Podcast appearances and mentions of tessa afshar

Description:Suffering isn't something we choose, but it's something we all face. In today's episode, Wendy Blight courageously shares her journey through unimaginable hardship and reveals the truth that God meets us in our suffering — not only to sustain us but to strengthen our faith. Wendy shows us that enduring trials with God's help doesn't just change our circumstances; it transforms us. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to embrace endurance as a path to greater intimacy with God and experience His faithfulness like never before.You'll learn:How trusting God in suffering shapes your character.Why endurance is a spiritual gift that deepens your faith.How to find glimpses of joy in God's presence during pain.Practical steps for applying God's Word in tough times.How to view suffering as an opportunity for growth.Resources From This Episode:Ready for a summer of deepening your faith? Join the Circle 31 Book Club as we read The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar starting June 1. This powerful novel weaves together themes of faith, perseverance, and God's sovereignty — perfect for anyone walking through a season of endurance. Order your book, and let's dive in together!Want to go deeper in your understanding of God's Word? Download our free guide, How To Study the Bible, and discover simple, effective methods to help you grow in your faith — even when life feels overwhelming.When you give to Proverbs 31 Ministries, you make it possible for us to help you and women like you know the Truth of God's Word and live the Truth every day because we know it changes everything.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? In this episode, Wendy referenced a previous podcast teaching she gave on the topic of anxiety. Click here to listen to “Secret Weapons To Fight Anxiousness.”Watch this clip from our Therapy & Theology podcast on “How To Help Others With What You've Been Through.”We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

V tridesetem delu romana Kruh močnih Pavel nagovori Lidijo.

Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Tessa Afshar, author of The Rested Soul, in an attempt to “rejection proof” her life landed instead in a pit of anxiety. She found the rest her soul was longing for in the One who will never reject you. As Tessa shares her journey from anxiety to a rested soul she leaves breadcrumbs for us to find our way there too with truths like: God uses the pits in our lives even when they are painful. As long as we stay attached to Jesus we’ll get to the other side. Find scripture that speaks to your situation and let it anchor you. Know that God is shaping your character so that you are ready for what is still ahead. Exhale. Heal. And find rest for your anxious soul in God.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wgnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Tessa Afshar shares from her devotional "The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart." Originally aired May 2, 2024 Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Heather Kaufman joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her newest release, Before the King. We chat about what got her interested in writing novels instead of nonfiction, how she manages to write fiction in which Jesus makes an appearance, and what is the best part of living in St. Louis. Patrons will hear what she would love to do if she wasn't writing - and if she had the talent for it! Before the King by Heather Kaufman"Heather Kaufman is a truly fresh voice in biblical fiction."--TESSA AFSHAR, bestselling author "A beautifully told and imagined story of secrets, faith, love, and devotion. With a compelling plot and cast of characters, Before the King is a tale not to be missed."--TOSCA LEE, New York Times bestselling author Joanna's wealthy family aspires to Herod's inner circle, but when her father's esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.Get your copy of Before the King by Heather Kaufman.Heather Kaufman is the author of Up from Dust: Martha's Story and Before the King: Joanna's Story, the first two books in her Women of the Way series with Bethany House Publishers. A former editor turned writer, Heather worked eight years in the publishing industry while earning her master's degree and spinning tales late into the night. When she fell in love with studying the Bible through a cultural lens, the words of Scripture came springing to life, and Jesus became even more astoundingly beautiful. Now she crafts stories that imaginatively enter the lives of biblical characters and compel readers deeper into the Bible. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.Visit Heather's website.

Thursday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, Tessa Afshar tells us what's it's like to be on a journey that cultivates a restless soul. “Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Daily life can be a grind, full of confusion and chaos. Tessa has learned many lessons from battling anxiety in her own life. The Mornings with Eric and Brigitte Book Club also read The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart during 2024. If you want to sign up to read with us in 2025, text the word "club" to 561-737-6035.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wrmbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we chat with Tessa Afshar about her new book, 'The Queen's Cook,' set during the time of Queen Esther. The book follows the story of Roxana, a talented cook who works in Queen Esther's kitchens and forms a forbidden romance with the palace physician, Aidan. Can we feel safe in a world that isn't? Readers can enter into the emotions of the unknowns and process through wounds. Eavesdrop on this one--it'll be well worth it!

