Priceless Stones

Finished Chapter seven,
another precious stone, can't wait to have this book to keep, in my hands.
Christine

Hi James,

These are really priceless stones and I can see this becoming a sought after devotional book. A particularly like the depth of your knowledge that you convey through these devotionals and this tells me that you have a very close relationship with our Heavenly Father!

I can really not provide any suggestions on improving what you have done as it is really done perfectly in all aspects. Congratulations on an excellent work!

All the blessings and success with getting this published.

Jaco

I highly recommend this wonderfully well written devotional to everyone. I look forward to it every day.
Thank you James.
Christine,
#4

Chapter three, third day,
James, how well I can relate to the fear at night, and crawling as deep under the covers as was possible. Yes I have cried unto our Lord and he was always there, he has protected us for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I wonder why, when there are so many others that are in need. I also know that one day all of those questions will be revealed.
I love to study languages and I am delighted with your translations of the Hebrew words.
Christine

Day two, everything I need and more, thank you for revealing once again Christ's sacrifice.
Christine

James,
I love it, you get right to the most important point, this is a book I am going to read slowly, one chapter a day so that the love and passion is fresh and renewed.
thank you.
Christine

Hi James,
This is very well written. The Bible passage is clearly explained, and I love the prayer in the first chapter. I'm giving it lots of stars.

Hi James-

I added "Priceless Stones" to my watchlist. I absolutely love devotionals because they provide a practical way to grow in Christ.

Thank you for the support and feedback on "Single Christian Female". I am about to edit. Take care and be Blessed!!

Hello James

What an outstanding piece of work!

I feel so unqualified to even comment on such a fantastic, academic book!

I honestly could have seen that masterpiece in my college back pack, not only for my studies but for my daily spiritual guide.

Your format and layout worked for me, the parables, the quotes, the life experiences, the questions, statements all worked perfectly. This is a book that an avid Barnes & Noble reader would be engrossed in with their latte...

I don't know why it hasn't been published but I am sure God has a direction for this.

I will keep this on my w/l to remind myself to re-read it and on those occasions when we really need some spiritual guidance.

God bless and good luck
Thanks for this!
FC

Hi James,

Terrific Writing! These devotionals are encouraging and edifying, just what I need to hear on monthly cycle. I applaud you on your unassuming, simple and straight-forward style that puts the focus on God and His Word, on Jesus Christ alone. These compilation is a solid testimony for the saving power of His work on the cross. They are enjoyable in their depth, in the research that went into them, to place your thoughts in a broader and deeper context. I also enjoy the length of each devotional -- just the right size to provide a little sustenance for at the start or the end of the day. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to bringing people into the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ, who alone is LORD, who alone is worthy of our praise. Great job, James!

Sam Cronin

Hi James,
This morning I returned to your book to read more and rediscovered the richness of the inspirational wisdom that is written in 'Priceless Stones'. Your book is extremely well written, well referenced and well edited. It is a book I would definitely like to have on my bedside table to read each day. It is profound in its reader friendly depth of meaning. Congratulations. I have already rated it with six stars.

James,

I just read the first 3 chapters of your book. Very well written! You clearly have a lot of depth and understanding and it's very well researched. I look forward to reading more when your turn comes up in the CLF forum.

All the best to you!

Patti

Wonderfully written with a lot of depth.
The messages are heartfelt and real.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Just a little push for this book. :D

This is literally a priceless and exceptional work – possibly the most outstanding work I have encountered so far on Authonomy. I know that my words seem to echo parts of your comments on my book, but it is only as an afterthought. I am actually making the effort to temper my response to this. It is definitely something special and most worthy of publication. To cap if off, the writing is excellent and the tone edifying. It deserves all the stars. Were it not for the level of scholarship of the work and the depth of Christian experience needed to really appreciate this, I would place it right beside THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE in potential. All things are possible. Congratulations on the accomplishment of this outstanding work, and best wishes with it. Grace be with you

Hi James,

I just finished a couple chapters in your book (picked a couple that seemed relevant to where I'm at now). Thank you! At first they seemed a little to "classroom lecture" style for a devotional, but then you really bring your points home toward the end of each one. And wow!
I am already looking at my relationship with Christ with more understanding. Thank you, things I really needed to hear and didn't even know it! Amazing how God orchestrates those things isn't it? :)

One thing I noticed - at the end of the prayers it looks like its supposed to say "in the name of Jesus," but is missing a word?

