FIRST BLOG IN THE PAST WEEK?! WHAT'S GOING ON?

Painted dogs at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. They look as awake as I feel.

Yes, I had been posting three blogs a week for a while, and the past few weeks have me missing some, a trend that doesn't look like it will change.

I've had twice as many interviews from January to April '24 than that same period last year (6 compared to 3), and if I post one interview between May and December this year, I will have posted more than I did in the last 8 months of '23. I have I believe three interviews waiting for completion, and I have a list of others I want to interview, but it will be at least a week before I'm ready to post it.

Another common type of blog are my book and music reviews. As far as book reviews, I'm crawling through several books, so again, I won't be ready to review any until at least next week, maybe longer. When I do a music review, I listen to the project and then write a review, and that takes less time. However, currently I just want music on in the background instead of listening to something to review. Also (if I'm wrong, correct me), I always feel I do a better job reviewing books than music. 

Yes, I have other blogs too. I just have to take the time to write them. (This is a quick off the cuff).

The fourth type of blog I want to have are guest blogs. If someone wants to join in, I'd be happy. Not the first time I've suggested it. But none yet.

Please pray for me. I do have health problems (I have a new doctor to see in a couple of days), and not a lot of energy. There are things I'm doing (being a beta reader for one of my favorite authors, preparing prayer prompts for all the Kingdom Come Festival '24 artists and hoping to finish before the festival starts, cleaning out an e-mail box that I'm getting close to being in the 4 digit range, work, leading a Bible study, being in a D-Group at church, and running sound, and probably more). Pray that I have wisdom to know what to do and what not to worry about. Maybe the time for this blog is over. Maybe not. Please pray.

Thank you for reading this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll follow the example of the painted dogs above and take a nap.
 

INTERVIEW WITH MUSICIAN DAVID DIXON, AKA RIDDLE ME THIS?

 

JR: My all-time favorite fictional villain - be it of movies, TV, comic books, or novels - is Frank Gorshin's Riddler on Batman, so of course I’m intrigued by your name. How did you choose that name, and what is the relation between the moniker and your music?

DD: Im a Big Batman Villains Fan and the Riddler is one of my favorites. He even becomes a good guy in one storyline. So Riddle Me This came from my own salvation story. Asking the important questions instead of relying on my own intellect and reasoning. Is there really a God? Who is He? Parables are also a kind of Riddle but one in which Jesus gives us the answers to.

JR: How did you come to know Christ, and what got you into music?

DD: I grew up Baptist and went to church off and on throughout my life. I didn’t really care one way or the other for Jesus but I absolutely hated Christians. I believed in a God just didn’t care too much about Him. Then I discovered the world of Lucifer: Mild Devil Worshipping, Ouija Boards, Ghost Hunting, etc. During that time and completely unbeknown to me I became a Minister for Satan, ordained and sent out to the world just like a Disciple of Christ is. I wasn’t aware that I had become a Satanic Minister, but that’s how it works. People most of the time have no idea the work they do for Satan. At the bar where I worked, I was a DJ so I got paid to party and go home with women. I had a great life. I was a celebrity, a small town Rockstar. Go to Church? Why? They were all bigots and hateful self righteous jerks. Why would I ever want to go there? 

So I’d be at the bar and hear someone mention going to Church or talking about Christianity or Jesus and Bam! I was all on them, “Hey let me tell you about real freedom”. “Come with me, I'm fun, we’ll have a great time. Jesus isn’t real let me tell you why. etc.” I had no idea that this is exactly what a Satanic Evangelist does, but there I was out there ministering. 

Long story short I met a girl, Wanted to break up with her, she was way too good for me. Good also meant very boring to me as well. Ended up staying (that's a whole story too lol); I knew she was a Christian and always told her why that was wrong. I was going to prove that Christianity isn’t real and it's the worst religion. I get on You Tube and see some Bible prophecies that I remember coming true. I did something I never thought of before and simply asked God who He is and if He’s real. I told Him if He’d tell me in a way that HAD to be Him and couldn’t be explained away by anything rational, then I’d follow Him forever. 

Next thing I know I leave my living room and I am in the presence of Jesus Christ. It’s just black I can’t see anything, but I know I am in the presence of God. He showed me who I was, all the wicked vile and evil things I had done against Him and His Children. I'm crying, I see it. I feel what I've done but then I feel something I can't even describe just Love. I tell Him I’m so sorry I didn’t know. I tell Him I’ll follow Him. He tells me I'm forgiven and that I'm gonna minister for Him now. I never even had to ask “Who are You?” I didn’t know the verse correctly then but It just hit me as all this is happening, “My Children know My voice.” The actual verse is “My sheep hear My voice and I know them.” 

