Hi friends,
Happy Wednesday. Today I have the honor of fellow author and friend, Toni Shiloh, guest posting and it’s a lovely one. Enjoy!
As the year comes to an end, I’ve been in a reflective mood. This morning I was taking time to talk to God and think about His “new mercies.” Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (KJV).
Isn’t that why many of us anticipate the new year? We’re hoping for another chance to complete goals we may not have accomplished in the previous year. We hope that something great will come our way in the new year, especially if we went through many trials in the past.
A new year brings new mercies and reminds us of God’s goodness.
It’s also a reason why I love to read Christian fiction. We get to see characters discover God’s new mercies. Those dreams they thought dead, come to life. The redemptive arc of a sinner turned believer, or that couple finding their way to one another after a trying conflict. All of it points to God’s new mercies.
You see it when Matt Jareau discovers love once more. Not just the romantic kind but the love of a father. (And I will never not talk about My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade when given a chance.)
We all see the beauty of redemption in The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers in the story of Roman Velasco. Such a beautiful story that reflects parts of our own journey in discovering God’s goodness.
Fiction has a way of introducing a subject that can be difficult to handle in reality but gives us a new and much-needed perspective to walk this faith life. It’s something I try to incorporate in my own stories. Not just for the reader who may pick up one of my books, but because, I too, need to learn the lessons God has for me.
He teaches with grace, kindness, love, and I pray that all my stories are filled with the same ingredients.
What are the elements that call to you in your favorite Christian fiction stories? What new mercies are riddled throughout them?
I’m giving away one paperback copy of Her Christmas Redemption to one random commenter. Comment by 1/18/23 11:59pm EDT and a random winner will be picked on 1/20/23. (Please have a US mailing address only. If an international entrant, I can only supply an e-book copy instead of a paperback one.)
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Oh I’m so thankful that His mercies are new and fresh each and every morning. I’m thankful too, for the authors who choose to include their love of Christ in their books.
Amen! So am I!
I was captivated by Becky’s book theme. I haven’t read Francine’s or yours but look forward to it with my New Year’s reading list!
Becky does themes so well!
I love reading CF that incorporates Christ and His mercies. Thanks for being one of those authors, Toni!
My pleasure!
I’m so thankful for God’s mercies and that they fail not. I’m also thankful for Christian authors who bring His love to our attention through writings.
So am I. They make me grow with their stories!
Don’t count me in the giveaway, Toni. I just wanted to say welcome to Inspired by Life and Fiction. Loved reading your post (and love reading your books!).
Thank you so much, Robin! That means a lot.
Aww! What a fun surprise to see My Stubborn Heart mentioned in this post. Thanks so much, Toni. 🙂
Of course!
I absolutely LOVED Mu Stubborn Heart- it’s in my top list of Becky Wade books. That’s what I love about CF is the redemptive stories full of hope. Like in Her Christmas Redemption, we see characters who have made some major mistakes and struggle with forgiving themselves. I really enjoyed taking that journey with them as they discover God’s grace and forgiveness. Toni did an amazing job with this story.
Thank you so much!
Ohh, I like new mercies/redemption, that’s a great one and I totally agree. I, also, love seeing a character realize despite their past that they are LOVED (by God) and LOVEABLE (by a special someone).
Same! It’s such an important lesson to learn.
I love redemption stories. I cannot wait to check these books out. You are one of favorite new to me authors.
Thank you so much for reading my books!
I love a good redemption story. I’m thankful that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning because it gives hope to every new day.
It sure does!
Thanks so much for guest posting today, Toni. LOVED your post and reminder 🙂
Thanks for having me!
I also loved your post today! Of course we hear and talk about tender mercies but I love the look of a new mercy. What a fresh perspective. I do enjoy Christian fiction for all these reasons as well, after a tough day it is wonderful to come home and see others (even if they are make-believe!) figuring it out. We can all learn from these stories. Thank you for the highlighted books, love love love you and Becky Wade but haven’t read a single one in this post! That TBR just became bigger. 🙂
Gotta love always growing TBR piles!!
God is SO good! He extends mercy, Grace, and love when I don’t deserve it. I love books that have this theme! The characters are flawed, they sin, they recognize their need and surrender to Jesus. As I read, I cheer for them, cry when they suffer, and cry again when surrender and repent.
It’s a beautiful thing to see.
What a great perspective Toni! And now I have a new author to add to my “to be read” list as I haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of your books.
Hope you enjoy!
Amen! I tell myself and my children almost daily, but especially on the difficult days, that God’s Mercies are new every day and tomorrow will bring new mercies for the day we face. Thank you for sharing!
It’s true and something to hold onto.
grace, kindness, love, and redemption
Beautiful parts of faith life!!
This is one of my verses! I too look for God’s forgiveness, mercy and kindness when reading. Also, that He walks besides us. I am so thankful for writer’s that can bring out so many of God’s attributes that I can apply them to my life. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing!
At one time, I would have told you that I might have struggled with how much of a long-term effect FICTION books could have spiritually on my life. I know now that they can make a difference for a lifetime! There are several authors whose writings have had a profound influence on my life. One book I recently read that goes along with your forgiveness, mercy, and kindness theme is All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes. It’s the story of a man who feels as though he is lost and who is searching to find the answer to one of life’s most important questions: “Who am I?” The Author weaves a beautiful story of redemption, perseverance, family, friendship, and love.
Reading CF is my passion
Reading CF is my favorite thing to pass time