Giving you a great star rating and adding you to my bookshelf as soon as I can.

God bless,
RJ Stanley

James,

Your devotional looks wonderful! I have actually been looking for a new one to read through this year, and I love the teachings of the old testament that are so often overlooked. I have added it to my WL and will start reading it as soon as I'm caught up on reads (hopefully by the end of the week). If it fits, I may end up using it as my devotional too!

God bless,
RJ Stanley
Why Didn't Someone Tell Me? The Truth About Love

This is a beautiful book with the potential to draw the reader into a deeper and closer relationship with God. It could be read straight through or it could be used to dip into and find precious thoughts from time to time. There is so much I love about the book but particularly chapter 2 - the precious blood of Jesus shed for me! It reminded me of that wonderful song - precious precious blood of Jesus shed on calvary shed for sinners shed for rebels shed for ME! Also love chapter 20 - that God has a plan for us even when we haven't been 'good' and that's me!
Thank you James for this wonderful book and God bless you in all you are doing for Him.

Margaret Weston - How do I know I know God?

James, I am enjoying this study :) I've come to the realization that obeying His word is not a matter of horizontal relationship, i.e., like honoring the parents and doing good to our enemies, but a matter purely vertical...will I obey when everything within me (my human nature) disagrees. Not that I succeed every single time, but through the lessons and questions, you bring that necessary awareness to pause and consider before acting or reacting.

I just thought I'd share this with you :)
T.Donna Robison

I have read through almost the whole book and overall, I find it to be a welcome addition to devotional literature. I especially enjoy the "word-study" type of devotions because it brings out meanings that have been ... not lost but (perhaps "misplaced?") through translations.
I am enriched for having read this MS and I hope it gains the respect it deserves.

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

I have read through almost the whole book and overall, I find it to be a welcome addition to devotional literature. I especially enjoy the "word-study" type of devotions because it brings out meanings that have been ... not lost but (perhaps "misplaced?") through translations.
I am enriched for having read this MS and I hope it gains the respect it deserves.

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

Ch. 38 para 2 "... He took the punishment sin" dropped a "for" or "of" same para ... "When we understand what Isa. 53:4 in its marvelous fullness ..." do you mean ..."Isa. 53:4 SAYS" or "MEANS" or "PROMISES"?

Ch. 37 Para 3: "...which OUT leave a filthy ..." of course you mean "would" also, a "filthy ring of filth" is redundant. You might want to change one of the "filth" words to something else like soil or dirt ... or you might want to just drop the phrase "of filth" from the line

Ch. 36 in the prayer you write, "Let the truth of this exude my every thought ..." should be changed around, "let my every thought ... exude the truth of this" You want your thoughts, deeds etc. to exude this truth (exude means to "project or display conspicuously" according to Dictionary.com. This means that your thoughts would do this but the truth is what is being projected.

I love this study, James. In chapter 2 you stopped me to ponder with the sentence "The Lord is not content to simply return us to a neutral state of not having sinned -- He wants to give us His righteousness." My heart leapt with joy to grasp the extent of His love is beyond fathoming. And in chapter 3 the confirmation that "He will never, ever leave you to fend for yourself." When those harsh circumstances hit, that's when our eyes should open wide for His faithfulness.

I experienced that firsthand during the months stranded in Austria because the American consul blocked our way and declared, "as long as I live, you will not enter the United States." He wouldn't change his mind. It led to seven months of depending entirely upon God to provide for us and to make a way where there was no way. And He did.

I like the prayers and questions you include with the chapters, and of course, the Biblical references.
T.Donna Robison
(No Kiss Good-bye)

James, I started reading tonight and can't wait to resume in the morning. Your passion for the Lord is apparent and contagious.
Donna Robison (No Kiss Good-bye)

Ch. 35 para starting, "In our western culture..." you say we should "exult" Him but I think you mean EXALT Him. To exult means: "To feel or display a lively or triumphant joy" so, we can exult IN Him or we can EXALT Him (meaning to lift up in honor).