That entire encounter felt like a really long time but it probably was only about 30 seconds to a couple minutes. When I felt myself kind of come to back to my living room I’m a Christian. Its so surreal how 30 seconds prior to that I hated all Christians and now I am one. Truly the old man was put to death and I arose in Christ a new creature. If people would only seek Him out, just ask Him. One simple question was all it took. He will reveal and prove Himself, and after that surrendering your life to following His will doesn’t seem so crazy. In fact just the opposite, you realize that there really isn't any other way. 

As for the Music. I have been playing music since I was a kid. I have always loved music. Singing came later on but once I realized I can sing it started to turn me into an arrogant egotistical rockstar in my own head. Now that I write and sing songs for Jesus it makes it more fulfilling and purposeful. Following Him and learning to be more like him and less like me puts the ego to bed. Its not about me, never has been, never will be. Everything is His and for Him. 

I will say the Music journey for me as a Christian has been hard, emotionally stressful and draining at times, it's not been easy. Having to step down from platforms that would catapult my fame and career. Going from touring the USA in a Tour Bus and playing on stage with some of the bigger names in Christian Music, to being the cleaning guy at a tiny church. It was like going from Green Day to Janitor. I have to follow HIS will though and not my own. Thats what I’m being taught and it's been painful at times, but this is the life of a Follower of Christ. Just because the world says you can have all the money and fame, it's right there for the taking. It’s been offered over and over, but you don’t want it. Not like that. Christians don’t need money, clothing, food, etc. We need God’s favor and blessing, we need HIM. If we follow HIM he will provide everything we need and more, but that my friends is easier said than done. READ YOUR BIBLE!!

JR: Could you tell us about your latest release?

DD: Sure. The latest release is "Go Out and Tell Them" and can be found on my youtube RiddleMeThis?BandOfficial or find me on facebook Riddle Me This Band.

JR: It’s not often I ask an interviewee about other organizations, but on your Facebook pages, I’ve seen a mention of two different items I’ve heard of else where: Broadhead Music group from several artists on Glenn Remsen’s Lithoscry Podcast and the Whosoever Church, which Amy and Seth Olsen from the band Counter mentioned. Would you be interested in letting us know more about them?

DD: Sure!! Broadhead Music Group is the record label I am signed to. There are I think 10 artists signed, maybe more, maybe less not really sure how many. Whosoever Church probably shares its name with several Churches and Organizations, but the Whosoever that I am affiliated with is just my very small Hometown Church located in Nahunta, GA. Although it does have a rather big online following.

JR: What are some of the biggest concerns you have for today’s world and/or today’s American Church, and how do you think God may use you for his glory in times like this?

DD: I think there are a lot of concerns happening within the American Church. I think the biggest problem is that the Gospel is not being Preached or Taught in the vast majority of American Churches. Apostasy is rampant everywhere with a lot of Churches ignoring scripture to accommodate sin and sinful lifestyles. We all like the salvation, forgiveness, love, and Heaven side of the Gospel; we start talking about Sin and Hell, though, and feathers start to get ruffled. Gotta be the WHOLE Gospel though otherwise Salvation makes no sense, What are we being saved from? I could go on for days about the lack of TRUTH and The Gospel in churches but this about sums it up along with Teaching what True love is and how to love like Jesus. I’m not saying we need more inflated religious Bible Bashers or Hell spewers and fear mongers either. Love like Jesus. Stand firm in Biblical Truth, but be gentle. Show love and compassion, the fruits of the spirit. 

JR: Thank you for your time. How can we keep in touch with you and your music? Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

DD: You can follow me on Facebook either David Dixon or Riddle Me This Band. We are living in serious times. It’s time to be serious about our walk with Christ. We won’t make it without him. It’s a dangerous and cold dark world out there. It’s getting colder, darker, and more dangerous; especially for us. There is only one light to follow and it’s up to us to follow HIM as close as we can, so that we can lead others to HIM as well. Hatred, Emptiness, Violence, and Death is all the world has to offer. There’s a lot of fun in Sin, but it’s not for us and it’s not worth it. When you sin, Repent and lean on him more. We are so weak, but being in fellowship with God is worth more than all the gold in the world. My Encouragement to everyone…READ 1 John it’s a short book but it helps in our walk with him, it also helps us to really understand why as well. 

