Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 6, 2015

Here we are in March with some rain and chilly winds. I am looking forward to traveling to San Antonio for EPICon 2015 next week! Before I go I hope to take a picture of another group of books to post next Friday. :-)

TO ENTER:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the February 27 Pick. Everyone is on a similar schedule - there were FIVE automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were no titles blocked.
Becky gets the Virginia Henley Pair
bn100 gets The Girl With the Golden Spurs
Carol NW gets Shrink Rap tapes
BettyW gets the James Patterson Pair
Rita gets Fullfillment

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 27 Pick:
Mariska gets a GC

HoldenJ gets It All Began in Monte Carlo

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Image found at Book, Line, and Sinker.

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery)
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 778+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Book Review: Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart

I was delightfully pleased by this warm-hearted, sweet romance.

Homespun Bride (The McKaslin Clan: Historical Series, Book 1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical #2)

by Jillian Hart

• File Size: 379 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals (January 15, 2014)
• ASIN: B00HAZ6C2I

Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Steeple Hill (February 12, 2008)
Book Description
Montana Territory in 1883 was a dangerous place—especially for a blind woman struggling to make her way through an early winter snowstorm. Undaunted, Noelle Kramer fought to remain independent. But then a runaway horse nearly plunged her into a rushing, ice-choked river, before a stranger's strong, sure hand saved her from certain death.
And yet this was no stranger. Though she could not know it, her rescuer was rancher Thad McKaslin, the man who had once loved her more than life itself. Losing her had shaken all his most deeply held beliefs. Now he wondered if the return of this strong woman was a sign that somehow he could find his way home.

Review:
Noelle became blind due to an injury during a carriage accident that killed her wealthy parents. She lives in Montana territory with her Aunt and Uncle and several younger female cousins. Noelle manages to live a fairly normal, if reserved, life with thier loving support. But she has put her dreams of love and family behind her especially since, before the accident, the love of her 16 year old heart left her behind to go wandering and cowboying.

Thad has returned home to help his brother take care of his ailing mother and their struggling family ranch. Thad had loved Noelle when he was 19, but her father made him realize that he couldn’t give her the things that her wealth and position had prepared her for. He had heard about her engagement to another wealthy beau and hoped his heart could stand the sorrow of seeing her with someone else. Thad shocked when he rescues a run-away horse and carriage to discover that Noelle is blind and living with relatives. At first he thinks, and hopes, she will not know who he is. After all, even if she did recognize him he is sure that she could never forgive him for breaking her young heart.

Noelle knows the voice of her rescuer. She doesn’t want to remember the love and doesn’t want to forgive. As Thad helps her Uncle who is trying to learn to manage horses, Noelle experiences again the tender care and responsibility of the young man she loved even though she can’t reconcile that with the boy who abandoned her. Then she learns that there were secrets behind Thad’s desertion that change her perceptions. Still, she believes he deserves a wife who isn’t damaged - a wife who can share building a homestead with him - things she doesn’t think she can do.

This is a truly heart warming story. It is also beautifully written. I was repeatedly struck by the wonderful prose and phrasing that just made the warm story and the historical setting that much richer. I really liked how Ms. Hart portrayed the aspects of Noelle’s blindness. She continually shows the extra efforts necessary for daily tasks which is quite interesting. Ms. Hart does a beautiful job in revealing the underlying characters of Noelle and Thad as they struggle to overcome their hurts and fears to find the joy of their first love. The story moved along nicely as an easy read.

There is some repetition of the self-doubt themes that could become aggravating but still I loved the story and loved the writing. I checked my reading lists and see that I read one book by Jillian Hart in 2005. I have three I have collected in print and three more in my Kindle library. I will work my way to them soon. I recommend this to readers who, like me, are sometimes ready to take a break from the fast pace to enjoy a sweet, warm-hearted romance.

Excerpts:
Noelle:  How did she tell him the truth? She ought to be crying for her uncle, but the tears were for herself. For him. She held on to those bright pieces of joy like a miser did his last pieces of gold. They were shivers of happiness she could not stand to remember. They were bits of sorrow she could not forget. (location 1295.)

