The Strength of Friendship

L

et’s take a careful look at the events in Job 1:6-12:

“One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.

God: ‘Where have you come from?’

Satan: ‘I have been prowling around on the earth, watching everything that’s going on.’

God: ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.’

Satan: ‘Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!’

God: ‘All right, you may test him, do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically.’”

For many people, this is one of the most troubling scenes played out in the Bible, perhaps because God allowed something so horrific to happen to someone so holy. Job lost everything, his wealth, his family, and eventually his health, all with God’s approval. We will never understand many things about that scene played out in Job’s life, but the reality is that we see those same kinds of scenes played out in the lives of people we know and love today.

Before we get mad at God, consider what He’s doing for Job and for the readers of this tragedy. The first time we see Satan in scriptures, it was amidst God’s perfect garden. He came to destroy what God established, but he was powerless to rally an army to rival God’s army. Satan was, and is, no match for God. God created humans to be independent thinking instruments of praise, which means we have the free will to choose God over other things and Satan knows that.

Scriptures have pointed out to me that God is primarily concerned with getting those that love Him to join Him in heaven, rather than focusing on the things of this life, like how wealthy, healthy, or happy we are. True happiness will be experienced in His kingdom. Therefore, Satan is on a timer; he only has what time we have during our span on earth to convince us to reject God and live for anything else.

Pain is Satan’s best trick in getting us to turn away from God. I feel confident in saying that it’s for that reason that Satan has worked so hard to destroy families, because of the tremendous pain caused when people God brought together are overcome with so much hurt, disappointments, frustrations, or hate that they disregard one of the purposes of their coming together in the first place.

Paul illustrates this for the Corinthians when he asked them to take back the man that they had discipline in 1 Corinthians 5, so “he won’t be overcome with discouragement.” He was part of a “church family” and he had been involved in things that would hurt the unity of that family, therefore he was punished, but just for a time. Time enough to help him see why he needed those people. Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 2:8, 10-11, “So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him… [I have forgiven him] for your sakes, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

The goal was to keep him with the family, the problem was that Satan was getting to him through sinful behavior; but we are not ignorant of his schemes. Understanding how Satan works helps us realize the need for brotherly support. The Bible is filled with examples of people coming together to be strengthened by one another. Even in Job’s situation, a bulk of the book is the debates between Job and his “friends.”

Job’s friends came with the intentions of sympathizing with Job, to comfort him, and console him; however, Satan used a tactic that ended up causing Job more pain and frustration. His friends ended up picking Job apart instead of encouraging his continued faithfulness. When trouble strikes, that’s when we need friends more than ever, just as Solomon said in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”

Peter said in 1 Peter 5:8-11, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

It seems that Peter acknowledges the influence our spiritual peers have on our lives. Paul described the Spiritual armor we are to wear that helps us stay focused on God’s plan, His goal for our lives, and His ability. However, God has shown all throughout scriptures the need for brothers and sisters to support us. People in our lives to be a support, and at times, we are that person in the life of someone else to support them. Or as Galatians 6:2 states it, “Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

The love we show those in trouble is what will help the world to recognize the difference between Satan and the Creator of all things – God Almighty. John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Let’s never forget that we may be how God chooses to demonstrate His strength to help someone finish the race of life. Job’s pain was an opportunity for friends to strengthen him.

They failed the task: what will you do? I know I have become dependent upon the advice, comfort, and support of Christians running alongside of me.

Preparing God's Way

Imagine you’re the new king of a major world empire. Your father did everything by his strength and his efforts, but now that you’re king, you’re going to do things differently. Although you still make efforts to make your nation great by building more trade relationships with surrounding nations, and you strengthen your army to rival any nation, you also seek to do it God’s way, asking Him to guide and direct your path.

Time would tell if you reached your goal, but perhaps the way you used your blessings would prove whether or not you were successful. For King Jehoshaphat he inherited a kingdom from his father Asa that was in need of repair, economically and spiritually. Jehoshaphat wanted to make it better, stronger, a force to be reckoned with. It was when other nations started asking for Judah’s assistance in fighting their enemies that proved his efforts were worth it.

We read in 2 Chronicles 18 where King Ahab of Israel asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to war?" And Jehoshaphat replied, “Why, of course! My troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle, but first let's find out what the Lord says.”