Your overall attention to detail in your writing is exceptional. I find reading this a delight and have many times used these devotionals as the foundation for fruitful meditation. Thank you.

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

James, Wonderful work you've done here. I could use this as a format for the Bible study I teach. I love the teachings which include wonderful background on the Hebrew language. The questions at the end of each chapter would work perfectly for my study as well as the prayers.

You had mentioned that you attended ORU and I always have enjoyed Oral Roberts. I know he's passed now. I remember seeing film clips from his very early years in ministry and it seemed to me he had a true anointing for healing that God gave him.

Anyway, you certainly have a gift yourself for ministering to others. This is a wonderful devotional. Well written and comforting and encouraging to read. Good teaching! Excellent. God Bless You in the work you do. julie

Ch. 34 para starting, "Joshua 1:5 contained ..." you use a hyphen where a colon would be more appropriate. "...three wonderful promises: the first..." Also, in the same para, you would do well to split it into two paras ... Second para starting: "As wonderful as this promise was ..."

Ch. 33 para starting, "Around 592 B.C., the Lord appeared ..." at the very end of the para you have a comma in the phrase "involuntary gag reflex" (none needed.)

I'm getting a little "antsy"! I'm the church newsletter editor and this month, the pastor's wife submitted an article about "Jesus in the Night Seasons", I read a report about wilderness experiences, I just passed a chuch billboard this morning with the next sermon's title: "Trusting God on the darkened path" ... and now your devotion! I think I'd better make sure I'm ready for a long night!

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

I was having a lot of problems with the web site this afternoon, but I finally got a couple of your devotionals to come up so I could read them. I read the first and I believe the sixth and they were both fantastic. As a matter of fact, the last one reminded me not be so self absorbed with a few issues I am dealing with now. I need to just trust in the lords protection. It was a great help and a testimonial to your work. I hope this one goes a long way. It is well written, sincere and most of all, a valuable resource for Gods word. Thanks so much for the read. I will definitely rate this one with high stars!

Ch. 32 para starting: "Olive trees do not require ..." you've capitalized a He that I think actually refers to Moses, rather than Jesus.

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

A wonderful study on God's abundance. I've had several serious health issues and have struggled with the fact that I have not been healed (although I have seen improvement after prayer). I am just now coming into the idea that sooner or later God wants to heal me. It may not be when I want it, but it WILL happen when He chooses.

No problems seen.

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

I have just read the first two chapters and I really like the way you describe each thought with a pertinent example. An analogy that brings clarity to what you want to say. I love that you've broken the bible down into brief lessons that give me pause for thought...which would be great as a daily uplift. I can almost see a book that has 365 chapters...one that I can read and utilize on a daily basis to ponder on. However, on the other hand, I think that everytime I read again any one chapter it will becme more profound.
best wishes
michelle
Dummies for Dating

Ch. 30 para 4 you left out the "I" in the opening sentence.

Thank you ... I had a terrible morning and I really needed to hear that He treasures me!

Joyce

James, You've given us some real depth in the study of the bible. Your personal example and analogies make it pertinent o applying to life. The format would be great for bible study groups. Very well written! I'm trying to get the gospel story out to non-religious people in my book. All the religious sounding terminology is removed but the Christian ethics, hope of eternal life through Jesus sacrifice is all there. For example I've designated God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as "The Great Ones" in which we will join them as children of God. I'd really love to see what you make of it.
"The Celestial Proposal"

You are a very good writer and since my favorite book is also the Bible I find your story very enjoyable. I love reading about Jesus and the Word. I am recently helping the Jewish ministry in my church so your story is even that much more beneficial to me. Your writing flows perfectly and is very easy to read. I did find one typo in chapter 1: complained incessantly-but He did so purely out (right here needs an OF) His grace and mercy. God bless you and your work. I give you 6 stars.

I like the cover better than the other one.

Best wishes with your book.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

Ch. 29 second para you write: "...any of the rules, BUT it a uniform ..." no comment needed.

Covenant ... what a wonderful word to meditate on today!

