Legion: Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me (Bible Study) (Behind the Scene: Exploring the Bible's Unsung Heroes) By Shadia Hrichi

I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogging Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own. 


Book Description:  

How far will Jesus go to rescue one lost soul? Tormented, chained, and living in a graveyard, the man known only by the name of the demons that tormented him had no one to help him no one to intercede for him. So Jesus goes Himself. Climb into the boat with Jesus as He heads into enemy territory. Witness Jesus's power and passion as He battles violent storms and armies of demons. Through this six-week, action-packed bible study, you will experience God's relentless love as you celebrate your impassioned Savior Who moved heaven and earth to rescue you.

Shadia combines brilliant biblical insights with thought-provoking applications as she unfolds the stirring story of the man known as Legion. Though one of the more obscure individuals to experience Christ's powerful rescuing love, this man's life is destined to become a much-loved Bible story as Shadia leads you into his broken world. I highly recommend this stunning, thorough, unforgettable, hope-filled Bible study experience.


My Thoughts: 

Legion is the latest Bible Study in Shadia Hrichi's series, Behind the Seen: Exploring the Bible's Unsung Heroes, and it is a fantastic read. I had the pleasure of reading the first book, Hagar, so when this opportunity came to read Legion I took it. I absolutely love these Bible Studies. Shadia Hrichi's writing puts you right there with Jesus and the other people, feeling the emotions and love for others. She really enforces the fact that God loves every single one of us and the lengths He will go to for one person. This study centers around a man named Legion, whose story isn't one that is one of the main stories. Shadia Hrichi truly writes a unique study that really touched me and challenged me. I cannot say enough good about this study and this author. I HIGHLY recommend this study for anyone looking for a great Bible Study, you will not be disappointed.  I give this Bible Study 5+ STARS. Please check out more about this study and a give away.



 

About the Book

Book: Legion
Author: Shadia Hrichi
Genre: Bible Study
Release Date: Oct 8, 2019

How far will Jesus go to rescue one lost soul?

Tormented, chained, and living in a graveyard, the man known only by the name of the demons that tormented him had no one to help him–no one to intercede for him. No one but Jesus. Climb into the boat with Jesus as He heads into enemy territory. Witness Jesus’s power and passion as He battles violent storms and armies of demons in order to rescue . . . one . . . lost . . . soul.

Through this six-week, action-packed Bible study, you will experience God’s relentless love as you celebrate the impassioned Savior Who moved heaven and earth to rescue you.



Click here for your copy! 

About the Author

“SHADIA HRICHI is a passionate Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She has received a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary as well as master’s in criminal justice from the State University of New York. In addition to LEGION, Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including HAGAR and Worthy of Love. Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, and other events. Her insightful, witty, yet vulnerable teaching style reveals a compassion for the hurting, love for Jesus, and uncompromising commitment to the truth of God’s Word. Visit shadiahrichi.com.  

More from Shadia

If there is one universal truth, it is that every human heart longs for paradise. A perfect world without death, pain, or sorrow. A world at peace, where each of us is secure, treasured, and loved. But the reality is that the world as we know it will never deliver; it cannot. Scripture tells us that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). As a result, you and I live in a broken world. A world that has been drifting off course ever since that slippery serpent enticed our first parents to reject God’s authority in that garden paradise so long ago. In that moment, they unwittingly handed over dominion of the earth to Satan on a silver platter. But this then begs the question. Why was God willing to risk rebellion in the Garden? And why would God allow His perfect creation to fall victim to the enemy’s schemes? And if God is good, why does He allow evil to exist? Through this six-week study, you and I will explore the answers to these questions and more as we step into the fascinating story of the man known only by the name of the demons that tormented him. To be honest, I don’t know why I am attracted to the hard stories in the Bible. The messy stories. I suspect it stems, in part, from my own broken past. I can relate much easier to the broken people. The ones who experienced times when they felt unseen, or unloved, or unwanted. At the same time, their stories captivate my heart because when God reveals what He is doing behind the seen, His power and glory are displayed in ways that make my spirit soar! So I invite you to come with me as we climb into the boat with Jesus and head into enemy territory. We will witness Jesus’s power and passion as He battles violent storms and armies of demons in order to rescue . . . one . . . lost . . . soul. Tormented, chained, and living in a graveyard, the man had no one to help him. No one to intercede for him. No one but Jesus. As a result:

• A demoniac becomes a disciple.
• A house of demons becomes a dwelling for the Living God.
• The chained becomes a champion of good news.

