A timely devotional in these troubling times

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries


IRVINE, CA (ANS) -- Ron Brackin, co-author of the international bestseller Son of Hamas (SaltRiver, 2010), has a knack for digging. Probably his journalism background. Most of his nonfiction books have been true accounts of the persecuted church throughout the Middle East.



In You Are Eagerly Invited (Weller & Bunsby, 2011), however, Brackin has begun to peel away the layers of an ancient sacrament, that is too often taken for granted, to reveal a wonderful place of fellowship and revelation, a tent of meeting where we are invited to speak face to face with God.

Throughout the thirty-one days of this little devotional, the author allows us to sit in on honest, transparent encounters with God-whether times of faith or doubt, frustration or wonder.

Every day-carrying a plastic travel bottle of Welch's grape juice and a baggie filled with matzah-Ron Brackin walked through the fields and woods around the lake by his home, always stopping for a while to dine with God. And everyday, as they shared a meal together, the Holy Spirit revealed a little bit more of himself through what we call communion, Eucharist, or the Lord's Supper.

When daily headlines and a sch izophrenic economy leave us feeling flustered and insecure.when we realize that we don't have quite as much control over our lives as we thought and we're not sure how much longer we can cope with what's happening to our families, our country, and the world, along comes this delightful little book to help us find peace in the arms of the lover and comforter of our souls.

My chief complaint about Ron Brackin's devotional is that it's only a month long and only available as an ebook.
The good news is that it sells for just $2.99, and you can download it to your PC, Mac, Kindle, Nook, and/or smartphone from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the iTunes Store.

Check out more books by Ron Brackin at www.ronbrackin.com .

---

Dan Wooding, 70, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for 48 years. They have two sons, Andrew and Peter, and six grandchildren who all live in the UK. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS) and was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. He now hosts the weekly "Front Page Radio" show on KWVE in Southern California which is also carried throughout the United States. The program is also aired in Great Britain on Calvary Chapel Radio UK and also in Belize and South Africa. Besides this, Wooding is a host for His Channel Live, which is carried via the Internet to some 200 countries. You can follow Dan on Facebook under his name there or at ASSIST News Service. He is the author of some 44 books. Two of the latest include his autobiography, "From Tabloid to Truth", which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, press this link. Wooding, who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, has also recently released his first novel "Red Dagger" which is available this link.

Three Short Devotional Stories of Faith

By: Author With Joy! 

1. You changed my mourning into dancing; you took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. With my whole being I sing endless praise to you. Oh God my God, forever will I give you thanks. Psalms 30:13 (New American Bible)

Angela is a Latin-American in her mid-forties who lived a very difficult life. Angela tried to commit suicide many times. It is amazing that she is still alive. She has much potential, even after being in the mental health system for many years. She has many questions about Jesus and has a hunger to know Him.. She knows He cares and that she will be loved and cherished, no matter what. When asked about her faith, Angela quickly responded, without Jesus, she wouldn’t be alive today. She encouraged me to start a non-denominational faith group in our program.

I contacted my supervisor and explained how I would not emphasize my own faith, but let members talk about theirs. I gave my supervisor an agenda of what I would cover, and the proposal received approval. Angela wanted to lead the group, and I encouraged her to do so. I talked with her before the group met, to explain how this would be a safe place for people to talk about their faith without judgement.She seemed enthusiastic, and shared her excitement with the group. Now since she has been the facilitator she has made no major suicide attempts. She mentioned to me that being able to share her faith and being with others has helped her feel understood. She feels like she fits into the world. She sees herself not as a “mental patient” but a woman of faith. She helped me realize spiritual wisdom can come from anybody at any time if we are open to the light of Christ.

Prayer

You have the light of Christ

within and around you

Shine your light for all to see!

2. “Jesus said, ‘I give praise to you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike.” Mathew Chapter 11: 25 (New American Bible)
‘

John was an African American man about 55 years of age. Due to his Schizophrenia it was difficult for him to express himself clearly. Each day he would have roses tucked in all of his pockets. They were many colors and he seemed to take pleasure in picking certain roses. Even thought they became wilted when he put them in his pocket, to him they were a priceless treasure. Each day John would come to me and say,” What color rose would you like today?” His face would show his eager anticipation of giving me this wonderful gift from his heart. Even though the flower would be wilted I always was go grateful that he would share his greatest treasure.

Unfortunately John passed away last year. I saw him the day before he died. Now it was my turn to give him a rose. I brought the brightest roses I could find. Even though he was in a coma I think somewhere is his subconscious mind he knew I was there. I told him I loved him and how much his roses meant to me. Then the most amazing thing happened. I sensed a bright light surrounding John and I felt peace and holiness.
John taught me to share my spiritual treasures and also give the best of myself to others – even if I feel like a wilted rose that day.

Prayer

When the night is dark

and the world seems to

be passing us by

There is a light which

can give us courage and hope

This light is filled with love

and comes from Jesus

We have this light within us

We can have joy, peace

understanding and forgiveness

He is waiting for us

Come to the wonderful

light of Jesus!

Let this Holy light

shine for all the see!

3. “The Lord raises up the needy from the dust, lifts the poor from the ash heap.” Psalm 113:7, (New American Bible)

I was working with adults who had profound disabilities. They weren’t able to feed themselves, walk, talk, or have the basic skills we take for granted. I provided assistance with feeding, changing diapers, activities, and going into the community. One of the people I assisted was Jean. Each morning when I saw Jean she would welcome me with a smile and her legs would move as if she was very excited, and then she would start laughing. There was never a day that she failed to welcome me with this greeting.

One day my supervisor called me in the office to tell me she had to let me go because of the budget. Of course I felt many emotions, including shock. I went out of the office feeling down and Jean was in the room. She looked at me as though she understood. Then with her usual smile she started laughing.

In spite of myself I couldn’t help but laugh with her. I looked at Jean clearly for the first time and became mindful of all the challenges she had yet every morning she seemed to be thankful and joyful for another day. I had lost a job, but I was still able to do many things she would never be capable of. She would always need someone to feed and change her diapers, yet she still smiled. Maybe physically she wasn’t able to talk, but spiritually she spoke volumes. I realized I have much to thank God for and to find at least one thing to smile and laugh at each day.

Prayer

How can I thank you?

Are their words?

Are their actions I can do?

I ponder many ideas and thoughts

on how to try and give you thanks

when really all you are wanting

is my heart. You don’t need a lot

of words or even a lot of planning

of how I can show my gratefulness

You just ask that I follow my heart

Article Source: http://christian-topics.info

Would love to write in magazines and publish a devotional with a traditional publisher. I have one book titled Finding the Light of Jesus which is published by CrossLink- a traditional published. I'v been published in thirteen peridicals and facilitate spiritual retreats and provide uplifting presentations to groups and churches. I am also currently writing for San Francisco Examiner in the spirituality section. You can read my articles at www.examiner.com/christian-living-in-sacramento/cindy-tuttle