 Beloved Biblical and historical fiction author, Tessa Afshar has a new series beginning, and wow! Persian history comes to life as we get to know Roxannah and how she became not only a cook in Queen Esther's house but also... the queen's friend!  Listen in to learn more. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  This new series focuses on fictional women who could have interacted with Queen Esther and even has "excerpts from the queen's journals" which is a really cool way for readers to get to see Persian culture of the time through a lens that Esther could have had.  I don't know about you, but I'm already looking forward to the next book. #BecausePottery!  The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar  In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance. Learn more about Tessa on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss the book at 30% off with FREE shipping from BakerBookHouse.com. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

“When you don't have Jesus or His Word, you end up with a God who looks like you and approves of everything you do.” says author Tessa Afshar. She shares from her book, "The Queen's Cook: (An Ancient Persia Biblical Historical Fiction Set in Queen Esther's Time)."  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Have you ever wondered what life was like in Queen Esther's palace? As someone who grew up in the surrounding area, Tessa Afshar provides a unique perspective on the biblical account of Esther as she introduces her new series about Esther's court. In this episode, we discuss Tessa's new novel The Queen's Cook, the message behind the book, and fun Persian recipes! Books Mentioned: The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

Today it is such a pleasure introducing you to my friend and author Tessa Afshar. She is the author of 12 award-winning, best-selling novels, but it has been a journey for her to get here. She first started writing in her twenties, but after two rejections stopped. Then years later felt called to finish one of her novels after years of starting many, but not getting past the first 20 or 30 pages. That first book that she finished was on Rahab, because Tessa found it fascinating that Rahab was a woman who literally lived in a wall. She found that God made the calling in the shape of her — she'd been prepared all along to write what she never thought she would — Biblical fiction. In The Queen's Cook, Tessa has taken a twist on the story of Queen Esther, placing her as the mentor character. This series focuses on three women, each of whom has contact with Queen Esther and becomes friends with her in different ways. The book and series are embedded in the Persian Empire and the courts but without the focus being solely on the Queen. You're going to enjoy this interview and learning more about Tessa and how she writes and researches her novels. There's so much that goes into them. Connect with Tessa Afshar Facebook  

Novo nadaljevanje romana Kruh močnih (Tessa Afshar) nam je prineslo Lidijin vstop v samostojno opravljanje obrti, slišali pa smo tudi to, kaj vse jo pri tem skrbi.

Have you ever felt paralyzed by fear? In the latest episode of the More to Life podcast, biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar pulls back the curtain on Queen Esther's royal court, revealing a cast of courageous characters who find their strength and security in God in order to help Esther accomplish all that she did. From her own life, Tessa shares how fear of rejection and failure held her back for nearly 15 years, until she made a promise. Hear how Tessa helps others find security and hold on to a dream, when they come from God. To purchase a copy of The Queen's Cook, stop by your local Christian bookstore⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit our online store by clicking ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can connect with Tessa at TessaAfshar.com. To hear more podcasts on this channel, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mtlmagazine.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Be sure to subscribe to the More to Life podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or Spotify so you don't miss an episode!

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Tessa Afshar joins us on the show this week to talk about her upcoming book, The Queen's Cook. We chat about her research for the novel, her love of cooking and what she's growing in her garden, and many other fun topics. Patrons will hear what her first impressions of America were when she came to the country. The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar"A tender and touching tale. Tessa Afshar has given us two wonderfully charming heroines."--ANGELA HUNT, New York Times bestselling author of The Emissaries seriesIn the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.Get your copy of The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar.Tessa Afshar's historical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into 12 languages.Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of the ECPA's Bronze Milestone Sales Award. Tessa's books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book of the Year (Bible Study category) Awards, and are Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Award finalists. Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently.Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was elected as the co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year. She served in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer.Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Visit Tessa's website.

