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The Traitor’s Pawn | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment


About the Book
When FBI agent Jack Shannon arrives in Corpus Christi, Texas, he is focused on one thing: find the man who has been selling encrypted government secrets to the Chinese through online birding chat rooms. But when a senator is shot during a hunting trip and the woman he was with is abducted, Jack agrees to join the search–especially when he discovers that the kidnapping victim is Aubrey Grayson, a woman he was once in love with.

As the search continues, it becomes clear the senator may not have been the intended victim–and Aubrey may be connected to the other case Jack is supposed to be working on. Can Jack untangle the knots before it’s too late? And when he learns the truth, will it be too painful to get past?

Join the hunt for the truth–and a traitor–in this tension-laden story of secrets, betrayal, and second chances. 

My Review

This was my first time reading Lisa Harris, and I will definitely be reading her again! For a suspense novel, this wasn’t as suspenseful as many novels I’ve read, so I think it would be the perfect fit for someone who wants to get introduced into the Christian suspense arena without being thrown into the nightmare-worthy reads.
I appreciated the family portrayal in this book—both the very challenging, heartbreaking family situations such as Aubree’s real family as well as the steady family who took Aubree under their wing. Some sensitive readers may find it hard to read the whole situation with her blood father.
The spiritual plot was well done. It hit more toward the end than the beginning, but was still a very real message on forgiveness and trust. The characters were definitely Christian and leaned on God and prayed to Him for direction and help. It felt authentic.
The romance surprised me—delightfully. I felt it was a very warm story. There were several scenes that could have be more sensually described, but they were (such as a time when he gave her a massage, but there was nothing about “warm tingles”—it was just a friend helping a friend). Some readers may think it’s too stiff, but for this not-quite-romantic reader, I thought it was perfect and loved it. I don’t remember any cringe-worthy scenes in the romance field.
Some good quotes that stood out to me:
“But I choose to forgive you, because as imperfect as I see you, I’m just as imperfect.”
“Just because there was heartache in the journey didn’t mean you ignored love in order to avoid pain.”
*I received this book from Revell and happily provided my honest review*


Considering the Greek and Hebrew Words | From the Archives

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

As you look at the Strong’s concordance, you will notice little numbers to the side of the verses. These numbers indicate the original Hebrew/Aramaic (for Old Testament) or Greek (for New Testament) words. By looking up the original word, it can shed light on the subject.

Let us take the word “love” in the New Testament. The passage in John 21 shows a remarkable difference. I have copied the passage and inserted the Greek numbers for all forms of “love.”
John 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (G-25) thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (G-5368) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (G-25) thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (G-5368) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (G-5368) thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest (G-5368)thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (G-5368) thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
In the back of the Strong’s concordance is a Hebrew dictionary and Greek dictionary. Be sure to flip to the correct one! For the above passage, we will find the Greek numbers 25 and 5368.
Here is what we discover:
25 agapao (ag-ap-ah’-o); perhaps from agan (much) [or compare OT:5689]; to love (in a social or moral sense):
5368 phileo (fil-eh’-o); from NT:5384; to be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), i.e. have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling; while NT:25 is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety: the two thus stand related very much as NT:2309 and NT:1014, or as NT:2372 and NT:3563 respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head); specifically, to kiss (as a mark of tenderness):
From these definitions, we see that Jesus was asking Peter, “Do you really love Me?” and Peter was answering, “Lord, I have an affection for you.” The third time, Jesus asked, “Do you have an affection for Me?” and Peter was grieved because he could not claim to really love Christ. Reading the original definitions help shed a deeper understanding on the words.
Topical Study with Hebrew and Greek Words
With the realization of different root words, you can do a study on the individual root words. You can look up all of the verses using agape (G-25) love and then all of the verses using phileo (G-5368) love and follow the pattern of a normal topical study.
Previously posted on January 13, 2014

A Simple Word Search | From the Archives

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

One of the studies that God has led me to do most often is a topical study. A topical study is when you take one word (and all of its tenses) and research every verse with that word. One can do an in depth topical study or a brief topical study.

