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Mirror Mirror

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Per usual, I’m reading through the Bible chronologically and we’re in the Exodus era. God had brought the people into the wilderness to build them into a nation, to give them laws and ceremonies and it’s exhaustive because they need them! 

God asks for those who have willing hearts to bring gold, silver, scarlet, blue thread etc… as an offering to build the tabernacle–a place he will dwell with them. And people came! They brought so much (from the wealth given to them by the Egyptians when they left after the death of the firstborn) that they told Moses to tell the people to stop bringing stuff. They had more than enough to complete the tasks God had assigned them.

This is big time giving right here! 

But what I loved most this go-round was this: Exodus 38:8 NLT “Bezalel made the bronze washbasin and its bronze stand from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle.”

Women brought their mirrors which they’d taken out of Egypt. According to archaeological resources, Egyptian mirrors were ornate, full of gems and worth quite a bit. And yet these women freely gave these mirrors for the service of God.

They’d rather reflect on God than their own reflections. Their vanity was worth letting go to humble themselves before God.

The Forward Reflection Question of the day is: Who are you reflecting most? Yourself or God? And are you willing to give God all that you have, even what seems terribly valuable, for his kingdom’s causes?

 

What do you find most fascinating about building the tabernacle?

Sale! Her Darkest Secret Audiobook & E-Book!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey Friend!

As we gear up for the release of my newest thriller, A Cry in the Dark, my publisher has made the first book in the series (can be read as standalones though) Her Darkest Secret in audiobook on sale today February 1-March 1 for only $5.99! Y’all that’s such a great deal and let me tell you the narrator, Lisa Flanagan is incredible. She nails the characters and brings them to life in such a fabulous way. I couldn’t be happier!

If you love audiobooks, grab this from your favorite audiobook retailer. You can definitely find it on Apple, Kobo, Google and LibroFM

Please tell your friends too. I’d hate for them to miss the sale price too. 

But that’s not all! 

You can grab the e-book for only $2.99 Today, February 1 through February 7th! If you’re not an audiobook fan, you can still get a great deal!

Backcover Blurb: When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

 

Question for you: Are you an audiobook fan? What was the last book you listened to?

Can We Trust God In Our Suffering?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

If you’re reading the Bible this year Chronologically, you know we’re in the book of Job. It’s a unique book  that wrestles with questions like: If God is all-loving and merciful, why do the righteous suffer? Where is God in my trials. 

We also see the sovereignty of God. He is all supreme and in all control. Of Satan–he tells him how far he can go and Satan goes no further. And over our circumstances. Job isn’t privy to the heavenly conversation. He has no idea Satan has been prowling around looking to devour him, but can’t. So when Satan challenges God that the only reason Job worships him and is full of integrity is because he’s wealthy, healthy and protected. So God allows Satan a certain amount of leash. He knows the truth, but later we find that Job knows he’s being refined and coming out as gold through this testing. When taking all way from him, Job doesn’t curse God and die ie give up on God and abandon his faith in him. Satan says well it’s because you haven’t let me touch his skin. A sick man will curse you. So he’s allowed to harm his body but not kill him–though Job wishes for death. Yet God is protecting his life. 

In Job’s suffering, he makes wrong assumptions about God–which we all do when our pain lead the procession of thought about God. And God is silent. Job begs God to show up and tell him why he’s going through this suffering. 

His friends aren’t friends at all. They accuse him of sin and his children of sinning. Repent! But Job holds fast that he is righteous.

God is still silent.

Job still asks why.

Finally God speaks. He corrects Job’s false assumptions about him. And he rebukes his friends, except the youngest Elihu for their terrible advice. 

But he never answers the question Job wants. Why? But he does answer. 

Many times we don’t get what we want from God. But we always get what we need from him.

Job repents. Job never abandons God even when he thinks God has abandoned him. And this testing refines him. It also speaks to us, as scriptures do–so that we can learn from them as they give us hope while we ourselves wait patiently for God to fulfill his promises. 

Forward Reflection: When I go through suffering, what do I believe about God? Do I make wrong assumptions too? Am I going to give up on God when he doesn’t answer me? Or will I remain steadfast? 

What do you love most/least about the book of Job?

 

 

Two by Two…Nothing to Do with You!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Imagine building a massive boat when there’s never been rain? When no one believes you. Through hard labor, hard mocking, 120 years passing as Noah preached righteousness. No one surrendering their life. The boat is built. The animals were to come two by two. 

Note here that Noah did his part. He worked daily, he followed all the instructions and made sure he had all the specifications right.

