Author Judy LeBlanc - The Nature and Essence of Faith

Is faith just a word? Surprisingly, the word is a transitive verb which means "action" towards a particular object and since Christ is the author and finisher of our faith, then our faith is an active and ongoing process.

Encyclopedia Britannica defines faith as follows: "Greek Pistis, Latin Fides, inner attitude, conviction, or trust relating man to a supreme God or ultimate salvation. In religious traditions stressing divine grace it is the inner certainty or attitude of love granted by God himself. In Christian theology, faith is the divinely inspired human response to God's historical revelation through Jesus Christ and, consequently, is of crucial significance".

However, I like to think of Hebrews chapter 11 as the "faith hall of fame", and the author opens by summarizing faith in just one sentence: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (vs. 1). And in my own words, I offer the following explanations of the substance of faith.

Faith is like a deep well that is filled with living water; if that water is not used, does it not then become stale? So too is faith, as faith not used will also become stale. And although the earth is filled with darkness even at high noon, yet the blind man sees.

Faith is like a moonless night that brings forth darkness as a promise of the light to come. Like a ship sailing under a starless night, so too are those who walk without faith; and even if you are at the helm of your ship, can you calm a storm or the storm tossed waters? Nay, for the conflict is not between men, the conflict is between man and God over the rule of his destiny and his destiny lies in the hands of God.

Faith does not know that there will be a tomorrow, but hopes that there is. There is no life in yesterday. Yesterday is but a memory in time. There is no life in tomorrow, for tomorrow is only a hope, and without faith, there is no hope, for even dogs have faith in their masters.

Faith has a beginning and an end and we are all somewhere in the middle. Faith is the evidence of things not seen, but the hope for them. Therefore, hope for that which is not seen, and know that which is hoped for will come about, for God is the author and the finisher of our faith.

© 2011 Judy Azar LeBlanc Award Winning Author

Christian Fiction, The Treasures of Darkness by Carol Lee Anderson

Title: The Treasures of Darkness

Author: Carol Lee Anderson
ISBN: 9781453882351
Review Date: April 29, 2011
Reviewed by: Christian Book Reviews
9.8 on a scale of 10.0

A must read book, The Treasures Of Darkness by Carol Lee Anderson will keep you coming back for more as this mysterious novel unfolds.

With characters that will move the imagination, the author has masterfully woven the pages of this book together to captivate the soul. Expect to become fully engaged as the sinister plots unfolds and darkness attempts to prevail.

Cryptic messages, the mysterious words found in a diary, the mythical stranger, the powerful dragon god and the plot to overthrow the kingdom of Bellicosa are only but a few glimpses into this wonderful novel filled with mystery and imagination.

Framed from Psalm 107, the author sets a powerful backdrop from which an adventure story of intrigue, betrayal, and slavery prevail in the darkness, but yet there is a deliverer, the One who sets the captives free, that delivers men from their manifold troubles and fills the hungry soul with what is good. A triumphant novel filled with overcoming adversity in the midst of great trials.

Come and follow young Julen taken from her home as only a innocent child, only to be brought and sold into slavery with no hope of redemption, until she meets the mysterious One who is her deliverer, who has the power to break her bonds apart and set her high upon the rock and hidden from her enemies.

Set sail with young Damon and rebellious Jip. Follow Bina and Julen through the treacherous desert as they look for refuge in such a wasteland. Enlightening and captivating is this book, a must read and page-turner.

A captivating story of redemption and triumphant rescue. We are all treasures hidden in the darkness waiting for the One to rescue, come and be filled with hope. A wonderful and delightful novel.

The Treasures Of Darkness by Carol Lee Anderson

Highly Recommended
9.8 on a scale of 10.0
Reviewed by Christian Book Reviews

To The Glory of God - Revival: The True Fairy Tale by Lydia and Kiya Thornton

Title: Revival: The True Fairy Tale
Authors: Lydia and Kiya Thornton
ISBN # 978-1-4363-6020-3
Review Date: June 23, 2011
Reviewed by: Christian Book Reviews
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars

Revival: The True Fairy Tale by Lydia and Kiya Thornton is a biblically and scripturally based Christian Fiction Adventure. A well written and intriguing allegory, this tale will take you on the journey of a lifetime as you join Nina, a young girl, and Kyle, a very young boy, as they experience magnificent wonders and phenomenon on Earth, in Heaven and in Hell. An eye-opener at the very least, get ready to set some time aside as each chapter is thoroughly engaging using creative imagery and impelling dialogue, intertwining an unforgettable expedition. You won’t believe your eyes with this book, as God’s Kingdom is revealed unveiling the difference of the spiritual and the physical realm we reside in. Notably, throughout the journey, sin is exposed and the reality of Heaven and Hell are also presented. Revival: The True Fairy Tale will leave an indelible imprint on your soul and give you a strong conviction of what sin is and who and why Jesus died on the cross for your sins.

This fascinating venture begins with Nina, a sweet, loveable little girl who gave her heart to Jesus as a very young girl. She loves Jesus with all her heart and is encountered by an old woman who gives her a very special trinket. The small trinket lays dormant in her Hope Chest, but one day, she decides to do what the old woman had told her to do.

She soon finds herself in a far away land, a fairy tale land. This is where young Kyle, a small boy, who she takes under her wing, and Nina set out on a trip full of breathtaking and inspiring experiences to unravel the mystery of what the old woman had spoken to her. Following many clues along their path, this tale intertwines the Holy Scriptures in such a way that is not only intriguing, but also convincing and convicting as well.

The authors, Lydia and Kiya Thornton have written this tale in such a way as to expose many of the lies of Satan, exposing sin and revealing the truth about God’s Holy Word. This book will not only educate a person about the Lord and His Holiness, but also about what the world accepts versus what is acceptable to the Lord.

Truly a creative masterpiece, this book will keep you coming back for more. This book is of very high quality and maintains integrity in scripture that is non-compromising. This book is a blessing to the Body of Christ and can be used as a ministering tool to those who don’t believe in God, Heaven or Hell. This book causes strong conviction of the heart and will cause many to re-evaluate their lives in retrospect to the scripture contained in this highly electric and raw adventure story.

Revival: The True Fairy Tale by Lydia and Kiya Thornton

Highly Recommended
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars
Reviewed by Christian Book Reviews