There were a lot of dysfunctional bands "back in the day," but this great band had to be near the top of the list. Nevertheless, they truly were an amazing group, very talented.
Father, you're the only who can decipher hearts and minds, from the inside out we are unmasked before you. And, whether we ever know it or not, we ARE desperate for you. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice for the worst of us and all people. Please keep rescuing the lost. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Granite & Gloss by LR Strong is Book 1 in the Rescuers Series.
Before I review this story, let me say this: There is "Christian" Fiction and then there is Christian Fiction. Some Christian novels touch on what it means to be a Christian. The characters "offer up a prayer," attend church, and basically the story is conveniently labeled "clean" whatever-the-genre-is. L.R. Strong's story is equivalent to the evangelical gospel told in novel form. Some readers – Christian and non – would label it "preachy." But really it's a story of life and death circumstances which produce the necessary reliance on God Almighty to intervene in a miraculous way.
Sculptor and painter, lovely Tarina "Gloss" is on her way to meet a California billionaire (Douglas McCavent) under the pretense of him commissioning her for a sculpture. She has no idea of his true intention. Jake Granite works for a private firm investigating elusive criminals of which this man is a major one. Tarina is an accomplished artist trying to build her name. Jake is a successful and tough investigator whose one mistake cost him too much. Inside he's raging and broken, damaged and hurting. On the outside: smooth and determined. When he sees what's going down on an assignment to finally get McCavent, he interferes to find a confused and scared Tarina in the back of a car driven by one of McCavent's muscle.
Thus begins the story of Jake and Tarina, Jake quickly adopting the role of bodyguard and Tarina catching on that she's going to need one. They're spirited away to a private plane where they're not told anything other than they're headed to a party. When a very young girl is called to bring McCavent a drink, Jake sizes up the ugly picture.
From the moment of first trauma to the last, Tarina's faith and spirituality is brought to the forefront while Jake's jaded view of God challenges her repeatedly. He assumes the typical argument among unbelievers that if this God is good, why is there so much evil and cruelty in the world? That IS the question, isn't it? Tarina persists in her prayers for him and their encountered situations where God's obvious answers are clearly demonstrated.
The Gospel is laid out in this book as Jake relents on his hard-hearted approach and begins to question Tarina. They've confided their darkest secrets to each other over the days they've spent together. As much as Jake fights it, her faith is beginning to impact him. She's confessed a couple of her visions to him without his disputing them. He's added significant knowledge to her condition of synesthesia, something only he now knows about her. Although so many things are unclear to both of them regarding their situation, they've managed many triumphs and witnessed some real miracles.
If you're a reader who longs to hear the beautiful (and true) account of The Gospel detailed in story form, Granite & Gloss is the book for you.
Pay close attention to the "Author's Notes" before the story begins.
Father, you give gifts and talents in abundance. Thank you for giving LR so many! Please continue to bless her in every way and particularly in the stories you have given just for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
. . . For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But, you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this commandment without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time. God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:10-16 (NIV)
Romeo's Fire by James Scott Bell is Book 9 in A Mike Romeo Thriller Series.
Mike Romeo is one of my all-time favorite characters, uniquely written with amazing intelligence and incomparable wit. Romeo's history is fascinating and you get bits and pieces of it throughout the series. In this book his friend and employer, Attorney Ira Rosen, has taken on a young man (Coby) who's accused of murdering a homeless man called "Zon" when the action Coby took was clearly self-defense. Zon was a friend of his who shared a tent with Coby, but Zon went crazy on some kind of drug high, screaming, "Lucifer's coming!"
Ira hires Romeo to investigate the crimes his clients are accused of, and this one leads to a rehab facility for street people, a shelter with rules and encouragement to accept Christ to help them through their various addictions and problems. The man who runs it (Rev. Tatum Walker) deeply cares for the patrons of his facility, but he's well aware that not all of the men who come will choose to stay. Ira negotiates in court for Coby's presence at the facility, and all's well until Coby disappears.
All hell breaks loose and surrounds the case as Romeo sets out to discover where Coby's gone. Things get crazier when the Reverend is attacked and Romeo is thought to be involved.
Through all of this, Romeo is in a state of emotional turmoil over the feelings he has for his girlfriend Sophie. His life is a roller coaster of events that seem to always erupt in violent circumstances causing him to wonder how any woman would want to spend her life with someone like him.
There's a molten lava that fires up beneath the surface of Mike Romeo at times, creating an inferno of rage that can shed the bindings of control. It happens when someone pokes at the wrong thing in his life and ignites the fire in his soul.
As usual with a James Scott Bell novel, the dialogue is sensational, the characters sharply drawn, the drama often surreal, a significant dash of violent encounters to spice things up, and just a terrific series created by its author. If you enjoy very well-written stories with truly unique characters that capture you in their adventures, squabbles, intensity, and pondering the often confusing seasons and events in life, believe me when I say this one's for you. Truly a great and entertaining series.
Father, please continue to bless James with more stories using the incredible talent you've given him. Encourage him as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
My first year on the track. This horse's name was Ferncrofter. He was in the barn next door to the one where I worked.
Father, you waited to rescue me until I was emptied out of myself. I will never be able to thank you enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Living on the edge much? What puts you "on edge?" Most of us can identify those things which up the blood pressure and put us on edge. From reading a thriller novel to watching your favorite team coming from behind in the final minute of a game – will they win or will they lose? – to seeing an accident to paying the bills or having an inexplicable argument . . . what puts you on edge?
So many possibilities can grab us from a regular or "normal" day and send us to that place of anxiety. Unexpected or anticipated? We can feel the tension rise.
How do you handle it? What's your solution?
I only have one: prayer. I have nothing better to offer. The Lord of all creation, the friend that sticks closer than a brother, the Savior of the world: Jesus is my answer, my hope and help, my solution. Does prayer make everything resolve itself instantly? Sometimes, yes. Other times, no, but in those times, there is still a comforting notion that "this thing" can be resolved. It might take more time than we want to admit but be assured the Lord is there for you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
If you have yet to surrender your heart and mind to the Savior, now would be a good time.
Thank you is never enough, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
All of the titles of the songs on Brian Culbertson's album Colors of Love define their titles through his music. This is a great album. There isn't a wasted song on it. If you love smooth jazz and the haunting but lovely sounds of a genius pianist, this one's for you.
Father, please continue to bless this man and his music. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
Where in the desert are you? Is it familiar? Is it comfortable? Is it leading you away from where you need to go – or toward it?
How did you get there? Was it a scheduled trip or an accidental wrong turn?
How long will you stay?
Is it all in your mind – or under your feet?
Is it a necessary venture or a dreaded encampment?
Will you make a break or ride it out?
You'll know when you know and not before . . .
Father, I've been there, and you rescued me. More than once, but the first time made the next times make sense. Thank you for always watching out for me. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
