Before the King: Joanna’s Story Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Before the King: Joanna’s Story by Heather Kaufman is the second book in the Women of the Way series. The first book, Up from Dust, was about Martha. I thought that was a beautiful novel as is this one. Author Kaufman has a marvelous perspective on what life might have been for these two ladies.

This book tells the story of Joanna and her sister Dalia. While not much is said about Joanna in the scripture, the author has used her imagination and research to fill in details for this follower of Jesus. I totally fell in love with this amazing woman.

The writing is extremely well done. I was whisked away to a time and place that I had never been. I appreciated the research done to make this story authentic. The characters and places came alive for me through the vivid details.

Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genre if it follows scripture. This one does. It has scripture woven throughout it and follows the story as best it can without having a lot of details to go by.

I loved the life and Christian messages tucked inside this inspiring story. Parts of it moved me to tears. I highly recommend this. It would make a fabulous reading group choice. There is so much to glean and discuss. It receives a 5 out of 5 star rating from this reader. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these were my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Before the King: Joanna’s Story (Women of the Way Book 2)

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: January 21, 2025

Joanna’s wealthy family aspires to Herod’s inner circle, but when her father’s esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.

Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Reviews for writing “a charming and well-crafted tale.” She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

More from Heather

Hello, Fellow Book Lover!

My heart behind the Women of the Way series is to highlight the beauty of Jesus through the eyes of some of his lesser-known female followers. In Before the King, we behold Jesus through the eyes of Joanna. Although she’s only named twice in Scripture, the little we do know about her is compelling. In Luke 8:1-3, we discover that Joanna was healed by Jesus of an infirmity and then followed him, supporting his ministry from her own means. What’s so shocking is that she’s the wife of Chuza, Herod Antipas’ steward! During my research, I discovered that her husband’s position is better translated “procurator,” someone in charge of financial affairs. Such a position suggests that Chuza was a prominent man within Herod’s administration. But the surprises don’t end there! My research also indicated that Chuza was most likely Nabatean. Nestled just southeast of Herod’s own territory of Perea, Nabatea was a major world power at the time of Christ.

The more I researched, the more my jaw dropped to the ground. How did a Jewish woman married to a prominent Gentile within Herod’s administration come to support Jesus of Nazareth? Did her husband know? Did he approve? Did Herod himself ever find out? You’ll have to read Before the King to see just where my imagination took me!

I depict Joanna as caught between two courts—that of Herod Antipas and that of Jesus Christ. She chooses to risk everything for her faith and that choice pays off. The second time we see Joanna in Scripture is in Luke 24:10 as an eyewitness to the empty tomb. Not only did she behold the empty tomb, she gazed upon the risen Christ, for in Matthew 28:9 we read that as the women left, they encountered Jesus himself. What an amazing privilege to be one of the first to meet the risen Lord in the flesh!

I hope Joanna’s story encourages you to live a bold faith that clings to Christ, despite opposition. Our world now isn’t so different from hers then. Christ’s Kingdom is still advancing in the midst of political unrest, social division, and rampant greed. May we pin our hopes upon King Jesus, who is worthy of our devotion. Like Joanna, may we place all we have within his hands, deeming him worthy of the cost.

While you read, consider listening to the Before the King playlist! It’s full of inspirational music that ties into the themes from the book. Give it a listen HERE. Happy reading (and listening)!

Surrendering with you to Him,

Heather

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2

Stories By Gina, April 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 8

She Lives to Read, April 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impression, April 9

Cover Lover Book Review, April 9

Lily’s Corner, April 10

Bigreadersite, April 11

Inspired by Fiction, April 11

For Him and My Family, April 12

Pause for Tales, April 13

EmpowerMoms, April 13

Holly’s Book Corner, April 14

Inklings and notions , April 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Heather is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54190

Dawn of Grace Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

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Dawn of Grace by wordsmith extraordinaire, Jill Eileen Smith, is a Biblical Fiction novel. This amazing tale brought the New Testament to life with its retelling of Mary Magdalene’s story. The author has a brilliant perspective on what might have happened. It is totally plausible.

I was immediately drawn to this story with its familiar characters. Within the first few pages the story had me totally captivated. It brought new light on what Mary’s life and struggles might have been like. I was moved while reading this beautiful story.

I highly recommend Dawn of Grace. It would be great for a reading group or individuals. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: February 18, 2025

From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow–until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.