This was perhaps what really proved he had built a Godly kingdom. Although he wasn’t perfect, he continually sought out what the Lord wanted to do with his life and what the Lord had in mind for the kingdom. Jehoshaphat knew to be true what his ancestor David said in Psalms 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

Ahab on the other hand wasn’t the kind of person Jehoshaphat should have been teamed up with; Ahab was probably one of the worst kings Israel ever had. Ahab simply gathered around him many false prophets who were willing to tell him whatever he wanted to here.

In 2 Chronicles 18:5 Ahab summoned 400 prophets, and asked them, "Should we go to war, or should I hold back?" They all replied, "Yes, go right ahead! God will give the king victory." But Jehoshaphat could recognize a true prophet from a false one, so he asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the Lord here?” But Ahab’s response was, “There is one more man who could consult the Lord for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah.”

Micaiah did present himself before the kings to prophesy about the upcoming war. Even though he was told to agree with the other prophets, Micaiah finally tells Ahab the truth. He says, “You will die.”

Although this was orchestrated by God to get rid of Ahab for his many sins he committed, hopefully we can see how important it is to be prepared for the battle. Jehoshaphat prepared his kingdom with warriors, but he was also wise enough to rely on God’s strength to win his battles. Why did he trust God so much when his own efforts seemed to be so prosperous? As Psalms 24:8 reveals, “Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”

Part of putting on the armor of God is realizing where the strength actually comes from. Then realizing the need to stay alert and sober so that you can recognize when it’s best to join the crowd or buck the system. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and see if the armor Paul described could help you make the right choice in some decision you have to face.

Paul describes that our battle really isn’t against flesh and blood, but against something harder to identify. Ultimately, that enemy is Satan. Satan hates you because God loves you. Satan wants you to be teamed up with people that may cause you to harden your heart to God. However, the battle armor Paul reminds us to put on is spiritual protection. Do you have your armor on?

Library to host book signing for Ada Writers

ADA, OKLAHOMA  – Ada Public Library will host a book signing for “Creations 2014,” the newest anthology from Ada Writers, Thursday, June 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The book will be available to purchase at the signing for $12 and is available now at Lulu.com, Amazon.com, and other online retailers. Later this month, it will be on sale at Karen’s Art & Framing, Inc., in downtown Ada.

“We’ll have most of our authors at the signing,” Ada Writers president Stephen B. Bagley said. “It will be a great time to get your anthology signed by the writers and to meet them and talk about writing.”

A limited amount of the previous anthologies will also be available at the signing, and there will be a table featuring books by group members, including three new books. “Don Perry will be there with his new young adult book ‘Little Texas on the Pecos,’” Bagley said. “Tom Yarbrough will be bringing his new inspirational book ‘Treasures of the Kingdom.’ And Gail Henderson will present her new poetry and photography book ‘Bare.’” Other authors featured will be Bagley, Kelley Benson, and Martha Rhynes.

This is the third year that Ada Writers has produced an anthology. “Each year we’ve gained new authors,” Bagley said. “This year, we feature poems, essays, short stories, memoirs, and book excerpts from 17 local and area writers. Five of the authors have never been published in our anthology before.”

Authors will read from their works at the signing, Bagley said. “And we will have cookies. We can’t have a reading without cookies. It’s one of our traditions now.”

The local and area anthology authors include: Stephen B. Bagley, Kelley Benson, Eric Collier, Stacey Foster, Gail Henderson, Mel Hutt, Sterling Jacobs, Ken Lewis, Rick Litchfield, Don Perry, Martha Rhynes, James Sanders, Anna Tynsky, Joanne Verbridge, Tim Wilson, Tom Yarbrough, and Loretta Yin.

Ada Writers meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. in an upstairs meeting room at the Ada Public Library, 124 South Rennie. New writers are always welcome. For more information about the anthology and the writing group, please visit AdaWriters.blogspot.com.

Ada Writers Fall Book Festival slated for Tuesday

ADA – Ada Writers Fall Book Festival will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m. hosted by Karen’s Art and Farming, 108 East Main. The festival will feature “Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love,” the newest anthology by Ada Writers, and books by local authors and by award winning children’s book author Laura Eckroat.

“We will be offering books that are mysteries, romances, biographies, inspirational, humor, and more,” said Stephen B. Bagley, Ada Writers president. “And of course, the new anthology features short stories, poems, memoirs, and more by members of Ada Writers, including Kelley Benson, Eric Collier, Lindiwe Hall, Mel Hutt, Ken Lewis, Rick Litchfield, Don Perry, Martha Rhynes, Joanne Verbridge, Tim Wilson, Gail Wood, and Tom Yarbrough.”

