Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." ~Luke 18:27
Pictured here is the book I'm currently reading and loving. Shannon Bream is an excellent writer and a devout Christian. She works for Fox News and anchors the popular program Fox News Sunday. I intend to ask Danny for this book as a birthday present until I realize at the time that it's only available for pre-order. Because I know how much he likes having gifts in hand by my birthday, I decide instead to ask for two different ones.
The day this book does become available, however, I casually mention it to Danny in conversation adding that it is one I would have asked for if it had been ready in time for my birthday.
Without hesitation, Danny says, "Let me order it for you now."
What a generous guy! Yes, folks, I'm a most fortunate woman, and I'll always be the first to tell anyone who will listen.
So, imagine my surprise when this book arrives from Amazon instead.
Same title, different author! Maybe, Danny doesn't hear the Shannon Bream portion of my request and simply orders the first book that pops up on his screen. As you can tell my the header photo, he more than makes up for his error.
But the more I think about it, the less I believe that Danny made a mistake. I find the biography of Rose Marie Miller on the back cover to be both inviting and intriguing. Her pastor husband, Jack, and she planted the New Life Presbyterian Churches and began World Harvest Mission, now known as Serge. She spent her entire life serving others in the name of Jesus. Rose Marie passed away in March of this year at the ripe old age of 101! I love what the publisher says about this book:
Rose Marie Miller weaves together biblical insights and personal experience and shares a new, gospel-driven way of living where the way up is down, the weak become strong, and the dead receive life. God, for whom nothing is impossible, uses weak people to change the world - and that includes you!
I never would have asked for this book because I wouldn't have known how. But God knows our needs before we ask. I truly believe He worked through Danny's "mistake" to give me the perfect compliment to Shannon's amazing book where she, too, focuses on imperfect, "weak" people in the Bible who do great things because God is with them.
God is, was and always will be, the God of the impossible!
Amen!
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"But God knows our needs before we ask."
ReplyDeleteThis is so true and I have so many examples of this. Enjoy both books, Martha; and let us know what you thought of each. Thank you for an inspiring post today.
God bless.
Thanks, Victor! I certainly will let everyone know later on how each book touched me. So glad you enjoyed this post, my friend.
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Two things: I have only heard of Serge because we began supporting a family who minister in Nairobi for them. And two, I totally, completely, 100% agree with your last statement.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd never heard of Serge before this, Bill. How wonderful that you all are supporting a family who is bringing the gospel to the people in Nairobi! Yes, everything is possible with God.
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This is so sweet! How amazing that what was considered to be the wrong book turned out to be something you didn't even know you wanted. Such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteI'm finding out that this is precisely the way God works in our lives, Mrs. White. We think we want something, but He always wants to give us more of the good things He has to offer. He is such a loving Father.
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Sometimes mistakes aren't really mistakes at all. (And happy birthday!)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about that, Glynn! My birthday is actually March 1, but I do appreciate your birthday wishes, my friend.
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Amen, Martha!! I will look for those books. Thanks for the reviews!! xo
ReplyDeleteAmen is right, Terri! I'm sure enjoying Shannon's book at the moment and looking forward to reading Rose Marie's, too.
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“ God is, was and always will be, the God of the impossible!” Amen, Martha.
ReplyDeleteI second your amen, Diana.
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Wonderful post for Diane and I to come home to, Martha. We got home last night after over 10 1/2 hours in the air and were thoroughly worn out but filled with gratitude and praise for all we had been privileged to see, do, and hear over the last 13 days. I do love to see personal recommendations about books from people I trust, but more than that, the comment about God using weak, inadequate people was a comment that encouraged my soul this morning. The journey we just completed was a graphic reinforcement of the sense of weakness and inadequacy I felt on this trip when I considered how overwhelming the task facing those early followers of Jesus really was.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we in America aren't threatened with the same kinds of physical brutality suffered by many of those 1st Century Christians, we are nonetheless surrounded by forces that work to break down our resolve and seduce us to approve and adopt ideas and practices that are just as lethal spiritually. The devil's minions flood the digital platforms and fill the classrooms in our schools every with messages that promote anarchy and rebellion against anything remotely resembling righteousness, justice, and common sense. The authors you mentioned (and I love Shannon Bream, too, by the way. We graduated from the same school.) join many others in reminding us that it wasn't the aristocracy that turned the world upside down back then and God won't be looking in that crowd to light the fire of revival we need in our generation either, so we're in good company, dear Sister.