Now Mary’s one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she’ll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.

On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear–and Jesus makes all things new.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, Miriam’s Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, Daughter of Eden, and The Ark and the Dove. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in Michigan.

More from Jill

Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s story, is a biblical novel based on the life of Mary Magdalene. Step into first century Israel during the time of Jesus Christ and meet the woman whom Jesus healed from demon possession. See how her life went from one of despair to one of grace.

We learn, through Mary’s point of view, what it might have been like to follow the rabbi, Jesus, throughout Galilee and Judea for at least part of His ministry. She is with Him as often as possible, and one of the few women in His circle who stayed with Him all the way to the cross—and watched Him die.

In her grief, Mary learned where they buried Him and determined to return after Shabbat to anoint His beloved body one more time. But when she arrived, He was not where they had lain Him. Distraught, Mary searches for answers until she hears Jesus call her name. She is the first to see the resurrected Messiah, and she is never the same again.

In Dawn of Grace, we imagine how the things we read about in the gospels might have played out through Mary’s eyes. The Bible tells us that she helped support His ministry out of her means, and she is mentioned often as one of His devoted followers. What emotions did she experience as she went from learning about a coming kingdom to hearing her Messiah speak about His coming death and resurrection? The men didn’t understand. Did she? What did she feel in that moment when she thought all hope was lost?

I hope you will gain a new perspective of what it might have been like for one of the New Testament’s most famous women, one who lived in a world where women were not given much notice or status. Yet Jesus included them, and even elevated them. The Scriptures tell us that there is no difference between male and female in God’s eyes. He loves us all. Mary got the chance to see God’s care for her and all women in a way she never expected. God’s love for all is the same today.

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 9

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 9

Stories By Gina, April 10 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

For Him and My Family, April 13

Pause for Tales, April 14

EmpowerMoms, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 15

Holly’s Book Corner, April 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jill is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54191

Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose is Book 3 by the Christian Writers Collective, founded by Stephanie K. Reynolds. Including in the pages of this powerful book are true testimonies of what Jesus can do by forty-six international people. The eclectic mix offers a world view of how Jesus sweetly brought people into His Kingdom through salvation and gave them purpose for their life.

Each factual account to moving and allows readers to hear what Jesus is doing in the lives of so many people. This Christian, Inspirational, Self Help book is amazing. The writing is excellent. I felt like I was sitting at a table drinking tea listening to each author’s heartfelt experience. Some of them moved me to tears.

This would be the perfect book for a devotional or small group study. Churches would benefit from having it in their library. It is a great way to share Jesus with others. In fact, the final chapter contains the plan of salvation and instructions on how to receive new life in Christ. 

Don’t miss this phenomenal book. The stories are inspiring and some even unbelievable due to the pain individuals endured. I am eagerly awaiting Book 4 and recommend all in the series. One things rings true throughout all of the books, Jesus can, yes, He can.

I highly recommend Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose. It gets a well deserved 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Jesus Can . . .Give You Purpose (Jesus Can… Book Three)

Author: Stephanie Reynolds/Christian Writers Collective, LLC

Genre: Inspirational, Christian, Self-help

Release date: December 5, 2024

Can Jesus give you purpose?

He most certainly can! You’ll find plenty of proof in the pages of this book. Its 46 testimonies display Jesus’ power to give purpose to people all over the world, whether they were shot and left for dead during a political revolution in Africa or struggling with loneliness and suicidal thoughts in small town America. Jesus Christ brought a unique purpose to every writer featured in this book. And He can do the same for anyone who reads it. We dare you to put Jesus to the test today!

Whether you’re looking for God’s truth yourself or want to share the gospel with family, friends or acquaintances, books from the Jesus Can … series may be the perfect solution.

Give You Purpose is the 3rd volume in this inspirational series published by the Christian Writers Collective, LLC.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

The Christian Writers Collective, LLC

Founded in 2020 by Stephanie Reynolds of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the CWC is a growing organization with writers worldwide. Our ultimate goal is to feature 100 members/writers in each Jesus Can book and to publish 10-12 books each year, equivalent to the publication pace of the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul® series. We want to reach millions each year with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray that you’ll join this fast-growing moment as a reader, a writer, or by giving Jesus Can books to others. Thanks in advance for your participation!

