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Archive for the ‘God’s promises’ Category

Looking to the New Year

Posted in Goal-setting, God's promises on December 30, 2016| Leave a Comment »

pen-calendar-to-do-checklistDo you make New Year’s resolutions? I used to, but I found that I broke them as quickly as I made them. The result? It was all too easy to become discouraged and give up.

So…I changed my approach and set goals instead of made resolutions. That’s not a bad thing to do. As someone has said, “Aim at nothing and that’s exactly what you will achieve.” Still goal-setting can also bring me to a place of frustration. It’s often difficult for me to determine whether my God-sized goal is really what He wants me to do.

Yes, I know that “his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes” (Eph. 3:20 TLB). But the key, I believe, is in praying for His will and surrendering our desires, thoughts, and hopes to Him. It is asking, “Father, what do You want me to do in this new year? What do You want me to do today?”

What might the Lord do in my life and yours if daily we chose to make our first priority that of “obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him” (Phil. 2:12)?

What if we allowed Him to be Lord of our to-do lists and did what He wants us to do rather than asking Him to “bless” what we want to do?

What if we made a habit of asking, “What would Jesus do?” and then did it? Is this really possible for people who are goal-oriented and strong-willed? (Okay, stubborn is probably a more accurate word!)

“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants” He promises in Philippians 2:13 (TLB). Wow! That’s a promise I long to grab hold of today and each day of the coming new year!

New WHA cover
This book can change your life.
It not only gives ongoing encouragement
to respond to God’s call to write,
but helps you keep on writing.
Lee Roddy, Best Selling Author

In print 25 years, several free chapters at
http://bit.ly/2h1qgs2 and ordering info.
Only $10 plus shipping. It is also available
as an eBook through Amazon.com.

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O Holy Night – Marlene’s Christmas Message

Posted in God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on December 18, 2016| Leave a Comment »

nativity-lt

The pain of childbirth
had been intense
yet now was forgotten
as she held the Babe close.

He was so tiny, so helpless,
so dependent on her & Joseph
for everything He needed.

How could it be
that in her arms she held
the Promised One –
the Savior of mankind?

But it was true.
She had not known a man.
God had chosen her
to bear His Son.

The cave was dark
except for the star above.
The future was unknown,
but God was with them.

 

The miracle of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh – it really happened! A young girl, about the age of my twelve-year-old granddaughter, was given the responsibility, privilege, and joy of giving birth to God’s Son and raising him to manhood. She experienced the heartache of watching Him writhe in agony on a cross and seeing his broken body laid in a tomb. But death couldn’t hold Him! He came back to life and He is coming again. Perhaps soon!

 

God was with Mary, and He has been with us throughout this year. Through joy and through sorrow He has been faithful to hold us close. I’m so grateful for the 53 years Paul and I have been married. His loving support is what undergirds Write His Answer Ministries. This was my 20th year directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference; my 33rd year directing the Greater Philly conference. Amazing! I’ve had the privilege of helping two authors get their book in print this year, and two critique groups continue to meet in my home. Maybe next year I’ll get back to the books I know He is still calling me to write. For now, I can do more for His Kingdom through “encouraging and equipping others to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives.”

 

We continue to thank God for the home He has given us within walking distance of Deb and Rob and our three grandchildren. We’re grateful for how the walls of our home have expanded to comfortably embrace our son, Rob, daughter-in-love, Nicole, and their two dogs. We’re also grateful that our oldest daughter, Sharon, finally was approved for disability. God has carried her and Howard through the past two difficult years that Howard has been out of work. Howard recently applied for disability. Father, please grant him favor.

 

As the unknowns of a new year stretch before us and our nation, may we be drawn closer to the One who loves us so much He sent His Son.

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Overwhelmed?

Posted in God's promises, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth on December 6, 2016| 1 Comment »

Faith rockHave you been feeling overwhelmed lately? I have.

Two weeks ago we discovered mold in our bathroom from a leak hidden behind the shower wall. “How much is this going to cost?” I asked contractors, electricians, and plumbers.

In the midst of all this, I spent a day at the courthouse waiting to hear if I had been selected for a trial they anticipated would last six days. Thank You, Father, that I was not chosen! And thank You our USAA homeowner’s insurance covered $2,464 of the repairs after initially telling us it was doubtful we’d get anything. We’re still out over $2,000 with our deductible and work not covered, but it could have  been much more costly.