You and I live in a world crying out for rescue. And just as Jesus was willing to cross the sea and rescue one man from the enemy’s chains, He crossed the heavens to rescue you and me from a fate even worse: eternal chains. But praise God that through His sacrifice for sin, Jesus conquered all the forces of evil and opened up the gates of paradise to all who embrace His mercy. So come with me. Let’s rediscover the God Who Rescues Me! “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” —Colossians 1:13 NASB

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, January 21

Robin’s Nest, January 21

Genesis 5020, January 22

Older & Smarter?, January 23

For the Love of Books, January 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 26

janicesbookreviews, January 27

Quiet Workings, January 27

Inklings and notions, January 28

Aryn the Libraryan , January 29

Godly Book Reviews, January 29

Through the Lens of Scripture, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Lights in a Dark World, February 1

D’S QUILTS AND BOOKS, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Emily Yager, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shadia is giving away the grand prize package of 1 book of Legion, 1 book of Hagar and a $50 gift certificate to two winners each!!

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/f4a5/legion-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Promise Child: The Promise Series Book 2 By Kathryn Spurgeon

I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:  

Sibyl, from a wealthy Oklahoma banking family, marries a handsome but poor hobo from the wrong side of the tracks. The Depression rips through Sibyl’s hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma, leaving dying stores, repossessed farms, and countless men and women out of work. Now living in poverty, she suffers the burdens of a changing world and troubled economy. Based on a true story, Sibyl Pope wants to make the world a better place. Since her youth, she has followed her papa, a respected, clever-minded banker. Interested in socialist politics and asking the hard questions of life, she struggles to find her own purpose. She does her best to listen to God, even when her father refuses to help. Life changes. A new baby, a job with the PWA, and a promise of a brighter future. Concerned for her children, she struggles to keep food on her table and love alive in her heart —for her family, her husband, and God. Many people head west to save their families. Will Sibyl and Fremont abandon Oklahoma and their hopes and dreams for the promises in California? Or will they find a way to survive in Shawnee?


My Thoughts: 

A Promise Child is the second book in Kathryn Spurgeon's series, The Promise Series, and it is great. This is the first book by Kathryn Spurgeon I have had the pleasure of reading.  This book is based on true stories of her family, especially her mother and grandmother. I love reading historically accurate books because the things that I am taught through these books are details that isn't taught in history or another book. This story rings true about the stories I have heard from family about the Great Depression, ringing home about how our elders lived their whole lives, saving everything and being frugal in every aspect of life, never wanting to go through that again. I found this story very emotional and I couldn't put it down. I haven't read the first book in this series but I didn't find myself feeling like I was lost. I definitely have the first book on my TBR list and Kathryn Spurgeon is definitely on my must read list. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed.  I give this book 5+ Stars.






 

About the Book

Book:  A Promise Child
Author: Kathryn Spurgeon
Genre: Inspirational historic fiction
Release Date: September 10, 2017

She can’t survive the ‘30s alone…

Sibyl Trimble does everything she can to keep her family together. Before falling in love with a handsome, penniless hobo, she lived a life of new cars, speakeasies dances, and fancy cloche hats. 

Then the Great Depression hits Oklahoma. The wind blows topsoil away, hundreds of jobless men hang around town, and the economy falls apart. Even Fremont, her strong, stable husband, grows discouraged and considers leaving as they struggle to put food on the table.

When disaster strikes again, will Sibyl and Fremont move on to California or try to survive in Oklahoma? Neither option sounds promising.



Click here to get your copy  

About the Author

Kathryn Spurgeon, an award-winning author and recipient of a 2018 Illumination Book Award, has published over a hundred stories, articles, and poems. She grew up on an Oklahoma farm before moving to South Korea, where she adopted two children. She and her husband, Bill, hold weekly studies in their home for international college students. They have six children and twelve grandchildren.  

