Follow the John 3:16 Network Author Page on Pinterest

Saturday, December 11, 2021

New Christmas Treasure Among Christmas Books - "On That Starry Night," by Linda Fields



I (Lorilyn Roberts) want to share the backdrop of this book. Linda Fields had written On That Starry Night a few years before I met her, but for a variety of reasons, she never published it. Then, in the fall of 2019, I sat beside her on a plane returning from a prophecy conference that we had both attended. 

As we chitchatted, I became aware of this book that she had written but not published. I could feel the burden on her heart to either push forward with it or abandon the project altogether. 

To make a long story short, she sent me a copy of the unpublished manuscript, and once I started reading On That Starry Night, I knew God meant for it to be shared. I encouraged her to make a few tweaks here and there, and then spiritual warfare delayed the project two more years. But Linda never gave up, and I am thrilled to see her published book, On That Starry Night, now available on Amazon. 

I have no doubt that our meeting on the plane was a divine appointment. This time I was blessed to be on the giving end. I know On That Starry Night will impact many families this blessed season and many more to come as we celebrate our Savior's birth. Enjoy.

📘📘📘


 Excerpt from On That Starry Night

Christmas Carol:  O’ HOLY NIGHT


Allow me to introduce myself, Placide Cappeau. My passion was quite the opposite of other “religious” songwriters. I was no preacher, nor could you refer to me as a spiritual man. No, I was a wine merchant described by clergy as “a social radical, a freethinker, a socialist and a non-Christian.” Occasionally, I tried my hand at poetry. Well, one hand anyway, as I had lost the other at age eight in a firearms accident.

My home, nestled in the small town of Roquemaure, France, was a safe fortress from the ugliness of the world. Or so I thought. The parish priest was not particularly fond of me; however, he praised me for my works of poetry. This one thing motivated him to persuade me to use my talents for the Almighty rather than foolish worldly pleasures.

He needed a song for his Christmas Eve mass. His skeptical tone told me he was not confident I could conquer the task. The truth is, neither was I. Even at that, I felt honored at the invitation to share my expertise.

I was inspired to write the song on a business trip to Paris on December 3, 1847. Pulling my mother’s tattered old Bible from my bag, I read the words from Luke 2. As the events captivated my mind, people and places came alive. Lyrics started to flow from heart to pen. I scribbled the words before they vanished from my thoughts.

Upon my arrival, I took the lyrics to an acquaintance and composer, Adolphe Adam. Being a man of Jewish heritage, Adolphe opposed the celebration of a mere baby for anything, much less for being called the Messiah, the Son of God. As a professional and honorable man, he dismissed his beliefs for a time and put the words to music.

I enthusiastically returned to Roquemaure and presented the song to the priest. Three weeks later, I was persuaded to attend Midnight Mass where the music was heard for the first time that Christmas Eve. The aahs and tears of parishioners told me the song had touched their hearts, and I was moved as well.

However, it was not well received by clergy in the area. They did not align with my way of thinking or living. One bishop denounced the song, declaring it “lacked musical taste and was absolutely absent of the spirit of religion.” My beloved Roquemaure was no longer a place of shelter, but one of tension and isolation.

The influence of church leaders soon faded. Before Christmas of 1855, the carol had been translated into German, French, Latin, and other languages and published in England. The song made history on different occasions.

Soldiers, reportedly, sang the song on the battlefield during the Franco-Prussian War. Their performance received a standing ovation in concert halls around the world. For two centuries, churches have weaved it into Christmas pageants. The most fascinating story connects men at sea with Christmas Eve onshore.

The night was bitter, the full moon hung brilliantly in the black sky, and the wind howled as it fiercely tossed ships at sea. Crew members longed to be home for the holidays. On December 24, 1906, Reginald Fessenden, a university professor and radio broadcaster from Brant Rock, Massachusetts, did something unspeakable. For the first time in history, he used a newly developed generator and microphone to broadcast over airwaves.

