| FaithWriters - July 2020 Our Year of Clear Vision
News & Information for the Write Brained Christian
Growing Christian Writers and Spreading the Gospel in over 230 Countries Devotional & Newest Member E-Books Included |
| We Are Always Praying for Your Very Best in Christ.
Keep Your Eyes Focused on Jesus! |
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Devotionals submitted from members publish on thousands of websites worldwide!
Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE
Everlasting - CD Swanson
And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: Psalm 105:43 (NKJV)
Fear not the LORD is with you! How many times have we read that in His Holy Word?
There are obvious signs of what is to come all around us…but with GOD; we have nothing to fear. Make no mistake, my friend, we are to encourage one another in the Word, and to lift and unify the love of Christ as we wait upon Him.
However, we should always take it with a grain of salt and recognize the “voices of fear mongers” who seek to weaken our resolve and crumple our very soul, with daily “taunts and screams of dismay” citing, “gloom and doom.”
God is a Father of LOVE, not fear. God is a Father of compassion and will not seek to destroy nor harm those who are with Him in spirit and heart. To be aware and discerning in all aspects as we go forward in this world, is a given.
The voice of God is soft, gentle, and loving. It’s never demanding or vulgar. Instead, it is a whisper, a gentle touch, a breeze of warmth and reassurance of body, mind, and soul.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…” John 10:27
We know the ones who claim to be with us in spirit, but seek to destroy or confuse us. Ye shall know them by their fruits… as Jesus said in Matthew 7:16.
Embrace God. Realize that He has written the Bible for our protection and guidance, and with love in every single Word. So, hang on to His promises and realize we live under His wings of protection. When we seek refuge, shelter, compassion, or love, look no further, He with us every step of the way.
“Father God, thank You for being our Rock of Salvation and tower of strength, thank You for protecting us and guiding us in all we do, thank You for being with us through good and bad times, and thank You for Your unconditional love, in Jesus name, Amen.”
Contact CD and read more from HERE.
Help us spread the good news of Jesus around the world. The FaithWriters devotional is on thousands of websites, plus thousands go out by email and Twitter daily. They are also published about 90 days after FaithWriters on I-Disciple HERE . Members are encouraged to submit an edited devotional for publication HERE. Submissions are a maximum of 300 words, helping you learn to write to topic and word count. You never know how your writing may inspire a brother or sister in Christ or impact a lost soul.
The devotional appears on many unique websites around the world. Sites like the Kenmure Church of Scotland, Los Angeles Police Wives Association, Shields of Christ, Slavic Youth Fellowship, Go the Distance Radio Ministry, New Life Assembly, Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Metropolitan Baptist Church, ETBS South Africa, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Group Seven Technology , Nassau Tabernacle of Praise , Police Wives of America and Christian Hope Church U.K. |
| | Congratulations - 2020 Best of the Best Winners!
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| | First Place Best of Best Challenge Winner for 2020
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CROOKED (04/30/20)
TITLE: The Old Mulberry Tree
By Marilyn Borga
An old mulberry tree used to grow on my grandparents’ farm. It was the most crooked tree I’ve ever seen. It was tucked into a slope beside the small spring-fed pond and hidden behind the old log cabin that had been the original dwelling on the place. Rather than standing upright, the trunk followed the contour of the ground; only the treetop and a few sturdy branches reached toward the sky. Perhaps it was because it was out of sight of the house that it had escaped the fate of being reduced to firewood. Or perhaps it was because God knew that a dozen grandchildren would one day delight in it.
Years before, when it was a sapling, the tree must have weathered a powerful storm. The wind bent it to the ground and twisted its trunk while it was still tender and pliable. It was rooted in rich soil, always nourished by the pond water near its foot. It grew and grew until the horizontal trunk was as long as a room and wide enough for a child to stroll on. Even the youngest of the cousins could play there safely; one couldn’t fall far enough to get hurt.
The wide canopy of shiny green leaves protected us from the hot sun. In mid-summer, the hard green mulberries ripened to red, purple, and black and provided us with readymade snacks. The birds chattered impatiently as we filled our bellies with the darkest, sweetest berries. Our fingers would be stained with the juice until we were called inside at the end of the day.
