The Power of The Book – God’s Word

 The Power of The Book – God’s Word           

Can you imagine becoming a king at the age of eight? I cannot fathom being a king (queen), much less as a child.

Well, that’s what happened to a boy named Josiah. His father and grandfather, who preceded him on the throne of ancient Judah were not good examples for this boy-king. In fact, they were a couple of the wickedest kings the nation ever had. Second Kings 21 and Second Chronicles 34-35 give an account of their evil reigns. 

But then came Josiah—a breath of fresh air.

We’re told, “And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2 NKJV*).

What do you suppose caused Josiah to depart from the leadership philosophies of his predecessors? The answer to that question is simple, yet profound.

In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah instructed his scribe, Shaphan, to take care of some administrative business with the high priest, Hilkiah, regarding repairs to the house of the Lord. While there, Hilkiah said to Shaphan, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan and he read it” (2 Kings 22:8).

“Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read it before the king. Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes” (2 Kings 22:10-11).

In those days, the tearing of one’s clothes represented humbling oneself in despair over some occurrence. Here, King Josiah repented for the years of sins his nation committed against Jehovah God. Many of those sins included the worship of false gods. Josiah’s grandfather had even sacrificed his own son to the god, Molech. (2 Kings 21:6)

Josiah then instructed his spiritual leaders to go and inquire of the Lord on behalf of himself and the nation. God responded to their genuine repentance and promised peace in the land for all the days of Josiah. 

“Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3).

King Josiah then took action to uphold his part of the covenant. He ordered that all the pagan gods and articles of worship be destroyed, along with the priests of these gods and those who practiced witchcraft. (2 Kings 23:4-20, 24)

“Then the king commanded all the people saying, ‘Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as is written in the Book of the Covenant.’ Such a Passover surely had never been held since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was held before the LORD in Jerusalem. … Now before him (Josiah) there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him” (2 Kings 23:21-23, 25).

Scholars tell us that the reforms of King Josiah launched the greatest revival throughout the kingdom in Old Testament history.

The days we live in are filled with sin, fear, and unrest. Many people in distress are turning to God, discovering His Word, and uncovering the hope that’s found in Christ. We hear reports of increased retail sales of Bibles and many are digging out Bibles they haven’t touched for years.

Because of a renewed interest in God and Jesus, many spiritual leaders and modern-day prophets predict that a new Great Awakening and Last Days Revival is right around the corner. How thrilling to think we might be a part of that! Repeatedly we hear, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

God’s Word is certainly powerful—giving life, strength, and hope for the future. Like Josiah, lets read The Book and allow God to revolutionize our spirits.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:11). 

After Josiah read the Book he repented of national sin and took action. If repentance is in order, we need to go before God and repent. He loves each of us more than we can imagine and desires for us to be in right relationship with Him. He is quick to forgive when we sincerely repent for our sins.

Through Jesus, God’s Son, and with the help of His Spirit we can live our days in harmony with our Creator. He put us on His planet at this time in history to give us abundant life and to help Him build His kingdom.

Let’s pray: Father God, these are amazing days I’m living in. It’s also amazing to think you placed me here to serve Your own purpose in this time in history. Help me to know You better through Your Word, to hear You as You teach and guide me, and to serve you according to your plan for me as I join You in the building of Your kingdom. I want to glorify You with my life. In Jesus name—amen.

* All Scripture quotes are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Need a Strategy?

Need A Strategy?                              


Do you need a strategy—you know, a plan?  

Image by Connie Wohlford

Are you trying to figure out what to do next—what the future holds?


David, the shepherd boy—turned warrior—turned fugitive—turned king--had just been crowned king over Israel’s newly unified kingdom. He and his people were under threat from their long-time enemy, the Philistines, on two fronts. This young king (age 30) needed a strategy. 


As was his practice, he asked God what he should do. In 2 Samuel 5:19b, we’re told that David inquired of the Lord and the answer was this: “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 


David did as God instructed and God did as He said He would do.


Before long, the Philistines were gathering in another location to go against the Israelites. David turned to God again for guidance. I love the way God gave David a unique and specific strategy.


“Therefore David inquired of the LORD, and He said, ‘You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.’ And David did so, as the LORD commanded him; and he drove back the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer” (2 Samuel 5:23-25). 


Maybe you need a unique and specific strategy right about now. Do you feel like you’re being attacked by the enemy called COVID19—perhaps on two or more fronts even? We’re all affected in some way. 


Do you need a strategy—a plan on how to handle health concerns, family unity, friendships, loss of income, or   (fill in the blank)   ? Or your enemy may have nothing to do with COVID19. You still need a strategy.  


If your health is compromised, you need a strategy. 


