"

And the Lord said to me, 

"Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others."  —Habakkuk 2:2 TLB



• Press on to know the Lord (Hos. 6:3)

• Make time to allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word (Ps. 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; James 1:25).

• Seek his counsel and wisdom (Pss. 16:7; 32:8; Prov. 2:3-10; Isa.50:4; James 1:5-8).

• Wait for God’s answer (Hab. 2:1).

• Let his words sink into your heart first (Ezek.. 3:10-11); then write what you've experienced (1 John 1:3).


"Write my answer"

• Diligently study the Word (2 Tim. 2:15).

• Remember the promise that his Word does not return void (Isa. 55:10-11).

• Put on God's armor (Eph. 6:10-18).

• Make the most of your opportunities (Eph. 5:15-17; Phil. 2:14-16; Col. 4:5-6; 2 Tim. 4:2), knowing that the doors         may not always be open (Amos 8:11-12).

Make it "large and clear"

• Write to be understood and to make the Gospel clear (1 Cor. 2:1-5). 

• Let the Holy Spirit do the convicting; don’t preach (1 Cor. 2:4; Heb. 4:12).

• Know your audience (1 Cor. 2:6).

• Work hard (Col. 3:23-25), and enthusiastically (Rom. 12:11) so you do not need to be ashamed of your work (2 Tim. 2:15) or to compare it with others (Gal. 6:4).


Write "so that anyone can read it"

• Share the Good News around the world (Ps. 96:1-3; Matt. 28:19-20).

• Following Christ’s example, minister to the poor, brokenhearted, captives, blind, downtrodden (Luke 4:18-19).

• Use illustrations readers can relate to (Mark 4:33-34).


"At a glance"

• Have a clear focus; know what you believe and clearly communicate it (2 Tim. 2:8; Titus 3:3-8)

• Capture the reader’s attention and create reader identification (Mark 4:2).


"And rush to tell others"

• Write so that readers will want to pass on your words. Be loving and winsome (1 Thess. 2:7-8; James 3:17).

• Provide a take-away so readers will not ask, "So what?" (James 1:22).

• Avoid clichés, pat answers, theological jargon (1 Cor. 1:17). 


"Slowly, steadily, surely"

• Seek God’s plan for your writing (Jer. 29:11-13).

• Set specific and measurable goals (Prov. 16:9).

• Get to work (1 Chron. 28:20).

• Abide in Christ (John 15:4-8). Keep expecting God to help you; walk (and write) in his strength (Ps. 71:14, 16).

• Give yourself and your writing time to develop (Rom. 5:2; Phil. 1:6; Col. 2:7; 2 Pet. 1:2-9).

• Have faith (Matt. 21:21-22; John 14:12-14; Heb. 11:1).

• Finish what you start (2 Cor. 8:10-11).

• Do not give in to discouragement and despair (Gal. 6:9).

© 1995 Marlene Bagnull

This study and many others can be found HERE. You will be asked to log in before being taken to the page.

Winner to be Published! Ninth Annual Page Turner Contest 

2015 – CHRISTIAN FICTION
 

1. A fabulous cash prize of $500 (US);
2. The offer of traditional publication of their winning manuscript by Breath of Fresh Air Press;
3. Final editing of their manuscript (through Breath of Fresh Air Press);
4. Free publicity and marketing of their book on all FaithWriters' sites for twelve months following publication;
5. A special Page Turner Champion award plaque.

Two Page Turner runners-up will each receive*:

1. A cash prize of $50 (US);
2. A special Page Turner award plaque; and
3. Consideration for future publication by Breath of Fresh Air Press

Learn more HERE.
Please Consider Helping a Pastor and His Family in Bulgaria

A couple of months ago Nikola Dimitrov joined FaithWriters. He is a pastor in Bulgaria. He came with the hope that we could help him promote his book The Four in One Gospel of Jesus so that 
he would have funds to continue their ministry to the poor in Bulgaria. His book makes a great study tool and is running 5 stars on Amazon with 20 reviews; some of these reviews are now from FaithWriters members. You too can help by reading his book for free for a review

Currently the sales of his books are not even close to being enough to provide for his family and ministry. This coupled with the fact that they just lost their long term support from a mission organization that is having financial issues, things are getting difficult. 

