The one who says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in the darkness.
The one who loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has made his eyes blind.
1 John 2:9-11
Now we know that we have come to know Him by this – if we keep His commandments.
The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God is truly made perfect. We know that we are in Him by this –
whoever claims to abide in Him must walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6
My children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Intercessor with the Father – the righteous Messiah Yeshua.
He is the atonement for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2
If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10
Now this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you – that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.
If we say we have fellowship with Him and keep walking in the darkness, we are lying and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of His Son Yesuha purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:5-7
A Bird, A Girl, And A Rescue
By J.A. Myhre
Eleven-year-old Kiisa had no idea why her parents would send her away to boarding school. She wondered why they couldn’t all stay together in their beautiful African valley home. But no matter what she said they were firm: she must go, and she must go to this school.
As she said a tearful goodbye to her father, he whispered, “For such a time as this. . . . Remember that phrase, and try to open your trunk soon. You’ll find something unexpected inside.” When Kiisa opened the trunk, she was astonished to find a small heap of black and white feathers that quickly unfolded into a little bird, a wagtail to be exact. Her surprise only deepened when the bird started to speak, ”My name is Njili. I am one of the Messengers, though a small one. I have been sent to assist you with the Rescue.” Kiisa had no idea what she meant, but she would soon find out.
Join Kiisa on the adventure of a lifetime—a dangerous rescue mission that includes rebels, stolen girls, illegal logging, a hungry cobra, and more messengers who help in unexpected ways. Kiisa sets out to rescue others, but finds herself rescued from fear and bitterness as she learns that bravery is nothing more (or less) than being in the right place at the right time and taking action despite her fears.
This page-turning story, the second in The Rwendigo Tales (A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest is the first book), is an adventure that children, young adults, and even full-grown adults will not be able to put down. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue creatively and convincingly explores universal themes like family, forgiveness, bullying, and courage by blending magical realism and compelling storytelling. Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa and featuring realistic pen and ink illustrations, it draws first-world readers into another (equally real) world—where young girls are captured by rebel soldiers, terrorism is a way of life, and environmental resources are exploited without a second thought. As Myhre’s characters deal with these real-life issues in the news, readers of all ages will gain a deeper interest in global human concerns.
ISLAND BREEZES
Kiisa’s only consolation to having to enroll in boarding school is her bird, Njili. The older girls are certainly not helpful with the new girls. They bully them instead.
Masasi was the leader of the bullies. She also was not one of the brightest bulbs in the pack. Because of her friendship with the wrong person, she was kidnapped and the girls dormitory was set on fire.
It seemed as though no one cared enough about her to rescue her. Only one girl dared to try.
I’ve certainly enjoyed Ms Myhre’s books. This is a good stand alone read, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest, the first book in The Rwendigo Tales series. And you, as well as I, will look forward to the next one.
Go here to read a sample of the book.
***I received this book without charge from New Growth Press.***
J. A. Myhre, MD, serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom The Rwendigo Tales were written as Christmas presents. The first book in the series, A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest was published in 2015 and is available at newgrowthpress.com.
A Very Blessed Christmas
Coloring Book
By Robin Mead
There is no better way to get into the full spirit of the holiday season than by coloring more than 85 uplifting illustrations in this special volume: frosty winter scenes, carolers in the snow, trees trimmed in nostalgic trappings, ornate churches, angels, nativities–all reminiscent of cozy moments with family and friends and the sweetest, simplest blessings of the holidays. Each artist can rejoice with a grateful heart and be reminded of the ultimate gift God gave the world. Also included are illustrated Scripture verses and fun, holiday craft cutouts that everyone can use to create their own ornaments, Christmas cards, gift tags, and more!
ISLAND BREEZES
Another Robin Mead adult coloring book. This one is Christmas themed with appropriate Scripture throughout.
Once again you will find varying degrees of intricacy in her designs.
And a bonus – holiday crafts. This book should definitely get you in the mood for the season. Thank you, Ms Mead.
***A special thank you to Canaan Byrd for supplying a review copy without charge.***
Robin Mead is an artist who combines her background in social work, studies in Fine Art, and love of expression to create joyful depictions of life. Using insight and intuition she translates positive emotions onto paper, canvas, and the digital screen. A native of New York, Robin and her husband of 27 years now reside near Athens, Georgia, where she delights in seeking inspiration outdoors.
But don’t forget this one thing, loved ones, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you – not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will melt and disintegrate, and the earth and everything done on it shall be exposed.
2 Peter 3:8-10
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time.
Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.
Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour.
Stand up against him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being laid upon your brethren throughout the world.
1 Peter 5:6-9
Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, tenderhearted, humble-minded.
Do not repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead – it is for this reason you were called, so that you might inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9