| FaithWriters - September 2020 Our Year of Clear Vision
News & Information for the Write Brained Christian
Growing Christian Writers and Spreading the Gospel in over 230 Countries |
| | 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
Hope is With Us - Karen Pourbabaee
“Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:20 NABRE
One fall day at dusk, in the graying skies, God came. After months of adversity, I sat prayerfully under the twilight sky, desiring a greater awareness of His presence. I knew He walked with me; I believed His Word that tells me: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) So I drew near. Gazing heavenward, the starless, dappled gray skies parted for an instant and the brilliant light of a lone star burst forth. My heart flooded with His presence. I was not prepared for the upheaval in the heavens that ensued. A multitude of gray hues swirled gracefully about until a cross spanned the sky above me. To my earnest prayer, a kaleidoscope of hope appeared.
I didn’t need this grand display to know that He is my Living Hope, but I also know that, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1) God delivers messages in whatever way He chooses, perhaps in whatever manner is needed in the moment. He chooses because of His great love and care for each and every one of us as a child whom His heart knows intimately. He wants us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt—He is with us!
Remembering His footprints alongside my life’s journey assures my heart He is walking with me still. While He is present in nature at times, He is present in all life’s circumstances, in His Word, in His people, the Church, in your heart. God is with you today, as He promised to be with you to the end of the age. Jesus will see you through to the end of your journey of hope. Pause and remember His footprints along your path, and walk forth in Living Hope.
Contact Karen and read more 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. |
| | 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 a few that are available in the program.
Why Do I Have Asperger's?
Julie Berry
A Mother's Memoir of Love, Hope, and Perseverance.
The Road Out: 12 sure steps towards solution for life's challenging situations
Emmanuel N. Obu
In this book, THE ROAD OUT you will find a very potent guide, fresh insight and spiritual giant steps that are capable of helping you overcome situations and come out of problems. Situations don't just go away, they require discovery, truth, wisdom and practical approaches to solve them.
Do You See What I See
Delia Latham
Laramie’s fiancé betrayed her on what should have been their wedding day. Evan is still trying to recover from being jilted at the altar three years ago. Yesterday's heartbreak blinds them both to a surprising truth that could heal their hurting hearts.
Washout Express
Jody Day
Bailey Brown has just lost her job, her birthright, and her fiancé. Loaded with enough insecurities to fill a suitcase, she prays for God to show her the way and then hits the road feeling like the ultimate loser.
Get on Board and Stay on Board
PEARL NSIAH-KUMI
"Get on Board and Stay on Board contains poems, articles, and short Bible studies. It is directed toward unbelievers and believers alike. It is designed to lead the unbeliever to faith in Jesus Christ, and then help him or her in a spiritual journey.
Forgetting the things behind
Nikola Dimitrov
Forgetting the things behind and stretching for the ones ahead is a healing book, based on Philippians 3:13. It is a practical revelation that has helped many people to always go forward, no matter what!
Sunrays and Lily Smiles: (Sweet Memories of Poetry Cottage)
Liana Wendy Howarth
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.
Through Me to You: A Life Through Poetry, Stories and Songs
Eva Wich
Through Me to You is a compilation of poems, stories and songs that spans over forty years of writing. A Scripture verse was carefully selected for each work to emphasize God’s omnipresence and unfailing love.
Windsors Child: What God Did in a Small Boy's Life
Tom Parsons
Your Price: $4.95
An entertaining account of how God revealed Himself to the author when he was a small boy living in Wndsor, Ontario, Canada.
Ridden by the Devil
Laurie Kiel
“Gunfighters are ridden by the devil and his spurs are sharp.” Dreaming of a life free from bloodshed, gunfighter Colt Blevins is blackmailed into masquerading as heir to a large fortune. While disguised, he falls in love with a beautiful blonde whose main goal in life is to see Colt hanged.
