Fellowship

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth two and two (Mark 6:7a). After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two by two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come (Luke 10:1).

Men were not created to live and work alone. God made Eve to be a helpmeet to Adam. Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs, and He chose twelve to be close to Him. This is one of the reasons that church is so important. We need each other.

We can apply what Thomas Merton said about monks to the Christian life:

The most dangerous man in the world is the contemplative who is guided by nobody. He trusts his own visions. He obeys the attractions of an interior voice but will not listen to other men. He identifies the will of God with anything that makes him feel, within his own heart, a big warm, sweet interior glow.

The truth is, if it contradicts God's Word, it is wrong, so we need to know His Word. Mature Christian friends can help guide us. Being in His house will grow us and give us needed support. As Warren Wiersbe writes: "We can't make the most of our privilege of growing if our commitments are tentative, our relationships shallow, and our vision limited." Where do you stand? Are your roots shallow or deep and growing?

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Fort Mose 

In my new novel, South to Freedom, when the escaping slaves finally get to Florida, the Spanish authorities send them to Fort Mose (pronounced moe.say). It was established to be a home for the escaping slaves coming to Florida and a first line of defense against rumored invasions by the English to the north.

Built on the waterfront, the fort was constructed of log walls surrounded by a moat. Inside were simple buildings, both dwellings and community spaces. Men who lived there were required to serve in the militia.

Today, Fort Mose is a state historical site that does a good job of telling the stories of the fort and the people who occupied it.  I hope my novel does, too. It releases on August 1, and I'm eager to see what readers think of it. I've received heartwarming responses from my beta readers.

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Finding Truth

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

Philosophers have long sought the truth. As Arthur F. Holmes tells us in the title of his book, "All Truth Is God's Truth." If something doesn't align with what God tells us in the Bible, then it's not true. Yet, knowing the truth is not enough.

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father" (1 Kings 11:4).

We must also apply it to our lives. Solomon was a good example of this. Although he was the wisest man who ever lived and believed in God, he still allowed his wives to lead him into false worship in his later years. He knew the truth but failed to always apply it.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

Since the Bible is filled with God's truths, it boggles my mind that more Christians don't read and study it. Statistics show that, while most professed Christians own a Bible, only 9% read them daily. What about you? It's one of the most important things Christians need. How can we live for God if we don't know Him well or know what he expects of us? We accomplish both of those by studying our Bibles. 

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Escaping to Freedom

In 1739, when my new novel, South to Freedom, is set, the Spanish in Florida had already begun granting freedom to escaping slaves who would convert to Catholicism. It started in 1687, when a group of enslaved Africans escaped from Carolina and rowed to shore in Florida. They requested asylum and pledged to convert to Catholicism, something that pleased the Spanish authorities, who granted their request.

This set a precedent, and in 1693, King Charles II of Spain signed a royal decree granting freedom to any slave from English colonies who came to Florida and embraced Catholicism. It wasn't only for religious concerns, but it would also undermine the British work force and power in the New World while bolstering that of colonial Spain.

In South to Freedom,

a small group of slaves leave their plantation in Monck's Corner, South Carolina, to head for freedom in Florida. They would brave the elements, limited rations, swamps, wildlife, and slavecatchers to get there, not sure of what they would find at the end of their journey. Find out what that is next Monday as the story continues.

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Growing and Serving

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

It is a great privilege to grow in understanding and faith and to serve the Lord. I've heard people excuse themselves from serving by saying they don't feel as if they're capable. The truth is that no one has what it takes without relying on God. Instead of focusing on our weaknesses, we need to recognize how powerful and able God is and serve in whatever way He calls.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

God doesn't need people who are gifted. He needs people who will accept His gifts -- who allow Him to work through them. He doesn't need people who are outstanding; He needs people who are surrendered and willing. And serving is one of the best ways to grow our faith and to grow as a Christian. If you don't serve, it's too easy to become stagnant and complacent.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).

I like what Warren Wiersbe says in his book, 10 Power Principles of Christian Service. "As stewards, we have spiritual wealth to protect and invest; as soldiers, we have a war to wage and an enemy to defeat; as athletes, we have a race to run; and as farmers, we have soil to plow and seed to sow. And while we're doing all these things and more, we have the glorious opportunity to grow and become more like Jesus Christ."