There were plenty of other places to play: the broad porches on the white farmhouse, a big barn where we built forts out of hay bales, and pastures and woods with large rocks to climb. We took advantage of them all.
But to me, the mulberry tree was a special domain, my peaceful hideaway. From my perch in its sun-dappled shade, I’d listen for the throaty gunk-gunk-gunk of the frogs in the pond. I could hear the friendly, low honk of a duck and watch as it crisscrossed the dark water. I’d see it suddenly dip below the surface, leaving its white tail waving in the air, then hear the whoosh of the water as it emerged with a tiny squirming fish in its bill. The mulberry tree was a place for me to sit and dream in solitude.
But much of the time, it was a spot that rang with giggles and shouts. Together we cousins marched its length with childlike bravado. We played pretend games as we pondered its ancient secrets. That old tree held a special place in each of our hearts and memories.
The mulberry tree had little monetary value. Its gnarled, half-rotted, crooked trunk would never be hauled to a sawmill to be cut into the long straight boards necessary to build strong houses or fine furniture. It would never become a mighty mast for a ship or even a pole for electric wires.
After my grandparents died and the farm was sold...
Go HERE to finish reading Marilyn's winning entry and leave your comment. Congratulations Marilyn! |
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Congratulations - Quarterly Winners!
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| Love getting comments and critiques on your articles? We all do.
We are asking all members to commit to being a blessing by commenting on at least one Challenge entry per day? It just takes a few minutes, and there are some great entries to read every week.
Be a blessing today by clicking the links below and leaving at least one comment.
We also encourage you to comment on regular articles now and then. Think of the encouragement we can be if many of us commented on one article per week or even per day! Just look at the newest 200 titles and choose a few that draw your attention.
Reading the work of others and critiquing them on a regular basis, helps us grow as writers. Both parties benefit.
You Are Just One Comment Away From Being and Receiving a Great Blessing.
A special thank you to all our members who do leave comments on a regular basis. You will reap what you have sown. |
| | We can learn and improve our own writing by reading the winners.
While you are there, sow some good seed by leaving a comment.
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| | | Increase Sales With an Audio Book or Make a Nice Income From HomeRecently, I had an email exchange with Dave Walker, a longtime FaithWriters member. Dave's book, God in the ICU, has done very well. But, Dave was happily surprised to see a significant increase in sales due to the addition of an audio version. You can view Dave's book and listen to a small audio portion HERE. Dave's book was perfect for an audiobook. Dave did his narration, and for some, that might work out great. But there is an easier way and it is not that expensive. You can learn about it HERE. ACX is an Amazon company, on their site you can place your book up for narrator auditions. You then get offers from narrators who read a sample for you, posting it on ACX. You choose the one you like and make a deal. This is all done online. I recently had an audiobook done of Gravity on ACX, by a great narrator and believer named R.F. McCoy. You can hear a sample HERE. If you like R.F. McCoy's voice, make sure to request an audition from him. He was professional, diligent and on schedule. You can find his profile on ACX. It costs nothing to request auditions and you will probably get several. I paid Bob $500.00 and keep any profits myself after Amazon's cut. You can also offer to split profits and pay nothing if a narrator agrees. When your narration is complete and you have paid the bill, your book is automatically loaded for sale on Audible and other outlets. Everything is professional and that's what you want for your audiobook. Another thought for some readers is to apply to be a narrator. ACX will show you how to do this on their site. If you have a good voice, you could make a nice income from home. |
| | Support Fellow Christian Authors - Free Reads for Reviews
Read Great Christian Books for Free in Exchange for a Review
Many already have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
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 appreciate your help.
We have some great books for you to read for free!
Second: Choose a book. Here are three of many.
The Tenth Word: Nine meanings that made me a better mentor, writer, mother....
Samuel Dumas
Learn how the intrinsic weave of words builds a world of weight ‘with just the right amount of juice of everything.'