Thank You, Jeff, for taking the time to interview me and thank all of you readers for the support and love!! For those that I am meeting for the first time, Hi I’m David Dixon Singer/Songwriter of Riddle Me This Music Ministry. Thank you and nice to meet you!! Thanks again Everyone!! I love you guys!! Keep your eyes on Jesus!!

MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, AND WHY I'M 100% SURE IT TEACHES SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER

From Live Nativity, Castleton United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, Dec. 5, 2016

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27-28, NKJV

What was the first Bible passage I memorized? Good question, but sometime between when I moved to the booming metropolis of Skull Valley, Arizona (15 people in my classroom: that was 4th, 5th, AND 6th grade) and a little over a year and a half later when we moved to Prescott I memorized John 10:27-28, quoted above.

This verse is regularly used to defend "Eternal Security," which some term "OSAS" (Once Saved Always Saved), usually to insult their brothers and sisters in Christ (Boo! Hiss!) True, there are some who disagree, but there are others who despise this teaching with an attitude that makes me think there could be hatred of Christians who hold this view (see 1 John 3:14-15).

Let's look at why people oppose "eternal security." First, we need to realize that people who don't believe in eternal security come to that conclusion from diligent Bible study, just like those who do believe in eternal security.

Second, there is the free will/Sovereignty debate. If free will is involved in us believing on Christ getting saved, why would God forbid us the free will to stop believing and renounce our salvation. For the record, there are those who believe in free will who also believe in eternal security.

Third, there's the righteous indignation of those who claim to be Christ's and willfully live like an unbeliever. They feel God's grace in muddied by a life of sin, an attitude that they can do what they want and still be saved.

Let me start by the most frequent argument I've heard against eternal security in looking at this verse: "No one can snatch us from Christ's hand, but that doesn't mean we can't crawl out." Actually, that's the only real argument. The only other objection is "This verse doesn't deal with security of the believer," with the reason why being "Because I said it doesn't." Sorry, but that latter one is a cop out. 

So why do I consider this verse definitely teaches eternal security? I'm glad you asked!

The first word is "My." What kind of word is "My?" A possessive pronoun. Who's speaking? Jesus. Thus, He's talking about His sheep, that is, the sheep that belong to Him. What can make one of His sheep become not one of His sheep? Theft? No, legal ownership is the same. Can His sheep decide to change owners? We're not talking about cats! No, the sheep have no voice in who owns them. Thus, we're talking about those who are Jesus' possession.

His sheep hear His voice. In the context of John 10, Jesus was telling the Pharisees they did not believe because they weren't Jesus' sheep (vv. 25-26). In 1 John 4:6, the Apostle states those who were of God heard them, and those who weren't did not hear them.

His sheep follow Him. This answers the complaint of those who are worried about ungodly Christians - true Christians follow Christ. It also counters the objection to eternal security mentioned above - if we're following Christ, we're not simultaneously trying to crawl out of His hand.

Let's define three words. 1) Perish - means dying, and in context it obviously isn't saying we won't physically die, so it must mean spiritually. 2) Eternal. Means everlasting, neverending, but also refers to a character of life. But eternal life does not end. 3) Never. Is it possible never means never? If we lose our salvation, we perish, and that means Christ's words are false.  That is not an option.

No, this is not the only verse that teaches eternal security. There is a strong Biblical base for it, which is the reason many believe it. But this blog is long enough - not enough space to go through others.

I do want to end with this blog with two questions: 1) Is God ABLE to keep us saved? 2) Is God WILLING to keep us saved? Am I wrong for thinking that believing we can lose our salvation requires God to either be unable or unwilling to keep us, both options contrary to Scripture and God's character?

INTERVIEW WITH GLENN REMSEN, HOST OF LITHOSCRY PODCAST AND AUTHOR OF STONES THAT CRY

You all know I'm a Divine Martyr fan, right? Well, early last year (2023 for those who might be reading this in the 23rd century), they mentioned they were being interviewed on Lithoscry podcast, promoting their video of my favorite song by them ("Truth"). I watched it, and I became an immediate fan of the program. I'm now binge listening to earlier podcasts.

I also found out about his book "Stones That Cry: God's Precious Metal." While there were a few things I disagreed with, I found myself having a similar mindset on several of his points. 