More from Stephanie

Hi, my name is Stephanie Reynolds. I am the founder of the Christian Writers Collective, LLC, which publishes the Jesus Can book series. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I’ve lived here most of my life. Like many Baby Boomers and only sisters from a family with three children, I have had the privilege of caring for both of my parents during the last months and/or years of their lives. What an honor it was to be present when my mom received Jesus as her savior just a few months before she passed in 2014. It was the Homegoing of my spiritual mom, Mrs. Naomi Walker, on October 8, 2019, that inspired me to publish Books 1 and 2 of this series on October 8 in 2021 and 2022. That’s because God gave me the courage to share my calling to publish books “to help spread the gospel far and wide,” for the first time at Mrs. Walker’s Homegoing Service. I believe God confirmed His calling by taking Mrs. Walker home to Heaven on October 8, my 61st birthday. I’m excited by the release of Book 3 of our series, Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose.

It was my privilege to care for my dad during the last five years of his life. He went home to Heaven in February 2024. This book is dedicated to him.

The Jesus Can . . .  Give A Helping Hand Fund 

For every copy that you purchase, a portion of this book’s net profits for two years will be given to an organization or individual that shares our primary mission: To spread the Gospel far and wide.

Our first honoree for this grant was an easy and obvious choice: Literacy & Evangelism International (LEI), located near Atlanta, GA, and staffed by missionaries Bob & Mary Mulloy.

The selection of LEI was easy because 29 of the 46 articles in this book are testimonies from individuals served by or affiliated with LEI. Bob and Mary’s testimonies are counted among the 29.

Atlanta is the ideal location for LEI because it is the home to the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL), the world’s busiest airport. Many of the people arriving at ATL from over 150 nations choose to make metro Atlanta their new home.   As evidenced by the writers in Jesus Can Book 3, Bob & Mary have had the opportunity for 16 years to minister to many individuals, including three writers in Book 3 who are victims of violence in Africa,  escapees from the killing fields of Cambodia, and a Haitian woman that was buried alive for three days.

It is our prayer that this grant will help them serve the diverse mission field in Atlanta for many more years, for it’s in Jesus’s name that we pray, Amen.

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13

Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 15 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 15

Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18

For the Love of Literature, March 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 24

Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Stephanie is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54171

The Prayer Jar Devotional – Healing by Wanda Brunstetter

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Prayer Jar Devotional – Healing, by best selling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, is the third in her Prayer Jar Devotional Series. It concludes this inspirational set of books. Each one has a beautiful pastel cover that invites readers to read about its topic.

The Healing Devotional is composed of short, one page devotionals that provide encouragement. Each page begins with a scripture, then the short story, and closes with an inspirational sentence from the Prayer Jar book. These one page lessons are quick and easy to do, and still provide food for thought.

The book is divided into different types of healing sections. For example, there is a section for Healing Hearts: Emotional Scars. I also found sections for Healing From Unexpected Trauma; Exhaustion: Slowing Down to Heal; and Spiritual Healing (and more). At the beginning of the book are instructions on how to start your own Prayer Jar.

I highly recommend this delightful book. It would make a nice gift for someone going through a difficult time or in the hospital. Its small size makes it a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas. I really enjoyed reading it and rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.

Share Your Salvation Testimony

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The CWC (Christian Writers Collective, LLC) is open for new members! What is the CWC? It is the brainchild of Stephanie K. Reynolds. Her dream has been to assemble writers’ Christian stories into a volume allowing the authors to behold their name in print in a book that glorifies God and will be used to bring others into God’s family. Her ultimate goal is 100 authors per book!


If you have a salvation testimony to share, we would be honored to include it in our upcoming book. No need to worry if you are not a polished author. We have writers available to assist you if you need help composing your story. Did you ever dream of having your name in a book as a contributing author? Here is your chance.

Best of all, your testimony or experience with Jesus might be the catalyst needed to turn someone’s heart to the Lord. Your family would have a record of your salvation story to read to future generations. That, my friend, is a priceless gift. Sometimes the words are difficult to say, but handing someone a book is by far easier.

Book Four will be published in 2025. It will include testimonies by authors that have never written their salvation story for the Jesus Can series. Also included will be articles from returning authors using the theme Jesus Can Show You the Truth. Do you have a story about an experience with Jesus that will help move someone to accept Jesus into their heart or strengthen their walk? We need you!