Separate for a Reason: Re-Examining Separation of Church and State in America
Janet Ruth
A former federal prosecutor, Janet Ruth adds her perspective to an increasingly volatile debate over the separation of church and state. Combining her extensive law background with her Christian faith, Ruth challenges Christians to consider a third side to the Church/State debate, one which places an emphasis on giving our allegiance to God.
Standing Firm
Janet Ruth
This Bible study on the Armor of God will help you find victory in your life and take hold of God's promises. It's time to stand firm in your battle against the enemy as you learn to defend yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the Word of God, and prayer. Also in paperback on Amazon.
Grace Trumps Guilt
Donna Cole
Tormented by your past? Insecure about future? Unable to forgive yourself for repeated sins? Think God will never forgive you?
Grace Trumps Guilt is the fascinating memoir of author Donna Cole's journey from debilitating feelings of guilt to triumphant gratitude
Find this book HERE
New Covenant Bible Studies
Michael Edwards
The purpose of these New Covenant Bible studies is to encourage the believer and remove all doubt from their heart of their Father’s love for them and their complete and total forgiveness in Christ.
There are several member books you can read for free in exchange for a review. Many already have multiple five-star reviews. One book is running just below five stars with over 200 reviews online, and it is listed in the top ten books of its two categories on Amazon. Another with over 40 reviews is running close to five stars and was honored as the book of the year by a major theological website. Another has over 30 reviews and is running almost five stars. Read one of these or one that has just joined the program and desperately needs reviews.
Go HERE to find other great books to read for FREE for a REVIEW.
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. |
| | Do This Today!
Do You Always Keep a Copy of Your Articles? We STRONGLY recommend you do this today and occasionally in the future as you add more articles
We appreciated your patience when FaithWriters was down for over two days a few months ago, due to issues with our service provider. The issue we experienced makes this message of even more importance. We do not want you to lose your articles. Therefore, we have been pushing this for over a year and hope you have already taken advantage of it. You can download a copy of your articles in mass, with one click on the site.
We back up the site regularly but cannot give you a 100% guarantee of there safety. Things happen online as you know. Hackers are a big issue and some out there would like to take a Christian site down. If you log into the site and look in the middle left column of the My Account page under Update and Manage Your Profile/Account, you will see the following link on the website.
Click Here to Download a Copy of Your Articles in Mass
When you are logged into the site, click on that link on the website and a copy of your articles will be downloaded to your computer in a zip file. It will be fairly quick depending on your internet speed and number of articles. Save them to your computer or a thumb drive. While this should download all of your articles, sometimes a couple are missed for some unknown reason. Therefore, double check the downloaded articles by opening each one on your computer. If an important one is missed, you will need to manually copy it to your records from the site. Then going forward, make sure to keep a copy of each new article you post.
Make sure to do this today to protect your writing. Log in HERE. |
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The Challenge WILL Improve Your Writing!
NEVER MISS THAT PERFECT CHALLENGE TOPIC AGAIN. GO HERE and sign up in the right hand column for a weekly topic email. |
| | We Always Respond to Emails
If you do not receive a timely response to an email, we did not receive your email, or you did not receive our reply. We are constantly battling overwhelming amounts of spam and sometimes emails we should receive end up in our spam by accident.
You should check your spam and make sure that writer-support@faithwriters.com, feedback@faithwriters.com, bea@faithwriters.com and michael@faithwriters.com are on your email providers approved list.
If you have tried more than once and did not receive a reply, click on a contact link at the bottom of most FaithWriters pages and send us a message telling us of the issue. We will try and email you from another email provider.
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| | | Article Comment Emails Not Getting to Your Gmail?
In the past, some members have had issues receiving notification emails when their Challenge or other articles receive a comment. We just did a test of the system and placed a Gmail test address in my profile. I then posted a comment
on one of my articles. I also did this test on a Challenge article for a member who said she was not getting the emails. In both tests, the email notification of the comment did come through to the Gmail address, but in both cases it went to the junk file in Gmail. So, FaithWriters automatic email system
is working to Gmail but may be going to your junk.
