God, Can You Help Me? + Book Reviews & a Giveaway

October 2, 2018 by Kristi 7 Comments

God, can you help me? The words swirl in our thoughts when we find ourselves in a quandary, at times when the battle grows strong.

We grow weary.

Fighting one.more.day feels defeating.

Silence emanates from God’s side.

The situation appears impossible.

And then the thought slips into our brain.

God, can you help me?

But God…

Thank the Lord that we serve Him, a God who continues to deliver His people even today, a love-filled Father who helps His righteous amid their afflictions.

Psalm 34:18 casts the picture clear.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous.

BUT…

Yahweh delivers him out of them all.

Our God delivers.

Still.

Looking to build your faith muscles? After reading today’s post and jumping into this month’s memory verse, check out this TRUST-related nugget.

As we go about memorizing Psalm 34:18 this week, yet another stellar verse in our #Word18 Memory Verse Program, let’s set our trust in Him. (If you’re new to #WORD18, welcome! Simply click the previous link to gather more information.)

But There’s More…

Crystal Storms published a piece of mine last week called 5 Powerful Action Steps When You Ask, “God, Where Are You?” That piece is a perfect match for our memory verse this week. Don’t miss it.

Also, Crystal blessed us with a guest post here last Tuesday. Her piece, When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers in the Way You Hoped was powerful. Make certain you don’t miss it. And it’s A-OK to spread its encouraging message by sharing on social media or in an email.

Subscribers

Look for my “3” Newsletter this Friday. Watch for your helpful ministry freebie inside. <3

Not a subscriber?

No problem. Simply sign up here to receive access to the subscriber-only library which houses all our free scripture, prayer, and ministry downloads, faith-building lists, and more. You’ll also receive regular, courage-building email updates and monthly newsletters for “family connection.”

And More…Book Reviews & Giveaway

Two new books from Revell Publishing hit bookstore shelves recently. Both grabbed my attention. Take a look…

Silencing Insecurity: Believing God’s Truth About You

by Donna Gibbs

In this day and age, words, actions, and ideals splatter all over us from a wide range of sources, all attempting to paint our identity.

Magazine covers.

Television.

Social Media and more.

But what about the Bible? What about God and His truth?

Silencing Insecurity pulls from God’s Word and plain ‘ol wisdom to encourage readers in their search or reassurance of identity.

This book resembles a breath of fresh air, the aroma of Christ spoken from a friendly source. I don’t know Donna personally, but I feel as though we’re friends–in a Christian, professional way–after reading this book. She doesn’t wag a finger or stand on a podium. Her writing comes alongside as a friend and counselor, offering solid, strong suggestions and encouragement from the Bible.

The author identifies thieves many of us face in our search for “who we are.” She helps throw off their cover, exposing them in the light of God’s Truth. I nodded my head during several of the chapters.

Donna dives into various problems we may face such as mental, emotional, or relational issues. She brings real life to the pages and helps readers understand what they are facing and why.

Then comes the most important part. Donna leads us toward conversation surrounding transformation and freedom with our Father. Her words leads us to the throne of the Almighty and His truth.

Is it a book I’d pull out the highlight for? Indeed.

Is this a book I’d buy for a friend? Absolutely!

Consider grabbing a copy of Silencing Insecurity if the tumultous world of identity is rocking your boat, if you love refreshers every now and then of God’s truth, or if you simply enjoy new reads.

Second-Chance DOGS

Edited by Callie Smith Grant

Pure sweetness, a swelling of the happy kind–that’s what this read offers. Although it’s a-typical for the type of books we read and review here at KristiWoods.net, this one deserved a chance, just like its subject-matter.

I’m on the dog bandwagon right now. I love rescues and their heart-warming stories. After all, my family and I just adopted (at our best guess) a collie/terrier mix. A few days after Ellie joined our family, another rescue sprinted into the picture–a Belgium Malinois named Kasey.

Considering our house full of rescues, this book is appropriate.

If you’re looking for stories that warm the heart, bring out one’s inner cheerleader, create a smile, even cause a tear, then grab a copy of this Revell publication. It’s appropriate for you, too. I fell in love with dog after dog, story after story. You might find yourself doing the same.

Second-Chance DOGS is an easy read. Each story covers a handful of pages, give or take. Beautiful bedtime reading. A few of the contributor names rang familiar, like Lauraine Snelling and Cyle Young from the Christian arena. (I cried at Cyle’s story, but you’ll have to read it for yourself to see what impact his words make on your heart.)

This book would make a great Christmas gift for a friend or work acquaintance. Consider it also for your own nightstand table.

The publisher supplied a free copy of Second-Chance DOGS and Silencing Insecurity in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away 1 copy of Second-Chance DOGS. (US addresses, please, and you must be 18 years or older to enter.)