Radijski roman, prvi del, Kruh močnih, Tessa Afshar

Scorpions aren’t easy to kill as Tessa found out on a vacation in Italy. Fear isn’t easy to kill either. But here’s the amazing thing, even when you’re fearful, God still invites you to build his kingdom. Award winning biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar joins us to talk about dancing with fear and faith. We also have a conversation about how the desert seasons in life aren’t meant to wreck us. In fact, they can deepen our faith and intimacy with Jesus as we lean on him. Then, Tessa admits she’s a worst-case scenario thinker. But she’s learning to replace those poisonous thoughts with the truth! Last, Perry admits, “I’m a worker and an achiever and it’s hard to find rest in the middle of my busy.” But that’s exactly what Jesus invites us into. Pulling away to rest especially when the demands on us are great. We can do this cause “God has the night shift!”Support the show: https://give.moodyradio.org/fall-share?v=def&appeal=MRWM&_gl=1%2a142i9we%2a_ga%2aNTE4MTE5MmUtY2U1Yy00YmQ3LWU4MmUtNjEwYTQ5YzAyODRj%2a_ga_4WH1937046%2aMTY5NTExODEwMS4yOTkuMC4xNjk1MTE4MTAxLjYwLjAuMA..&_ga=2.197426156.215784306.1695059984-1182841406.166859587See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, we conclude our devotional study with Tessa Afshar in The Rested Soul. Are you feeling rested and at peace? Is your soul finding true rest? Tessa has learned many lessons from battling anxiety in her own life, and she has shared many of these thoughts in this study so her readers can learn from her life experiences. Tessa's hope is that her meditations will create an oasis of calm when powerful storms of anxiety assail you, and in Him, your hearts will find quiet and comfort. And in Jesus, we will find The Rested Soul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you for joining with us, Moody Radio, 89.3FM, for the Mornings with Eric and Brigitte Book Club. Let us know by text (561-737-6035) or email (wrmb@moody.edu) what you have been learning from Tessa Afshar's book The Rested Soul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tessa Afshar joins us on Friday's Mornings with Eric and Brigitte to tell us what's it's like to be on a journey that cultivates a restless soul. “Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Friday we talk about having "An Honest Scale, because God hates false measures. A life of right order starts with knowing that your worth flows from who you are in Christ. We are reading the devotional The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart. If you want to sign up to read with us, text the word "club" to 561-737-6035.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are excited that you are joining in with Moody Radio, 89.3FM for the Mornings with Eric and Brigitte Book Club. We are continuing to take steps through Tessa Afshar's book The Rested Soul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, Tessa Afshar tells us what's it's like to be on a journey that cultivates a restless soul. “Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Daily life can be a grind, full of confusion and chaos. Tessa has learned many lessons from battling anxiety in her own life. Thursday The Mornings with Eric and Brigitte Book Club continues reading the devotional The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart. If you want to sign up to read with us, text the word "club" to 561-737-6035.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we experience Shalom in an anxiety-ridden world? Author Tessa Afshar has learned lessons in her battle with anxiety that she shares in her new devotional The Rested Soul. Tessa joins Mornings with Seth and Deb, outlining some of what she has learned on her journey that will aid in cultivating a quiet heart even if your season of life is busy and chaotic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, Tessa Afshar tells us what's it's like to be on a journey that cultivates a restless soul. “Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Daily life can be a grind, full of confusion and chaos. Tessa has learned many lessons from battling anxiety in her own life. Friday The Mornings with Eric and Brigitte Book Club continues reading the devotional The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart. If you want to sign up to read with us, text the word "club" to 561-737-6035.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are excited that you are joining in with Moody Radio, 89.3FM for the Mornings with Eric and Brigitte Book Club. We are taking steps through Tessa Afshar's book The Rested Soul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excited that you are joining us for our new Book Club. We are going to step through Tessa Afshar's book The Rested Soul together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Daily life can be a grind, full of confusion and chaos. Award-winning author and Bible teacher Tessa Afshar has been there. Drawing from the lessons she learned from battling anxiety in her own life, Tessa brings you on a journey that cultivates a rested soul. Monday the Mornings with Eric and Brigitte Book Club kicks off their new book club entry, The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart. If you want to sign up to read with us, text the word "club" to 561-737-6035.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Tessa Afshar shares from her devotional “The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart.” Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Ako židovská otrokyňa nemá svetlé vyhliadky do budúcnosti. Čoskoro však zistí, že v jej rukách možno spočíva osud národov. Keren, nadaná židovská pisárka, ktorá pracuje pre veľkého Daniela, si spolu s jeho synmi a ich priateľom Jeredom osvojuje cudzie jazyky aj umenie šermu. Po tragickej nehode, ktorá jej zmení život, sa ocitá ďaleko od domova, kde je poverená zvláštnou úlohou: z pastierika vychovať šľachtica. Keď sa náhodou dozvie pravdu o chlapcovom pôvode, pochopí, že ho musí ochrániť pred krvilačným kráľom. Jered síce nedokáže Keren odpustiť, no napriek tomu sa vydáva na dlhú cestu cez hory, aby ju bezpečne priviedol domov. Keď zistí, kto je v skutočnosti Kereniným žiakom, potlačí v sebe zatrpknutosť a rozhodne sa svojej niekdajšej priateľke pomôcť zachrániť toho, ktorý jedného dňa vyslobodí jeho ľud z babylonského zajatia. "Tessa Afshar kombinuje dobrodružstvo a romantiku s takým spádom, že som knihu nemohla odložiť a prevracala som jednu stránku za druhou. Páčilo sa mi, ako priviedla k životu toľko historických postáv. Skrytého princa veľmi odporúčam." - Francine Rivers, najpredávanejšia autorka podľa New York Times Preklad: Zuzana Vengliková Audiokniha: Skrytý princ Autor: Tessa Afsharová Interpret: Dominika Morávková Dĺžka: 11:49 h Vydavateľstvo: Publixing a Kumran Audiokniha Skrytý princ na webe Audiolibrix (MP3 na stiahnutie) Audiokniha Skrytý princ na webe Publixing (MP3 CD)