If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, you need a strategy. 


If your way of life has been turned wrong side out, you need a strategy. 

If you've lost your job, your business, or your nest egg, you need a strategy.


If you’re in the middle of constructing a house or a business, you need a strategy. 


If you’re alive, you need a strategy. 


Like David, we need to inquire of the LORD. We need to ask God. 


God has a strategy. He has a strategy for everything that concerns us. 


A long time ago, King David, as psalm writer, spoke to God saying, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made … Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me when as yet there were none of them. How great are Your thoughts of me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand” (Psalm 139:13-17).

Photo by Connie Wohlford

God sees, God knows, God cares, and God has a plan. 

It’s reassuring, and exciting, to know that if God saw each of us as we were being formed in our mothers’ wombs and fashioned our days, He surely has a strategy for us to successfully work through the trials life delivers to us. 

After all, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ESV).


Since we have free will, some of our trials and our enemies may be self-imposed due to our own lack of following God’s leading along the way. Nonetheless, He still wants to help and has a strategy to do so.


God knows what we should do in every situation. It may not involve Mulberry Trees, but it will work. We need to inquire of Him, listen for His answer, and do what He says. For many people, hearing God’s answer is where the problem comes in. 


I’ve often heard it said, “I never hear anything from God.” The first thing I say back is something like, “Do you read your Bible regularly?” At least ninety-nine percent of the time their answer is, “No.”    

God speaks to us in many ways. In my experience, I mostly hear from Him through study and meditating on His Word. Also, He speaks through prayer and sitting quietly before Him, through other people, and through situations happening around us. He can be very creative in how He speaks to His people.

At 2 Sam. 5:23-25 - Photo by Connie Wohlford

When we think we have an answer, we can test it against God’s Word and His character to see if it lines up. But, how can we do that if we don’t spend quality time in the Bible?     


Will we sometimes miss God? Yes, but He knows our hearts and He’s well able to help us get back on track.


So, what is it that you need a strategy for at this moment? 


Let’s pray: Father God, You know every detail of every situation in my life. I need Your help and I need a plan—a strategy—to help me work my way through this. Please help me hear your voice and show me what I need to do. Then, Lord, I ask that You help me have the courage and the strength to follow through. I praise You and thank you for Your love, Your care, and Your help. In Jesus name, Amen.    


Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Calmly Enduring (Patience)

Calmly Enduring (Patience)                    

You know what they say about patience—“watch out if you pray for patience, because then you’ll end up with lots of opportunities to need it.” 

I have really needed patience in the past few days. And it’s not because I had prayed for it recently. The need for it just came. Matter of fact, I was lambasted with a need for patience. 

My 1941 dictionary defines the noun, patience, as “the quality of being patient or calmly enduring.” * Google’s online dictionary adds, to “suffer without getting angry or upset.”

Also, a patient person is described as someone who “suffers pain, hardship, affliction, insult, etc., with calmness and equanimity; persevering; forbearing; waiting with calmness.” *

That word, equanimity, is interesting. It’s described as levelheadedness, mental calmness, and composure, especially in a difficult situation. 

I can say that, yes, I suffered emotional pain, affliction, and insult at the hands of another person and it was deliberate. The part about “calmness and equanimity,” I didn’t do so well. I think I would give myself a C-. I didn’t scream and holler or say something to the person I’d later regret (and hopefully I won’t), but I didn’t maintain mental composure either. 

I told our son, “Right now, I’m working on forgiveness.” 

He said, “That’s really tough when you’re still in the middle of the situation.”

How true. When a negative, hurtful situation is ongoing and we know we need to forgive—that we’re called to forgive—nobody said it would be easy. 

But God has not left us without help for difficult life situations that involve difficult people. We, who are followers of Jesus, have His very Spirit residing inside us. He’s there to guide us through dark places. 

We have the power of prayer to help lift us out of the snares of anger and unforgiveness. I continue in prayer for the other person as well as for myself. The thought, “but I deserve to be mad and I want to be mad,” must be worked through. It’s a process. God knows our thoughts and He knows our hearts. Kind thoughts and a pure heart are not automatic human responses—well, at least not for me. That’s why His mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and His grace is sufficient in all situations (2 Corinthians 12:9). Thank You, Lord!

Each morning, I post a prayer for children on my social media. On this particular day, the prayer (written months in advance) was for patience and read: “Lord, help my children learn to patiently wait on You, knowing You readily hear their heart cries” (Psalm 40:1).

After praying that prayer for my family, I turned to Psalm 40 in my Bible and read the whole thing. I was reminded that reading and studying God’s Word is another help God has given to help us navigate tribulations. This Psalm, written by David, is subtitled, “Faith Persevering in Trial.”