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Setting the Background

In April of 2024, my husband and I packed up and headed to St. Augustine, Florida. I had an idea for a book I wanted to write set in the historic city, and I needed to do some research. I had been there once before, but it had been years ago, and I didn't remember enough. Besides, I needed details for this book about a wedding mix-up. As it turned out, St. Augustine had me switching my writing plans, and I would end up with two books, but I'll explain all that in a later blog.

St. Augustine is a fascinating city. It was founded by Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain in 1565 and holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. Its strategic location made it a key military Spanish outpost, fending off the French and British. History of the city includes pirates, raids, battles, escaping slaves, and complicated politics.

There is much to see in St. Augustine, and I'll be sharing some of it with you, leading up to my book set there, which releases on August 1. It will take you back to the city in 1739 and tell a little-known part of history I'm eager to share. This book came about because of a discovery I made on this trip. Watch for my upcoming Monday blogs for the continuing story.

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Prayer and Scripture

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk (1Corinthians 7:17a).

Prayer and the Word of God should be Siamese twins, inseparable. As Warren Wiersbe writes in 10 Power Principles of Christian Service, "Devotion to the Word of God and prayer will give balance to our lives and to our ministries." Remember, all Christians are called to some type of ministry. We need to study, learn, and apply.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7).

God's Word and prayer are where we find the wisdom to make good decisions. They give the correct balance to solve our problems. Again, Wiersbe says, " So, like two wings carrying a bird in flight or two oars propelling a boat through the water, the Word of God and prayer keep us balanced and moving ahead."

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight (1 John 3:22).

How balanced are you? How committed are you to reading and studying your Bible each day? Consistency and focus are more important than the length of time. Do you set aside a time each day to devote to prayer as well as say short ones all through your day? "Prayerlessness doesn't simply make us weak or handicapped. . . . Lack of prayer paralyzes us so that we're not able to do anything that will produce lasting fruit to the glory of God" (Wiersbe).

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Daphne's Determination

My newest book releases tomorrow (7-8-25). Since I skipped publishing one in June, it's been longer than usual. Daphne's Determination is a murder mystery as well as a Western romance. Daphne Marshall is surprised when her uncle asks her to become a mail-order bride to prove that her cousin’s husband murdered her. Can she do it? Does she dare? There are so many variables and questions involved. Yet, a few weeks later, she finds herself in Colorado, staring into the eyes of a man who might be a killer.

Daphne's Determination will be my second book in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series. Willa's Woes was published on January 10, 2025. There will be two more to come: Morrow's Mishap, which is on preorder now and Gwendolyn's Groom, which I'm currently writing. It's a good collection with lots of standalone stories that have the same matchmaker, although different authors, to enjoy. I hope you'll be sure to check out mine, especially this new one.

ACX released the Audible version of the book a little early and its now available. Adam Skousen always does a great job, and he's agreed to do all four of my books in this series. He's such a professional that I continue to look forward to working with him. Through some unexpected timing, the paperback version has also just published. And, as I said, the Kindle version, as well as KU, will be available early tomorrow.  If you preorder it now, and you'll be one of the first to get it.

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Three Pitfalls

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

The Christian life isn't without its temptations, even for the devout. Leaders, such as pastors, also wrestle with pride, selfishness, and ambition. When we do something for show, to get recognition, then we're on the wrong track, and if we don't switch, we'll end up far from God.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 11:2 & 16:5a).

Pride is a horrible trap. The Bible warns against it many times, saying it leads to spiritual blindness and downfall. Pride puts itself above anything else, even God and the truth. A prideful heart is resistant to correction, and throughout Scripture, it's the humble of heart who find favor with God.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

Selfishness is something most of us constantly fight against. It's human nature to want to "take care of number one." However, God calls us to something higher. We are to consider others above ourselves and follow Christ's example of humility and sacrifice. In doing so, we find that real strength is found in the giving of our time, resources, and hearts in Christian love.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12).

Ambition is another pitfall that especially tries to snare Christian leaders. In God's eyes, fame and popularity has nothing to do with true success. All service and ministry should be for His glory and at His direction. We should measure our impact, not by numbers, programs, or facilities, but by faithfulness, surrender, and obedience to the only One who really matters.

May we all avoid these pitfalls.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (Luke 9:25).

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