JR: Welcome to the blog, Glenn. My normal first question would be “How did you come to Christ and what interested you in music?” However, since you answered those questions in the first chapter of your book, and I want to encourage them to read it, let me instead ask: What inspired you to write “Stones That Cry?”

GR:   In many ways “Stones That Cry” is my testimony of how God used metal and hard rock to help heal me physically after having a brain tumor removed.  God also used metal and hard rock to help me cope through the very dark and trying recovery process. 

In writing  “Stones That Cry” there were certain artists I wanted to personally reach to let them know that even though they may not know Jesus, He used them in my life in a profound way. Writing “Stones That Cry” was my first step in an attempt to share my testimony with them. My hope, and it still is, is that many of the artists who God used to help me will be introduced to Jesus through this testimony they were a part of so they too can be saved eternally by Him.   

I also wanted to introduce the church to understand that all too often we stuff God into a “religious box.”  Many Christians have come to believe that God cannot work outside of the church or use things considered to be “secular” to glorify Himself.  However, Jesus said in Luke 19:40 that stones will glorify God if His people are silent  “... I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40).

JR: I’m going to give you a hybrid question. Can you tell us the origins of your podcast and how it morphed from “Get Real” to “Lithoscry,” with the information that the person asking this question is asking himself if starting a podcast himself is either something he’s called to or whether it’s a busyness that unless I feel God speaking clearly, it’s something I shouldn’t worry about?

GR: Absolutely! the podcast I currently host is not my first media rodeo.  In 1999, I hosted a local cable television program “Arise & Shine!”  This show would consist of a Bible study and music from the worship team at the church I was an assistant pastor at.  In 2001, one of the other pastors and I had a door open for us on radio as well.  The Program Director of the  flagship AM Newstalk Station in Charleston, SC allowed us to host, at no cost to us,  a Christian call-in show that was intended for those who did not go to church. We were made a part of the regular line-up on Saturday Nights.

This was not a preaching or teaching show but a celebration of free speech where callers could voice their concerns, opinions, and questions, and we would share our Christian world view.  The radio show's name was “Get Real.”  The show was intended to premiere in late September 2001.  However, one day after the tragedy of 9/11, the Program Director called me and said, we need you on this weekend, we need your show due to what has happened.  So, for the first several weeks, we found ourselves ministering on the most influential radio station in Charleston, SC to people who were deeply scared, confused, and concerned. 

Just as I was completing “Stones That Cry” God pressed upon me to once again enter the realm of media and to start a podcast that would complement the book.  I decided to go with the Get Real! name that had been established many years prior as a starting point.

As I got further into the project, God gave me more clarity on the direction He wanted the podcast to go and gave me the title “Raven’s Heart.”

Lithoscry, which is means stones or rocks (lithos) that cry is the name for the broad spectrum of outreach which includes the Raven’s Heart Podcast, the book and hopefully future publications, the Lithosbytes podcast which focuses on Bible teaching and prophetic insight, and the Get Revelation Rockfest music festival. 

JR: I have thoroughly enjoyed your interviews on Lithoscry, including former interviewees I’ve had on this blog like Divine Martyr, Reclaim The Day, DeadSin, Crystoria, Worhol, and others I can’t think of right away. Are there any interviews that either surprised you or completely changed your life in some way? 

GR: Yes!  In fact the first interview that surprised me was an interview with Richard Morrill, the former lead singer of the band L.A.P.D. that is today known as KORN.  When I was working on the overall idea of a rock music podcast from a Christian perspective, I shared the idea with a coworker of mine.  I told my coworker that he might think what I am thinking of doing is kind of crazy and shared the idea with him.  He not only told me he thought it was a great idea but that Richard Morrill from L.A.P.D. was his uncle and that he would introduce me to him to get him on the show.  I was very quickly introduced to Richard and we were able to bring him on the show for our one year anniversary.  All of this was a confirmation that I was moving in the right direction.

Other interviews that have surprised me include an interview with Dallas Jenkins, director of “The Chosen” and the late Dr. Michael Heiser.  Each of these interviews were the result of divinely arranged meetings and acquaintances. 

The interview most special to me was with Justin Elswick who goes by the name “Sleepthief.”  Though his music is not rock or metal, he was one of the artists who God used to help me heal physically and emotionally during the darkest time in my life. I was blessed to be able to share with him publicly how God used him in my life.