A small quantity of signed children’s books by Laura Wintczak Eckroat will be available at the Festival. Eckroat's book “Went Out To Get a Donut - Came Home With a Muffin” was featured in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine and won the Texas Association of Authors First Place Award for Best 7 and Under Children's Book. Her latest book, “What’s In The Corner? ... A Muffin ‘Tail,’” was released this summer. Learn more about Eckroat and her books at LauraEckroat.blogspot.com.

“We will have readings, signed books, refreshments, and good conversations about books,” said Bagley. “We invite everyone to attend.” For more information about Ada Writers, visit AdaWriters.blogspot.com.

“Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love” is dedicated to the late Arlene “Aren” Rose Howell, who was a cherished longtime member and officer of Ada Writers.

The anthology features works from the following Ada and area authors:

Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” and the forthcoming “Murder by the Mile,” all in the Measurements of Murder™ series. His other books include “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Floozy and Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” He also wrote the full-length plays “Murder at the Witch’s Cottage” and “Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God” and co-wrote “Turnabout.” He coauthored two one-act plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company. His poetry has appeared in “Creations 2012,” ByLine Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other journals, and his articles in Nautilus, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, and other publications. Visit his website at StephenBBagley.blogspot.com.

Kelley Benson wrote “On Target: Devotions for Modern Life.” He is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He is the husband of his beautiful wife, Jade. They are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997. A close Christian mentor inspired Kelley to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. Visit his website at KelleyBenson.blogspot.com.

Eric Collier is a father of two and grandfather of six. He started writing poetry for a poetry class hosted by Continuing Education at East Central University. He lives in Ada and works as physical therapist for a local hospital. He enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and growing vegetables and flowers.

Lindiwe Hall is a published author of books and eBooks. She enjoys all kinds of writing. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York. She has written autobiographical fiction, writes children’s books, and is in the process of proofing and writing an album for her mission called Rose of Sharon. Also, she is very proud of her late father, who was Ambassador to the United Nations from Swaziland for 18 years.

Mel Hutt and his wife have been married for more than sixty years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. When his father died in 1945, he entered the Navy and served more than three years in the Pacific, including Operation Crossroads of the atomic bomb experiments at Bikini. He was then assigned to a destroyer and traveled to places like Australia, China, and Japan, with Hawaii as the stop to and from those places. He shares his memories in memoirs.

Ken Lewis has written several articles and short stories of different genres. His interests lie mostly in the paranormal and science fiction genres, but he enjoys exploring other avenues of the art. He’s a graduate of the Longridge Writer’s Group. He’s a firm believer in “Life is learning.” He currently serves as vice-president and treasurer of Ada Writers.

Rick Litchfield’s poetry appears in “A Surrender to the Moon,” “The International Who’s Who in Poetry,” “Timeless Voices,” “The Best Poems and Poets of 2007” and “Creations 2012.” He is working on “Shards of Wit and Wisdom: Stories and Stained Glass.”

Don Perry grew up outside of Crockett, Texas, and later moved to Fort Worth. After many years in the aviation field, he retired and moved to a small farm outside of Ada, Oklahoma. Don married Barbara Burleson in 1965, has two children, Melissa and James, and three grandsons. Since his retirement, he writes short stories of life and times during his youth, geared toward the young adult and teen-aged audiences. Many of his short stories show the humorous and whimsical side of the 1950s life and are often autobiographical in nature. He is currently writing a novel in the fantasy genre.

Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by re-searching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include, “I, Too, Sing America, The Story of Langston Hughes,” “Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago,” “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man,” “Jack London: Writer of Adventure,” and “Ray Bradbury: Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: “Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest,” “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Her non-fiction includes an eBook for young adults: “How to Write Scary Stories.” Visit her website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com.

Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Oklahoma where she enjoys taking time to write about those experiences. She is trying to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. She currently serves as the secretary and historian for Ada Writers.

Tim Wilson is a steadfast believer in truth, justice, and the American way of life, and writes to make a difference by helping others with his hard-earned knowledge and life experiences so others may not suffer the same tragic consequences. He is currently writing a nonfiction book, “Yet to be Disclosed,” which is based on facts that explain “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the issues of modern society.”

Gail Wood has written all her life. “It is as natural to me as breathing. I love the written word, all the nuances, the connotations, the music. I am retired from the perverted world of grants, reports, and strategic plans—the bureaucratic graveyard for words. Besides writing, I have a passion for walking. I love the outdoors and all things natural. The best part of my life is now.” Her book, “Red Bird Woman,” will be released later this year by Many Rivers Harbor.