Joyce

Ch. 28 first para - you write: "...never to drink again, until to be right back ..." Awkward phrasing. Try: "...never to drink again. Inevitably, though, that very night I would find myself ..."
Para starting: "King Zedekiah ended up ..." you've doubled up on the word "down" ... you write: "...brought DOWN the full wrath of the mighty Babylonian Empire DOWN upon the ..."
Para starting: "Perhaps the most poignant ..." you write: "...while this is OBVIOUS(ly?) an image ..." and you also write "...having monthly period ..." you can drop the word "monthly" and add "her" thus: "having her period" or, more technically: "...who was menstruating ..."
Next para - you write: "...righteousness, STRIVED for ..." past tense of strive is "striven"
Para starting: "So where does this leave us?" you write: "...done through the cross - He gently takes ..." Bring this to a full stop at cross.
Prayer: "IT thank you ..."

Ch. 28 first para - you write: "...never to drink again, until to be right back ..." Awkward phrasing. Try: "...never to drink again. Inevitably, though, that very night I would find myself ..."
Para starting: "King Zedekiah ended up ..." you've doubled up on the word "down" ... you write: "...brought DOWN the full wrath of the mighty Babylonian Empire DOWN upon the ..."
Para starting: "Perhaps the most poignant ..." you write: "...while this is OBVIOUS(ly?) an image ..." and you also write "...having monthly period ..." you can drop the word "monthly" and add "her" thus: "having her period" or, more technically: "...who was menstruating ..."
Next para - you write: "...righteousness, STRIVED for ..." past tense of strive is "striven"
Para starting: "So where does this leave us?" you write: "...done through the cross - He gently takes ..." Bring this to a full stop at cross.
Prayer: "IT thank you ..."

Ch. 26 prayer: you write "I thInk you" instead of thAnk you. And, "I will boldy" instead of boldLy.

Good stuff. Getting some of the same message from another book I'm reading ... hmmmm.
Joyce

Ch. 25 para starting: "Shammah is rooted ..." you write: "...with is us God ..." think you mean "with us IS God."

The encouragement I find in these little studies is amazing! I can feel myself growing spiritually and I appreciate the effort you have expended to create this great series.

My only problem is, I find myself failing in my proofreading efforts, because the errors are so few and far between!

Joyce

Ch. 24 Clear of problems ... great study .... AGAIN! B-D

Ch, 23 para starting: "The greatest turning point..." you write: "...invited those to who did not..." no explanation needed, I'm sure.
I still remember when I learned that the Strong's Concordance translated "Jehovah Jireh" as "The Lord will see to it." I can still feel the shiver that ran down my spine as I realized that WHATEVER it was, the Lord would "see to it."

Thank you for a reminder!
Joyce

Ch. 22 First para: You've dropped a word: "When we come TO an understanding ..."
Para starting: "When we think of the Lord as the I AM ..." you write: "...and the towns WE encountered were few ..." you dropped the W in "we".

No other problems. Good study.
Joyce

Thank you for writing Priceless Stones, because many will be blessed by your work; I am one of many. As I read through the first few chapters this morning I found myself reflecting on the word of God. What I particularly like about the format of your chapters are not only the everyday experiences you share, but also the prayers, declarations and questions. This I find valuable as it allows the reader to reflect and become involved; Priceless Stones is very much a two way communication between the writer and reader. It is a book that I have highly starred and look forward to reading more. Maria :)

Ch. 19 para starting: "The word for peace, shalom, is ..." you write: "...describes one of the most vivid descriptions..." a little repetitious so, drop "describes" and insert either: holds, has or contains. Or you could change it: "One of the most vivid descriptions of terror in the Bible is found in Psalm 29 ..."
Last para: "...enjoying an abundance that others mAy not necessarily ..." (dropped the A in may)
These lessons are excellent. I find myself meditating on the word studied throughout the day and I really do feel that I am being drawn closer to Him through them.
Joyce

Ch. 18 ... no problems. Good study.

Hello,

I read the first chapter of this book, and you have brought out some great points that every Christian needs to consider and evaluate their own relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Great job and I hope the rest of the chapters follow suite.

Donald
All the Buzz

Chapter #2 is better than chapter one. Great job! I hope this gets published because I want to add it to my library.

Sincerely,
Donna
Jessup and the Teleporter