by Randy Bishop

It’s raining today in Birmingham—heavy, pouring rain with booming thunder and whip-cracking lightning. My boys ran into our room in fear last night about 1:45 A.M. and the storm continues its steady cacophony now as I write this at 9.

Emotional, spiritual, and physical storms blow in and out of our lives too. But for those in Christ, the Lord is a rock, a strong tower, in the midst of change and upheaval. He’s a Daddy whose massive yet tender arms are always open to shelter and protect us. He may not erase our pain, but He comforts our hearts.

When we run to Him in good times and bad, we know our faith is real and growing. Who else can we turn to?

Our theme on New Hope Digitalthis month has been Real: Be Authentic, based on Daniel Darling’s latest book, REAL: Owning Your Christian Faith. Please take the time to listen to some of our podcasts with Daniel as he shares his insights into the challenges of second-generation Christians. Pray for those growing up in the faith to come to a point of personal surrender and trust in Christ, knowing He can handle their doubts, fears, worries, and pain.

Margaret McSweeney’s Aftermath: Growing in Grace Through Grief also released in July. You’ll want to read her gut-level article on writing about grief here.

ICRS

In other news: New Hope Publishers had a great experience at the International Christian Retail Show in July in Orlando. It’s always a blessing to see our authors and share life with them. And the ICRS serves as a reminder to us as to why we do what we do. Distributors, marketers, retailers, editors, writers, publishers all work together to deliver Christian hope to a waiting world. You can read my article about ICRS here.

Upcoming

Coming next month:

  • We will celebrate the 10th anniversary edition of Called and Accountable by Henry and Norman Blackaby. A DVD will also be available.
  • The Deliverer by Kathi Macias will close the “Freedom” series on human trafficking.
  • Major Truths from the Minor Prophets by Edna Ellison, Kimberly Sowell, and Tricia Scribner will offer insights into important Old Testament passages.
  • Joy(full), a Bible study for young women, by Chandra Peele releases late in the month.

Watch for a podcast with Henry Blackaby and other inspiring content from these authors in the weeks ahead.