Has your effectiveness ever felt compressed, buried under the weight of emotional burden? Diamonds are rare from the Middle East but Tessa Afshar is one of them. A researcher of Biblical history with a Master of Divinity from Yale and an award-winning author, Afshar speaks like one who has probed the Word of God and unearthed the precious. Raised as a nominal Muslim, Afshar thought all religions were the same until one night, in a dream, when Jesus beckoned her to follow Him. Her story is fascinating, but it is her internal struggle with discouragement and anxiety that will keep you riveted. Having experienced abandonment as a teenager and a broken marriage in her early twenties, Afshar found herself dealing with compounded discouragement, not a sinful feeling but one she describes as ‘sin-adjacent' to self-pity and discontent. Opening the door to those, she soon found herself unable to pray, sleep or function at work, but there were answers. If you are experiencing debilitating anxiety, or know someone who is, you will be encouraged as you discover the gems Afshar found through her journey.For Show Notes & Episode Details: https://theinfluencerspodcast.orgGet more inspirational content all week…FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficialINSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficial/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/hearinfluencersYOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@TheInfluencersPodcastLearn more about Tessa Afshar and get a copy of her book The Rested Soul at https://tessaafshar.com

Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Tessa Afshar shares from her devotional "The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart." Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you bombarded with obstacles keeping you from true soul rest? Daily life can be a grind, full of confusion and chaos. Award-winning author and Bible teacher, Tessa Afshar, has been there. Drawing from the lessons she learned from battling anxiety in her own life, Tessa stopped by to help us cultivate a rested soul! https://www.moodypublishers.com/the-rested-soul/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel rested and at peace? Or are you feeling overwhelmed as anxiety and discouragement pound at the door of your heart? Do you long to find solace and safety? Tuesday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, author and speaker, Tessa Afshar has drawn from the lessons she learned from battling anxiety in her own life and brings you on a journey that cultivates a rested soul. Tessa's meditations create an oasis of calm when powerful storms of anxiety assail you. In Jesus, we find The Rested Soul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or defeat, God wants to help you experience true rest. Find refreshment for your soul and practical strategies for peace when you take this 30-day journey with Tessa Afshar. After her own difficulties with stress, shame, and fears of abandonment, she realized that her story could help others heal. She shares the lessons she has learned along the way in her new book, The Rested Soul: 30 Meditations to Quiet Your Heart. Available at Moody Publishers | Christian Books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel rested and at peace, or do you feel like your soul is all over the place? These days, many of us struggle with anxiety to some degree, and that's what we're talking about in this episode.Joining me for this conversation is award-winning author and Bible teacher Tessa Afshar. Drawing from lessons she learned while battling anxiety in her own life, Tessa is sharing about a journey that cultivates a well-rested soul. I'm so glad to have her with us today, especially because her historical fiction books are some of my all-time favorite novels!In this episode, we talk about:Tessa's story of coming to faith from a Muslim backgroundThe connection between burnout and anxietyTessa's career as a writer And more!I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/tessa-afshar-192Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill's Marriage Story Marriage Coaching Marriage 2.0 Intensives Speaking Schedule Book Mark and Jill to Speak Online Courses Books Marriage Resources: Infidelity Recovery For Happy Marriages For Hurting Marriages For Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool Moms Moms with Gradeschoolers Moms with Teens and Tweens Moms with Kids Who Are Launching Empty Nest...

Do you struggle to find calm and peace in your day? Are you battling anxiety and seeking peace? Our conversation with author Tessa Afshar will touch on ways she has cultivated a rested soul in her anxious moments. Tessa will dip into the lessons she's learned and talk about ways to remove barriers to experiencing the peace that surpasses understanding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living a receiving life versus a striving life? Award winning author Tessa Afshar shares from her book “The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings.” She talks about the reconciliation work Jesus does for and in us.  *Originally aired April 5, 2023* Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here 