Thad: I"'ll never let you fall." He used that wondrous voice of his against her, replete with humor and unspoken dreams. Quiet, secret dreams that had her heart opening and her wishes coming to life. (Location 2493.)

I have had this title in my Kindle library as a free book since 2009. It qualifies for COYER, TBR Double Dare, and 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.

Since this book has been re-released again in 2014 (as well as 2012 which I have also)
I have copied my original purchase order to make sure I get credit in the TBR Pile Challenge:

Homespun Bride

Jillian Hart

Purchased: May 4,2009

Price: $0.00

Order Details

Audible Book Review: Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1 by Peggy Martinez

This is an interesting time warp fantasy.
Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1
Written by: Peggy Martinez
Narrated by: Amanda C. Miller

Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
Series: Sage Hannigan, Time Warper, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-14
Publisher: Peggy Martinez
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Eighteen-year-old Sage Hannigan wants to get back to her own time, preferably one that hasn't been destroyed by an underworld plot brewing in Edwardian-era South Carolina. How hard can it be?
Sage never asked to be chosen by the Druid Priestess, Amerach, to become a Warper and she never asked to have the future hanging on her shoulders or to warp a hundred years into the past. She certainly never asked to meet Dr. Aldwin Blake, who would make her question her desire to get back to her own time. But if she fails her mission, people will die, history will change, and the present she wishes to return to will be no more.
©2012 Peggy Martinez (P)2014 Peggy Martinez

Review:
Sage is an 18 year old, modern day woman finally setting up her own place and forging ahead on plans for her future. She loves shopping in book stores and vintage shops. She feels compelled to purchase a pretty necklace while shopping in a new store. On her way out the door to head home she bumps into an old woman who speaks gibberish and seems to saddle her with some type of curse.

The next morning Sage has awakened 100 years in the past. As though time warping isn’t enough to cope with she quickly discovers that preternatural creatures - vampires, weres and shifters - believed to be the stuff of fantasy and myth are alive and well ... and threatening her life. Sage is rescued from the streets and brought to a home for young women. She is informed by her new friends that she is a Warper who has arrived so that she could prevent a disaster that would impact time.

The home’s proprietress, the scarred but still handsome professor, Dr. Aldwin Blake, and her young eager rescuer are part of a special society assigned to keep preternatural activities secret from the public. The team takes up the task of training Sage. She must learn etiquette and dress suitable for the time period, defense with knifes and strategies, and control of her own unique abilities. The plan is to prepare Sage to become the secretary to one of the strongest vampires in town so she can infiltrate his circles to try to learn what major threat is imminent.

Sage is attracted to Aldwin and thinks he likes her too but he remains aloof. Then she meets the remarkable vampire and finds an attraction there as well. Through bumbling luck as much as anything Sage and the vampire uncover hints that help them track down an assassin plan. Now the team has to step in to help prevent the murder that would change history. Sage is eager to help stop the danger but she isn’t sure if she will then get to go home to 2004, or if she wants to.

I appreciated the action and danger that were the base of the story along with the bits of historical clothing and features. The love triangle, although too swift and obvious, added some additional tension and interest, especially for the ending. There are some weaknesses in the story with Sage being viewed as confident and sure when she really is just a mass of confusion and pretty much inept. I thought the writing a bit more on the YA or NA level than I like. (It is categorized for Ages 11-13 which I don't think is really accurate.) Still, the story was engaging enough to keep my attention for a quick listen.

Audio Notes: Amanda C. Miller did an acceptable job on narration. There is no real effort to make a distinction between many of the characters, but the narrator’s voice suits Sage who tells the story in first person. I enjoyed the quick audiobook for this story which I might not have chosen to read in print/ebook.

I received this title for an honest review through Audiobook Jukebox.
This qualifies for my Audiobook challege.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 2, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had another good but busy week. I expect to continue to be busy at work especially since my daughter is still out with the flu.
I had a good reading week finishing five books! I posted three reviews, one with giveaways, a COYER post and the usual memes.