In light of that, we're praying that God will bless and use you and Danny in ever increasing ways. Oh, and Happy belated Birthday from us as well.
I'm so glad that you found this post encouraging and inspiring in so many ways, Ron, and elated that Diane and you are home safely from your amazing journey inspired by those disciples who spread Jesus' love and resurrection to the ancient world. I hope you will post plenty of your adventures on your blog in the weeks to come! I'm glad, too, to have another friend who is an admirer of Shannon, and I think it's great that you both attended the same school. Which one was that, by the way? Thanks so much for all your prayers; know that I'm praying for the both of you!
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LOVE this story, Martha--another proof that God works in mysterious ways, but ALWAYS for good! Enjoy your books, and tell Danny, "Well done, good and faithful husband!"
ReplyDeleteLOL, Nancy! I'll be sure to tell him in those exact words. God does work in the most unexpected ways, I agree, and the delightful surprises are endless.
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What a beautiful story this is Martha...We never know when those mistakes might just be the Lord working in HIS own way to Bless us. Danny sounds like a wonderful man...you are Blessed and I am happy that this has worked out in both yours and Danny's favor.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked the story, Shug! Yes, we never know how or when God will intervene in a most unexpected ways and bring us blessings we could never have seen coming. Danny is a keeper!
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Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God. Youre God blessed indeed Martha. And thanks for your encouragement on my last Christian post. You are indeed a blessing. Shaz in Oz.x
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right, Shaz, that nothing is impossible when we place our trust in God. He is the only One who will always deliver on His promises. I'm delighted to be your blogging friend and to be able to comment on your Christian posts that offer so much enlightenment.
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It sounds like you too, have been blessed with a wonderful man. And I do love it when God uses things like this to bless us in ways we didn't even know we needed. Thanks for sharing this Martha. A beautiful reminder for each of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deb, from the bottom of my heart. I know that Rev and you had an incomparable relationship in this life and that both of you used your gifts to touch the lives of others with Christ's love and grace in ways that are still playing out in real and future time. Yes, God gives us just what we need even before we know how to ask.
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Danny is such a sweetheart, and I am NOT surprised he got you both books and two others. I feel sometimes you get a gift from God - I call them God Winks - and you don't even have to ask Him for them.
ReplyDeleteI love your term "God Winks," Sandie, because that's exactly what they are. The Lord is closer to us than we can ever fully realize.
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Don't you just love it when God using a simple mistake to bless us. A little touch of heaven for one of His faithful. I am going to look the book up. Blessings
ReplyDeleteYes, Betty, I love that, indeed! I truly believe this book will be a rewarding read for you just as it has been for me, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
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God just making sure you have what you need! Gread story to go along with the books. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOur loving Father is always looking out for us and this event truly convinced me of that fact, Bill. He always makes sure that you have what you need with the wonderful photos you share with us every week.
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I love this so much, Martha. I saw Shannon mention her book on several Fox shows. I'm glad they gave her a platform to share it. And I also like how Danny bought you the "mistake" book which was really not a coincidence, but God working behind the scenes. Danny has such a kind and generous heart and I'm so glad you are enjoying both books. God bless.
ReplyDeleteFox is faithful always to giving their hosts opportunities to share their books, and I've never been disappointed in any that I've ordered, Karen. And like you, I love that Danny's "mistake" is not a mistake at all. God had His hand and His will all over this. I'm still reading Shannon's book, but will be turning the pages of Rose Marie's next.
