As a Christian novelist, I believe that I need to be steeped in God’s word if I am to have anything of value to offer the readers of my books. My desire for every book I write is that it will (1) entertain the reader while (2) drawing them one step closer to Jesus.
“The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”
(Isaiah 40:8, NASB95)
Since 1997, I have made it a practice to read through the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, in odd-numbered years. In 2005, I actually read through twice because my church read The Bible in 90 Days together. In addition, I am always in a Bible study, either in a small group or on my own. I am hungry to know the living God better and better. As Paige Brown prays, “May we see Him more clearly. Love Him more dearly. Follow Him more nearly.” That’s what I want, and the primary way I know to do that is through the word of our God. It stands forever.
I am so very, very thankful for the many powerful and insightful teaching pastors and Bible study teachers who have impacted my Christian walk for the past 47+ years. And since they have impacted my Christian walk, they have also impacted my writing and therefore have impacted others through my books.
A reader wrote to me recently to say: “Robin, I have enjoyed so many of your books. Not only do they encourage, but they also draw the reader to God’s love and care. Your spiritual message is very clear, and I appreciate your books so much. May God continue to bless your ministry.”
I hope readers know how much writers appreciate such notes. They inspire us. They strengthen us. They motivate us.
However, my words won’t last forever. If the Lord tarries, eventually my books will become dust. But God’s word will last.
Before I go, I want to share something I heard in a recent Bible study teaching video. I loved it so much I had to go find the source so I could share with others. Enjoy!
GOD CAN DO IT
Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 334). Bible Communications, Inc.
Longfellow could take a worthless sheet of paper, write a poem on it, and make it worth $6,000—that’s genius.
Rockefeller could sign his name to a piece of paper and make it worth a million dollars—that’s capital.
Uncle Sam can take gold, stamp an eagle on it, and make it worth $20.00—that’s money.
A mechanic can take material that is worth only $5.00 and make it worth $50.00—that’s skill.
An artist can take a fifty-cent piece of canvas, paint a picture on it, and make it worth $1,000—that’s art.
God can take a worthless, sinful life, wash it in the blood of Christ, put His Spirit in it, and make it a blessing to humanity—that’s salvation.
—Christian Digest
Robin Lee Hatcher
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“The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”
Our last pastor used to always close the Scripture reading with those words. I’ve come to love them and they always remind me of how good and true and powerful God’s Word is.
Like your reader said, Robin, I’ve always appreciated the spiritual message in your books and how natural and right you show having a relationship with Christ to be. Relationship over religion, always.
“Relationship over religion.” Amen. Thanks, Deb.
Love this precious reminder that the things of GOD are the things that matter. Our world seems to have forgotten that . . . thanks, Robin! Blessings on your head today!
~~Angie
Thanks, Angie.
Love the quotes!
Thank you, and Happy Easter!
Wishing you a blessed Resurrection Day, Betty.
That’s salvation and that’s priceless. Love the quote and studying/ reading along with you!
Me, too, Sunni. Priceless, indeed!