Invisible Battles: The Quest for Hope
Jenny Fulton
In the land of Novus, the Dark One has all but succeeded in erasing the name of the High King from the hearts and minds of the people. The battle, however, is far from over. Unbeknownst to the Dark One, the High King has been at work among a loyal group of followers. Now he is ready to make his move
80 Adventures with God: Real Stories of God's Intervention into Ordinary Lives
Ed Colton
80 Adventures with God is a book about the living God working in the affairs of ordinary people. There are eighty stories of people overcoming situations that only God could handle with His mighty power.
from Amazon.com!
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. |
| | Congratulations - 2020 Best of the Best Winners!
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| | Third Place Best of Best Challenge Winner for 2020
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: SURPRISE (07/25/19)
TITLE: Skies Open
By Caryn Jacobs
The force with which they thrust her in the ring caused her to stumble and fall. As her cheek hit the floor of the temple court she inhaled a mouthful of dust. It was all over. Robes swishing, two men wrenched her up into standing again. She dared not look up for fear of the chorus of scrutinizing eyes that sought the shame on her face. Harsh, rapid-fire voices ricocheted back and forth. These men reminded her of her ruthless husband. He loved to use his strength to reduce her value to that of the dirt on which she stood.
This moment was inevitable. In this community there was no way of escaping an illicit love affair without consequence. Her thoughts wondered to Calev and what would become of him. He had promised to protect her. She had pretended to believe him so that she could relish those rare moments of joy in her life. Now she wondered how the stoning would feel. Would they be merciful and strike her head first so she lost consciousness? Or would they start with her body? Her palms stung where they’d been grazed by sharp bits of gravel in the fall.
The voices ceased. Silence. Death must be imminent. Her heart thundered in her ribcage and she squeezed her eyes closed. Sucking in her breath, she savoured the earthiness now filling her nostrils for the last time. This was her last touch of reality before the afterlife, whatever that was for her. She braced herself, tightening every muscle, anticipating the first stone. It would be any second now.
There was a shift in the atmosphere; she could sense it through her entire being. She opened her eyes. A man hunched down and drew markings in the sand. She didn’t understand. Oppressive warmth from the crowd encroached upon her, shutting out the daylight. They were all waiting for something.
Then, a kind voice. Not soft. Measured. A strange calm descended on her. The voice drew her in. What did he just say?
“Let him who has no sin cast the first stone.” What? It was the man hunkering down on the sand who spoke. Who was he? A slow, exhaled breath passed through her lips as her muscles spontaneously relaxed a little. Was he challenging her accusers? Why? Who would want to do that? She was worth nothing and could give nothing in return.
As though magnetised, her face trained towards his, and their eyes met. Knowing her place, she looked away, but an intense need for more compelled her to look again. In his gaze was a gentleness that she had never encountered. Compassion. Could it be? Tears filled her eyes, her heart. Deep within her, a fortress cracked open and the warmth of compassion knocked on the door of cold, hard places in her soul.
Space opened up around her, permitting a meandering breeze to waft in with sounds from the street. All around her men walked away into the distance, one by one. She was crying now, as though a tap had turned on inside her soul. An unasked for, unexpected, undeserved trickle of freedom gushed into a river that was threatening to sweep her off her feet.
The man waited. Every accuser turned and left.
“Woman, where are they?” she heard Kindness say. She looked into the face of the one who could love her like this when she had done nothing to deserve a defender. She recognised him now. It was the one they called Messiah. No words came to her. There was no expression fit to utter in this state of awe and wonder, but it all made sense. Rivulets of tears washed the dust off her cheeks, and she shook her head in disbelief.
He spoke again.
“Has no one condemned you?”
She swallowed, looking side to side. The fullness of the blue sky reflected a new window within her soul. He had saved her. He had saved HER.
“No one, sir,” she rasped.
He smiled at her, and heaven broke through her cracked exterior to embrace her heart.
“Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:2-11 (NIV)
Congratulations Caryn! Go HERE and leave a comment. |
| | 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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| 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 top 200 titles and choose one that draws your attention.
Reading the work of others and critiquing them on a regular basis, helps us grow as writers. Both parties benefit.
Thank you to all our members who do leave comments on a regular basis. You will reap what you have sown.
You Are Just One Comment Away From Being and Receiving a Great Blessing. |
| | | 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. |
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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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| | 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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| | 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
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
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