Tom Yarbrough is the author of four books, three nonfiction and one fiction. He is currently editing two works accepted by a publisher. After a long career in counseling and education, he now spends his time with full-time writing, family concerns, and hobbies like Rendezvous (an 1840 living history camp) and making bookmarks called Shepherd Staffs.

Library hosts book signing

ADA – Ada Public Library will host a book signing for “Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love,” the newest anthology from Ada Writers, 4-6 p.m., Thursday, August 22. The book will be available for purchase at the book signing for $12

The back cover explains the theme of the book: “For some, passion and joy. For others, torment and regret. Ada Writers looks at love in its many forms with articles, essays, memoirs, poems, short stories, and excerpts from books and novels-in-progress in this new anthology.”

The anthology is dedicated to the late Arlene “Aren” Rose Howell, who was a cherished longtime member and officer of Ada Writers.

This year’s anthology features works from the following Ada and area authors:

Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” and the forthcoming “Murder by the Mile,” all in the Measurements of Murder™ series. His other books include “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Floozy and Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” He also wrote the full-length plays “Murder at the Witch’s Cottage” and “Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God” and co-wrote “Turnabout.” He coauthored two one-act plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company. His poetry has appeared in “Creations 2012,” ByLine Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other journals, and his articles in Nautilus, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, and other publications. He currently serves as president of Ada Writers. Visit his website at StephenBBagley.blogspot.com.

Kelley Benson wrote “On Target: Devotions for Modern Life.” He is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He is the husband of his beautiful wife, Jade. They are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997. A close Christian mentor inspired Kelley to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. Visit his website at KelleyBenson.blogspot.com.

Eric Collier is a father of two and grandfather of six. He started writing poetry for a poetry class hosted by Continuing Education at East Central University. He lives in Ada and works as physical therapist for a local hospital. He enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and growing vegetables and flowers.

Lindiwe Hall is a published author of books and eBooks. She enjoys all kinds of writing. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York. She has written autobiographical fiction, writes children’s books, and is in the process of proofing and writing an album for her mission called Rose of Sharon. Also, she is very proud of her late father, who was Ambassador to the United Nations from Swaziland for 18 years.

Mel Hutt and his wife have been married for more than sixty years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. When his father died in 1945, he entered the Navy and served more than three years in the Pacific, including Operation Crossroads of the atomic bomb experiments at Bikini. He was then assigned to a destroyer and traveled to places like Australia, China, and Japan, with Hawaii as the stop to and from those places. He shares his memories in memoirs.

Ken Lewis has written several articles and short stories of different genres. His interests lie mostly in the paranormal and science fiction genres, but he enjoys exploring other avenues of the art. He’s a graduate of the Longridge Writer’s Group. He’s a firm believer in “Life is learning.” He currently serves as vice-president and treasurer of Ada Writers.

Rick Litchfield’s poetry appears in “A Surrender to the Moon,” “The International Who’s Who in Poetry,” “Timeless Voices,” “The Best Poems and Poets of 2007” and “Creations 2012.” He is working on “Shards of Wit and Wisdom: Stories and Stained Glass.”

Don Perry grew up outside of Crockett, Texas, and later moved to Fort Worth. After many years in the aviation field, he retired and moved to a small farm outside of Ada, Oklahoma. Don married Barbara Burleson in 1965, has two children, Melissa and James, and three grandsons. Since his retirement, he writes short stories of life and times during his youth, geared toward the young adult and teen-aged audiences. Many of his short stories show the humorous and whimsical side of the 1950s life and are often autobiographical in nature. He is currently writing a novel in the fantasy genre.

Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by re-searching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include, “I, Too, Sing America, The Story of Langston Hughes,” “Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago,” “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man,” “Jack London: Writer of Adventure,” and “Ray Bradbury: Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: “Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest,” “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Her non-fiction includes an eBook for young adults: “How to Write Scary Stories.” Visit her website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com.

Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Oklahoma where she enjoys taking time to write about those experiences. She is trying to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. She currently serves as the secretary and historian for Ada Writers.

Tim Wilson is a steadfast believer in truth, justice, and the American way of life, and writes to make a difference by helping others with his hard-earned knowledge and life experiences so others may not suffer the same tragic consequences. He is currently writing a non-fiction book, “Yet to be Disclosed,” which is based on facts that explain “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the issues of modern society.”