The fate of the Persian empire—and possibly the Judean people—hang in the balance and in the persuasive power of one ordinary woman. Bestselling author Tessa Afshar shares from her book "The Peasant King." Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Reviewers use all sorts of adjectives to describe inspirational fiction author Tessa Afshar's work. Words like whimsical, intriguing, romantic, prophetic, faith-filled, daunting, grace-filled, dangerous, redeeming, heart-pumping, heart-stirring, sad and joyful - all at once. That's Tessa. Hi, I'm your host, Julie Wheeler. And on this week's show, historical fiction author Tessa Afshar talks about her latest release, The Persian King, set in Babylon in the sixth century BC. And she shares something of her remarkable life; at 14 years of age, speaking no English, moving from the Middle East to a British boarding school, and then becoming a Christian in her early twenties and completing a Masters in Divinity at Yale. Best-selling romance author Debbie Macomber says of her work: “No one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar.” Our Giveaway this week Our Giveaway this week is Mystery with Romance, a group of best-selling authors once again joining together to offer a great range of books for you to choose from and download for FREE including  Sadie's Vow, Book #1 in my latest trilogy Home At Last. DOWNLOAD MYSTERY WITH ROMANCE EBOOKS https://books.bookfunnel.com/freebookspg13mysteryromance/tm6fhkvpt0 And remember – if you enjoy the show. Leave us a review so others will find us too. Word of mouth is the best way for others to discover the show and great books they will love to read. Links for things mentioned in this episode Song from Psalm 137 By The Waters of Babylon Boney M:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FgDles4xq8 And Don Mclean:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcBy_b7z_dU Herodotus: Greek historian and biographer; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodotus Philippians 2: 10 - 11  Every knee shall bow https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202%3A10-11&version=NIV The Medes: https://www.britannica.com/place/Media-ancient-region-Iran The Persians: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/persian-empire/ Women Who Risk by Tom and Joann Doyle:  https://www.amazon.com/Women-Who-Risk-Secret-Agents/dp/0785233466 The re-telling of Ruth: In The Field Of Grace – Tessa Afshar:  https://www.amazon.com/Field-Grace-Tessa-Afshar/dp/0802410979 The Peasant King: https://tessaafshar.com/books/the-peasant-king/ The Hidden Prince: https://tessaafshar.com/books/the-hidden-prince/ Where to find Tessa Afshar online Website: www.tessaafshar.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar Instagram: @tessaafashar Introducing historical fiction author Tessa Afshar Jenny Wheeler: But now here's Tessa. Hello there, Tessa, and welcome to the show. It's great to have you with us. Tessa Afshar - Fiction in Ancient and Biblical times Tessa Afshar: Jenny, it's an honor to be with you. I'm really looking forward to our time together and I hope that my New Zealand friends will enjoy our conversation, and everybody else around the world who's listening to this podcast. Jenny Wheeler: That's lovely. So you know folk in New Zealand, do you? Tessa Afshar: I don't, it's just one of those gorgeous countries I've always wanted to visit. I've heard so many amazing things about people from New Zealand and what I've seen on TV of your gorgeous country makes me want to come and hang out. Jenny Wheeler: You'd certainly be known here to New Zealand readers because your fiction that you write, the inspirational fiction, both biblically and historically based, is described as “seriously good inspirational fiction.” Tell us about your latest book, which is The Peasant King. That's the one we're going to be discussing today. It is a biblically based story and it goes right back to Babylon in the 6th century BC. A famous period, even to non-believers, that's a famous period in history. Tell us about the background for that book. Babylon and Biblical prophecy Tessa Afshar: Yes, absolutely. I'd be delighted to.

Tessa Afshar joins us for a chat about King Darius of the Bible, writing historical fiction, and her latest release The Peasant King. Don't forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!   

Kids are back in school and football season has begun! Ya'll know how much I love football!We have a great line up for September: Esau McCaulley, Madison Prewett Troutt, Preston Sprinkle, and Phil Vischer. Trust me, you don't want to miss these shows! You already know that we went to one episode a week. We want to give you the absolute best shows we can and we believe this is the best step forward. With that, we will have special bonus series and we are so excited to kick off our first bonus series with you this month. This month's bonus series topic is World Religions with Preston Perry and Doug Groothuis. Both of these shows are so challenging and I hope you enjoy them! Have you joined our book club yet? This month we are reading The Peasant King by my friend Tessa Afshar. This book isn't even released until November but The Happy Hour Book Club gets it THIS MONTH!! It's easy to sign up, click here to join!Happy September Friends! SHOW LINKS:QuarterbackFavored ConferenceCityRise Women's Night of WorshipHappy Hour Book ClubCONNECT WITH JAMIE 