God did all the rest. He brought brought what needed to be in the ark, into the ark and he himself closed the door. 

Knowing that two of each kind plus seven for sacrifice needed to be in the boat could have brought distraction and kept Noah from building and doing what God instructed him to do. “How will I get all these animals onboard? Where will I find them all? Ants are small! 

God rounded up the animals. “…two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female…” Genesis 2:9 NLT

Do what you’ve been tasked by God to do.  Don’t let other things distract you. You don’t have to do it all. You only have to do what God asks. He’ll take care of the the rest or He’ll give you additional instructions later. 

Maybe you’ve let the world’s influence distract you from living a holy life? It’s a slow fade. Maybe you’re distracted trying to do God’s part? You can’t ever do his part. You can only do your own!

Forward Reflection: Am I being distracted from what I know God has instructed me to do? Do I need to repent? Do I need to get back on task.

For fun: Which animal would you have “accidentally” forgotten on the ark? Me? Probably wasps. 🙂 

Hope Is Never Out of Reach

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Welcome back to another Forward Friday. We’re moving forward every day in our personal relationship with Jesus. 

Today, I want to quickly look at Hagar. A woman who was a servant to Abraham and Sarah. In a circumstance she couldn’t control. When two people had to wait a very long time for a son of promise, things got scary. Uncertain. And like just like us, they took matters into their own hands to scheme to bring God’s promise to fulfillment.

But here’s the rub, friends. When we aren’t ones giving the promise, we can’t bring it to pass. God gives us steps sometimes, sure. Often it’s WAIT. Wait on Him. This produces trust and faith and dependance on Him.

They didn’t. Sarah decides she’ll give Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate wife which was custom and acceptable practice in that culture. But Abraham was to be set apart from the culture and customs of that day. Are you disobeying God because a practice in culture is acceptable and says you can? 

Once Hagar was pregnant, pride reared its ugly head and she treated Sarah with contempt. Sarah then went to Abraham and blamed him for everything. Sounds about right. We’re more prone to blame others for our mistakes than own up to them. He stays out of it and says do what seems best. She’s your servant. And Sarah treats her like trash. So bad she runs away.

The Angel of the Lord comes to her. He sees her distress and tells her to go back. To submit. To basically repent and humble yourself. This was his protection no doubt. Imagine a young pregnant woman with no protector or provision in the wilderness? And he gives her a promise too. 

She goes back. She submits. We read nothing more about mistreatment but when Sarah’s son Isaac–the son of promise–is made fun of by Ishmael, Hagar and Abraham’s son, it’s time to go (Genesis 21). She leaves and they run out of water. Has she forgotten the God who hears her, who sees her, who has made her a promise to make her son a nation? Maybe. Often in our suffering, doubts and fears we forget who God is, what he’s done and what he’s promised us.

He opens her eyes to see what was likely there all along…a well of water. Life. Salvation. Rescue! She gives the water to her son and they live. 

Hope was there all along. She just couldn’t see it through her fear, panic, dread, anxiety, suffering and uncertainty. 

Jesus is and always will be our hope. Sometimes we don’t see him for all the reasons Hagar didn’t see the water. He’s our living water. Our life. Our salvation. Our rescue. 

Forward Reflection: How do I respond in uncontrollable circumstances? Do I build my hope in nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness? Do I remember that my ground is solid? Do I need to repent? Do I need God to open my eyes to hope? 

 

*I know during these accounts it’s Abram/Sarai but it’s just easier to say Abraham/Sarah.

 

Steadfast Hearts in 2023

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Suffering isn’t a word we get excited about hearing. And what does it have to do with a steadfast heart? Good question. This year, as I read chronologically, the word or thread I’m tracing is suffering. Sounds like a fun time, huh? But the truth is, the world offers up a very different definition on how we should look at that word–as a four letter word. A word for the garbage heap. Sadly, this perception has made its way into many churches in America. God is yours to bring you blessing which typically equates to health, wealth and the “good life” or your “best life now.” But is that true? What does God say about suffering? How can we view suffering biblically and why should it matter.

Often when we tell Jesus to take the wheel of our lives it comes through the vehicle of suffering.

Suffering develops in us steadfastness. James tells us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-8 ESV

What is steadfastness? What does steadfast mean?

  • It is a characteristic of a person who is not swerved from deliberate purpose and their loyalty to faith & dutiful devotion to God by even the greatest of trials and suffering.
  • It is a patient, enduring, sustaining
  • It implies a steady, unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.
  • Some synonyms: faithful, devoted, ardent, passionate, dependable, unfaltering, unhesitating, trusty, determined, serious, avid, dyed-in-the-wool, solid, reliable, and constant.