Choose Your Word
Perhaps the Lord leads you to do a word study on “Forgiveness.” With this word in mind, write down all of the tenses and synonyms: forgive, forgiven, forgave, forgiveness, forgiveth, forgiving, pardon, and pardoned. Choose one word with which to start.
Look Up Your Word
Using a concordance (I recommend Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance), look up the verses for the first word.
Read Thoroughly
Do not skim through the verses, but read them. Remember that you are not studying to “get it checked off the list today,” but you are studying to learn.
Copy Verses
If you want only the briefest overview of the word, merely read the verses. If you want to glean more from this study, then copy the verses down. Often, as I am writing out the verses, the Lord will help me to learn something from the verse. I write this down as well. Sometimes, a verse will make me ponder a question, which I write down to study (either in this specific study or in my general list of studies).
Repeat
When you have finished going through all of the verses from your first word, look up the second word, using the same process, continuing through your list until you have covered all of the tenses.
Pulling it All Together
In studying a topic like forgiveness, it is easy to see that there are different applications of the word. Forgiveness covers God’s forgiveness towards us, our need for God’s forgiveness, how forgiveness affects our relationship with God, how we should forgive others, and specifics about what forgiveness entails. It is a good idea to take the time to categorize the verses you study. Some people categorize as they read the verses the first time. Others prefer to categorize them later.
To help you categorize verses, ask a few questions. Some general questions you could ask are:
            ~What does God’s Word say about this subject?
            ~What should we do about this subject?
            ~What should we not do about this subject?
            ~Is this speaking of God?
            ~Is this speaking of me?
            ~Does this apply specifically to me?
Applying It
James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (emphasis added) 

We can study God’s Word every day, but if we do not apply it to our lives, we still miss the mark. As you study, be sure to ask, “What did I learn from this study? What should I apply?” Do not just read. DO.

Unyielding Hope | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments


About the Book
As a young girl, Lillian Walsh lost both her parents and a younger sister. Now in her twenties, after enduring the death of her adoptive mother, Lillian must find her place in the world. Just as her adoptive father is leaving for an extended trip to his native Wales, a lawyer appears at the door to inform Lillian that she has inherited a small estate from her birth parents–and that the sister she had long believed dead is likely alive.

When she discovers that her sister, Grace, is living in a city not far away, Lillian rushes to a reunion, fearful that the years of separation will make it hard to reconnect.

My Review

I know when I pick up a Janette Oke book that I will get a story that is clean and has a solid, Biblical lesson. “Unyielding Hope” is no different. It is the story of two sisters, orphaned and separated at a young age, their discovery of each other, and how they work together to make a patchwork family with other orphans.
This is one of those “settle into a comfy chair and read” books. It’s not especially plot or character driven. It’s more the sweet story covering the lives of a few characters.
I loved the realistic picture that the authors painted with orphans and foster children, their easily-shattered worlds, and their long road to piecing together their own lives.
There were hints at romance in this, but it seemed to set up more for a more in depth romance for book two. It was sweet.
Like I said, there was a solid, Biblical message in this book. I didn’t find it to be quite as prevalent on the pages as her “Return to the Canadian West” series, for instance, but it was still a story that revolved around Christ and His work in people’s lives.
I loved this quote:
“Often it’s in the timing of things where I see God’s hand most easily.”
*I received this book from NetGalley and provided my honest review*

Preparing to Study | From the Archives

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Inevitably, when one thinks of studying God’s Word, the first question to arise is, “What should I study?” God’s Word deals with every aspect of life and has the answer to every question.

According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:3-4 


With so many options, what should we study? The answer for each individual is different, based on their need of the moment.

Choose Something That Relates Directly to You
~Has the Lord convicted you about an area in your life on which you need to work? (ex. anger, bitterness, forgiveness, pride, humility, giving, love, self-control, etc.)

~Are you memorizing a verse and do not understand all of the words?

~Is there a specific portion of Scripture that the Lord has brought to your attention?  