Fessenden’s voice was heard loud and clear through the speaker’s snaps and crackles as he opened the night by reading the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Astonished radio operators turned the knobs to get a clear message. After the reading, Fessenden played Handel’s “Largo.”

As the evening slipped away, the crewmen’s spirits soared, their hearts filled with peace, and their minds were set free to embrace the splendor and glory of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The sailors cherished the moments as Fessenden played “O Holy Night” on his violin.

My heart filled with joy knowing the world celebrated the night of our dear Savior’s birth with a song that had been rejected by clergy. The song’s words tell the story of my heart and the truths I know of the Savior’s HOLY BIRTH.

 


DEVOTIONAL

TREASURES OF THE SNOW


The majestic elegance of an intricate snowflake swirling in the wind echoes the Holiness of God. Each storehouse of crystal reflects His purity.

Although a white candle beautifully represents the character of God, it is not pure. Wax candles are made from petroleum, contaminating them with impurities. Jesus came to Earth in holiness and purity. He has no contaminants. He is whiter than the new-fallen snow and is the only one pure enough to give Himself, through His Son, to those He loves.

Moses wrote in Job 38:22, “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow . . . ?” When Job walked the Earth, snow was, and still is, a mysterious miracle filled with treasures.

Each unique snowflake declares God’s artistic character. The human mind is finite. To comprehend the immeasurable power of God’s creative intelligence is inconceivable. He is like an artist sketching each snowflake as it emerges like a stunning six-sided star reflecting light, making the translucent wonder appear white. God is not overwhelmed as He delicately weaves each line, angle, and point. As steady as a jeweler’s hand, He gently layers tiny ice crystals and paints them as pictures of diamonds.

As crystals adhere to one another, a wonderland of elegance springs forth. Brown, barren tree branches glisten like crystal. Lakes and ponds sparkle as though a wave of diamonds have merged and settled above the waters. Fields of sunflowers and fireweed whither under a blanket of breathtaking loveliness. Like white wax, even the solid whiteness of the snow and its unique crystal composition are not pure.

Illustrations break down when attempting to describe the character of God. Old Testament authors tried to explain it.

They used the word “snow” to represent purity, depicting it as a contrast between black and white. In Psalm 51:7, David acknowledged his transgressions before a holy God. He pleaded for God’s mercy and great compassion toward “all” his sin and the darkness which had taken residence in his soul. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”

Isaiah 1:18 records God’s voice, “ . . . though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Snow was the whitest white Old Testament writers had as a reference.

That is not the case in today’s world. In 1986, scientists developed a material designed to be used in medical diagnostic equipment. The substance enhances the scattering of light.

It reflects 99 percent of the visible light that hits it. Technicians refer to the material as Spectralon—“the whitest white.” It reflects a higher amount of light than anything else. The material must be free of contaminants to retain its reflective properties.

Opposite from the “whitest white” is the “blackest black.” Vantablack absorbs 99.965 percent of visible light. However, in 2019, engineers created a coating used on cameras, vehicles, and other products that demand an indestructible covering. It is ten times darker than Vantablack. The absorption rate is 99.995 percent of visible light. It is so black it emerges as a black void.

God is the whitest white. He is Holy. He cannot retain His holy character if the tiniest particle of contamination penetrates His Spirit, but that is an impossibility, or He could not be God.

On the contrary, man is not pure. Isaiah 5:20 says that man views good as evil and evil as good. Not only does man not see a Holy God, neither does he see his own sinful heart. To God, sin is the blackest black. It leaves a black void in the heart of man. Black happens when there is no light.

One might ask, “Who gave God the title ‘Holy’? By what right and authority is that name given Him?”

By His own authority, God calls Himself Holy. His spotless character gives Him the freedom to refer to Himself as holy. Is He, then, a narcissist? No, He knows His character and is comfortable with who He is. He proclaims His holiness to “all people, for all times, for all places,” as Josh McDowell wrote in his book Right from Wrong.