Please prayerfully consider joining us in this mission to spread the word of what Jesus has done in the lives of ordinary people. We are hopeful the testimonies in this heartfelt book will bring many people to invite Him into their hearts. Let’s start with our own families.

Books 1 and 2 are already out and available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Watch for Book 3 around Thanksgiving, just in time for Christmas gift giving! All three books have different, unique, true stories. You will want the entire collection! We appreciate your prayers and support for us on this project.

A Little Christian’s 123s Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Little Christian’s 123s written by author Lila Noffsinger is one of the best Christian Children’s books that I have seen. It is beautifully illustrated by talented artist, Lucy Shin. Children will love the pictures as well as the unique method of using the Bible to learn to count. The rhyming prose will make it easy for them to learn about biblical things, too.

In this adorable book, each number from one to ten has its own page along with a Bible reference. The illustrations coincide with each lesson perfectly. The book begins with one for One God and ends with ten for the Ten Commandments. Each number has a little biblical explanation. At the end of the book are Scripture references for examples used for the numbers. Also included is a website link to download coloring pages that are included in the book. Children will love that.

I highly recommend this educational, entertaining, and enlightening book for children. This would make a great gift for any child aged one to five. Sunday School and Children’s Church teachers would benefit from having this in their classrooms. It would be great for a baby shower gift, too. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Little Christian’s 123s

Author: Lila Noffsinger

Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book

Release Date: October, 2022

A Little Christian’s 123s is a fun and playful read that teaches kids numbers with rhymes and Bible stories. This charming bite-sized book is packed with Biblical truth, and children learn not only their numbers but also the foundations of Christianity!

Big, bold, colorful numbers help little ones with number recognition, and kids of all ages learn about key biblical stories in this endlessly re-readable book. The pictures are inspired by real, geographic places, and they give adorably illustrated glimpses of what Jericho, Mt. Siani, and the Sea of Galilee actually looked liked!

Kids love this charming book for the colorful and engaging illustrations, and parents love that it teaches numbers wrapped in Biblical truth, and that, with every read, their kids are reminded that Jesus loves them.Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lila Noffsinger grew up in a lazy beach town and now lives in an energetic city with her husband and two daughters. She has always loved sharing her Christian faith through the written word, and she is now excited to share her debut children’s book.

In looking for books for her first daughter, she had difficulty finding options that were not only educational but also spiritually enriching and visually engaging. After having her second daughter, she had some midnight hours to let her mind wander, that wandering turned into what became A Little Christian’s 123s. She looks forward to publishing more books in the Little Chrsitian series, teaching preschool level learning concepts with Bible stories. A Little Christian’s Animals is
currently in the works and expected to be available Fall 2023.

When Lila isn’t writing or researching what camel saddles looked like for a future book (true story), she is playing with her girls, cooking, crafting, reading, and adventuring with her family.

More from Lila

My first daughter was a good sleeper. As an infant, she would wake up, eat, and 20 minutes
later we’d be snuggling into our respective beds to return to dreamland. My second daughter
was a different story. When she woke up and ate, it was only the start of our time together.
To stay awake, I thought of traits of my family for each letter of the alphabet. My daughter is
Adorable, Bubbly, Caring, and so on. After nights of this, it morphed into things from the Bible
for each letter, and then later for each number. I enjoyed dwelling on these thoughts through
the midnight hours.

Meanwhile, in the daylight hours, I struggled to find books I wanted to read to my 1.5 year old.
We read and enjoyed a lot of books! But I desired to find a book that was cute, biblically
enriching, and educational. We had plenty of books that met one or two of the categories, but I
had this unexplainable urge to find a book that hit the trifecta.

Through God’s prompting and my own sleep deprivation, my nighttime musings and my daytime
seekings merged into the idea of writing my own book: A cute, Bible-based book about
numbers 1-10. The trifecta!

The book idea grew, and within the year people were reading published copies of A Little
Christian’s 123s! I am eternally grateful to illustrator Lucy Shin, who took my awful sketches
and pages and pages of historical and geographic reference pictures, and turned them into such
cute and engaging art! Without her, the book may have been educational and biblically
enriching, but I promise you that nobody would have wanted to look at it.

Since publishing the book, it has sold hundreds of copies and been enjoyed by kids all across the
country. My daughter loves to tell me that Jesus loves her and that He is her friend, which she
learned from the last page. I hope and pray that similar experiences are happening in other
homes as well!

