PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Dana McNeely

Greetings Everyone, 

I am glad that you found your way here. Tofay I am pleased to intriduce you all to Dana McNeely. She is a finalist for both the Christy Award and the ACFW Carol Award and let me tell you, her book Rain did not disapoint this Biblical Fiction Writer/Reader. It inspired me to put more creativity into my own stories. 

She is another one of our authors who wrote a devotional for our Blog Tour, and I can't wait for you to read this one too. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on social media. Don't hesitate to read the word she brings for yourself too. One last thing before I turn the floor over to Dana, our KingSumo giveaway is live until 10/31 and Dana is offering a signed copy of her newest release, Mantle. 

See you in the "digital" pages, 

M.J.E. 

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The Treasures of God’s Word

Although I believed in Jesus at a young age, it wasn’t until I reached my forties that I began reading through the Bible each year. A pastor challenged our church saying, “You don’t have time to read the Bible? Tell me, how many novels have you read this past year? How about magazines? Do you read the news?” 

I was reading at least five or six books a month. Convicted, I took his challenge. 

As I sat with my Study Bible, slowly and carefully reading my daily portion, I discovered connections between Genesis and John, found familiar names in Jesus’s genealogy, but most of all, I found a connection with God. 

He was speaking to me, teaching me, and providing help for my daily challenges. Was this what it meant to “follow Jesus?” Some days I felt like I had walked with Him in Eden or along the shores of Galilee. I treasured His words like love letters. This world we live in can be a tough place to navigate, and the Bible is filled with peace, love, and light. Here are a few of its treasures. 

In Ephesians 6:10-18 we’re told to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power, to put on the full armor of God. Where do we find that spiritual armor? In His Word. Do we need it? Oh, yeah!

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.” Psalm 36:7,8 ESV

“Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; His going out is sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3

When I read this verse, one year, it struck me that these were not only beautiful, poetic words, but that pressing on to know the Lord had become my life goal, and daily Bible reading a pleasant habit. Now I sense times the Lord goes out before me, opening a way, and days He comes bringing showers of refreshment.

Is it any wonder that I was led to write books inspired by the treasures of God’s Word? One morning, when I was reading in 1 Kings … but that’s a story for another day.

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A prayer for the road ahead today:

Dear Father, thank you for giving us the Bible. It’s a precious gift. Thank you for Your gentle instruction, promised protection, encouragement, and love. You put it all there for us, Father. Give each of us a hunger to press on to know You even better. You are the Source of everything we need. Please hold us close this week. Give us words to bring glory to You.

~~~

Dana's Bio:

Dana McNeely writes Biblical fiction from an Arizona oasis, where she lives with her hubby, the constant gardener, and myriad migrating butterflies. When not researching, writing, or struggling with the mysteries of social media, Dana can be found wandering in her personal Eden dreaming up new stories. No serpents allowed!

 Subscribe to her newsletter at https://danamcneely.com for a FREE book, The Eyes of the Lord.