More from Kathryn

Researching and writing about the 1930s has been a blast, and although it was the economically worst decade of the last century, faith, love, and life went on. It has been fun to glimpse into that historical time and find amazing and uplifting stories. Sibyl Trimble, my grandmother and the ever up-and-down, emotional but brilliant lady, did her best to create a great family environment. Seeking God, she also studied, taught, and shared about Christ in the midst of heartaches. Based on a true story, I hope this tale will inspire, uplift, and bring a touch of nostalgia to your day. The strength and courage Sibyl revealed can encourage us all and I am honored to share her tale with you.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

For Him and My Family, January 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

A Reader’s Brain, January 20

Christian Bookaholic, January 21

Betti Mace, January 22

For The Love of Books, January 22

Life of Literature, January 23

deb’s Book Review, January 23

Older & Smarter?, January 24

For the Love of Literature, January 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

Bigreadersite, January 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

Emily Yager, January 28

Pause for Tales, January 29

Priceless: A Devotional Cookbook Based on Proverbs 31 By Vickie Burns

I received this book for no charge from Celebrate Lit and the author to give my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:  

Not feeling adored, loved, cherished, appreciated, or valued? Feel like you're overwhelmed with daily tasks and taken for granted? Priceless is just what you need! The author walks you through Proverbs 31 and shows you how God sees you: perfectly perfect, just as He created you to be. Yes, dear one, you are priceless.

Along with a daily Bible study, this book is filled with recipes offering you new ways to connect with your family and honor God's calling on your life. Whether married or single, a homemaker or working outside the home, Priceless will help bring joy to even the most mundane tasks.

If you've ever read Proverbs 31 and felt you couldn't live up to God's description of the perfect woman, fear not. You have more in common with her than you think.

My Thoughts:  

Priceless: A Devotional Cookbook Based on Proverbs 31 is Vickie Burns latest devotional and it is wonderful. I enjoy Bible Studies,typically I am doing it by myself, so this was right up my alley.  The study of Proverbs 31 with recipes for meals is such a unique way to really read and understand that God sees us as perfect, it is our own perseptions that get in the way of that. The whole devotional is set up to show us who we really are and puts it all in practical terms. I found myself immersed into this devotional, loving the layout and the words of encouragement from Vickie Burns, I find her very inspiring. Priceless is definitely priceless to me. I plan on rereading this and making the recipes along side this time. I HIGHLY recommend Priceless to any woman in need of this encouragement. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Vickie Burns. 
I give the book 5+ STARS.

   

 

About the Book

Book:  Priceless
Author: Vickie Burns
Genre: Devotional/Cookbook
Release Date: November, 2019

Priceless: A Devotional Cookbook Based on Proverbs 31 is a Bible study and cookbook combined. The author, Vickie Burns, takes the reader verse by verse through Proverbs 31, showing them how precious and loved they are. At the end of each day’s study, meal suggestions and recipes are provided to fill their homes with tantalizing aromas and great food. Even young children can help with meal preparation so they learn that dinner doesn’t just magically appear on the table.

For women who’ve read Proverbs 31 and felt inadequate, like they could not possibly live up to God’s description of the perfect woman, Priceless reveals that they have more in common with her than they ever imagined.

“Today’s busy mom rarely finds time to steal a few moments of peace and quiet to spend with the Lord each day,” Vickie says. “On top of that, she most likely does not take the time to flip through endless sections of cookbooks to plan a unique evening meal. Priceless encourages women to view their tasks as God’s call to an abundant life, empowers them by providing a daily word from Proverbs 31, and eases their minds by providing a full menu for the evening meal each day.”



Click here to get your copy. 

About the Author

Vickie Burns is passionate about showing women how to love and live the abundant life that Jesus Christ offers. Through Bible study, public speaking, and writing inspirational cookbooks, Vickie inspires women to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength; to see and love themselves as Christ does—PRICELESS; and to love others through genuine hospitality. She lives in Texas with the love of her life, Todd Burns, and they have two daughters.  