Nikola is committed to helping the poor and personally bringing Jesus to the lost in Bulgaria. He also runs an internet ministry to spread the gospel and has over 400 videos on YouTube teaching and preaching. We have committed to helping Nikola monthly and we have also been able to get one church to do the same. Together we have made a dent in what they need to remain operational. We are hoping you can help by bringing his story to your church or organization.  You can also help by giving what you can personally. You can learn a lot about Nikola and his ministry at a Go Fund Me page he has set up. http://www.gofundme.com/7tivbw. You can also visit his website HERE.

To contact Nikola directly, email michael@faithwriters.com and I will put you in touch. 
Take Full Advantage of Your Membership
Improve Your Writing Skills in 2015


We love Jan's courses. "I absolutely must add to these comments my own deep appreciation for the hard work you put in for us week by week. You enable people to grow and find true expression for their faith in the will of God. I've learnt so much already in such a short time, and that's because of your great advice and loving direction. Trace P.
Thank You Xulon Press
For the Publishing Packages in 2014



FaithWriters members can still Receive a Discount on a Xulon Publishing Package. 

Ten percent discount for Platinum members and five percent for Gold. These discounts are off Xulon's best advertised price at the time you commit to purchase. This discount could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. 

Don't let a shortage of funds stop you from fulfilling your publishing dream!

Xulon Press offers interest free payment plans to get you started. We’ll even work on your book while you’re making timely payments. Call your Author Consultant at 866-381-2665 to discuss the payment option that's best for you!

Make sure to tell them you are a FaithWriters member and want your discount. By upgrading you could very well save twice the cost of your FaithWriters membership. This makes upgrading at FaithWriters something to consider.  
Today is the Day to Start Taking Action! Give Family and Friends a Chance.
Share Your Faith By Using This Free Book.

It is Time For Us To STOP Worrying About What Others Think About Us!
Don't let fear stop you, the objective evidence is on our side. 

Do you have a desire to share your faith, but you are unsure of what to say or afraid of what others will think? Maybe you fear saying the wrong thing or not being able to answer a question or objection. If this is you, welcome to the club; we have all been there. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take that will help. During the next several newsletters, I will be offering you some suggestions garnered from my personal experiences in sharing my faith with many people. 

 To start on this path, I suggest that you take the time to review some of the objective evidence that proves God's existence and identity beyond a reasonable doubt. The truth is the evidence is on our side, and the more you realize this, the more confident you will become in sharing your faith. If you go HERE you can obtain a free e-book of Gravity in several formats that you can read and share with others. Gravity has been in the top five books of its two categories for over a year now on Amazon. If you read its many reviews on Amazon, you will discover that many readers testify how God used this book to change their lives. It is also being used across the country by the Navigators on college campuses and is used in over 1,300 prisons to present evidence for Christianity. The objective evidence presented in Gravity will show you just how little faith you need to believe, while it gives you great faith at the same time. There are also many answers to objections made by skeptics. You can also obtain print copies of Gravity to hand out on the author's website at his cost HERE.

Have you ever talked to a person who does not believe God exists, yet wants to attack the Bible? I have plenty of times. The truth is, if God does not exist, the Bible cannot be true. So what I do is take them to the evidence for God's existence found in Gravity and other sources first. The evidence for God is overwhelming! God (an eternal, un-caused first cause) must exist by necessity or nothing would exist now. 