During the early years of the created world, God said to the new nation, Israel, “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). God allowed other voices to speak of His character. The Psalmist praised God because of His justice and holiness. “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD, our God is holy” (Psalm 99:9).

Jesus confirmed God’s holiness when He prayed, “Our Father who art in heaven, ‘Holy’ is Your name.” Jesus was fearless. He made the stunning announcement that not only was His Father holy, but He was holy. In proclaiming this, He acknowledged Himself as equal with God. Jesus was unashamed to equate Himself with the Father. The supreme God released Himself to leave the grandeur of heaven and make His journey through the blackest black world in the form of the Man, Immanuel.

When visible light hits Spectralon at the strike point of a surface, light scatters and bounces back at different angles. A canopy of brilliant light forms as the light bounces back. The blackest black absorbs visible light. Any light that hits the strike point is immediately absorbed and snuffed out. Jesus is the luminous light from heaven. Unlike the blackest black absorbing any light that hits the strike point, the light of Jesus cannot be snuffed out.

 

To purchase On That Starry Night from Amazon, click here

Thursday, November 25, 2021

John 3:16 Authors - Give Thanks


Dear John 3:16 Authors,

I pray that this Thanksgiving is sweet for you as we remember what our Lord and Savior did for us on the cross.

May family, friends, and furry babies be remembered, including those loved ones that are no longer with us.

May God find us always faithful, filled with gratitude for His blessings, helping us to glorify Him by our good works.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Lorilyn Roberts

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Two GOOD Opportunities to Pick up Christian Books for FREE or Almost Free


LOOKING FOR GOOD 

CHRISTIAN 

Fiction Stories to read?


Click here:  Great Deals on Christian Books



Journeys into Imagination - A Kindle Unlimited Promo

And if you love Christian fantasy and subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, check out these "free books." 

Genres include:  Christian fantasy, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Fantasy, and YA. 

Click here:  To learn more.

📚📚📚📚📚📚


Lorilyn Roberts has one book in the Christian Fiction Stories...


...and the Seventh Dimension Mini Book Series is featured in the Christian Fantasy/Kindle Unlimited book listing. 



These two opportunities are only good until the end of November, so don't miss out!





Wednesday, October 6, 2021

On The Right Path, Books 1 and 2, by Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula - New Book Releases for Basketball Enthusiasts




Join Jayden, Jordan, their little sister Jasmine, and their friend Shai as the group experiences their first basketball camp and learns lessons about life along the way. Parents will love this uplifting book, which encourages children to love others and teaches the importance of making people feel welcome and loved.

NBA Coach Brett Gunning and award-winning author Stacy Padula have teamed up to create the On The Right Path (OTRP) book series. OTRP is also a non-profit organization created by Brett Gunning to guide youth basketball players on the right path to achieving their maximum potential through education, mentorship, and skill development. The core principles of OTRP are guidance, inspiration, and creativity. The book series focuses on six life-skill pillars: Loving Others, Being Unselfish, Staying Healthy & Strong, Showing Respect, Showing Forgiveness, and Having Fun.




Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2021
In a world full of negative messages and hopelessness, this book shines through as a beacon of light! I love the focus on staying active and having a good attitude/morals. I also love how friendship between the siblings is promoted in the story. Super sweet book!
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021
A beautiful book that all parents need. There are so many great lessons for children to learn and teaches them how to love and treat others. Perfect for your child to read alone or for you to read along with them.

Book Reviews from Book 2, On The Right Path


Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021
A very simple, relatable tale about unselfishness, consideration, and teamwork that will resonate with young kids. Using common, appealing things like basketball and pizza to underscore the core message will help kids engage with the story, as will the colorful and vivid illustrations. This would make a great classroom read for pre-K through early elementary kids.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021
A beautifully illustrated and engaging children’s book that underscores what characteristics are truly important. Now more than ever children need role models and re-enforcement for kind behavior. A perfect gift for your little one and should be in every classroom!