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Romans 8:28, right? (with regard to the book) I have been planning to use a Barnes and Noble gift card I was given so I can purchase Shannon Bream's book. I've read at least 3 of her other books.
ReplyDeleteI've been blessed by Shannon's other books, too, Barbara. This latest one most certainly won't disappoint! And Romans 8:28 says it all, doesn't it?
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Yeay, I found you!
ReplyDeleteNot only has this "mistake" piqued my interest, I loved the story. Danny rocks!
Danny not only rocks, Myra, but rolls with all the punches life has given! I'm so glad I'm still showing up on your blogging radar and I hope you might take a minute to look into Shannon's book. I've yet to begin reading Rose Marie's, but am looking forward to that adventure, too.
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I love how God turns "mistakes" into blessings! I can't wait to read your review of both books.
ReplyDeleteI do, too, Regina! I don't know that I will review these books side by side, but I will let everyone know how they affected my perception of God and how He can use our weaknesses to shine His glory into the world.
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It's true that nothing is impossible for God and He turns what seems like a mistake into a real blessing and a gift. Happy Belated birthday, Martha and it was very sweet of Danny to give you exactly what you wanted.
ReplyDeleteI really believe the same, Debby. Nothing is impossible with God! My birthday was way back on March 1st, but on Fox, they had already begun advertising Shannon's upcoming book. And yes, I know I'm grateful beyond measure for Danny's generosity and God's forever goodness.
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Martha I am sure it was not a mistake...The Holy Spirit is always listening to our hearts and knows just what we need at all times. Your hubby sounds absolutely wonderful...I have one just like him and I know how blessed we both are. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteTwo blessed women . . . It doesn't get any better than that, does it, Debbie? Yes, the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our lives when we are in tune with the Lord and He definitely had a hand in this "mistake."
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Wow, that is something Martha Jane. A mistake, but not a mistake, more like a divine error :) Do I understand you ended up with two books?
ReplyDeleteI sure did, Marja! I've just finished Shannon's this afternoon and will be delving into Rose Marie's soon. I truly agree that this was a divine error in more ways than one.
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A divine error or in other words, a blessing indeed!
DeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteWhat looked like a mix-up turned into a gift you didn’t even know to ask for, and yet it fits perfectly with your heart and faith.
ReplyDeleteGod has a way of turning surprises into blessings.
We only need to trust His timing and provision.
Blessings, Martha
You are absolutely right, Veronica! God does have a way of turning surprises into blessings that we could never have imagined. He certainly did that here with regard to the books. His timing and provision are always perfect.
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wow this is so true! we think we know what we want or need but God certainly knows better!!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, He does, Jean, and I know I'm still learning that most valuable lesson.
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Boa tarde minha querida irmã Martha. Deus conhece todas as nossas necessidades. Ele conhece os nossos pensamentos. Um excelente sábado para você e todos os seus familiares na Geórgia. Uma excelente tarde de sábado, um bom final de semana e um grande abraço do seu irmão brasileiro.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, dear brother Luiz! God certainly does know our needs before we could think to ask and for that, I'm eternally grateful.
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When I am with Him
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Not to be like Him.
Amen, David, amen! May that be our ultimate, eternal goal.
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Bom dia minha querida irmã Martha. O Dia das Mães foi bem.comemorado em nossa casa. O principal é a minha mãe está bem de saúde. Uma excelente manhã de segunda-feira e um grande abraço do seu irmão carioca.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that your mother is in good health and that you could celebrate Mother's Day with her. May you have a wonderful Monday, too.
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Oh that's so awesome, Martha. I love how God orchestrates these little 'mistakes' because He has something else in mind for us. A wonderful story for me to remember.
ReplyDeleteP.S. A man that orders books for his wife is a keeper!
Oh, yes, he is, Linda! Danny knows how much I love to read and is always looking out for me in such thoughtful ways. And I love how God can always turn "mistakes" on their heads so creatively.
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God never makes a mistake and is always working things together for our good! He is so faithful, blessing us in ways and with things we didn't even know we needed!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Cheryl! God always works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
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