My Father's Business

"The only reliable way to be truly guided by God is to assimilate the Word of God to your character...Scripture reveals God's will only if we allow His Holy Spirit to apply it to our circumstances." ~ Oswald Chambers.

Have you ever wondered what it means to discern God's Will for your life? How can you hear His call? The word discernment comes from two Latin words: discernere (to perceive) and discretis (to separate). To discern God's voice and will is to converse with Him. In both Hebrew and Greek, the word will means "to yearn." When we say, "Lord, Your will be done," we are asking God to infuse His deepest yearnings into our spirit and alter the circumstances of our lives in order that we may grow. God sees beyond our past and knows our secret desires, even those desires yet to be born. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26, NIV).

As you seek to discern and do God's will, ask the following questions:

Will this course of action use my gifts, talents, and passions?

How has my previous experience prepared me for this task?

Will this new opportunity cause me to be more loving?

Is this an expansion of my influence for God?

Will I feel more fulfilled and have a greater sense of inner peace?

Who will benefit from my actions?

What will it cost me and my family?

Is this a time sensitive opportunity?

We often complicate the business of knowing God's will, but His word is clear: "And You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV) Those who seek and ask, hear His voice. The devotional stories in this book, illustrate how others have heard God's call and heeded his voice. My prayer is that you, too, will learn to recognize God's voice so that you will be able to both discern and to do his will." (pg 9-10).

In this wonderful inspirational book, My Father's Business connects some well known celebrities and tells us their personal story of how they were able to discern what God's will was for them in their own lives despite what others felt about their decision. For example the story of Walt Disney following his dream to build a magical theme park for families. He had it all planned out in his head, but those around him saw it as merely a large piece of dirt and sage filled land. Walt had to help them "see" his vision. Along with this story that reader is taken into the Bible, to the prophet Joel who spoke of a vision he had when God would pour out His Spirit on His people and infuse them with new visions. As the conclusion of each chapter, there are some study questions for the reader to dig into the Bible deeper for more understanding on what it means to work towards God's will in your life and some opportunities to pray for others along the way.

I received My Father's Business by Eddie Jones compliments of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, The Kindred and The Vessel Project for my honest review. I've always been a fan of using short stories like Jesus used parables to define life lessons for us. These stories that Eddie Jones have compiled are much like modern day parables for us to discern and move us forward in finding out what God's will is for us in our own lives. This can be used for individual or small group Bible study's or merely for your own enjoyment. There are numerous quotes from Oswald Chambers at the beginning of each chapter to inspire you to further introspection. I easily rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on My Father's Business,Eddie Jones, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

My Father's Business by Eddie Jones

You can also find Eddie Jones on Facebook by clicking here. 

To read more reviews from The Vessel Project by clicking here. 

He Said, She Said

Do you sense something vital is missing from your relationships?

Perhaps is lack of communication? Loss of passion? Friendship? Trust?

Whatever it is, in whatever relationship, marriage, children or God, this latest book co-authored by Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles can help.

He Said, She Said, A Devotional Guide to Cultivating A Life of Passion, is the latest book to assist men and women at resolving issues that cause such huge gaps for us, that in some cases will keep our relationships at a distance that repairing them can be difficult, but not impossible.

Since the book is co-authored by Eddie and Cindy, you get a version of how each gender views issues that come between us making relationships successful and fruitful. Along with scripture references, they both tackle some of the challenging things coming between all our relationships today, money, peer pressure, time challenges, emotional outbursts, homework, grades, work, cooking, and illness. Almost every situation is dealt with in a couple of pages to show you that you are not alone in your circumstance.

The book includes a place for you to journal your thoughts and using the tools in the book to help bridge the gaps that are tearing our families, friends and marriages apart. Also each section includes a prayer and Building Blocks of Faith to help you weather your storms. This is a refreshing book not just designed for marriages, but all relationships. This is a must have in any home with any one.

I received this book, He Said, She Said, by Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and LOVED it! I find it a great resource in using it as a parent with my children, in dealing with my siblings and parents and even to bridge the gaps in my own marriage. I would easily rate this a 5 out of 5 stars!

Here's even more information on this book, the authors and even a first chapter peek.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing He Said, She Said Lighthouse Publishing (February 14, 2011)

by Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are the cofounders of Christian Devotions Ministries. Their He Said, She Said devotions are syndicated in a number of newspapers across the eastern seaboard and they host the weekly He Said, She Said Radio, Friday nights at 6:00 p.m. est. on Blog Talk Radio. Eddie and Cindy are popular speakers and teachers at Writers Conferences across the country.

Eddie is the author of five non-fiction books and his newest fiction release, The Curse of Captain LaFoote, a middle grade book. While Cindy is the author of one non-fiction and two compilations.

Together they teach writing with WritersCoach.us. Eddie and Cindy have been writing the He Said, She Said devotions since 2008, taking one scripture weekly and looking at it from two perspectives--His and Hers, with the idea that learning more about scripture from two perspectives helps one to delve deeper in God's word and know Him better.

b>ABOUT THE BOOK

He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion, or How Newlyweds, Couples and Singles Can Draw Closer to God and Their Mate Through Daily Devotions

Do you sense something vital missing from you relationship with your spouse, children and God? Are you easily distracted by the busyness of life and left feeling drained, bored, and discouraged? Do you sense you were meant to enjoy the richness of life, but spend your days feasting on crumbs? This heart-warming collection of stories (54 in all) will inspire you to reach for the true source of joy: a life lived for and through God.

These deeply personal (and sometimes humorous) devotions offer biblical insights and spiritual truths from the unique perspective of one man and one woman. Learn to cultivate a life of passion. Perfect for your quiet time, these moments of meditative reflection illustrate the importance of allowing God to work within you and speak through you. No matter if you are newlyweds or newly retired, this book of devotions will help you put the spark back into your love life and explore the precious relationships God desires for you. He Said, She Said touches the heart, tickles the funny bone and brings you to your knees in worship.

If you would like to read an excerpt from He Said, She Said, go HERE.

Watch the book video:

Cindy and Eddie are not only good friends of mine, but a regular source of my spiritual renewal. It's a great idea, the he-said/she-said concept and I always enjoy their devotionals. Both are not only grounded spiritually, and super nice people but they both keep me laughing. It's that humor and heart that makes the spiritual more relatable in the most practical sense.
~Gina Holmes, author of Crossing Oceans~

I've know Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles for a few years. Each has a way of tickling my funny bone, so I wondered what a devotional book by them would be. I can heartily recommend it. The humor is there, but it's coupled with deep truths that go straight to the heart of the problem. You'll find a path that winds closer to God through He Said, She Said.

~Ane Mulligan, Editor of Novel Journey~