Connecting with God | Virginia Smith

Virginia Smith has two Christian Fiction book releases in the next two months, Stuck in the Middle (Feb. 08) and Sincerely, Mayla (Mar. 08).

Virginia, how do you find time to connect with God?

I make time to connect with God. I have Bible study and prayer time every morning before breakfast, and that helps keep Him in focus. I also swim laps at a gym most weekdays, and I find that time incredibly refreshing – my mind is free and I keep up a running conversation with the Lord. He has given me some incredible story ideas and developments during our swim-times!

Read the rest of this interview on Faithwebbin.net

Connecting with God | Dave and Neta Jackson

Dave and Neta Jackson co-authored the Trailblazer book series. Today, read how this husband and wife connect with God.

Dave, how do you find time to connect with God?

For most of my life the challenge was indeed “finding time” to connect with God. But a couple years ago I began to lose the sight in my left eye. (You can read about my struggle by clicking here.) I underwent five surgeries while the doctors fought to save my sight and while I feared the problems–a macular hole, retinal tears, and detachment–might spread to my right eye. For me, going blind would have been worse than death. To whom could I turn? God was my only hope.

Walking in Mary’s Sandals

A few weeks ago now, I mentioned I would post my word for the year on my blog. It’s sixteen days into the new year and I need to publicly post the word, mainly because I keep hearing the word over and over again. It’s been mentioned in sermons and by people in conversation enough for me to start thinking, "God, I believe you are telling me something and I need to really listen." He’s been saying the same thing for a long time. What’s my problem?

People wonder if God speaks. Indeed he does, the real question is whether or not we are listening. In 2007, I started to feel the weight of having way too much going on. So much so that it was hard to focus on anything and I just felt tired all the time. Push. Get this done. What’s next? Not another one. After awhile, I started feeling angry and frustrated – mainly at myself. Why do I keep doing this? I’ve been down this route plenty of times before, taking on project after project. Each one depleting me of energy.

God didn’t shout. He whispered. I finally heard him just like Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13). It sounded awfully familiar. "Child, what are you doing?"

By now you may have guessed the word. Keep reading, this might be for you too.

A Woman’s Journey through 1 Peter

1peter The bible study I attend, meets twice a month. This winter, our bible study facilitator chose A Woman’s Journey through 1 Peter: 8 Lessons on Confidence by Dee Brestin. This is great timing for this bible study for me and I’m looking forward to this study. In 2008, I really want to stretch myself in new areas, like writing for publication and public speaking. Both are not easy for an introvert. It’s quite comfortable in the background.

In this study, the author encourages the student to learn a memory verse each month. Now you may think memorization is something only for young people attending Sunday School or Children’s Church, but it’s never too late to hide God’s word in our hearts. In fact, Psalm 119:11 says, ” I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Scripture is definitely not to be used for “bible thumping.” God’s Word is not meant to be beaten over someone’s head, but to draw him or her closer to God. Learning scripture helps us remember God’s truth and promises when we are inundated with so many conflicting opinions from the world.

This week’s Memory Verse:
(the bold is required; the rest optional)

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Connecting with God | Shana Burton

I’m bringing back the “Connecting with God…” series I started over a year ago. I had an opportunity to interview quite a few authors in 2007 and I want to share those interviews, as well as upcoming interviews.

These will usually post on Monday. So if you are looking for fresh ideas, stay tuned. I want to encourage you to always stick with the basics.

God’s Word – Find a daily devotion if you are strapped for time. BUT be sure to set aside more than devotion time during the week . Either find a bible study or grab the bible and journal. Pray to see where the Holy Spirit wants to lead you. Sometimes I will start with a word that describes my current state or feelings (ex. trust, weary, fearful, etc.)

Pray without Ceasing – Talk to God frequently and at anytime during the day. Find your most comfortable time to commune for longer prayer times. Some of us are early worms and others are night owls.

THIS WEEK: Shana Burton’s novel Suddenly Single was released January 2008. Find out how Shana finds time to connect.

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