Once a person believes God exists, you can move further. Then, if they have difficulty with a few things in the Bible, point out that you and many others do too, but reasonable answers exist, if you are willing to look. God clearly told me to dig into my doubts instead of letting them fester. Do not just accept wild assertions you hear in the news or online about Christianity. Investigate the question and weigh the evidence; God is not afraid nor is it unbiblical. If your friends have honest questions, help them dig into their questions and doubts. 

Here are two great questions to ask a hard-line non-believer. 

 1) If I ask you a question, will you give me a brutally honest answer? 

 2) If Christianity could be proven true beyond a reasonable doubt, would you become a Christian? 

While the answer should be obvious, you might be surprised. Most people whom I have asked say, "No." This tells me that they are currently not really interested in the truth. If you want to dig deeper, you could ask them, "Why? " You can also nicely point out the absurdity of their statement. In the unlikely event that they say they have looked at the evidence. Ask them, "What evidence did you examine for God's existence that is incorrect?" 

If they presently want nothing to do with Christianity, offer Gravity to them anyway, pray for them and be patient. However, if they say, "Yes," then, go over Gravity or a similar book with them and ask them to talk to you about it as you go through it.

Asking questions makes the person think about why they believe what they believe. Most have zero support for their belief that God does not exist. The truth is their fallen nature wants it to be true, so they just repeat assertions they have heard but cannot support their claims. Asking questions avoids confrontation and makes aware that they have nothing firm to stand upon. Sit down an thoughtfully make a list of questions you could ask non-believing family and friends. Questions like these:

How do you know that is true? This one actually works wonders most of the time. They suddenly realize they don't know.

How did you come to that conclusion?

What evidence did you examine to come to that decision?

Which evidence for God's existence do you disagree with?

It is not our job to refute a non-believers assertions such as "God does not exist' or "The Bible is a made up story". It is their job to back up their assertions with evidence. Asking questions makes them think about why they believe what they do, keeps the interaction peaceful and puts the burden of proof on them.
FaithWriters Needs Your Support Today!

The vast percentage of FaithWriters members are free. If the current trend of increasing expenses and declining financial support continues, it will at some point place FaithWriters at risk. Therefore we are asking more members to please consider helping us financially by upgrading. In doing so you gain access to more tools to improve your writing. At the same time you are helping foster the growth of new Christian writers and spreading the gospel in over 230 countries online

We can all easily see that the world desperately needs to hear about Jesus, in online and in books. We do not want to come to a point where we cannot help these writers improve and spread the Good News through their writing.  

If you already support FaithWriters, we greatly appreciate it. Platinum is only .37 day and Gold is .20 day. Please Upgrade Here
Members can also sponsor other writers who cannot afford it. Email michael@faithwriters.com if you would like to do this.


Read Great Christian Books Free In Exchange For A Review
Many already have multiple five star reviews on Amazon. 

The Four in One Gospel of Jesus by Nikola Dimitrov 
Have you ever wondered about the chronological order of events in the life of our Lord Jesus while He was on earth? Or have you heard the secular accusations that the four gospels in the Bible contradict each other?
Well, this book has the four gospels contextually interlaced in chronological order.

The Four in One Gospel of Jesus already has 20 great reviews on Amazon and is running 4.9 out of 5 stars. This is just one example of over 30 books you can read for free in exchange for a review. Many others have multiple five star reviews too. 

One book is running just below five stars with 71 reviews and it is listed in the top five books of its two categories. Another with over 30 reviews is running close to five stars and was honored as the book of the year by a major theological website. 
Another has over 20 reviews and is running almost five stars. Read one of these or one that has just joined the program and desperately needs reviews.

These are all free to read for you while others pay full price on Amazon. Plus you receive the bonus of helping a fellow believer and FaithWriters member. It takes reviews to sell books these days and other members really appreciate your help.

Go HERE to find a great book to read for FREE.

Hurry and choose one while they are still free to read! The authors can take their books out of this program at any moment.

Have you written a book and need reviews? Learn about submitting your book to this program HERE.