Today we are continuing our conversation about mental health and faith and caring for our hearts with identity coach Ray Leight. Ray and his wife Kathryn lead Faith by Grace, a coaching practice and ministry designed to equip people to do deep inner work to live lives of freedom and joy. Ray shares with me today how the Lord led him into ministry and a passion for identity coaching through his own journey of coping with trauma as well as living with undiagnosed neurodivergence and bipolar two until he was well into adulthood. Ray brings some really fascinating insights into this conversation that brings to the surface some of the points of contention that can confuse Christians about spiritual healing, maturing in faith, and neurological and biological roadblocks that occur genetically or as a result of trauma and life experience. Have you ever had a breakthrough in a struggle and then after time you feel like you go backward? Have you ever questioned God's healing in your life? Do you lack clarity with terms like ‘codependency' or ‘boundaries', but find it confusing about how that might actually apply practically? I'd love to invite you to give this conversation a listen with Holy Spirit-led discernment for your healing journey. His discernment is always available to those who call on Him! And I ALWAYS want to encourage you to pursue His leading in any conversation we have! But I think some of the things we discuss today touch on places we can get tripped up in the church, so I just want to remind us all to have ears to hear and hearts tuned to the One who made us and will bring us to the day of completion.  We are professionals with our  tools we fashion for survival, aren't we? But friends, we have to hand over those tools to the Carpenter who made us by hand and have Him give us new tools, new skills, and new ways of living life. The Lord can and will recalibrate and reset what you have always known and how you have coped.  God's goodness and mercy and hope are always there and are always enough as we walk out this journey. As Ray shared,  “It is not selfish to care for yourself.” In fact, it honors God and makes space for Him to continue doing a work in you. You matter, my friend. Your story matters. Connecting with Ray: Book: Maturing into Yourself  (Other books) Facebook Instagram Twitter Website (and Coaching information) Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. References:  Bipolar 2 ADHD CRU (Campus Crusade)  Life Builders Leanne Payne's Pastoral care model  Bethel Church (Just a quick word of using the Holy Spirit-led discernment here)  Sozo and shabar work (same here) We're all just spiritual beings walking around in earth suits - Well I royally screwed this one up. I merged multiple quotes together and CS Lewis didn't say one of them. Good times. But this was insightful.  On-Site Podcast on Treating Trauma, and the other about Living Centered- (this is the episode I was listening to) - On-site is a REALLY sound resource at the intersection of faith and mental health.  codependency Finding a New Normal The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Bod in the Healing of Trauma- Bessel van der Kolk (this is an incredible resource for understanding how trauma and experiences stored in the body and affects us over time) An example of a study of people believe that they are actually saved or not Also studies of what do people mean when they say they're Christian and how Americans and faith have shifted since the pandemic Example of some stories we've heard on the podcast of spiritual things we may or may not understand Tessa Afshar, Michael Heiser, and Todd Nettleton. “Beloved is where we begin.” Scripture References:  Genesis 3 - Adam and Eve believed the lie and ate the fruit  John 8:42-47- We have an enemy that lies to us  Romans 5, Romans 14:16-19, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6,  2 Timothy 1:7- Kingdom of the world is fear, shame, and guilt. Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit   Deuteronomy 6:4-7,Matthew 22:37-40,Mark 12:30-31,Luke 10:27-We are called to love the Lord our God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength Philippians 1:6- Jesus is working on you until the day of completion  Psalm 51:10-19- Create in me a clean heart oh God John 16:33- In this world you will have trouble  John 10:10- He is the One who gives us life and to the full  Galatians 5:22-23- Fruits of the Spirit  1 Corinthians 12- Gifts of the Spirit  2 Corinthians 5:17- You are a new creation  Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is deceitful above all else Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10- We are given a heart of flesh for our heart of stone Hebrews 10:16, Jeremiah 31:33- Jesus wrote the Law on our hearts Hebrews 10- Jesus fulfilled the Law Matthew 28:19-20- We are called to go and share the Gospel  The Holy Spiri has the power to save  John 17- Jesus talking to God about bringing Him glory in the garden  Ephesians 1, Romans 8:31-39- Your identity is who you are in Christ Matthew 13:31-32-Faith of a mustard seed parable Matthew 7:5-Take the log out of your own eye  Mark 12:30-31- Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself 1 John 4:19- We love because He first loved us Ephesians 3:14-21- How vast God's love is for us Romans 5:8- While we were still sinners (us and all our issues) Christ died for us Colossians 1:24-27-Christ in You the hope of glory Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