Stressful? Yes! Time consuming? You bet! On Friday our home was a scene out of ET with plastic sheeting from floor to ceiling between our bathroom and front door. Today the walls go back up, tomorrow the tile, and Thursday the grouting of the shower walls.

Tomorrow I’ll also spend over an hour in the dentist chair for a root canal of a top front tooth that is abscessing from tripping up one step and falling on a ceramic moose over a month ago. More unexpected expense, but thank You, Father, for helping me find a dental plan that will cover some of the cost.

So, yes, I’m feeling overwhelmed especially with the need to get the May 17-20 Colorado and July 26-29 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conferences planned. I’ve finally got the spreadsheet of prospective faculty updated, but with over 450 names I’m even more overwhelmed.

The bottom line? Despite 33 years directing the Philly conference and 20 years directing the one in Colorado, the evil one is again pulling me down into the quicksand of self-doubt. And I’m feeling especially anxious this week with the need to sign the contract and pay the $2,500 booking fee for the 2019 (yes,  you read that correctly) Colorado conference.

I’m again experiencing a “crisis of confidence.” Perhaps you are too.

If a crisis of confidence is holding you back from the work you know you have been called to do, it’s time to acknowledge that it’s not self-confidence you need (and I need) but God-confidence. It’s time to learn what it means “to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off [our] own power and abilities” (2 Cor. 12:9 TLB). And instead of running from opportunities to serve the Lord, we need to continue to focus on the “firm, tested, precious Cornerstone that is safe to build on. He who believes need never run away again” (Isa. 28:16 TLB).

Fear of failure, rejection, writer’s block, or not measuring up, can all create a paralyzing crisis of confidence. Read and reflect on the following antidotes to fear, noting how God is personally speaking to you.

Psalm 9:10
Psalm 16:8
Psalm 25:3
Psalm 34:4
Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 1:6
1 John 4:18
___________

New WHA coverHow is God speaking to you through these passages?

I’ve devoted a chapter in my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers, to the “Crisis of Confidence.” You’ll find it and several other chapters on my website at http://bit.ly/2h1qgs2.

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Thankful

Posted in God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth, Praying for our nation on November 23, 2016| Leave a Comment »

tg-bible

We Thank You, O Lord
To the tune “We Gather Together”

We thank You, O Lord, for Your mercy and blessings,
Your love that we never can merit or earn.
Our praises we’re bringing to You on this Thanksgiving.
We worship You, O Lord -, our hearts for You yearn.

We need You, O Lord, in our lives, in our nation.
Forgive us for failing to follow Your way.
Thru darkness please guide us, Your light please shine upon us.
Help hold fast to our faith in these difficult days.

We cling to Your promise, we know You are faithful.
Our land You will heal if Your people will pray.
If humbly we’ll seek You and turn away from evil,
There’s hope that our- nation will see brighter days.

And so, Lord, we give You our praise and thanksgiving,
Our worries and fears we surrender to You.
We choose to rejoice in Your promise, Your provision.
We will trust You, O Lord -, for Your Word is true.

 Marlene Bagnull

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Praying the Scriptures

Posted in God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on September 22, 2016| 1 Comment »

cross-1448946__180I can’t believe it’s been over six weeks since I blogged! Please forgive my silence.

The August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference was powerful. I’m praising God for all He did and will do.

I’m also thanking the Lord for the ministry of my dear friend, Laura Shaffer. The prayers she emails daily go deep into God’s Word and His answer for the struggles we all face. Today’s prayer especially spoke to my heart. Perhaps to yours, too?

~*~*~*~*~*~

O Father, these are some of the verses that have come to me in the darkest times. Times when I truly thought there was no hope. Times when I was at the end of all I could think to do to save myself from what appeared to be dire and dark circumstances that I believed held no happy ending.

These words are spoken by Your prophet Isaiah who is telling how it will be when the judgment of Israel is over. “You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth! You will not grow tired or weary…You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak…those who hope in You will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.”

What hope that gave me Father – because I was weary and weak. But because I know You as my Savior, I believed that these verses were true of me. It’s like You were speaking right into my heart then, and since then. You were promising to give me Your strength and power. You promised to renew my strength. When I felt like I could not take one more step, You empowered me to go on, to “walk and not grow faint.”