More from Vickie

This book, Priceless, is not my story but it was birthed from it. I was raised in a single-parent Christian home after my parents divorced. I watched my mom handle everything: cooking, cleaning, bills, homework, a full-time job, etc. I had no idea until I became a wife and mother all that she must have been through while raising three children on her own. I do know that she had a strong relationship with the Lord and that she had friends and family support. Today, I look back at my childhood with renewed respect for my mom. My husband, Todd and I did our best to raise our two girls to honor the Lord while we went to school for our master’s degrees and tried to keep our household running smoothly. I had the help of a husband and was still overwhelmed while working as a teacher, trainer, coach and administrator in public education. On top of that I was still a wife, mother, friend, sister, chef, chauffer, nurse and more. Over the years, as I have gotten to know other women, I realize that I am not alone. We all long for ways to balance work and family, cooking and cleaning, physical busyness and spiritual warfare. As my heart broke for the busy women in my life (to whom I totally relate) I longed to try and make life a little easier for all of us. I began to study God’s Word for answers. As I studied, I learned that God created us for relationship with Himself and with others. I learned that sharing our burdens with one another is His design. I found out that love should drive every word and action as we relate to others. I discovered that the crazy life that we are trying to balance is actually our ministry to our families and communities. I also realized that hospitality isn’t just something that was dreamed up by Martha Stewart. God ordained hospitality from the beginning when He created Adam and Eve in His image and placed them in the garden of Eden. God touches the heart of mankind with a piece of His own. There are examples of this throughout scripture. The biggest deposit of God’s heart within us is the gift of His Spirit. This gift is what makes genuine hospitality possible today. When we touch another person’s heart with a piece of our own, we are showing hospitality, sharing the love of Christ, and making connections that impact our world. This revelation was the birth of my ministry. I call it The Heart of Hospitality. Through my writing and speaking engagements, I share with women how to see the tasks and responsibilities of our daily lives as a calling from God. Beyond that, I help women understand that viewing their lives in this way is what Jesus meant when He said He came to give us “abundant life”. My prayer for you, as you read this book is:

• that you will be touched with a piece of God’s heart.
• that hospitality will come to mean something new to you.
• that each devotion in this book exposes your pricelessness in Christ.
• that you will know beyond the shadow of any doubt that you are rare, unique and have significant meaning to your Creator.

May God richly bless you and your household.      

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 1

For Him and My Family, January 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 3

Jacquelyn Lynn, January 3

Older & Smarter?, January 4

Texas Book-aholic, January 5

Mary Hake,January 5

janicesbookreviews, January 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 7

Inspiration Clothesline, January 7

Inklings and notions, January 8

Blossoms and Blessings, January 9

For the Love of Books, January 9

She Lives to Read, January 10

Quiet Workings, January 11

Godly Book Reviews, January 11

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 12

A Rup Life, January 13

Emily Yager, January 13

KarenSueHadley, January 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vickie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Priceless and a $50 Amazon Card!!

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/f425/priceless-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wings Like A Dove By Camille Eide

 I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:  


Can the invisible walls that separate people ever come down?

In 1933, Anna Leibowicz is convinced that the American dream that brought her Jewish family here from Poland is nothing but an illusion. Her father has vanished. Her dreams of college can’t make it past the sweat-shop door. And when she discovers to her shame and horror that she’s with child, her mother gives her little choice but to leave her family. Deciding her best course of action is to try to find her father, she strikes out…hoping against hope to somehow redeem them both.
When Anna stumbles upon a house full of orphan boys in rural Indiana who are in desperate need of a tutor, she agrees to postpone her journey. But she knows from the moment she meets their contemplative, deep-hearted caretaker, Thomas Chandler, that she doesn’t dare risk staying too long. She can’t afford to open her heart to them, to him. She can’t risk letting her secrets out.
All too soon, the townspeople realize she’s not like them and treat her with the same disdain they give the Sisters of Mercy—the nuns who help Thomas and the boys—and Samuel, the quiet colored boy Thomas has taken in. With the Klan presence in the town growing ever stronger and the danger to this family increasing the longer she stays, Anna is torn between fleeing to keep them safe…and staying to fight beside them.
Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest…

My Thoughts:

I first owe everyone an apology that my review was not posted on my day. I am so sorry I didn't have it up. I would specifically like to say sorry to Camille Eide, the author and to Celebrate Lit Blogging Program. I cannot adequately express my apology.  

Wings Like A Dove is Camille Eide's latest book and it is great!! This is the first of Camille's books that I have had a chance to read and I am so glad I did. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction this book was right in my wheelhouse. Camille Eide writes with authority about the United State during the 1930's, the politics, Poland, Persecution, Jewish laws/beliefs/traditions. The cover of this book is beautifully done, really captured my attention. I could not put this book down once I started it. The amount of historical facts I learned more about was amazing, This story is about the racism in 1933 and the control the KKK had in many states. This story gives an accurate picture of the US and the way people were treated for being different.  This book really spoke to about the racism and how destructive the KKK was to all people.  I really felt so many emotions as I read this book. For me I felt  angry, sad, happy, and hopeful. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical fiction, you will not be disappointed! I have definitely found a new author to keep up with. I cannot wait to read more from Camille Eide. I give this book 5 STARS. 