“I can’t!” Have you ever said these words to God? You’re not alone. We celebrate Esther’s bravery when she said, “If I perish, I perish” before boldly coming before the king. But that wasn’t her first response to the opportunity to save her people. Tessa Afshar, author & speaker, joins us in this episode to talk about the things in our life that inform our “I can’t” and the beautiful opportunity and great need for us to attach ourselves to God. Dr. Erez Soref, President of One For Israel, also joins us in this episode to share with us powerful ways God is moving in Israel right now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friends I am thrilled to continue our Encounter Series today! This summer we'll be focusing on stories of how a person encountered Christ, how they began living their life for Jesus, and what their life looks like now. Today I have the privilege of sitting down and listening to the transformative power of Jesus in the life of Tessa Afshar. Tessa Afshar is an incredible author who's books have been translated into 11 different languages. Tessa's books have won a number of awards including the Christian Book Award, and she has been on Publishers Weekly and CBA best-selling lists. Tessa is a devoted wife, self proclaiming mediocre gardener, and is passionate about navigating the hard seasons of life with peace and grace. Tessa was born to a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East. In the midst of abandonment trauma and unbelievable heartbreak, God continued to pursue Tessa's heart through dreams and friends. Today you'll hear how God redeemed the broken spaces in Tessa's heart and how she learned the true love of a father.SHOW NOTES:Julie Klassen - Historical Fiction BooksThe Peasant KingWomen Who Risk by Tom Doyle & JoAnn Doyle

Today's podcast review comes from this blog review of The Hidden Prince. 

Are you living a receiving life versus a striving life? Award winning author Tessa Afshar shares from her book "The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings." She talks about the reconciliation work Jesus does for and in us. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Our guest today is Tessa Afshar. She is a gifted storyteller who writes award-winning biblical fiction. Her Persian heritage provides her with keen insights into life in the Middle East and makes her characters come alive. Tessa's personal story is as vivid and heartwarming as her books. We think you'll marvel, as we did, when you hear the amazing way Jesus drew her to Himself.Visit www.tessaafshar.com to find out more about this lovely woman worth knowing. https://tessaafshar.com/books/ https://tessaafshar.com/meet-tessa/

Our guest today is Tessa Afshar. She is a gifted storyteller who writes award-winning biblical fiction. Her Persian heritage provides her with keen insights into life in the Middle East and makes her characters come alive. Tessa's personal story is as vivid and heartwarming as her books. We think you'll marvel, as we did, when you hear the amazing way Jesus drew her to Himself.Visit www.tessaafshar.com to find out more about this lovely woman worth knowing. https://tessaafshar.com/books/ https://tessaafshar.com/meet-tessa/

Ruth is one of the most famous characters in scripture. Her story is one of faithfulness, loyalty, and redemption. Join us for a conversation with Tessa Afshar about the book / character of Ruth and what we can learn from its themes.  Tessa Afshar is the award-winning author of many biblical and inspirational historical fiction books, including Harvest of Gold which won a Christy Award and In the Field of Grace, a biblical fiction on the life of Ruth. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship. She served in women and prayer ministry for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker.  Judges 7 - Ruth 4See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calling all book lovers! If you are a fan of Christian fiction, then chances are, you've heard of best-selling author Tessa Afshar. Guess what?! I recently talked with Tessa and in this new episode, we're discussing her new novel, The Hidden Prince, as well as Tessa's fascinating background. She was born in the Middle East, survived boarding school in England and then moved to the United States and came to Christ in her 20s. During today's conversation, you'll find out about how Tessa writes novels to help you embrace God's love and truth in powerful ways.   RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE tessaafshar.com   ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST Tessa Afshar's book have been translated into 11 languages, and loved by fans around the world. Her novels have been on Publishers Weekly and CBA best-selling lists. Her book, The Way Home, God's Invitation to New Beginnings, is the winner of the Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category. Afshar's biblical and historical novels have won a number of awards including the Christy and INSPY, and been named as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year by Library Journal. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year. She served in women and prayer ministry for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker. She is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an avid lover a chocolate.