Gail Wood has written all her life. “It is as natural to me as breathing. I love the written word, all the nuances, the connotations, the music. I am retired from the perverted world of grants, reports, and strategic plans—the bureaucratic graveyard for words. Besides writing, I have a passion for walking. I love the outdoors and all things natural. The best part of my life is now.” Her forthcoming book, “Red Bird Woman,” will be released later this year by Many Rivers Harbor.

Tom Yarbrough is the author of four books, three non-fiction and one fiction. He is currently editing two works accepted by a publisher. After a long career in counseling and education, he now spends his time with full time writing, family concerns, and hobbies like Rendezvous (an 1840 living history camp) and making bookmarks called Shepherd Staffs.

Now on Amazon!

On Target: Devotions for Modern Life by Kelley Benson is now on sale at Amazon.com! Click here!

Book signing slated for Tuesday

Writer Kelley Benson is having a book signing for his first book, On Target: Devotions for Modern Life, this Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 23, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Karen's Art & Framing, 108 East Main, Ada.

There will be delicious refreshments, great conversation, and signed books for purchase (Kelley's as well as Many Rivers Harbor books by Martha Rhynes, Ada Writers, and Stephen B. Bagley). You can enter a drawing to win a gift basket valued at over $100 to be given away in December and enjoy all the beautiful artwork on display.

We hope to see you there!

PEC Day

Kelley participated in a group book signing with Ada Writers at PEC Day, Sept. 29, in Ada.

Kelley Benson

Mel Hutt, Martha Rhynes, Aren Howell & Kelley Benson

ADA -- Many Rivers Harbor announces the publication of "On Target: Devotions for Modern Life," a book of devotions written by Ada area resident Kelley Benson.

The book focuses on the problems confronting people in modern society, Benson says, such as relationships, finances, education, children, and other facets of a busy life.

"The interesting thing about the Bible is that first of all, it’s living and active as Hebrews 4:12 states," Benson says. "The second thing is that it transcends any particular place and time. The teachings and history of Jesus’s life are not limited to first century. That means the Scriptures are constantly speaking to you through various forms. Perhaps deep meditation, maybe a friend's words, or even an event taking place in your life. That has definitely been the case for me as I've made a habit of spending time in God’s Word every day. Through constant and persistent study, we begin to realize the impact of God’s Word on every facet of our lives. The inspiration for this book springs from numerous events, conversations, and definitely reflection on the Scriptures."

Benson is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He and his wife Jade are intentionally raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997 and has participated in a wide range of ministries. However, he was inspired by a close Christian mentor to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. “To do this requires the full commitment of our entire family, realizing the blessings that come with being involved in helping people develop a stronger relationship with God,” Benson says.

Benson is currently working as a Realtor® in Ada for Paradigm Realty. He’s been involved with the investment industry, the insurance industry, teaching at the local college, and carpentry. He also operates a small gym where he teaches young people how to work out and exercise. And he has a wood shop that he uses as a tool to educate those in the community who are interested in building, marketing, and selling furniture.

"On Target: Devotions for Modern Life" is now available at Karen's Art & Framing, 108 East Main, and can also be purchased online at www.KelleyBenson.blogspot.com. It will be available soon on Amazon and other online retailers.

Many Rivers Harbors, a micropublishing company based in Oklahoma, helps authors publish and promote their books. For more information, visit its website at ManyRiversHarbor.blogspot.com.

Author publishes book of devotions

Sept. 7, 2012 -- Many Rivers Harbor announces the publication of On Target: Devotions for Modern Life, a book of devotions written by Ada area resident Kelley Benson.

The book focuses on the problems confronting people in modern society, Benson says, such as relationships, finances, education, children, and other facets of a busy life.

Benson is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He and his wife Jade are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997 and has participated in a wide range of ministries. However, he was inspired by a close Christian mentor to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. “To do this requires the full commitment of our entire family, realizing the blessings that come with being involved in helping people develop a stronger relationship with God,” Benson says.

Benson is currently working as a Realtor® in Ada for Paradigm Realty. He’s been involved with the investment industry, the insurance industry, teaching at the local college, and even carpentry. He also operates a small gym where he teaches kids how to work out and exercise. And he has a woodshop that he uses as a tool to educate those in the community who are interested in building, marketing, and selling furniture.

The book is now available at Lulu and can be purchased HERE.

Many Rivers Harbors, a micropublishing company based in Oklahoma, helps authors publish and promote their books. For more information, visit its website at ManyRiversHarbor.blogspot.com.