It is an honor to be on tour with Celebrate Lit, and to celebrate this tour, I hope that you will
enjoy these coloring pages inspired by the art in A Little Christian’s 123s. Thanks!

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, August 16

Girls in White Dresses, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 18

Vicky Sluiter, August 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 23

Older & Smarter?, August 24

The Book Club Network, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

Artistic Nobody, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Labor Not in Vain, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lila is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed hardcover book, and an accompanying activity & coloring book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27323/a-little-christian-s-123s-celebration-tour-giveaway

Resurrection Sunday or Easter

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! Today is Easter. Lent ends. Have you prepared your body, mind, and spirit for worshipping our risen Savior? We have talked about why He came, what He did, what He expects of us, and learned many things this past week, but the most important thing about Holy Week is what happened at the end. Jesus arose from the dead. He conquered sin and death for us.

Churches have all types of Easter services that started on Good Friday night and go through tonight. One of the most popular is the Sunrise Service. Have you ever worshipped at sunrise on Easter watching the sun rise and imaging Jesus Christ rising from the dead? The sky can be breathtaking. It doesn’t matter when or where we worship, just that we do. Easter is a time filled with awe, joy, gratefulness, and gratitude. I think it is an exciting time.

Early that first Easter morning, a group of women who followed Jesus went to the tomb. The Bible says Mary, mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Salome went and found that the large stone had been rolled away from the entrance. They said an angel proclaimed “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen.” (Mt. 28:5-6, NLT). When the women looked in the tomb it was indeed empty. The shroud covering Christ’s body was neatly folded and placed where his body had been.

Jesus had accomplished what was foretold in prophesy. God’s Son was beaten, falsely accused, crucified, placed in a tomb, and He arose on the third day. He had done what He said He would. He conquered sin and death. Our sin debts have been stamped “paid in full” because of our Savior. He gave everything for our salvation, but what have we given in return? Do I give Him my love and devotion? My service and obedience? Have I submitted my will to His? If not, I will start today.

Take time this Easter to really worship and think about the great sacrifice Jesus made for you. He didn’t just die on the cross for the disciples and people from that era. We are included in the covenant, too. He died for TJ, Cheri, Kyla, Cindy, Den, Vanessa, Jason, and even me. Yes, He died for us, but He also arose. He paid the price so that we may reign in Heaven as heirs of the true King. He died so that we might live. Life after death is real when you choose Jesus as your Savior. Rejoice! He is alive. Worship Him. He will return as promised. Let’s rejoice, worship, and stay ready.

Do you have a favorite Easter Hymn or Praise Chorus? Many hymns and choruses have been written about the sacrifice Jesus willingly made for us. Some people like Christ Arose or He Lives. Others may say I know that My Redeemer Lives, The Old Rugged Cross or Because He Lives. Whatever your favorite might be, sing it to the Savior with gusto today while remembering our debt is paid in full by Him.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you that He would be turned over to sinful men, be crucified, and rise again on the third day!” – Luke 24:6-7

“Jesus said: I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in Me, even though that person dies, will live,” – John 11:25
Do you believe? Have you shared the Good News with your family and friends?

Happy Easter! Share a blessing or prayer request in the comments.

My Mammaw’s Easter Lesson Cookie Recipe

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Easter Sunday is tomorrow. It is the time to turn our hearts and minds to Jesus and His Resurrection. Being raised in a Christian family, Easter was much more than egg hunts and baskets for me. It was about Jesus and the empty tomb.

I remember my maternal grandmother teaching me and my cousin, Mark, the Easter story over a cookie recipe one year. Mammaw was a Sunday School teacher, woman of faith, loved her family and Jesus. She was also a fabulous baker and cook. The cookies were delicious, but the story has stayed with me for decades. Precious memories made in the kitchen are priceless and stick with us.

You might want to do an activity like this for yourself, children, grandchildren, or kids’ group. The message could be as simple as planting a seed that will grow into a bountiful plant. Sometimes a visual makes the Easter story a little more memorable for young children. Years down the road your littles might recall time spent with you and lessons from your kitchen. Seeds you plant in their minds could result in a harvest of their salvation.