If you have not been receiving notifications of comments on your articles, post a test comment on one of your own articles and then check the junk tab on your Gmail. Be aware, my junk tab in Gmail showed there were no junk emails until I clicked on it and found the comment notification email from FaithWriters in there. If you find any emails from FaithWriters in your junk, move them to your inbox and hopefully next
time they will not go to junk. Make sure to check your junk on a regular basis and click on the other tabs just to check. Each time move them to your inbox. There is also a tab titled "view all email" that should be checked. Sometimes Gmail divides email up into different tabs, so check all the tabs once in awhile just in case. This is something you should check if you have Hotmail or others too. |
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The Challenge WILL Improve Your Writing!
NEVER MISS THAT PERFECT CHALLENGE TOPIC AGAIN. GO HERE and sign up in the right hand column for a weekly topic email. |
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Support FaithWriters Spread of the Gospel
Fishers of Men in Over 230 Countries Together We Spread the Gospel On the Net
Not all of us can go around the world as missionaries in person, but we can reach the world online. We can even reach many places missionaries cannot go in person. The world needs sites like FaithWriters, prepared Christian authors and as many Christian articles and books that point to Jesus as possible. The web especially needs your Bible studies, apologetic articles, calls to salvation, nonfiction and fiction articles and books leading people to Jesus. Together we attract lost people from all over the world who need Jesus along with believers who need their minds renewed and encouraged. God has given us a great opportunity to reach many people who may have never heard of Jesus. The image above marks the location of our visitors.
Numerous people from around the world have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior directly through FaithWriters. 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 from Kimberly on how she found God on the internet
A few unedited emails from people who have accepted Jesus on the site.
1) This first one was from a person who hacked FaithWriters a few years ago. We feared the entire site might be lost. We prayed for our hackers and posted articles letting them know that their salvation was more important than the website. The shutdown of the site stopped and we received this message through our evangelism page. I am certain is was our hacker.
Type of prayer : first time prayer
Country : Algeria - Please leave a comment. : "I JESUS PRAY TODAY MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER I USED TO BE THIEF CRIMINAL IDENTITY SCAM BUT NOW LIFE IS BETTER UNDER JESUS CHRIST MY LORD SAVIOR."
Your work occupation : Other Religious background : Muslim
2) "Hi my name is Collin I live in Utah heber I know that we are n the last days and I want to be saved so please I need help I've been going to site to site I'm tired of going home from school a sinner I'm stressed with all my homework I cry more than ever sometimes I need Jesus." (This message was obviously from a young boy)
3) "I felt the the holyspirit lead me to you and that God's message of love drew me here."
4) "I want Jesus to be the number one in my life."
5) "I'm saved from sin and I've rededicated my life to HIM who owns me. I'm now free from lies, exam malpractice etc. Pray for me to believe that indeed "It is finished "
6) "I accepted Jesus as Lord and Need A Bible." (We sent Roger a Bible.)
7) "I have accepted Jesus and prayer not continue to commit sin any more." Matthew
8) Recently had a deputy police chief from a major city accept Jesus on the site. He is responsible for over 1,500 officers and staff and could be a big influence for Jesus. Please pray for J. Ramar.
9) "Jesus is my Lord and Savior, please save us from witchcraft, sorcery, divination, polygamy, immorality, astral projection, pride, all sin iniquity fathers, false religion, false gods, show me your way, give me purity, holiness, give me Jesus true, save me from work of devil, and evil spirit, kingdom of darkness be destroyed, give me holiness, save us from Satan and his work, premature death, I need to serve Jesus, thank You Jesus, Amen." Anna S.
We wish you many blessings in Christ and thank you for your support! Michael & Bea Edwards and everyone at FaithWriters
Free E-Book to build up your faith and help your friends and family members come to Christ. |
| | Platinum Member Books
Now Appear in Over 100 Site Ads
Promote your Christian book on FaithWriters, and you will help support our mission to grow Christian writers and spread the gospel in over 230 countries online. You will not find more exposure for your Christian book anywhere at this price.