~Has a specific word stood out to you recently? (ex. trust, forgiveness, self-control, etc.)

~Do you have questions about a certain subject? (ex. God’s grace, security of salvation, modesty, literature, etc.)
Keep a List
As you read through those questions, the Lord may have prompted your heart about a few topics. Write them down. Now. Keep your list handy (in the front sleeve of your Bible, on your night-stand, anywhere you frequent) so that any time a topic or question comes to your mind, you can jot it down to remember for later. This list is very useful when you have completed one topic and are wondering what to study next.
Gather Your Supplies
There are several tools that are very helpful to have when you study God’s Word: Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Webster’s 1828 dictionary (assuming you are studying with the King James), and a notebook. If you are using your computer, I highly recommend e-Sword (www.e-sword.net), a free Bible software program on which you can download all of these resources.
Prepare Your Heart
There are different ways to approach the Bible, both good and bad:
     ~to extract from Scripture what it actually says (exegesis)
     ~to read into it what you want it to say (eisegesis)
     ~to learn what God’s Word really says about an issue
     ~to fuel your argument and prove your point to someone else
     ~to go to God’s Word with your mind already made up what you want to see
Psalm 119:18 says, “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Our motive for studying God’s Word should never be to prove our points but to open our hearts to what God wants to teach us. Before we study, we should always set aside time to prayerfully prepare our hearts and ask God to give us a teachable spirit so that He can do His work in us.

Previously published on January 6, 2014

Waiting for What "Foundation?" | From the Archives

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
There are many “buts” in our life. The “buts” are generally . . . excuses. “I would do this, but . . .”
The other day, I found a very interesting “but” in God’s Word. 

From the first day of the seventh month began they (Israel) to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. (Ezra 3:6)

Israel was coming from the pagan enemy’s land to rebuild the temple by decree of King Cyrus (see Ezra 1:1-3). Almost immediately when they returned to Jerusalem, the city of the temple, they began sacrificing to God. 
Nothing hindered their service to the one true God. Not even the fact that the temple was not prepared or ready!
As I read this captivating story of Israel’s return to God, I began to realize that there are many “foundations” I am placing as prerequisites for my service to God. Things that in my eyes make sense, but in reality are a just an excuse for my disobedience to God’s gentle prodding. 
It can be as easy as, “Lord, if you answer this prayer, then I will . . .” or, “Yes, Lord, I see that I should do this, but I must wait until tomorrow.” or as far-sighted as, “Lord, I’ll do this, but it makes sense to be married first.” 
When we feel God’s leading, we do not need the “foundation of the temple” to be set in order before we begin. We can begin as soon as He tells us.
What “foundation” are you waiting for before giving your life, your possessions, and your time to God?


Previously published on October 10, 2013

Refocus | From the Archives

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
A young man is hit while riding his motorcycle to college, suffering many broken and fractured bones.
A mom of seven is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer throughout her body.
A man in his mid-fifties is taken down with a stroke and struggling in the hospital, while children and grandchildren watch.
A woman in her thirties suffers from liver disease and sees her husband suddenly pulled under water and carried away by the undertow.
These are four real-life situations that I have heard of from friends in the past few months. The list can go on as we each add our sorrows and difficulties. As we review the list, our hearts can begin to grow weary and depressed.
Jeremiah struggled with the same thing. He watched his beloved city besieged and God’s chosen people taken captive because of their disobedience. In Lamentations 3:1-20, Jeremiah reflects on the miserable sorrow he felt. Then suddenly, verse 21 comes with, “This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope.” Hope? In difficult situations?
Jeremiah suddenly refocused his thoughts. He chose to take his focus off the difficult situations he was facing and replace that focus to God:

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. 

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. 

The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. 