NEED PRAYER? GO HERE  
Be a blessing to someone today by letting others pray for 
you or by praying for them!
Really Big News For Free Silver Members! 
FaithWriters Private Messenger Available to You Now

All members can now receive direct private messages from anyone interested in their writing through private messenger. If you had previously listed your email address in your profile, it should be removed now to reduce potential spam to your email address. Private messenger provides you with a level of privacy and security you did not have when posting your actual email address.

Note: Private messages with job opportunities will still only be sent to upgraded members. If you want to benefit from those opportunities you will need to upgrade HERE.
Please Support FaithWriters

Fishers of Men in Over 230 Countries
Together We Spread the Gospel


Together we are casting a net on the over the web, an extremely important field ready for harvest. The enemy knows this and he is working hard on the internet to lead people down the wrong path. As followers of Jesus we can make a difference by publishing the true message and pointing people to Jesus. Men and women from over 230 countries (View Countries Here) are drawn to the FaithWriters site by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Many have no other way but the internet to find out about Jesus. They are able to learn a lot from our site and the sister-sites to which we have provided links. Many click on the sites we link to that offer in-depth information on Jesus because they are able to get more information in their native language.

Hundreds of people from around the world have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior directly through FaithWriters. Plus, as we refer many people to other sites to help answer their questions and accommodate their language. We know it is not about just about numbers. We also know that accepting Jesus and confessing Him is just where it starts. It is honor to consider the fact that God would use us in this way. The numbers are encouraging for us though and we will love encouragement. 

We contact every person who leaves an email address, and provide them with more information. Sometimes we correspond with them several times. We even offer to place them in contact with another believer (FaithWriters member) in their country.
Consider how much time people --- especially kids --- spend on the internet these days. Watch this two minute video on how Kimberly found God on the internet.


Thank You FaithWriters! 

Many Blessings from the FaithWriters Staff

FaithWriters really needs your financial support. In doing so you gain access to more tools to improve your writing. At the same time you are helping foster the growth of new Christian writers and spreading the gospel in over 230 countries online. If you already support FaithWriters, we greatly appreciate it. Platinum is only .37 day and Gold is .20 day. Please Upgrade Here

Don't Skimp on the Editing 
Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!

Joanne Sher is one of several editors offering editing services. 

Click Here to choose an editor.


  This Months FaithWriters Great Reads Selection
 We have some excellent writers and many topics to choose from at FaithWriters. Bless your fellow members by reading one or more of their books occasionally. Just imagine how you would feel if they did the same for you. Many of these books have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon. 




Books added in the last month as described by each author.

Biblical studies
Worship: Seeing Beyond the Ceremony
Henry Jaegers
Your Price: $8.00

A practical study in the book of Leviticus


Fiction


The Voice
Doug Spurling
Your Price: $9.90


A silent prayer from a little boy…

A heart’s longing from an old sailor…

A Divine connection for a wounded warrior…

And all they ever wanted was a big, noisy, messy, happy family. Was that too much to ask?


God is near the broken hearted and puts the lonely in families.
from Amazon.com!



Poetry


SUNRAYS AND LILY SMILES (Sweet Memories of Poetry Cottage)
Liana Wendy Howarth
Your Price: $7.99


In Sunrays and Lily Smiles, Liana Wendy Howarth has added to and included previous writings from her e-book, Fragrance from the Spring, a sweet collection of poetry for all ages.

There's something for everyone inside her Poetry Cottage ... Poetry, song lyrics and encouragement. May you be blessed.
from Amazon.com!



Free Reads For Reviews


An Unfathomable Gift! - God's Astonishing Grace
Jan Blonk
Your Price: $2.99


There is no greater need than to be in a right relationship with our Creator. Through His Son, God has given complete reconciliation and restoration. His gift is free, all-sufficient, ever-lasting, and eternally-satisfying. We are to simply receive and enjoy!



Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com




Thanks for your Membership and Support!
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