My husband and I recently attended a ceremony for a milestone event, after which we felt depressed for several days. The memory still leaves us despondent. Why? Because no one invited the Lord. No one mentioned Him in any way, shape, or form.
I waited helplessly to hear His name. Luke 17:27 rang unbidden in my mind:
They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all (KJV).
My father-in-law, a pastor, defined hell as “separation from God.” According to that characterization, despite being indwelt with the Holy Spirit, as Christians, this separation is why we felt depressed.
Grateful
The event caused me to remember how grateful I am to be part of a profession with the primary purpose of edifying other Christians and helping everyone from seekers to those mature in the faith along the way. I am proud of the books the Christian publishing industry produces. Though my service and participation are never a perfect offering, I perpetually seek God’s will for my life.
For those who do not grow up with the knowledge and admonition of the Lord, and for those who choose to ignore Him, I pray that they will find their way into His loving arms. Perhaps one or more of our books will be part of that change for these precious souls.
Regardless of your role in Christian publishing, thank you for choosing to serve Christ. To God be the glory.
Why Was My Submission Rejected?
Thank you for this post today, Tamela. It’s an encouragement to be reminded of how important a ministry Christian books are to the world.
Thank you for those heartfelt words. You’re right. Christians feel sad as they observe the world eating, drinking, and choosing to live without their Creator and Savior.
Thank you- I went to a wedding once where God was not mentioned even one time. I was sad about the ceremony, and your post explains exactly why. God wants to be invited to those parties! I invited him in my heart anyway as I am sure many others did that day.
Such an important reminder. Perhaps many of the manuscripts I work on won’t be published, but just the fact that I am sitting here in front of my computer, crafting stories that glorify my Lord, that is success! And I also know that I was called to honor Him with the camp blog I work on. Stories aside, that blog brings His people a glimpse of His work in the camp setting and that is indeed essential. May we all please the audience of one.
I didn’t understand it, quite,
the grace and blessings and the favour,
but now my task shines clear and bright,
that gratitude’s my vital labour.
My looking-glass had been my my pride,
with virtues that I sought to borrow,
but reflected back, God did not hide
His disappointment and His sorrow,
and so He took another road,
one bound in hard resolve and care,
to place on me a deadly load
in hell, and then sit with me there,
’till I knew that it was more then feeling,
the miracle of love and healing.
Thanks for this poem, especially “gratitude’s my vital labour.”
You’re very welcome, Sally!
Wow Thx.
Thanks Tamela for this reminder. I needed this today to keep moving forward with various writing projects.
Yes! Amen. A powerful reminder of why Christian authors write—for the love of story and for God’s glory.
Thank you for this, Tamela.
Thank you, Tamela. What a lovely part of my morning devotionals today–this reminder of my ‘Why’.
I had this same experience while attending an outdoor wedding a few years ago. I kept waiting for some acknowledgment of the Lord during the ceremony. There was none. When we gathered in the festive tent to eat, the officiant said, “Let’s join together in prayer.” I thought, at last, something acknowledging the Lord. My hope was immediately dashed when she began “We give thanks to Mother Nature …..”
Thank you, Tamela. I, too, pray loved ones will find their way (through His drawing) into God’s loving arms.
Thankyou for this affirmation for the Lord! He gets the glory, for when we seek to co-labor with Him in the creative work He calls us to do, many times the result is joy and fruitfulness in our lives and the lives of others! I’m seeing that in my first published work for children coming out this fall entitled Janey Olsen, Famous Artist of the Beach.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Tamela. It was heartwarming to read your post which renewed my hope. Though friends may not know our LORD, there is still a remnant who do know Him, who still work hard to make Him known, all the while keeping one eye to the clouds.
I appreciated your words so needed in a world ignoring what they need the most. When I write I am aware that every word is not mine alone but from God’s Spirit. We write to glorify Him and we are united as believers. Your words are a blessing.
Amen! To God be the glory, always. That’s what embues our work (whatever it may be) with light and life.
Amen, Tamela! Beautiful, true words.
Beautiful reminder, Tamela, and thank you. I don’t have a lot of contact outside of the home but I do have a lot of contact on social media.
like six or more… hahahahaha (keeps me busy). But I get to use those platforms and I like to use Pastor JD Farag’s ABCs of salvation with reference to Romans 10:9. Perfect for a lawn sign. A tee shirt, flyers, even business cards. And short enough for a post that doesn’t overwhelm. People have the opportunity to read or scroll by.
In my work, I try to share this as well, perhaps in different words, but there. This is – without preaching to the choir as Steve L. told me, but to gently share in humaneze not Christanese.
I have to pray about it. A lot haha. How will I share ‘this,’ this time?
God bless and thank you again!
C
I agree with all the above encouraging posts! Our prayer as writers is for Jesus to anoint our work, so we will represent our Savior well. Then, even if only one person is healed, tranformed, or saved from our product, it was worth all the effort! Hallelujah!
Lovely post, Tamela. And a good reminder to keep our faith first.
Amen.
Amen! We were just at a wedding where the Lord was absent and we also felt so sad afterwards. Sad for Jesus, and for those who are living without His love and light in their lives. When I was worship pastor of my church, I thanked God every day for the chance to serve him in my profession. I also thank him today, as a writer and artist, that He is with me, guiding me and sharing his creativity with me. How great is the privilege to be his child!
Loved the reference to the world’s mindset before the Flood.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much, Tamela Hancock Murray.
Thanks for your encouragement, Tamela.
I’m afraid – as scripture says: ‘The love of many will grow cold.”
Separation from God is a hell unto itself. And, It’s been months since I attended church. Please pray I begin to go. It’s the perfect place to be at any time. Walk in His beauty
I will pray for you and ask you return the favor of praying for me.
Of course!
Yes, this calling to write is a treasure in itself. Thank you for the reminder that what comes with this blessing is the responsibility of doing “my utmost for His highest”.
I’ve had similar experiences as you and the commenters with the omission of acknowledgment of God in milestone celebrations. I see it in our casual family gatherings, too, as we have devolved to only speaking of our Lord when we ask His blessing on our food. I believe we are seeing a rapid erosion of personal-public worship and lifestyle witnessing of Believers, as the days until His coming linger on.
Thank you for this encouragement. It is greatly needed.
Thank you Tamela. This is my first day of seeking out publishers for a book and I landed on the website and saw your article. It just flagged me to come in and take a read. I could feel Jesus in your article. Thank you for taking the time to point out what’s really the priority here in Christian writing and publishing. Your story will encourage many first time writers like me. In His Service,
Thank you! Encouraging in more ways than you can know. God bless!