After reading the entire psalm, I was encouraged and reassured that God sees and knows every minuscule detail of all our lives. I realize I need to allow my Creator to enter into my hurt and anger-filled situation and help me handle it His way. When I step back, He steps in.

David certainly knew about trials and conflicts. Here is part of what he wrote:

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. 

“He has put a new song in my mouth— praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.

“Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

“Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:1-5).

As we travel through dealings with difficult situations and difficult emotions, lets allow God’s ways to enter in and be our light and guide.

Prayer for Children - Connie Wohlford

His indwelling Spirit, our privilege of prayer, and His Word are provided for our benefit to help us live life in abundance. Our role is to do our part in relying on them. 

Another blessing from God in hard times is the counsel of godly people. Family, friends, small groups, and minister professionals are gifts from God who help as sounding boards, encouragers, and prayer partners. 

I’m grateful to my Creator for His provision in all things. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (NKJV). 

We usually think of this passage in relation to physical needs like food, clothing, and shelter. But it’s much more. His provision of unfailing love, amazing grace, unrelenting mercy, and unfathomable peace are provided for us in the here and now and will be intensified beyond our imaginations in God’s Eternal Kingdom. Glory be to God!  

How do you handle these kinds of situations? Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford 

*National Dictionary - 1941 Edition; P.F. Collier and Son Corporation, New York

Mix the Word with Faith and Trust God <> Part 3 - How did I begin writing books?

Mix the Word with Faith and Trust God <> Part 3 - How did I begin writing books?

My writing journey has been a faith walk. 

Many people have asked me how I began writing books. I’ve always enjoyed writing but never expected to write anything someone else would want to read. 

In November 2011, while writing a story about Jesus' birth, to share with my grandchildren, God spoke to me, in my spirit, and said, “I want you to publish this.” 

I sat straight up and said, “God, I have no idea about how to do such a thing.”

I explained to Him that I knew nothing about writing and publishing a book—that I didn’t have an illustrator—that I didn’t have money for this—and on and on. 

Have you ever tried to explain something to God? ---How silly!

I also tried to tell myself that the idea was all my imagination. 

While writing that story I decided I wanted my grands to also know the other things that happened to Jesus as an infant. Those stories are hardly ever read or told and I wanted my grandchildren to know them. 

And beyond that, I wanted my grands to know there are more amazing stories in the Bible than what they learn in Sunday School. I want them to fall in love with Jesus and value God’s Word!

I finished writing that book and called it Joy Comes to Bethlehem. 

My second book would tell about what happened to Jesus when He was eight days old.  What was that? He was circumcised.

I was anxious about the idea of writing a children’s story about Jesus’ circumcision but was confident God would help me work it out—and ya know what? He did! The book is titled, His Name Is Jesus. Don’t worry, I didn't even mention the word, circumcision.    

The third book would be about one of my favorite Bible stories. 

Side note:  I didn’t learn these stories in Sunday School. I learned them when I started reading my Bible on my own!

This third book was about the amazing occurrence when Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated at forty days of age. Simeon and Anna recognized Him as Messiah, just as God told them they would, many years earlier. This book is titled, He Is The ONE.     

I wanted my grandchildren to know these things about Jesus. 

Oh, and when our grands and I read that first story together, one of them (from each of the two families) said, “Granny, you should publish this.” I don’t think I would call that confirmation but it sure made me feel good.

SO—back to my conversation with God. I did finally tell God that after the holidays, if I still felt like I had heard from Him I would get onto the task and He was going to need to lead me step by step.

January 2012 rolled around and I knew beyond any doubt this was something the Lord was telling me to do. I also knew that if I didn’t do it, I would be disobedient. That was something I didn’t want to be a part of.

All along the way, much prayer went into the idea of publishing and I with confidence in God's assignment, I proceeded.

I knew I needed an artist, so I prayed.

I knew I needed a publisher, so I prayed.

I knew I needed some money, so I prayed.

I knew I needed Guy’s approval, so I prayed.

(Guy is my husband.)

My first idea for an artist was Molly Keller. I’d known Molly since she was a toddler. I knew she was a Christian, that she had a college degree in art, and I had seen her work I had seen. But I had doubts about whether she would be willing to do illustrations for a book for me. Would she want to go to all that trouble for a book written by a no-name-writer? 

I called her up; told her about my story and she said, “Yes.”

I nearly cried and offered praises to the Lord. As it turned out, Molly had recently quit her baby-sitting job in hopes of pursuing her art career and she had no jobs lined up yet. Perfect timing! God knew all along.