This remind you of anyone? Yes! Jesus. His heart is steadfast to us. God showed his steadfast love and demonstrated it “in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Christ is called the Suffering Servant, in fact many of your Bible translations have that as a heading in places. We see Christ as the Suffering Servant in the Servant Songs found in Isaiah 42:1–9; Isaiah 49:1–13; Isaiah 50:4–11; and Isaiah 52:13—53:12.

This year I want to challenge you to a steadfast heart. To suffer a little by denying yourself–denying that extra 15 minutes of sleep or the mindless scrolling of social media accounts at lunch or the evening or fill in the blank–in order to read the Word and grow in knowledge and grace, to be transformed into his image and be more Christ-like i.e. applying the Word to your life. 

Paul himself says in Romans 12:1-3, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (bold type mine; ESV)

I’m leading a group of women this year in reading the Bible chronologically. Every story has a beginning, middle, and end including God’s story! Some of us are suffering in body. Some in mind. Some spiritually. Some emotionally and some all of the above. We need a biblical view of suffering for when we go through it and also to help and encourage others who are in the midst of fiery trials. Reading daily will be a living sacrifice. But it will also develop a steadfast heart.

Forward Reflection: Is my heart steadfast? How does my life reveal that truth? Am I daily disciplined in the Word, worship, and prayer? Am I growing in knowledge and grace? Can I tell the story of God if asked? Am I ready at any moment to lead someone to Jesus?

If you’d like to join the Facebook Online Community–Women Who ACT (Abide, Connect, Train in godliness) click the link. Answer the 3 simple questions and note “blog” when asked how you heard about the group. Invite some friends. Mature in the Lord with us.

Click Women who ACT. 

Until Next Forward Friday,

Jess

2023 Chronological Bible Study!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey friend!

Have you ever read your Bible chronologically? I’ve been reading this way for some time and I love it. I’ll be starting a 2023 bible study through a Facebook group. We’ll be reading the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible.

If it’s not in your budget, there’s a reading plan you can download from the Facebook group. I’ll be teaching through a live video in the group at 9am Wednesdays CST, but you can always watch the replay if you’re working.

A discussion chat will be available with daily questions so you can talk with other women. 

A prayer chat is always open.

And I’ll be opening up a FB live room (like Zoom) in the group during lunch hour for live face-to-face prayer. 

We’ll be tracing the thread of suffering through the Bible and looking at what God says about suffering? What does the world say about suffering? And looking at suffering through the stories in the Bible as well as learning the 14 eras and the stories that connect and make God’s story! If you’ve never really understood the Bible or how it all fits, reading it this way is awesome! 

Feel free to invite your friends. There is no cap on the count! I’d love to have you.

Here is the Facebook link below to join the group. Check out the pinned featured posts, watch my welcome video and introduce yourself on the Welcome thread!

LINK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/683148899818858

Hope to see you there. Let’s be women who know the word of God and can rightly divide. Bible literacy MATTERS!

Warmly,

Jess

 

Question: Have you ever read the Bible Chronologically? Let me know in the comments!

Book News & New Book Projects!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey friend! 

Thanksgiving has passed and the Christmas season is in full swing! Before you know it January will roll out and February will roll in, meaning A Cry in the Dark will be hitting online and brick-and-mortar bookshelves everywhere.

 

Maybe you haven’t added it to your Goodreads Want to Read shelf. Now would be a great time. I’m so excited about this book and following Violet’s story. I’ve had a lot of reader feedback and interest in her. You’ll get some more definitive answers to what transpired between her and the killer in Her Darkest Secret and quickly discover why she seems aloof and distant. It’s tragic really. But God’s grace is overwhelmingly good and it’s a story that showcases that!

Here’s a peek:

Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.
But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.
And they’re not talking…

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder. 

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…

I can’t wait for you to read it. You can also preorder the book from your favorite retailers including Walmart and Target!

New Book Projects!

At the moment, I’m working on a new novel that will be included in a collection with some of your favorite inspirational authors. I’m using two characters from Her Darkest Secret for the heroine and hero. Any guesses who they might be? Oh, this book is going to be so fun! I’m writing it organically, meaning I haven’t plotted anything. All I know is how the killer is murdering his victims and why. I know the hero and heroine. AND fun fact: I’m setting it in Splendor Pines, East Tennessee where Rush Buchanan and Nora Livingstone are from in Cold Case Christmas, so you’ll see cameos and revisit the lovely mountain town in a sizzling hot summer!