The interview that had the most impact on me was a recent interview with Lara Landon.  There is a lot of behind the scenes with each show.  We had some scheduling challenges prior to the show and at the end of the show (I can’t remember if it was included in the broadcast), she prayed for me and the Lithoscry ministry.  Within minutes of her praying, we experienced a major breakthrough in the ministry.  The next day she messaged me and told me that she had turned down an opportunity to sing at a major event because she sensed Holy Spirit telling her she needed to do the interview.  This was a very humbling experience that has given us a greater opportunity to minister to many who would not consider going to church and helped remind me of the sphere of influence God has called me to.

JR: One thing that caught my attention in some of those interviews is in dealing with names. Could you tell us how you got interested in that, and how it applies to life?

GR: I have always been interested in what people’s names mean.  Even before I came to know Jesus, when I would meet someone who became significant in my life I would look their name up in Webster’s Dictionary.  Nobody taught me how to do this.  It was just something I did.  In growing in my walk with Jesus I have come to learn that there are no such things as coincidences or random happenings.  I believe this applies to people’s names as well.  To test this I once again began researching the names of people who have ministered to and taken care of me and sure enough their names matched how they ministered to me. 

This is also true as one studies Scripture.  The names of the individuals spoken of in the Bible describe their function in the Kingdom of God. 

As a podcast host, I am a servant of those whom I am interviewing and often times I will be led by Holy Spirit to encourage a guest with how their name fits what God has called them to do for His Kingdom. 

JR: One question that your book deals with is whether God can use the unsaved to glorify His name, further His Kingdom, and minister to His people. Would you be interested in elaborating on this?

GR:  Yes.  There was a time in my walk with Jesus that I believed that only those who have been saved are of use to the Kingdom of God.  However, it was through my experiences with metal and hard rock that this view was not correct.  I searched the Scriptures to see if someone who is not a believer can be used by God for His purposes.  Not only did I find one example but found several.  King Cyrus who blessed Israel and made the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian Captivity was not a believer,  Balaam the wizard who set out to curse Israel was used to bless Israel and actually prophesied of the coming Messiah was not a believer.  The one that is most astonishing, the Magi who sought the Messiah after His birth were men were not men that would be welcomed today in many churches because prior to their arrival to the feet of Jesus, they were practitioners of the mystery religions of Babylon. In the commentaries I have read on the Magi, some theologians struggle with the Magi because of their backgrounds.  

However, we must remember though God may use a person who is not a believer, someone who is not saved may do some things that glorify God; this does not guarantee eternal life.  This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Mathew 7:21-23).

No matter how great a work any person does, the only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is by receiving the gift of eternal life through Jesus. 

JR: Thank you for your time. How can we keep up with Lithoscry and any other ministries you have? Any final thoughts?

GR: The best way that you can keep up with all things Lithoscry is through our website at lithoscry.com  Of course, watch Raven’s Heart every week on Thrusday night’s at 8p EST on our YouTube channel The best way to support the ministry of Lithoscry is to like and share our YouTube content!  Thank you so much for this opportunity. 

  

EASTER CAROLING, ANYBODY? AND FAVORITE RESURRECTION SONGS.

Young Martin Luther and Carolers Sing For Mrs. Cotta in Eisenach by Ferdinand Pauwels

I will never forget one suggestion made by Leah Libresco in her book Building The Benedict Option: A Guide To Gathering Two Or Three Together In His Name: Easter caroling.

Why not? After all, we go Christmas caroling. Why not Easter Caroling? 

Now, while there are many great Resurrection Day songs (more on those later), I can only think of three that I'd use for Easter caroling. But do we need a long list? After all, we'd only sing at the most two or three songs at each place.

Plus, when we sing at shut-ins and the like, wouldn't they not only enjoy hearing familiar songs but being reminded that Christ has conquered sin and death?

Reminder - the blog title mentions two parts. Often in a two subject blog, you do one and then the other. In this case, though, I'll combine the topics, and start with three songs that are favorites on the resurrection and that would be great for caroling:

• "Christ Arose" (aka "Low In The Grave He Lay"). Isn't that a triumphant song for the season?
• "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today." Excellent and theologically deep and sound lyrics by Charles Wesley, as you'd expect. I did hear someone mention, though, that John Wesley did not include this song in early Methodist Hymnals. 
• To the more contemporary, how about "The Easter Song," written by Annie Herring, originally recorded by the 2nd Chapter of Acts (which includes Annie), and recorded by several others like Keith Green, Glad, and Jess Ray.