You told me “Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my Righteous Right Hand.” And even more than that, You sang it to me. I could hear a melody in Your words. That became a theme that I could sing to myself over and over – Your words of encouragement and empowerment. I still sing them today.

Thank You Father, that Your Word, written down so long ago, has power and influence and still speaks right now. And not just to me, but to any and all who will seek You there.

And these words of Paul – I love them and have prayed them over and over again for myself, my family, and my loved ones. I pray them now, again Father, for everyone reading this prayer. “I give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know [1] the hope to which He has called you, [2] the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people [that’s us], and [3] His incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Father, speak these words of comfort and empowerment to all who need to hear them from You. When the evil one whispers “you’ve failed again, there’s no hope,” let them know what it means to “not fear” and “not be dismayed.” Give us victory! Amen

Isaiah 40:1–41:16; Ephesians 1:1-23

~*~*~*~*~*~

To receive Laura’s prayers in your inbox, email her at davidtshaffer@juno.com. You’ll be blessed and encouraged.

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Lord, I believe but . . .

Posted in God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth, Uncategorized on July 24, 2016| 3 Comments »

Faith rock“Do you believe God can use you?” I asked in my last post.

It’s a question I also ask myself on days when doubts threaten to overwhelm me. I don’t doubt Him. I know He is faithful. It’s self doubts fueled by the accusations of the accuser that I struggle to overcome.

How can I – how can you – overcome the self-doubts that hold us back from experiencing the  victory that faith brings?

 

 

1. Cut the old tapes. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 TLB).

2. Stop listening to the wrong voices. “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:4 NASB)

3. Change your focus! “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own. The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had” (Phil. 2:4-5 TEV).

4. Renew your vision. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29:18 KJV).

5. Set specific and measurable goals. “We should make plans – counting on God to help us” (Prov. 16:9 TLB).

6. Refuse to let disappointments derail you. “No one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed” (Rom. 10:11 TLB).

7. Don’t reinforce your doubts. “But I’m not the person for a job like that” (Ex. 3:11 TLB).

8. Refuse to fall victim to discouragement. “He is a mighty Savior. He will give you
victory. He will rejoice over you with great gladness; he will love you and not accuse you” (Zeph. 3:17 TLB).

9. Stop procrastinating and persist. “Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words” (Eccl. 5:7 TLB)

10.Draw near to the Promise Keeper. “When you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him” (James 4:8 TLB).

11. Stay in the Word. The whole Bible “is God’s way of making us well prepared at
every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone” (2 Tim. 3:17 TLB).

12. Get to work. “Be strong and courageous and get to work. Do not be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly” (1 Chron. 28:20 TLB).

13. Put on the armor and commit to what He is calling you to do – NOW! “So I run
straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just shadow-boxing or playing around” (1 Cor. 9:26 TLB).

Now you have every grace and blessing;
every spiritual gift and power
for doing his will are yours
during this time of waiting
for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7 TLB

Marty poster for web

It’s not too late to register for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and to request free one-on-one appointments. But the price increases tomorrow, July 25. None of the workshops or continuing sessions are closed. Lodging on campus is still available.If you need time payments or some scholarship help, please ask. And choose to believe that if the Lord wants you to come, He will make a way.

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Do you believe God can use you?

Posted in Called to write, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, tagged on July 21, 2016| 1 Comment »

July 9 I gave a day long “Write His Answer” seminar in Baltimore. I quoted Chuck Colson’s sobering words in Against the Night, Living in the New Dark Ages:

‘Dark Age’ is a strong term. I recognize that. Yet in recent years I’ve had a growing sense of storm clouds gathering on the horizon . . . The forecast is foreboding . . . We  scan the horizon with unease.

We sense that things are winding down, that somehow freedom, justice, and order are slipping away. Our great civilization may not yet lie in smoldering ruins, but the enemy is within the gates.

The times seem to smell of sunset. Encroaching darkness casts long shadows across every institution in our land. . . . We do face a crisis in Western culture, and it presents the greatest threat to civilization since the barbarians invaded Rome.”

Sunset_Mountains_Worship_Background

I feel such a strong sense of urgency to “write His answer” – now. I believe the day is fast approaching when we will not have the freedom to print or distribute Christian literature or to share our faith on the Internet.