I visited some bogs early in the week but didn't get back later in the week. I hope to try harder this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 23, 2015.

• Book Review and Giveaways: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling; Historic Romance; my rating 3.75.  Rafflecopter open worldwide, ends 3/1/15; Print - Open US/CA Ends 3/2/15.

• AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan; Mystery, Christian; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 27, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/5/15.

• WINTER COYER Mini Scavenger Hunt.

• Sharing Beyond Books #192 Comment Giveaway February 28, 2015; Open Worldwide, Ends 3/7/15.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 1, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

What a Devilish Duke Desires
by Vicky Dreiling
The review and giveaways (ending soon)
 are posted above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1
Written by: Peggy Martinez
Narrated by: Amanda C. Miller
This is an interesting time warp fantasy.
I will post my review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Homespun Bride (The McKaslin Clan: Historical Series, Book 1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical #2)
by Jillian Hart
This is a complete delight!
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP4

Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11
Written by: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Johanna Parker
I was glad to find this entertaining.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

5. Audible/MP4

The Beast Master
Written by: Andre Norton
Narrated by: Richard J. Brewer
This is another title in my 
Audible Library from 9/2011.
I really enjoyed the story which 
I listened to in one day.
I plan to make this review post four this week.
Publisher's Summary
Left homeless by the war that reduced Terra to a radioactive cinder, Hosteen Storm - Navaho commando and master of beasts - is drawn to the planet Arzor, to kill a man he has never met.
On that dangerous frontier world, aliens and human colonists share the land in an uneasy truce. But something is upsetting the balance, and Storm is caught in the middle. He had thought the war was over - but was it?
©2005 Andre Norton; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Void (The Tanner Sequence)
by Timothy S. Johnston
I am only 10% in but already the story is gripping.
I received the ebook from the author for review.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 30, 2015
2403 AD
It would be easier to kill him than to trust him.
Transporting a serial killer might seem like a simple job for CCF Homicide Investigator Kyle Tanner. After spending years apprehending murderers, he's ready to hang up his pistol. Babysitting a prisoner will bring him to Alpha Centauri, where he can search for a way to escape the CCF forever.
If he makes it.
When his ship breaks down in deep space and a CCF research vessel comes to his aid, Tanner realizes he's in terrible danger: the scientists on board have blocked his distress call. And when Tanner's prisoner escapes, he begins to suspect that the proximity of the research vessel had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with the CCF's relentless reach.
Facing near-certain death by his own organization, Tanner must unravel a tangled skein of vengeance, duplicity and murder in deep space. But he's being held at the will of master puppeteers, and if he can't cut the strings, he'll dance straight to a gruesome, excruciating death….
A Tanner Sequence Novel

2. Audible/MP4

Finding Mr. Right
Written by: Emily Carmichael
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
I wanted something light while I read current review books so I picked this
from my Audible Library - 11/2012.
Publisher's Summary
Finding Mr. Right is a heartwarming tale for romantics and animal lovers. Amy Cameron has had a run of incredibly bad luck. Her husband and best friend are murdered, together, because they were having an affair - then her house burns to the ground!
The last thing Amy needs is another man. But her deceased, traitorous, gal-pal is sent back to Earth to make up for her indiscretion and find Mr. Right for Amy. The only catch - she comes back as a ratty, little Welsh Corgi named Miss Piggy.
©1998 Emily Krokosz; (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC

3. eBook/Kindle

Admit to Mayhem: Lillian Dove Mystery
by D. J. Adamson
I am looking forward to starting this mystery.
I received this for Pump Up Your Book Tour; to post 3/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
With a contrary attitude and an addiction for independence, Lillian Dove admits she has not been a success in life. In fact, she considers failing as one of her addictions. Yet, when she comes across a suspicious house fire with a history of arson and murder, she instinctively attempts to help someone trapped. Lillian becomes the only possible eyewitness to criminal arson, and her life begins to spiral out of control.
Lillian Dove is an endearing “everywoman” struggling with life issues, emotional complexities and a habit of doing just the opposite of what she’s told to do. These qualities in a heroine give the reader an ability to vicariously struggle along with the protagonist in this intriguing Midwest Noir mystery.