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.(Lamentations 3:22-26)
Because of his concentration on God, Jeremiah was able to find hope and joy in any situation.
Are you going through a difficult time right now? Perhaps you need to refocus. Instead of letting the difficulties drag you down and hinder you, count your blessings and reflect on God. Read through the Psalms and copy verses that portray God’s mercy, graciousness, compassion, faithfulness, love, and hope. Praise God for all that He has done for you. Turn your focus from this world and put it on Christ. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
Previously published on May 9, 2013

Chasing the White Lion | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
About the Book
Young CIA officer Talia Inger has reconciled with the man who assassinated her father, but that doesn’t mean she wants him hovering over her every move and unearthing the painful past she’s trying to put behind her. Still, she’ll need him–and the help of his star grifter, Valkyrie–if she hopes to infiltrate the Jungle, the first ever crowdsourced crime syndicate, to rescue a group of kidnapped refugee children.

But as Talia and her elite team of thieves con their way into the heart of the Jungle, inching ever closer to syndicate boss the White Lion, she’ll run right up against the ragged edge of her family’s dark past. In this game of cat and mouse, it’s win . . . or die. And in times like that, it’s always good to have someone watching your back.

Former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James Hannibal takes you deep undercover into the criminal underworld where everyone has an angle and no one escapes unscathed.

My Review
Book two was just as engaging and intriguing as book one–actually, I think I can honestly say that I enjoyed it more than book one. I’m loving these characters! They are all so diverse and yes, entertaining.

Like I said for book one (which you MUST read before this one!), this is an adventure-driven book that takes you all around the world. The situations are surreal, but so cool that I loved each and every point of the plot. I have never read “Hunger Games,” but from what little I know about it, this book definitely had some “Hunger Games” hints toward the end.

The faith message was stronger and more prevalent in this book, which I appreciated. I found the salvation message presented was very… unique. It dealt with repentance and trust, but it was totally in a conversation that related to a criminal. That was very interesting.

There is a little progress in the romance field. Nothing super conclusive yet, but leading there. And I’ll admit, I kind of like where it’s hinting at!

*I received this book from the publishers and happily gave my honest review*

Out of the Embers | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero4 Comments

About the Book
Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents’ murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don’t include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.

My Review
This was my first time to try Amanda Cabot. It was clean. It was sweet. It was western. And it had a hint of mystery.

Thinking back over the book as a whole, I really can’t say what the spiritual plot or message was. They were Christians and prayed (particularly when difficulty arose), but though the MC had to learn to accept safety and trust, it wasn’t really a Christian message so much as it was her circumstances that changed. So, I’d have to say it was kind of weak in that area.

The romance would be what most people term as “sweet.” It progressed at a moderate pace throughout the book. There were a few kisses, but nothing untoward that I recall.

*I received this book from the publishers and happily provided my honest review*

Sit at Jesus’ Feet | From the Archives

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment


Martha was a “restless will, hurried to and fro.” She was busy, but by her busyness, she missed out on what Jesus said was “that good part.” That good part which Mary chose: simply sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening, learning, but otherwise, doing nothing!!!! (see Luke 10:38-42*)
Often, as single girls, we dream of “Martha lives” as we observe what we perceive as dull nothingness. Whether we desire to be an adoring bride, a mother, a pastor’s wife, a girls’ counselor, or a “busy bee,” we cannot move beyond our single, seemingly stagnant years.
In her Bible study book, Living With Passion and Purpose, Elizabeth George reflected how Jesus spent thirty years before ministering for three years, concluding, 

“He shows us that, if we desire ministries to others, we must start with preparation . . . and then wait for God to provide the opportunities.”

As single girls, we might have many hopes and dreams for ministry. 

But . . . now . . . as we live our single years in our parents’ homes without the busyness previously mentioned, we should be content to “sit at Jesus’ feet” and learn and prepare. 
We have no clue what plans God has for us, but we can learn what God’s Word says. We can gird our armor and spiritually equip ourselves for what lies ahead. As busy brides, mothers, wives, and counselors, we will not always have an hour or two to dive into God’s Word – but we do now.
Instead of frustrating our lives with dreams of busyness, why don’t we relax in the time God has given us and sit at His feet, absorbing His Word? 
Why don’t we learn as much as we can? 
Let us not throw away “that good part” that we have now and waste it on dreams and frivolous things.
~~

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Previously published on May 16, 2013