Please Check out the information below, you still have time to enter her giveaway.

About the Book

Book:  Wings Like A Dove
Author: Camille Eide
Genre: Historical fiction/romance
Release Date: December 1, 2019

Can the invisible walls that separate people ever come down?

In 1933, Anna Leibowicz is convinced that the American dream that brought her Jewish family here from Poland is nothing but an illusion. Her father has vanished. Her dreams of college can’t make it past the sweat-shop door. And when she discovers to her shame and horror that she’s with child, her mother gives her little choice but to leave her family. Deciding her best course of action is to try to find her father, she strikes out…hoping against hope to somehow redeem them both.

When Anna stumbles upon a house full of orphan boys in rural Indiana who are in desperate need of a tutor, she agrees to postpone her journey. But she knows from the moment she meets their contemplative, deep-hearted caretaker, Thomas Chandler, that she doesn’t dare risk staying too long. She can’t afford to open her heart to them, to him. She can’t risk letting her secrets out.

All too soon, the townspeople realize she’s not like them and treat her with the same disdain they give the Sisters of Mercy—the nuns who help Thomas and the boys—and Samuel, the quiet colored boy Thomas has taken in. With the Klan presence in the town growing ever stronger and the danger to this family increasing the longer she stays, Anna is torn between fleeing to keep them safe…and staying to fight beside them.

Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest…

Click here to get your copy.

   

About the Author

Camille writes poignant, inspirational love stories some call “more than a romance.” She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grandma, office admin, lead foot, cinnamon roll baker, and a bass guitarist. She’s a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, and Peanut M&Ms.  

More from Camille

If Only I Could Fly Away… “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” -Psalm 55:6-8 What do you think of when you read this passage from Psalms? Does the idea of escape tempt you? Have you ever cried out for relief from life’s storms? In Wings Like a Dove, Anna faces growing difficulties in her life. Psalm 55:6 is brought to her attention and she ponders it more than once, especially as the difficulties in her life steadily increase. As Polish Jews in the early 1900s, Anna’s family lived in constant upheaval, so fleeing danger is nothing new to her. The problem is that Anna craves connection and community. While she was often uprooted, at least Anna enjoyed the security of family—until now. As the story begins, she is turned out of her home and must journey across the country alone, a heartache that only intensifies the persecution she faces as a Jew, an immigrant, and an unwed woman with child. But her journey is temporarily delayed out of necessity, and she quickly falls in love with those who have taken her in. The idea of leaving them is as painful a prospect as leaving her own family, but because of the troubles that follow her, it seems she has no choice. Psalm 55:6 isn’t tempting Anna to leave her surroundings; it tempts her to escape the negativity that robs her joy. For Anna, and for the rest of us, we can’t flee trouble any more than we can grow wings and fly. The desire for relief is understandable. But what if there is a purpose in the difficult situations we face? What if we are called to more than simply outlast life’s storms? What if our weakest moment is exactly what God wants to use to show his power, love, mercy, and grace? What if God is waiting for us to stop fluttering our wings and find joy in knowing that we are in the very place we need to be, for a purpose, for such a time as this? Quote from Anna: “If these past months have taught me nothing else, they have taught me that though I am only a seed blowing in the wind, I must still be fruitful wherever I land. I have learned that wherever we find ourselves, we must have the courage to stretch out roots and produce something useful, even in times of difficulty. We must bloom boldly in whatever field our seed has fallen.”  May you find the sweet spot of joy and purpose in the midst of your storm!   -Camille

Blog Stops

 karenSueHadley, December 17

My Devotional Thoughts, December 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 18

Mia Reads, December 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 19

Genesis 5020, December 19

Emily Yager, December 20

mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 20

Betti Mace, December 21

To Everything A Season, December 21

Christian Bookaholic, December 22

April Hayman, Author, December 22

For the Love of Literature, December 23

For The Love of Books, December 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 24

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, December 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 25

For Him and My Family, December 25

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Deanne’s Book Thoughts, December 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 28

janicesbookreviews, December 28

Pause for Tales, December 29

Texas Book-aholic, December 29

A Reader’s Brain, December 30

Inklings and notions, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Camille is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon card & a signed 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/f2ec/wings-like-a-dove-celebration-tour-giveaway