I took her a copy of the manuscript; she read it and her children read it. She called me and said, “You’re a good writer.” Those were such encouraging words. It was the second time someone had ever said that to me—music to my self-doubting ears. 

Meanwhile I continued to pray about the publishing aspect. Before talking to Guy I needed some idea of what cost would be involved. 

While checking email one day, an advertisement banner appeared in my inbox. It said, “Get your Christian children’s book published here.”

I hesitated for a moment but then clicked and was taken to the website of one of the largest publishers of Christian material in the world. I was comfortable that it was legit and after speaking with their representative on the phone and reading their material I decided to go with them.

I had already decided I wanted to self-publish so the books would be in print before my grands were too old to enjoy them. (Trying to get published can take years or simply never happen.)

So—I had the manuscript, the artist and the publisher. Now I needed to get Guy’s approval and figure out the money part—both of which I knew would not be easy. But I was confident that if I had not missed God, and He had really called me to do this, He would make a way. I continued to do what? --Pray.

I asked God to provide the opportunity and tell me when and what to say to my dear husband.

The time came and I said it. Without a lot of detail, I’ll just say Guy’s answer was a resounding “NO--absolutely not!” and he got up and left the room.

I sat on the couch with tears welling up, yet not surprised by his response. I know my Guy. And I know my God. So, I was confident it wasn’t the end of the story. 

Instead of whining, begging, badgering or manipulating, I talked again to my Heavenly Father and tossed the situation into His capable hands. After forty plus years of marriage to Guy, I knew those other responses would come to no positive end. I was confident God would change Guy’s mind. I’d seen it before.

Two days later Guy brought the subject up saying I could use the money we had in a certain account and go ahead with it. He added. “When the book is done, you’re going to have to get some books to sell in order to get your money back. Have you thought about that?” 

I said, “Yes.”

He continued, “I don’t know where you’re going to get the money for that.” 

I didn’t have the answer either but I just knew God wanted me to do this and He had all the answers.

The process I embarked on was scary and nerve racking. But I was confident in my God. I had enough of God’s Word in me to know Him and I had a history with Him. I was mixing His Word with my faith and trusting Him to help me see this through.

Over the next few weeks and months Molly painted wonderful watercolor illustrations for my book and I arduously worked out the details with the publisher.

Molly said I didn’t need to pay her until I started selling the books which was a huge blessing to me. Also, her painting was taking much longer than she expected, which was a little frustrating to me but I understood and didn’t put pressure on her. I reminded myself it was all in God’s timing. 

The next part of this story is the most amazing part of all ... and sad. As I told you, I knew I would be needing to buy a number of books once they were ready for printing. And I genuinely didn’t to know how I would pay for it. But, ya know, God knows all things. God knew all along where that money would come from.

On March 17, 2012 my precious friend, Jo Ann died—unexpectedly. None of us saw this coming and all her friends and family were flabbergasted. 

Jo had no children of her own and was like a second mother to me. I was one of the beneficiaries in her will. The very week that I needed to pay for the books was the very week I received the first installment of my inheritance. It was just over the amount I needed, including money to pay Molly. That was a great blessing to her.

I was blown away. My husband was blown away. I’m still blown away. 

That was the seed money that God provided. Over and over again God never ceases to amaze me.

 

I later published two books which tell a couple of the many rhinokaroarus stories I have told my grandchildren through the years. These are unique animal stories, each with a moral. 

My father, Rudy Edwards, made up that crazy word, rhinokaroarus. Therefore those books are dedicated to him. 

And my most recent book is a daily devotional titled, I Declare God’s Word Is True. 

A couple years ago, during my Bible study time in the mornings, I started jotting down Bible truths and promises that were meaningful to me. I felt lead to put some of them into the form of a little devotional. For each day of the year (any year) there is a Bible truth, a supporting statement and a Bible reference. 

Each one is a brief power-packed word of encouragement for the day.

So, in my experiences in writing books, articles, blog posts, letters, etc., I mix God's Word with my faith and trust God. 

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2 KJV).

In other words—They heard the Word preached but it did not benefit them because they didn’t mix it with faith. So, when we mix the Word with our faith we have the wherewithal to trust God. 

We have lots of reasons to trust God. But the main reason is this—

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford

If you're interested in purchasing my books or would like book description information, please contact me via email: author@conniewohlford.com 
Prices:  
His Name is Jesus,  He Is The ONE,  You're A What?!,  Make It A Happy Day -  $10.50 each. 
I Declare God's Word Is True - $6.50.
Minimal charge for shipping - Sales tax is added in Virginia. 

Reduced prices on multiple copies. Inquire if interested.  

Joy Comes to Bethlehem is sold out - I plan to do a second printing as funds allow.