Critical days are ahead. As so many are saying, America is teetering on the edge of collapse. I urge you to watch Michael Gantt’s keynote, “The Cross Is the Main Thing,” from last year’s conference.

“The sad fact for America is that
our sin has made God our enemy.
Because of the rejection of God and His Word
and because we have exchanged
the God of Life for the gods of death
and perversion,
America is already under
the Hand of God’s judgment.

“If there is no national confession of sin
and if we cannot find a heart of repentance,
a Holy God will complete his judgment;
either by the complete annihilation
or subjugation of what was once a great
and godly people or by rendering it
completely irrelevant on the world stage.”

Michael Gantt
http://growinggodlyseed.com/stand (complete transcript)
Video – http://bit.ly/1JkE8m9

Father, please open our eyes to the “signs of the time” and help us to “Make the most of every chance [we] get. These are desperate times!” (Eph. 5:16 MSG).

Sunday, July 24, is the last day to register for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference before the price increases. It is also the last day to sign up for appointments (based on availability) with up to FOUR (agents, editors, or authors from the 55 serving on this year’s faculty. You can still register after July 24 (and walk-in), but you will need to wait until you arrive at the conference to request your appointments.

But Philly is too far? It’s not the same as being there, but CDs will be available after the conference. And I’ve just posted the order form for CDs from the May Colorado Christian Writers Conference to the website. Click here. Michael Gantt’s keynote that the above quote came from was also presented in Colorado this May and received a standing ovation.

But I can’t afford the cost. If Father wants you to come, He will provide. This is not a pat answer but one that I have personally experienced time and time again. I know all about “thinking lack.”  But I also have been convicted that when I worry (translation “wring my hands”) over my perception that there is not enough money, I grieve Almighty God who promises to supply all my needs from His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). Partial scholarships are still available. Family, friends, your church might welcome the opportunity to invest in your writing ministry, but you need to ask.

But I can’t get time off work. God can grant you favor with your boss, but again you need to ask. If you’ve used all your vacation time but are off on Saturdays, then come just one day.

But I don’t have anyone to watch my kids or aging parent. Again, you need to ask! Remember, “you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (James 4:2 NLT).

As my friend Lee Roddy once said, “eternity will be different” because of the words that will be written and published  as a result of this conference.

Father, please help everyone who reads these words not to doubt You or the gift of
words You have entrusted to them. Move whatever obstacles that appear to stand in their way and get them to the August 3-6, 2016, GPCWC. I know You will meet us there.

Keep believing, living, and writing His answer!

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You Can Conquer the Deadly Ds

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts on May 6, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Faith rocks2Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Some of you know that it took five years and rejection slips from 42 editors before the first book I wrote was accepted for publication. Before that I struggled for several years to finish the manuscript. Self-doubts, and to be honest, God-doubts had me close to giving up many, many times.

The “deadly Ds” – disappointment, doubt, discouragement, even despair – were my frequent companions. What kept me keeping on?

  • Promises such as Galatians 6:9: “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up” (TLB).
  • The very first words I ever felt the Lord speak to my heart: “Child, I never said it would be easy to follow Me, but I have promised always to be with you.”
  • My husband who has never told me to go get a “real” job even during times when things were really rough financially.
  • My pastor who paid my way to my first writers’ conference and held me accountable afterwards to use what I learned.
  • Friends who year after year babysat my three children so I could go to the St. Davids Christian Writers Conference.
  • The network of writing friends who encouraged me, and Gayle Roper and Anne Sirna who mentored me.

Yes, it took many long, discouraging years but that first book did get in print. The rest – eight other books, the Greater Philly and Colorado Christian Writers Conferences that I direct, the 70 conference faculties I’ve been honored to serve on, and my day-long writing seminars that I’ve given around the country over 50 times – are the fruit of abiding in Him and trusting Him to do what I could never do in my own strength.

The key really is trust, especially when the deadly Ds threaten to derail me. I’m learning that I am free to trust or to doubt, but when I do not trust, I grieve the Lord.

I want to encourage you not to give up and to make registering for a Christian Writers Conference a priority. Google these upcoming conferences: Write to Publish, Montrose, St. Davids. I’ve served on the faculty of all three and highly recommend them. Of course, I hope you’ll also prayerfully consider the conferences I direct.