Watch this short video HERE. |
| | Another Great Way to Improve The Critique CircleFellow Members Need Your Help.
Providing comments and critiques for fellow members is of great encouragement to them. It is also the perfect way to improve your writing skill.
Tips on Giving Critiques
Critiquing the work of others requires balance. Being too nice will not help your fellow writers develop their work; being too harsh can crush a writer’s ego (particularly new writers, who tend to be shy about sharing their work). How can you achieve the right balance? Here are some tips:
Take care to point out both what works, and what doesn’t. If you’re new to critiquing, a good hint would be to point out one thing you like (a phrase, a description, an idea) for each thing that bothered you.
Whenever possible, be specific when pointing out things that you didn’t like (don’t just say “I didn’t like this part” or “I’d cut that,” say “I didn’t like this part because…” or “I’d cut that because…”).
Try to offer suggestions when you think a change is needed. Suggestions, even to the point of an offered rewording, can be very helpful; even if the suggestion isn’t exactly right for the author to use, he or she may get a good idea from it, or at least a better understanding of the point you are trying to make.
Be honest and direct, but in a polite and caring way. Holding back your feelings about a piece because you’re afraid to share your thoughts isn’t going to help anyone. Just be mindful of how you share your opinions!
We Also Need Your Article to Critique!
Members and paid editors provide the critiques in the circle. You can even submit your judged Challenge entries to the circle.
"I have a few, very few, trusted friends who will edit me with a scowl. Most people want you to feel good so they give you compliments about your writing, and these don’t help at all (except emotionally). Really, you need some grouches to edit your work." Philip Yancey in a FaithWriters interview.
This is a real chance to help others and receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing.
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Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
The real Noel Mitaxa is an Aussie storyteller and one of several editors offering editing services. He has syndicated his weekly Good News column in Australian secular newspapers for over twenty years; a syndication that's recently expanded into Australia's armed services and to the USA and the UK.
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| | 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. Just imagine how you would feel if they did the same for you. Many of these books have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
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Recently Added Books as Described by the Author
Biblical studies
Standing Firm
Janet Ruth
Your Price: $3.00
This Bible study on the Armor of God will help you find victory in your life and take hold of God's promises. It's time to stand firm in your battle against the enemy as you learn to defend yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the Word of God, and prayer. Also in paperback on Amazon.
from Amazon.com!
Non-Fiction
What is in Your Hand?
Martha Kinney
Your Price: $8.69
Moses led the nation of Israel from slavery to freedom with just a shepherd's staff. As common as it appeared, the staff contained hidden powers. Like Moses each of us have all we need, we just need to recognize what is in our hand.
from Amazon.com!
A Tale of Two Sisters: Reluctant Caregivers
Bonnie Kronberger
Your Price: $2.99
This memoir is transparently told by two sisters caring for family members with Alzheimer’s. Their tales are intertwined, yet each stands alone, as they tell how God cared for them as they cared for their loved ones. It’s an inspirational story of how God brought blessings out of Alzheimer’s.
from Amazon.com!
Free Reads For Reviews
Separate for a Reason: Re-Examining Separation of Church and State in America
Janet Ruth
Your Price: $3.69
A former federal prosecutor, Janet Ruth adds her perspective to an increasingly volatile debate over the separation of church and state. Combining her extensive law background with her Christian faith, Ruth challenges Christians to consider a third side to the Church/State debate, one which places an emphasis on giving our allegiance to God.
from Amazon.com!
Standing Firm
Janet Ruth
Your Price: $3.00
This Bible study on the Armor of God will help you find victory in your life and take hold of God's promises. It's time to stand firm in your battle against the enemy as you learn to defend yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the Word of God, and prayer. Also in paperback on Amazon.
Login to Buy!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
Writing
The Tenth Word: Nine meanings that made me a better mentor, writer, mother....
Samuel Dumas
Your Price: $4.99
Learn how the intrinsic weave of words builds a world of weight ‘with just the right amount of juice of everything’.
from Amazon.com!
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