Stacy Padula









📕📕📕📕📕


Monday, September 13, 2021

Gritty Memoir, "All In: For Those in Search of Something More," by U.S. Army Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient Adam Palmer




PRESS RELEASE

By Purple Heart Recipient Adam Palmer

To be honest, I feel like God has written a cool story with my life, and it is my job to tell it.”
— Adam Palmer, Author

PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES, June 5, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Briley & Baxter Publications is honored to announce the release of the memoir, ALL IN: For Those in Search of Something More, by U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Adam Palmer, available on June 15, 2021 via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The memoir offers a gut-wrenching expose’ of Adam Palmer’s desert conversion and his mission to share the Gospel in 48 days, in 48 states and reach 1 million people. On his journey, Palmer encounters people like, The Dude, whose conversion helps bring Palmer’s mission to life and inspires him to do more. ALL IN details Palmer’s discoveries around life in this world and the next, all while laying bare his human failures and insecurities offered up to the mercy and compassion of God. For combat veterans and everyday readers alike, ALL IN was written to help others find their identity and purpose in serving Christ and others.

“To be honest, I feel like God has written a cool story with my life, and it is my job to tell it,” Palmer said.

ALL IN will be available via Amazon and Barnes & Noble on June 15, 2021.

Reviews:


“Christian readers who thrill at the desert conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch will be inspired by this story of the desert conversion of Adam Palmer… ALL IN is ultimately an incredible confession of healing found in the second chance of life offered by Jesus Christ. A must read for saints, seekers, and skeptics alike.” – CAPTAIN James R. Fisher, CHC, USN (Ret.)

“[Adam’s] heroism continues as he works with broken young people coming out of the Juvenile Justice System. He is on mission to bring help and hope to the brokenness of those around him. Read this story. Arise to serve. Compelling!” – Dr. Bob Griffin, Renewal Ministries

About the Author:

Adam Palmer is a husband, father, and U.S. Army veteran. He served three deployments in Iraq and received the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. Originally from a small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills of North Carolina, Adam and his family now live in Northern Illinois, where he pursues his passion for training and mentoring young people, helping prepare them for military careers and assisting them discover their path to a successful and abundant life in Christ.

Stacy O’Halloran
Briley & Baxter Publications
+ +1 781-389-7299


䷆䷆䷆䷆䷆䷆


TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON CLICK HERE


Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Resistance to Socialism IS Obedience to God - Latest book by Lloyd H. Stebbins, Ph.D.

Amazon link



The United States is on a shocking pathway to totalitarianism; Socialism is just a milestone. Growing numbers of conservatives AND liberals have publicly warned of the numerous, increasingly conspicuous signs. Lethargic, apathetic, largely silent Judeo-Christian believers and their leaders have been among the most profound enablers of America’s modern flight away from God. 

 

The common refrain, “I keep my politics and religion separate” is a powerfully deceptive delusion. America’s freedom, greater than any since the Garden of Eden, is a gift from God, not a grant from government. His great gift must be actively protected by believers, who are the conscience of the nation. When believers are silent, the nation has no conscience. A nation without a conscience is on a suicidal path.

 

Nearly four centuries of seamless observations, by the most prominent American leaders have compared America to the Biblical Promised Land. God’s overwhelming blessings have been historically unprecedented. Until recently, love of God has sustained a United States envied worldwide. As America increasingly runs away from God, His hand of blessing is slowly withdrawn. The coming collapse can only be prevented by energized, fervently praying, awakened and fully engaged believers; without them America will collapse.

