Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight.
—II Corinthians 5:7 (God’s Word)
Reflection:
We are children of the Promise—God’s promise. Think of that! We trust in our heavenly Father, knowing we can focus our eyes (and hearts) on the blessed hope, the reward of the eternal, while looking ahead with joy to the great things God is doing right here in our world. Missions are thriving. Thousands each day are answering the call of Christ in many lands. God is at work in our lives and all around the world, friends.
When things look the darkest, the candle of Faith shines the brightest.
Also, let’s never forget those early "pilgrims" who paved the way for our American liberties more than two hundred years ago, this Fourth of July, and the many men and women who have given their lives, limbs, and minds willingly for those very freedoms.
I wish you and your family an inspiring Fourth!
"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."
--Proverbs 20:7
Reflection:
I’m grateful to God for a Dad who loves the Lord. My father is still living…and reasonably healthy for his 87 years. Dad’s a wonderful writer, and I just finished editing his monthly newsletter, which he distributes to his long-time subscribers, as well as to a whole bunch of lively seniors who live in his beautiful complex.
I was telling Dave, my husband, just this evening, that it seems like Dad has been gone from our home for a long, long time, and yet it has only been two months since he moved to an independent senior living complex. He was with us for a full year, after his dear wife (my step-mother) suddenly required memory care for the onset of dementia, following an emergency surgery. It was such a sad and lonely time for Dad, and heartbreaking for this newlywed couple of just 15 months. But my daddy needed a place to stay for a season, and we were happy to open our hearts and home to this gentle and godly man. He called his bedroom his “little indoor Dawdi Haus.” How sweet is that?
I’ll never forget the day Daddy taught me the Greek alphabet to the tune of “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” and I was just a tot. Dad loves studying God’s word, especially in Greek—he is a longtime student of the Bible, and when I’m writing and want to know the meaning of a particular “root word” for a scripture verse, Dad is always happy to look it up. Quite eager, actually.
This is a man who has lived his life sharing his knowledge of the Bible with others—from the pulpit, and from foreign soil. He has led many hearts to Christ through his years of pastoral and missionary ministry. And he and my mother taught my little sister and me to love Jesus at an early age, as well. He has truly passed on the Faith of our fathers, and I’m truly thankful to have the honor of sharing these tidbits with you on this June blog.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there…and to the women who love them!
Blessings and love,
Bev Lewis
Congratulations to these 5 winners of signed copies of the novel and Hallmark Movie Channel DVD of The Confession! Thanks so much for participating in this giveaway and being such faithful reader-friends. Email my publicist with your preferred mailing address; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Becca Peterson
Sue Chandler Conley
Margareth Frayne-Sodré
Diane Heggart
Abigail Richmond
"I thank my God for all the memories I have of you. Every time I pray for all of you, I do it with joy. I can do this because of the partnership we’ve had with you in the Good News from the first day you believed until now. I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. You have a special place in my heart..."
Philippians 1: 3-7 (God's Word)
Reflection:
When I think back to my recent Spring Book Tour 2013, there is a sweet sense of joy in my heart...for all of you who came to have a book signed, receive a hug and a smile (and, in some cases, a picture). I pray you were encouraged in your spiritual walk by our time together. I know I was touched greatly by the many comments you shared, how my stories make a difference in your life and in the lives of those you love. And, you know what? Just that alone is a huge inspiration to me...when deadlines loom.
I want to share some of the remarks that were made privately--the woman who sat by her husband's hospital bed and found strength and comfot in my stories; the man who said he "saw Jesus on the pages of my books," and the teenager who found courage to "survive her parents' separation" from reading my books. To God be the glory! This is my earnest prayer.
Now, as I turn my thoughts to Mother's Day, I realize that so many of these dear women are with the Lord--and, oh, how we miss them ! Others are still living but struggle daily with ongoing pain and health issues, and, sadly there are absentee moms, seemingly disinterested in our lives. For each mother, I pray God's tender blessing, His loving care...and I pray that hearts might be healed during this time, families grow near, extending mercy and forgiveness, perhaps even where bitterness reigns.
A heart-felt Mother's Day movie is coming to the Hallmark Channel, in case you hadn't heard. Beverly Lewis' The Confession will air on Saturday, May 11, at 9/8 Central time!! This same movie will release in DVD on June 2, if you don't have cable.
I'm delighted with this inspiring and compelling story, and I know you'll want to share it with your family and friends, just as we plan to do. Mark your calendar and set your DVR, dear friend.
Blessings and love,
Bev Lewis