Mammaw’s Forgotten Easter Cookies

2 egg whites

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

2/3 c. sugar

1 c. nuts or chocolate chips

pinch of salt

1 tsp. white vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place pecans in resealable plastic baggie. Crush pecans into small pieces with a rolling pin. Read John 19:1-3

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe, And said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and they smote Him with their hands.”

Sprinkle salt into egg whites. Read Luke 23:27, 33

“And there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him.”

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left.”

Put vanilla into a bowl. Read John 19:28-30. 

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, ‘I thirst.’ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, ‘It is finished’ and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”

Right now this mixture doesn’t look like we’d want to eat it. Add sugar slowly. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.  

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Beat with mixer until frothy and add cream of tartar. Then beat on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Add in vanilla close to the end. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him.’ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

“When the night was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed.”

Place cookies in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

“Pilate said unto them, ‘Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.’ So they went, and made the tomb sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

Go to bed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

In the morning open the oven and take out the cookies. 

Read Matthew 28:1-9.

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the tomb. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.’ And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him.”

When you bite into the cookies notice they are hollow inside, empty, just like Jesus’ tomb. He arose!

Holy Tuesday Activities

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

On Tuesday Jesus returned  to the Temple and the religious leaders were upset at Jesus for establishing Himself as a spiritual authority.  Jesus had a large following now. He evaded the traps the leaders set for Him with their questions.  He scolded them in Matt. 23 and compared them to tombs – beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people.

Jesus took His disciples to the Mount of Olives and told them parables about end times and His return.  Those who wait for the Master’s coming—the wise and faithful servant (Matthew 24:45-51), the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), and the good servant who uses his resources wisely (Matthew 25:14-30) are a few of the ones He spoke.

Do you remember any of these parables from Sunday School or Vacation Bible School? The point is to have faith and be ready for Jesus. He is coming back just like He promised. When? Well, some people say it is going to be soon because of the way thing are in the world. What we do know is it is not for us to know.  We are just advised to be ready at a moment’s notice. Jesus is coming in the blink of an eye.


After they left Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples stopped on the Mount of Olives. He wanted to teach again about the future and end times. Jesus cautioned against false teachers and the evil that would rise up. Oh, can you imagine hearing Jesus preach?

The Pharisees, Sadducees, and other religious leaders of Jesus’ day constantly sought to entrap him. They refused to acknowledge that Jesus was God’s Son, the Messiah. It is unbelievable how relentless those religious leaders were toward Jesus. Have you really considered how much God loves us? He cared enough to let His Son go through shame, humiliation, testing, betraying, pain, crucifixion, and death all to save our souls. Don’t ever forget the price our Saviour, Jesus, paid for us.

Holy Monday of Holy Week

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

After Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday did you ever wonder how he spent His final week in ministry?  What did He do until His crucifixion?  On Monday, He taught His disciples a parable about faith when He cursed a fig tree that did not produce fruit. Do you remember that one?

They had been out walking and were hungry when they saw a fig tree with many leaves.  After they looked for the fruit, none could be found. It was barren. Many believe the tree being cursed represents God’s judgment on those that are spiritually dead.

The story of what Jesus also did might be more familiar. Jesus went into the temple, was angered and disgusted by the dishonest money changers. They were cheating people and making a mockery of the temple.  He left and made a whip before he came back. Then Jesus went through where the money hangers were with their animals, overturning tables and saying: “Scripture says ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” The money changers and their animals were all driven out restoring order and respect.

What has stayed with me about this story is that Jesus stopped and braided a whip so that He could think about what He was going to do before just charging into the temple. He didn’t fly off the handle but took time to think about the situation. Maybe He prayed. I would imagine He did. I have never made a whip, but wouldn’t you think it took quite a while?

“So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” John 2:15

Could you do this? Wait to tell people they were doing wrong, especially to your father? Jesus had righteous anger. I can’t tell you how many times I have flown off the handle in rage. Acted quickly without thinking things through. Not so with Jesus. His indignation toward what was happening in the temple was just. It needed to be done, but he waited to think clearly and make certain it was done correctly. How many times have I wished that I had done things like that?  Many!

Jesus had one week left with his disciples before his crucifixion and resurrection. Everything was done in the right way without rushing. Even in a time of deep anger He still slowed down and gave Himself time to cool off and think with a clear mind. What a beautiful example for all of us. We, too, have the ability of self-control. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Let’s learn from Jesus and use this mighty gift.