To enter:

Comment below for 1 entry.
Gather 2 entries by subscribing to KristiWoods.net and letting me know in the comments below that you’ve done so.
Share this post on social media (and let me know in the comments below) for 2 entries as well.Make certain to leave your email address (confidential) in the appropriate space when leaving a comment. Otherwise, I won’t be able to contact you. ;-)Giveaway ends at 10pm, central on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Winner will be announced in the Tuesday, Oct. 9th blog post, and I will email the recipient–after I’ve asked one of my kids to pull a number out of the hat. 🙂

Have a beautiful week!

Linking with other Jesus lovers here: #heartencouragementThursday, #faithonfire

Do You Doubt God Hears You? Grab this Piece of Truth.

March 20, 2018 by Kristi 2 Comments

Do you ever wonder if God hears you?

Maybe that small voice sends taunting questions your way. You begin to question whether God hears you. After all, nothing’s changed. Maybe God set out the “do not disturb” sign when your request came His way. Yes, maybe.

But when we peer into God’s Word, we see truth squelching the taunts of temptation.

God hears you.

Grab this memory verse, the 6th in a series of year-long ditties to hide deep in the heart this year. Mull its truth around with your spiritual taste buds. Take a taste and watch the lies flee.

God hears.

Find past verses here.

Is God Prompting You to Step Out in Faith Right Now?

February 27, 2018 by Kristi 28 Comments

Faith …

Have you ever sensed God prompting you to action, and deep in the heart you really, really, REALLY long to be obedient, but a blockade stands in the way?

It’s frustrating and a ball of emotions, isn’t it?

Truth be told, most of us face the obstacle of fear – that’s what it’s called – in our faith walk. And it’s just that: an obstacle.

But who sets obstacles in our path?

~ Temptation – that which is of our own will & desire

~ Darkenss – the very one who comes to kill, steal, and destroy

I wish it were as easy as hearing God, hopping up on my feet, and following. But this internal war – yowza – it creates a situation of havoc at times. Then again, it might be room for God to move. Perhaps the solution remains simplier than we consider.

Four years ago I began a writing journey. I sat at my computer, scared silly. And I kid you not, I asked God FOUR TIMES, “Are you sure?”

Call me a bit of an instant gratification gal. Mounting rejections didn’t help. My flesh squealed a bit. (Okay, a lot.) I sat ready to quit.

But the Lord reaffirmed the call, reassured with answers. One of those answers included three simple words: Stay the course.

Have you ever been called to stay the course?

Maybe those exact words ring clear or remain situationally close? It’s somewhat like “run the race well” and “work out your faith with fear and trembling.”

Four years later, I sit at my computer, like I am right now, praising God. He opened doors in ways I never expected or could see all those times I sat and wondered Lord, did you really say to write?

A door swung open at Proverbs 31 Ministries. I wrote a devotional. The comments blew.me.away. How the Lord touched hearts – oh.my.goodness. Tears streamed that day.

He opened doors at Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Owasso Reporter. He flung open opportunity at The Upper Room, and now I contribute monthly at Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. I sit here humbled and in awe of what the Lord has done, how He’s reaching folks across the globe like I never imagined.

Do you sit in awe at what the Lord has done in your life? Make a list as an offering. Click To Tweet

But there’s more. This time I sit in delayed obedience – which is a “make-me-feel-a-little-bit-better” makeshift for plain ‘ol disobedience.

Last year, I sensed a prompting to begin promoting myself as a speaker. Call me a “speaker who writes” vs. a “writer who speaks.” I feel as comfortable in front of a crowd as I do one-on-one. The only problem? Bowing to the fear of promotion has morphed this girl into a speaker who’s not speaking about Jesus.

Ouch.

Promotion of self seems about as comfortable as a wool sweater from the 1970’s, when donning one of those scratchy things without an undershirt proved pure torture.

But His plans don’t center around us. They pivot on Jesus. It’s not self-promotion; it’s lifting Jesus high.

Folks need to hear about hope. We’re called to promote. You know, the very name at which every knee will bow: Jesus.

So here I go, and I hope you’ll journey, too. Let’s listen to the Holy Spirit – promoting God Almighty. Let’s toss fear aside and venture where He calls – in utter and complete dependence, with arms lifted high in obedience, and hearts open in worship.

Here’s my first step this year:

Hello speaker card.

Area women’s ministries and groups will receive this simple postcard soon.

I wanted you, those of you subscribed here at KristiWoods.net, to be first on the “know” list. If you have speaking needs, consider praying over “who” He’s called to fill that need. Maybe it’s this girl, the one who desires to promote Jesus alone. If so, simply email me at Kristi@KristiWoods.net and take a peek at this speaker page.

Feel free to pass this along to folks you know, to pray or however He leads. Thank you for helping me step into obedience. I appreciate you!

OK readers, how about you?

Where do you feel the Lord prompting a move into obedience? Any feet willing to take one nervous step forward? How about “staying the course”? Let us know in the comments below. Because really, it’s often as simple as action – one step and then another in faith.

We’ll be cheering for you, and rest assured each comment will be prayed over.

Love you guys. #goJesus