 

Lloyd H. Stebbins, Ph.D. has been a lifelong Christian having extensive experience in a broad range of ministries. His private work spans several industries and included over 20 years as an environmental consultant. Since then, he has taught both science courses and MBA courses in several universities. His publishing experience includes a doctoral dissertation, hundreds of articles for periodicals, and four previous patriotic/Christian books: 1) America: Dark Slide—Bright Future, 2) Target America—Target You! 3) Wake Up America or Die! The Undeniable Crisis, and 4) Wake Up America or Die! The Awesome Remedy


📙📙📙📙📙



Dr. Lloyd Stebbins

Monday, July 19, 2021

A Biblical Perspective on How to Avoid Being Scammed; Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts of Steve Cioccolanti's New Book, "Scam Proof Your Life in the End: Justice & Restoration for Christian Times"

 


Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021
Almost all of us have been the victim of a scam. I can think of several right off the top of my head that I've experienced. The Bible says in Mathew 10:16: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

Jesus was upfront about the state of this world. He was sending His disciples (and His followers like you and me) out among wolves, and that we needed to be prepared, and expect to be scammed, attacked, mocked, and ridiculed. Make no mistake; people's hearts are getting more and more hardened, and scammers are getting more and more brazen.

Pastor Steve Cioccolanti's book "Scam Proof Your Life in the End Times" will give you practical advice as well as Biblical teaching on how to carry out Jesus' directive in Matt 10:16. The last thing any Christiaan wants to do is line the pockets of those who are doing the devil's bidding. Read this book and let God open your eyes to Truth.

I never knew there was a Biblical blueprint that could be followed to avoid being a victim. Or at the very least, to minimize the opportunity. 
The last thing any Christian wants to do is line the pockets of those who are doing the devil's bidding. Read this book and let God open your eyes to Truth.








Thursday, July 15, 2021

New Spec Fiction from Robin Densmore Fuson

  


Interruption
Robin Fuson
Inspirational Speculative fiction
July 2021
207 pp.
 
Ebook $2.99
Print $8.95
Buy on Amazon

About the Book

A Christian Speculative Fiction Novella set in the 1930s through 1950s.

Child prodigy Jacquelyn (Jackie) Carter’s life is interrupted when she dies. From the beginning of her life, her Guardian angel, Faphick, senses Jackie is remarkable. God regards all His children as special and important to Him.

Faphick and a host of other Beings play out their roles in the spiritual dimension that surrounds her. Although unseen by Jackie, they are critical to her life.

A visit to Heaven feels like pure bliss, and although she would like to stay, Heaven isn’t ready to keep her. She’d always thought her vocation as a dancer-entertainer defined her life. Sent back to Earth to fulfill her purpose, with no instruction book, wrenches her soul.

As pressure mounts, will she overcome enormous obstacles and find her God-given purpose? Will she accept Aunt Sherry’s help as prospects around her dwindle? Faphick wants to keep evil away and shield her from any distress. How much can he intervene?

 

My review

Fuson adds to her extensive repertoire of inspirational fiction with a tale from the other side. If you’ve wondered about the role of Guardian angels and heavenly Beings, Interruption offers a creative answer.

Jackie is a special child endowed with beautiful gifts. She’s looked after, as are all humans, by heavenly beings who don’t interfere, she’s able to make life choices both positive and inappropriate. We are all give a purpose on Earth. Some of us find it sooner than later; some of us are able to whether storms better than others. When Jackie spirals out of control, everyone from the unseen, fearsome and loving Faphick to her earthly family gathers to help. Whether she accepts it is up to her.

Told in alternating viewpoints and timelines from Faphick to Jackie, Interruption is sure to delight and provide thought-provoking questions about life and faith to readers of inspiring fiction.

 

About the Author

Robin lives in Sugarmill Woods, Florida with her husband Jimmy and their Belgian Malinois, Kenzi. She and her husband celebrate with an overflowing cup of blessings with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for romance and flash fiction, Robin is multi-published in both fiction and non-fiction and has written well over a hundred stories on her blog for children. Two of her novellas are finalists in the 2020 Selah awards. Her historical and contemporary romances, and Christian women’s fiction, are wrapped around a twist of intrigue. The Rosita Valdez series for children lends itself to a character-building lesson through an adventure. Robin is a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, and John316 Marketing Network. Robin loves company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home.