Faith for an Upside-Down World

Shirley D. Andrews

Description

An “Upside Down World” is nothing new to devoted Christians: Parents do you long to have more spiritual influence on your family? On your extended families, on your neighbors? Using my 5 Volumes of Devotionals Inspired by Nature is your answer! Your children will love the photos and learn about nature with each new photo and matching text.

I have known Shirley for many years, as I was her pastor for while serving in the United Methodist Church. Shirley brings forth not only beauty through the photos, but her use of the Holy Scriptures to open to the reader the true understandings of Pentecost and the Resurrection of Jesus.
I highly recommend all her devotionals; they will draw you closer to God through the Word. They will open you to the beauty of creation by the Creator of the Universe.
- Rev. Patti Molik
United Methodist Elder of Upper New York Annual Conference

Shirley’s wonderful compilation of prayer, Scripture, photography, and devotional reflections, contained in “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” provided me with a greater respect of the interdependence between humanity and creation and the way in which God’s presence sustains and maintains the fragile balance between the two. This inspiring devotional highlights insightful lessons to each of us through the life of various birds God has gifted to this world. I know I will look at birds differently from now on.
- Rev. Penny Brink
Elder, Upper New York Annual Conference
United Methodist Church

I am often asked to write an endorsement or a forward for a new book, but this time, I begin this endorsement with a “feeling of excitement.” I absolutely loved the idea of linking nature to a devotional. Nature has always been inspiring to me, and I often talk to God as I walk through the beauty of God’s creation around me. How can you possibly see the beauty and wonder of our planet and our universe without being inspired by the God who made it?
So, when I looked at even the very idea of this manuscript I was inspired. I read the book and then I sat down to write this. I first took a walk through the wonder and beauty of God’s creation around me. As always, I can not walk through the trees or along a creek or stream without being inspired. Therefore, as I write these words I am inspired not only by this book, but my last encounter with nature.
As I read the pages, I met an author who through the beauty of her writings has linked nature and Divine inspiration and truly inspired me. Just to think about nature and talking to God brings inspiration to my whole being.
So, with anticipation and great emotion, I endorse FAITH for an UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD by Shirley D. Andrews. As I looked at the beautiful pictures I saw nature, but I also felt the hand of God. As I read the words of this manuscript, I knew that this author would introduce me to God, because like the artist inside me, I would feel and experience God by what I was about to read, and I did. Thank you, Shirley for introducing me again to the God who spoke nature into existence.
You must experience this book and see the God who not only has his eye on the sparrow, but made the sparrow. Shirley, you will truly inspire the world.
- Dr. Thomas F. Reid

Sujets

• Religion
• Christianisme
• Spiritual Growth
• Christian Living
• Philosophie et théologie
• Hiking

Informations

• Publié par: WestBow Press
• Date de parution: 10 mai 2023
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781664278868
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 3 Mo

Extrait

FAITH FOR AN UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD
 
ASCENSION to PENTECOST
 
A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volu me 5
 
 
 
 
Shirley D. Andrews
 
Copyright © 2023 Shirley D. Andrews.
 
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
 
This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.
 
WestBow Press
A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.westbowpress.com
844-714-3454
 
Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
 
Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.
 
Interior Image Credit: J. Michael Fuller, Photographer
 
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®
 
ISBN: 978-1-6642-7885-1 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6642-7886-8 (e)
 
Library of Congress Control Number: 2022917686
 
WestBow Press rev. date: 04/28/2023
 
 

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Part 1Ascension of the King of Love
Part 2Pentecost
Part 3“Faith” Hall of Fame
Personal Testimony of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with Evidence of Tongues
Photographer
Author
References
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I offer a special thank you to those who have lifted this project to God in prayer and have continually given me words of encouragement. Your prayers and support were essential in taking this devotional from vision to reality. I am especially appreciate of:
J. Michael Fuller, photographer extraordinaire and praying friend, whose photography inspired my writing in each part of “FAITH” – Ascencion to Pentecost: A Devotional Inspired by Nature Volume 5.
Johanna Calabro and Sharyl Backus, loving friends and intercessors, for their prayers and encouragement along this journey of faith, especially their prayers.
Matt Richmond, a servant of Jesus Christ, marketing services for this new project.
Rev. Jay Richmond, President of Renewal Prayer Network, member of Capital District Ministers Association, Albany, NY. Pastor Jay is a life-long friend who is making time to help me with media advertising and I am so grateful to him.
And a special thank you to those whose endorsements have blessed me and encouraged me to keep moving forward in a writing ministry for the purpose of making disciples for the transformation of the world:
Dr. Thomas F. Reid, retired pastor and author of several books.
Rev. Patricia Molik, Elder in the Upper New York Annual Conference, United Methodist Church.
Rev. Penny Brink, Elder in the Upper New York and Annual Conference, United Methodist Church.
Shirley D. And rews
John 10: 9-10
PART 1 ASCENSION OF THE KING OF LOVE
The Resurrected Messiah, Jesus Christ, on the Road to Emmaus
“When they, the women, came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.”
“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came along and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.”
“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still; their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days? ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.’”
“He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
Luke 24: 9 – 27
“ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’”
Luke 24: 30 – 32
Jesus Christ, The Risen Lord, Appears to the Disciples
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”
“They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.’”
“When he had said this he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.”
“He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’”
“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’”
Luke 24: 36 - 49
The Ascension of Jesus Christ, Our Risen Savior and Lord
“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”
Luke 24: 50 – 53
God’s Testimony from the Old Testament written by the Prophet Isaiah
“‘ You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no Savior.
I have revealed, and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?’”
Isaiah 43: 10 – 13



 
BOREAL CHICKADEE – clinging to a pinecone
Poecile hudsonicus
British Columbia, Canada
Uncommon
 
 
Boreal Bob is known for his beautiful brown cap, black eye, plump tummy, long tail and white breast. These tiny birds are hard to find unless you travel to Canada or Alaska year around. His boreal habits and sedentary lifestyle is why he survives in one territory, the boreal region, cold with snow all year. They travel in small groups, sometimes with other songbirds such as kinglets. In summer and fall they hide seeds and insects to help them get through the long and brutal winter. Hiding food is known as “cashing.”
In Canada, the Boreal “brown-capped” chickadee is not afraid of people and people love to feed them. Canadians have given these sweet songbirds folk names; two of these names are “Fillady” and “Chick Chick.” The oldest recorded Boreal chickadee was at least five years and four months old when it was recaptured and released during a banding operation in Nova Scotia.