[Next in line: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis]

I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

February Schedule:
3/12 Admit to Mayhem Review for Pump Up Your Book Tour
March (dateTBD) - Ladies Book Club Book: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
3/21 Echoes (Mind Games) by Laura K. Curtis Review for RockStar PR.

I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I will hope to post all four reviews this week; one and a half are already written.
I'll have to get back to reading the waiting NetGalley titles next week.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I have one book for Book club, one ebook for review and one audiobook for review.
I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Ladies Book Club for March

Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
by Rita Gerlach
We are reading this story for our March meeting.
The date is up in the air due to busy schedules.
Set in 1775  this is "a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness."

I received this from NetGalley
for a Berkley Intermix through RockStar PR 3/21
 Echoes (Mind Games) 
by Laura K. Curtis
This sounded like a good romantic suspense/mystery.

I received this title for review
through Audiobook Jukebox.

The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1
Written by: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: James Simenc
This fantasy looks interesting.

Won

None

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added 49 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement Sunday March 1, 2015

We had another lovely Sunday morning with confirming messages again from our Sunday School teacher and our Pastor. We believe God is pressing His message at a time when we need to be ready to share His word.

Our Sunday School teacher was stressing Paul’s approach to the Romans by focusing on Romans 1:16-17. In verse 16, Paul was saying he wasn’t ashamed of the gospel which is the most important message. He said the gospel is “the power of God for salvation for those who believe....” Unfortunately there are many who may claim to be Christians who have not made the personal choice to believe and cannot identify the moment when they surrendered their lives to God, through faith in Christ. (I remember my moment when I was 15 years old.)
In verse 17 Paul notes that “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.””  Righteousness is right standing. God demands holiness...righteousness. God created man in His own image, as a righteous being, so He could fellowship with man.
This is the progression of man’s relationship with God:
Man was created righteous with free will.
Satan deceived woman and man resulting in the fall of man.
Because of God’s great love for man, instead of destroying man, God provided the Law to bring man back to right standing.
Man was unable to live fully by the law so man still was not in right standing with God.
Because of God’s great love for man, God provided a way to bring man back to right standing.
Through God’s grace, Jesus was born to shed His blood to bring man back to right standing.
Faith enables man to accept the gift of righteousness. Romans 10:10.
God provides forgiveness as the doorway to return to righteousness.
Accepting Jesus as our savior we are given justification. Romans 4:25. Christ’s blood covers our sins so it is just as if we had never sinned. God sees us as innocent.
Man receives mercy - no punishment and instead is returned to right standing.
Man, through faith in Christ, receives salvation - the protection from God’s wrath. Romans 5:15.
Man receives a reward - robes of righteousness.
(After confession and salvation, man moves through a process of sanctification although he can never become fully holy by his own efforts. We are not suddenly right but our faith allows God to see us as right.)
God is the only one who makes us holy (Leviticus). Man cannot bring himself back to right standing but righteousness is God's gift to man if we will only believe and receive.
Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.
****
Pastor’s message was titled: The Gospel Gives Wholeness in God. Man is a triune creature similar to God as a triune God. Paul gives a blessing to the Thessalonians saying “ May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Man must come into alignment with God's will. We perceive by the spirit, respond in our soul (mind, will and emotion), through bodily action. Every level of our physical relationship must come under the shadow of the cross. Faith for salvation is the faith you stand on for all areas of your life. Have you yielded spirit, soul and body to Jesus?

This morning we sang this old favorite hymn with the new chorus mix.

The words are beautiful and so true for me!

Verses for Today:
Romans 4:22-25
22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

I am so thankful that God provides grace and mercy which I need every day. Help me to share the gospel, boldly, as Paul exhorted in letters to Romans and Thessalonians.