It’s not too late to register for the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. The price increases tomorrow, May 7, but please do not let the cost stop you from coming. Remember, God can make a way when there seems to be no way. You can register with a $50 deposit and make monthly payments for the balance. And scholarship help is available. If making time to come in an already crammed schedule is the issue, then come just for a day. Walk-ins are welcome, and I’ll waive the additional $15 walk-in fee if you mention this email.

I urge you not to miss this once-a-year opportunity to

grow as a writer,

connect with agents and editors who can open doors,

make forever friendships with other writers,

and most important of all be spiritually renewed
to write about a God who is real, who is reachable,
and who changes lives.

Registration is also open for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. The 16-page brochure will be off press today. If you’re on our mailing list, you should receive it  by May 16. Can’t wait? It’s posted online. The first 75 to register receive an additional FREE 15-minute appointment with an editor, agent, or author – a total of FIVE appointments of your choice. And we have 59 on faculty for you to choose from. The earlier you register, the more likely you’ll get your top picks.

If the evil one (the “defeated one” as Yolanda Powell called him in a keynote she gave a few years ago) is bombarding you with the deadly Ds, trust the Lord. Realize that you are obviously a threat or he would leave you alone. So, again, trust the Lord!

Father, thank You that You know the plans You have for us and our writing – and that they are good plans. Help us to trust You when we face the deadly Ds. Thank You for all the incredible people You have brought into my life these past 20 years of directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and 33 years directing the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Thank You for all You have done and all You will do as I trust You.

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Tough Week But . . .

Posted in God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth on April 2, 2016| Leave a Comment »

                             Tougher Faith

Have you had a tough week?

Have you been irritated, frustrated, stressed
by things beyond your control?

Have the deadly Ds of
disappointment
doubt
discouragement
been causing you
to question whether God can really use you?

Yes, I’ve had a tough week but . . .I’m choosing to exercise a tougher faith and to affirm:

He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory.
He will rejoice over you with great gladness;
he will love you and not accuse you.
Zephaniah 3:17 (TLB

Won’t you join me in clinging to His promises and choosing to exercise an even tougher faith in the face of obstacles? And remember, “Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us” (2 Tim. 2:13 TLB).

And rejoice with me. Despite overwhelming a tough week the continuing sessions for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference are now in place. Wow, Father! Thank You for all You are doing and will do. Registration opens April 15.

page 4 cs GP 2016

page 5 cs GP 2016Click here to go to the conference website and download a PDF of these exciting sessions. And be merciful, please, if you find any mistakes. I’m so excited for you to see what we’re offering this year that I’ve not yet had these pages proofread. Dangerous, yes, I know. One time I mailed a seminar brochure with a return address of “Drizzle Hill” instead of “Drexel Hill.” And that’s just one of my bloopers. I’m so grateful Father loves me and does not accuse me!

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Don’t Leave God Out of the Equation

Posted in God's promises on March 13, 2016| 2 Comments »

two plus threeI hated math in school.

I remember sitting at the dining room table when I was in elementary school struggling to figure out my math homework. The harder I tried, the more frustrated I became. Invariably I’d end up sobbing. Sadly, my father didn’t help. Instead he accused me of not trying.

In high school  math became even more difficult. My mind simply couldn’t wrap around alegbraic formulas. I passed, but just barely.

Truth is, I still hate math today. I’ve never viewed numbers as friends. Perhaps that’s why I became a writer!

calculator and coinsStill numbers are something I live with daily. And it’s not just math problems that frustrate me. Gratefully God provided calculators for that task. As long as I hit the right keys, they are much more accurate than I am.

Often I become frustrated because the numbers just aren’t there. Sometimes numbers represent dollars and cents. I forget to thank God for all He has provided and instead begin thinking lack.

There’s also the danger numbers present when I’m tempted to compare my book sales with that of other writers. I forget that God’s measure for success is not the same as mine.

But the biggest way I allow numbers to defeat me is by leaving God out of the equation. When I focus on the problem and how inadequate I feel to resolve it, I miss the joy of exchanging my weakness for His strength.

Possible And Impossible Keys Show Optimism And PositivityToday, no matter how overwhelmed you or I may feel because of a problem that seems unsolvable, we can choose to believe His promise.

“Everything is possible with God.”
Mark 10:27 NLT

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