Now, there are other great songs for that time of year that I would not consider material for caroling, but other great resurrection songs. Pardon me for putting them in random order.

• "Tell The Whole World" by Becky Ugartechea. My all time favorite song. Upbeat, and the ending is enough to get you excited to tell the world. Unfortunately, I don't know how to access it if you don't have the project: not on Spotify, not on YouTube, not anyplace either. :( 
• "Star Of The Morning" by Leon Patillo. Great, powerful keyboards, great singing. It's also been covered by Shirley Ceasar.
  
• "The Victor" by Jamie Owens-Collins. This classic has been covered by the Green brothers: Keith and Steve. 
• "He Lives" by Erick Nelson. Yes, this is a more obscure one, but definitely a great song on the resurrection.
• "Love Crucified Arose" by Michael Card.
• "The King Is Alive" by Function. And you thought Erick Nelson was obscure? But you can find it on Spotify.
• "The Holy City" by Mahalia Jackson (and probably others). A classic.
• "The Roar of Love"/"I Heard The Stars Sing Before" by 2nd Chapter of Acts. This pair, back to back on their "Roar of Love" album based on C.S.Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" refers to Aslan the Lion, but is the meaning different?
• "He Came, He Saw, He Conquered" by Petra. Energetic song with John Schlitt's exciting singing.
• "Graverobber" by Petra. This one is from the Greg Volx era, focusing not just on Christ's resurrection but ours as well.
• "What A Day" by Alisa Turner. A newer one.
• "Christ is Risen" by Mia Fieldes. Another newby. Check both her and Alisa out on Spotify.
• "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham; still another contemporary one, but I think it's better known. For example, we sang it this morning (Easter) at my church.
• "The Garden Tomb" by the Isaacs. Yep, it's time to get into Southern Gospel.
• "She Found Jesus Alive" by Carroll Roberson. This is a song I could never stay depressed listening to.
• "Last Night" by Karen Peck and New River. Very solid song.
• "Russian Easter Festival Overture" by Rimski-Korsokov. Okay, it's instrumental. Is it dealing with the Resurrection, or with festivals celebrated that time? After all, the composer was an Agnostic. But it makes me think of Christ's being raised. Very energetic, and I have a tradition of listening to it on Easter. I like it better than Mahler's Resurrection Symphony (I've never been able to get into Mahler.)

One last thought: Don't worry. I'm not going to suggest Good Friday caroling.

BOOK REVIEW: COLD THREAT (RYLAND & ST. CLAIR BOOK 2) BY NANCY MEHL

Can the recent arsons in small town Burlington be connected to the three Des Moines fires twenty years ago, where they caught the killer after the third house? Is the psycopath who almost killed River Ryland years ago and is currently stalking her going to achieve his goal? And was Ryland responsible for her co-worker and friend Tony St. Clair getting shot when Ryland was nearly drowned?

"Cold Threat," the second part of Nancy Mehl's Ryland & St. James series, turns up the heat in excitement, plot twists, nail-biting suspense, and excellent character development. You learn to love the main characters and Tony's family, as well as have a hard time figuring out what will happen next.

Yes, this is part two. Do you need to read part one first to enjoy the two books? Definitely. "Cold Pursuit" deals more with River's family, which is hinted at in the second though not a major part of this installment, and there's a few things that will make more sense in this book. when you read the books in order. Additionally, both books end with a cliff-hanger, connected with the person who almost killed the main characters before this series started!

I have enjoyed Nancy Mehl for years, and I highly recommend this to any suspense lover.

 

BOOK REVIEW - FIVE TRAITS OF A DISCIPLEMAKER, EDITED BY DOUG NUENKE (US PRESIDENT OF THE NAVIGATORS)

 Would you be interested in a short devotional where each installment is two short pages? Do you enjoy having the devotionals written by different authors so you have different perspectives? Are you motivated when the devotional includes two or three questions for you to think about? 

And how many want this book just because of the title and subject?

"Five Traits of a Disciplemaker," edited by US PreDoug Nuenke with a foreward by Jerry Bridges, author of "The Pursuit of Holiness" fits that description. This 30 day devotional is divided into five six-devotional segments, each written by a different author (including Gary Thomas, author of one of my favorite books "Sacred Pathways").

Some devotionals are those you read, and that you put down encouraged, but are not challenged to transfer it to day to day life. Not so here. Each one has two or three questions at the end to encourage you to put what's read into practice.

I appreciated this devotional, and I'm definitely going to be using it again.