Helping you write, publish, and profit in a way that honors God.

Christian Authors Network News

March 2024 Edition

Friend,

Welcome to the Christian Authors newsletter! Our goal is to bless you with inspiration, tips, and opportunities for the next steps in your author journey.

Be sure to read all the way to the end so that you can make the most of the resources that were hand-picked to help you reach your goals.

Our March Theme: Resurrection & Hope

This month, as we prepare to celebrate Easter on March 31st, we will be focusing on the theme of “Resurrection and Hope” by exploring the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection and the living hope that it brings to our lives. 

Our Key Scripture for this month is found in 1 Peter 1:3 and says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

May we be continually reminded that, through Jesus Christ, we have the promise of new beginnings and eternal life.

Your Challenge: For this month's challenge, we are providing a prayer calendar that will contain daily prayers as well as Scripture on the topic of resurrection and hope. Our desire is that this prayer calendar will serve as a resource to help us to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection and how we can have everlasting hope not only in Him but in our own future resurrection as well.

March Success Guide

Throughout this month, we'll dive into the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, how it impacts our daily lives, and how we can embrace this living hope we have in Him throughout our journey of faith.

In the March Success Guide, you’ll find an abundance of inspirational text and Scripture on the Resurrection, a 3-day prayer focus that will fill you with hope, the monthly challenge, and journaling prompts for further reflection on this theme.

One-Minute Devotional

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

-1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

-1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, focusing on the here and now, rather than setting our eyes on eternity. Oftentimes throughout our faith journey, we encounter moments of uncertainty and doubt, especially when faced with the trials and tribulations of life. We lose sight of what matters. We forget God’s promises for us that have not yet come to pass.

It is in these moments that we have two choices before us:

1. We can choose to panic and give up hope because of the uncertainty of tomorrow and the lack of control we have over our lives.

2. We can rest assured in the future plans that God has already revealed to us.

As Christians, we're called to remember that our story doesn't end with this life. God holds our future in His ever-wise, ever-mighty, and ever-gracious hands!  He not only died and was resurrected Himself but He died so that we, too, could be resurrected with Him one day! Nothing can take that confident hope and promise away from us. It is secure. 

We are reminded of this in 1 Peter 3:5 when we read that we have been given a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” and “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” In the above passages from Thessalonians, Paul also reminds us that those who have died in Christ will rise again, and that all believers will be reunited with the Lord.

This hope is not just a future reality, however; it's a present reality that we can hold onto in the here and now. It is a hope that transcends the limitations of this world by offering us a glimpse into the eternal glory that awaits us. It's a hope that empowers us to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are not alone, and that God's plan for us is more glorious than we can even begin to imagine.

So how do we respond to this hope? By continuing to live with a sense of purpose and direction, even when the road ahead may look uncertain. We remain sober, as Paul says, and put on our armor of love, faith, and hope. And, we continue to encourage others with the same assurance as we’ve been given through Scripture.

Let's remember that our story is part of a much bigger narrative. No matter how hard things may be for you today, if you’re a child of God, your future is already secured!

This Month’s Productivity Tip: The Power of the 5-Minute Rule!

In a world filled with distractions, mastering productivity can seem daunting. But there's a simple yet powerful strategy: the 5-Minute Rule.

Instead of tackling big tasks head-on, commit just five minutes to them. It's surprising how much you can accomplish in such a short time. This approach breaks tasks into manageable chunks, eliminating procrastination and building momentum.

This strategy leverages the psychology of motivation and habit formation. Once you overcome the initial resistance and begin, you'll often find yourself naturally inclined to continue. Before you know it, those five minutes have blossomed into a productive session, yielding tangible results.

So, next time you're stuck, remember: five minutes can make all the difference.

Join Us for Monthly Prayer Time!

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20

Join us for our monthly Prayer Time. These are dedicated times to bring our concerns, worries, praise, and celebrations together to the Lord. Join us as we come together and spend time together in the presence of Jesus. We hope to explore together various types of prayer and devotion, such as contemplative prayer, lectio divina, listening prayer, immanuel moments, and more.

The March Prayer Time will be hosted on Facebook Live in the Christian Authors Network Facebook community at 8:30 AM ET on Friday, March 29th. We hope to see you there!

Publishing Secrets: The Ministry of Writing with Jeaninne Stokes (Re-Air)

Guest Jeaninne Stokes shares her story of being called out of a full-time job she loved to pursue a ministry in writing. Obeying this call meant enduring a period of preparation that she compares to the Israelites’ time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, but it also equipped her to help other Christian writers share their God-given stories with the world. If you’re hesitating to follow where you know God is leading you, let Jeaninne’s story inspire you to take action.

In the Publishing Secrets podcast, Coach Tam brings you behind-the-scenes insights and interviews with mission-driven authors and writers who were once paralyzed by fear. Each episode will leave you empowered, equipped, and excited to write, write, write! Before you know it, your book will be published and you’ll be well on your way to launching a career as a motivational speaker, teacher, and coach like you’ve always wanted. Tune in to Publishing Secrets and finally get moving in the direction of your dreams!

Publisher Spotlight: Bethany House

Bethany House is a premier destination for inspirational literature. With a rich history of publishing faith-based books that inspire, inform, and transform lives, Bethany House offers a diverse range of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, catering to readers seeking spiritual growth, encouragement, and wholesome entertainment. Whether you have a powerful testimony to share, thought-provoking theological explorations, or heartwarming fiction celebrating faith, Bethany House wants to hear from you. Click the button below to learn more about their mission, values, and submission guidelines. 

ChristianAuthors.net Member Spotlight

Want to be featured here? Sign up for a free profile on ChristianAuthors.net, and you could be chosen for the monthly author spotlight!

James Early

James Early is a Jesus mindset coach, Bible teacher, author, speaker, and podcaster. He has a passion for helping people experience the love of God in their lives.

Since October 2008 James has conducted weekly Bible study workshops at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT. In October 2019 he started The Bible Speaks to You Podcast now with listeners in 152 countries. James ministers to people who want to follow Christ more closely and those who feel disenfranchised from their church or faith because of man-made doctrines or un-Christlike practices.

James received his BA from Vanderbilt University and lives in Bethel, CT with his wife. They have three grown children.