The rest of the story will just come straight from what I’m imagining in that moment. I have no idea WHO the killer is or how the investigation is going to play out, but that’s okay. It’s all part of the joy of writing organically.

I’m also working on new books for Love Inspired Suspense in a Texas Crime Scene Cleaners series featuring two brothers and a sister! It’s been a lot of fun too. 

Lastly, I’ll be bringing you Tiberius Granger’s story in 2024! If you’ve read Her Darkest Secret,  you’ve met him and he’ll take a more active role in A Cry in the Dark as I prep him for his own wild story set in the Outerbanks, North Carolina during hurricane season. It’ll be a real thrill ride with some crazy wild twists and shocking ending–at least I hope it will be! 

So what are you up to these days? Reading any great thrillers? Let me know in the comments!

And if you care to guess who the characters might be from Her Darkest Secret, share in the comments. Patch Pack members already know, so no commenting from any of y’all! That’s cheating! 🙂 

 

Until next time,

Jess

A Dark Secret and a Big Giveaway!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Her Darkest Secret by author Jessica R. Patch

Hey friends! Today is a huge, wild day for me. My FIRST TRADE NOVEL releases into the world. Yes, I’ve written many novels for Love Inspired suspense, but those are category length. This book is a longer more complex book and a psychological thriller. It’s been a dream come true and a percolating story idea for over a decade, so I’m beyond excited to see it published.

I guess I should thank my late grandma for inspiring me. She used to tell me nursery rhymes before bed. The last one she’d tell was Wee Willie Winkie. And you better believes that bad boy makes into the book! 

I do hope you’ll celebrate today with me. If you’ve read the book, please leave a review! If you haven’t read it yet, you can purchase it at any online retailer in eBook, paperback or audio. And you can nab it at any brick-and-mortar bookstore like Barnes &Noble, Books-A-Million, and even at your local Walmart! 

A cool thing was I got to choose which narrator I wanted for the audio version. They were all great so it was hard to choose, but in the end I went with Lisa Flanagan. 

If you have a bookclub, this would make a great bookclub read and I have Bookclub Extras including discussion questions under by BookClub tab on my website. Contact me and I’d love to Zoom in with y’all or if you’re local, drop in and chat. 

Facebook Live Launch Party:

I’ll be hosting a Facebook LIVE party on my Author page June 28th from 11 a.m.-6 pm CST. If you have any questions, please email me and I’ll answer them live. Also I have several author friends coming by to share what they thought about the book and to give away a copy of one of their own books! Join: Christy Barritt, Lynn Blackburn, Patricia Bradley, Elizabeth Goddard, Nancy Mehl, Lisa Phillips, Terri Reed, Natalie Walters & Jaime Jo Wright!

I’ll also be on the Harlequin FB LIVE party! June 28 @11 am CST.

 

Book Signing and Local In-Person Celebration Event:

I’ll be in-person signing books at Coffee Central Squared on Saturday, July 2, 2002 from 1-3 pm CST. Come with friends, grab a coffee and tasty treat from Coffee Central, buy a book and I’ll sign it for you and take photos with friends at the photo booth. I’ll be providing the same props you read (or will read) about at Ty’s birthday party. Thank fun mustaches and Her Darkest Secret! 

Coffee Central Squared is located at: 39 W Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632

Can’t wait to see you. Come and go and enter for a chance to win a sweet grand prize which includes: $25 Coffee Central gift card, whodunit brain games book, Ground for Murder jigsaw puzzle, a Scentsy vanilla gift, and dark chocolates! 

Another Giveaway! 

I’m also giving away a Dark Secret Prize Package:

That’s right, I’m giving away the Murder Mystery coloring book with colored pencils, a murder shows and comfy clothes mug, and a I’m just here to establish and alibi tote to won lucky winner. Enter below for a chance to win. U.S. only. 18+ Winner will be randomly selected through rafflecopter July 15 and notified by email. Winner has 24 hours to respond to the email or they are forfeited and a new winner will be randomly selected. 

Purchase Her Darkest Secret

 

Okay, now to the giveaway! Enter below for a chance to win. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Her Darkest Secret Goodreads Giveaway!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey friends, my Publisher (Harlequin) is hosting a Goodreads giveaway for Her Darkest Secret! EEEK! 

It starts today, June 1-June 20th. They’re giving away 1 of 20 paperback copies to U.S. and CA! Take advantage of this opportunity and enter for a chance to win today. Feel free to share this news with your friends too! The more the merrier, right? I mean we’re not stingy. 😉 

 

Enter for a chance to win: GOODREADS GIVEAWAY HER DARKEST SECRET