We're revisiting responses to the first question Susie asks all her guests, What verse is speaking to you? Including Pamela Nelson, James Merritt, Jim Cymbala, Brent Patrick McDougal, Peter & Carolyn Haas, Charles Martin, Jerry Jenkins, Nicole Unice, Dr. Gary Chapman, Julie Nelson, Destiny Maxwell, Alisa Childers, Tessa Afshar, Abdu Murray, and Dr. Troy Spurrill. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here 

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Tessa Afshar is our very special guest on the podcast this week. She is a brilliant and humble and lovely woman who happens to be a fabulous author of novels set in biblical times. Being of Persian descent, she is uniquely qualified to write this particular novel, The Hidden Prince, which starts out in the household of Daniel during the time of the exile and moves to Media during the course of the story.She shares with us what a particular burden it is to write fiction that contains real-life biblical characters, what research is like for these books, and how she's gotten into cooking and baking ancient recipes - sometimes without a recipe or even the knowledge of what exactly were the ingredients! Please take a listen to this wonderful interview. You'll leave feeling like Tessa's friend.The Hidden Prince by Tessa AfsharFrom the bestselling author of Jewel of the Nile comes the thrilling tale of a woman who feels she has no future but soon discovers the fate of nations may rest in her hands.The beloved daughter of Jewish captives in Babylon, Keren is sold into Daniel's household to help her family survive. She becomes Daniel's most trusted scribe, while taking lessons and swordsmanship training alongside Daniel's sons and their best friend, Jared.But after a tragic accident changes the course of her life, Keren finds herself in a foreign country, charged with a mysterious task: teaching a shepherd boy how to become a lord. When she overhears whispers that hint at his true identity, she realizes she must protect him from the schemes of a bloodthirsty king.Jared cannot forgive Keren. Still, he finds himself traveling over mountains to fetch her back to the safety of home. When he discovers the secret identity of Keren's pupil, Jared knows he must help protect him. Love battles bitterness as they flee from the king's agents, trying to save the boy who could one day deliver their people from captivity.Get your copy of The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar.Meet Tessa:Hospitality holds a special significance for the people of the Middle East.Since that is where I was born, let me take a moment to welcome you properly. I am so glad you are visiting! Grab a cup of something refreshing and sit with me for a minute.Whether writing novels or non-fiction, I try to help my readers internalize these truths.God is invested in redeeming your life. He considers you His treasure and calls you His beloved. His Son, Jesus, is never far from you. He has set His affections on you and desires to heal your heart, forgive your failures, and renew your hope.I write books that try to capture these truths . . . about you, and about God.In my novels, you will find laughter and tears.You may find love stories that capture your imagination. But my dearest hope is that by the last page, you are closer to God, and closer to your true self.In my Bible study and DVD teaching, I try to make room for God to carve these truths deeper into your soul until you grow in your faith. Until you become more of the blessing God designed you to be.If that sounds good, why don't you linger with me a while? I want you to know, I just finished praying for you.Visit Tessa Afshar's website.

Tessa Afshar joins us for a chat about latest release The Hidden Prince. For today's Pinch of the Past, Michelle Griep joins us to share about Victorian methods of transportation. Today's Bookworm Review is The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano.

Stephenia McGee joins us for a chat about her latest release The Secrets of Emberwild. Don't forget to enter to win a copy of this great book! For today's Pinch of the Past, we're looking at how birthdays have been celebrated throughout history. Today's Bookworm Review is bought to you by Beth Bulow. “If you love Biblical fiction full of endearing characters, a tender, hard-won romance, and exciting journeys to distant kingdoms,  The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar is an absolute must read for you.”

Bestselling author Tessa Afshar shares from her book "The Hidden Prince." It's a thrilling tale of a woman who feels she has no future but soon discovers the fate of nations may rest in her hands. Tessa shares some of the story and the context of this period in history.

Do you wish you could start over in some area of your life? Maybe your faith feels stale. God has a vision for your life, and invites you to new things. Author Tessa Afshar shares hope and inspiration from her Bible study, “The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings.” *Originally aired April 14, 2021*

Do you wish you could start over in some area of your life? Maybe your faith feels stale. God has a vision for your life, and invites you to new things. Author Tessa Afshar shares hope and inspiration from her Bible study, “The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings.”  *Originally aired April 14, 2021*

Tessa's back!  Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of biblical and inspirational historical fiction, including Harvest of Rubies, Pearl in the Sand, and Daughter of Rome. She's also written a bible study on the book of Ruth: The Way Home.  Tessa was born and raised Muslim in the Middle East. Her parents divorced when she was 14 and she and her mom moved to the UK and then to the US. In all her time in the UK and US, no one ever shared Jesus with her. So Jesus came looking for her in a dream that has changed her life forever. This is an amazing woman, a great friend of Perry and Shawna Mornings and a story you MUST hear! Please share if this ecourages you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://vimeo.com/640421825

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Jewel of the Nile by Tessa AfsharWhispered secrets about her parents' past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents' tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen's court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline's story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.Get your copy of Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar.Tessa Afshar is the Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of biblical and inspirational historical fiction, including Land of Silence, which won an INSPY Award and was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016, and Harvest of Gold, which won a Christy Award in the Historical Romance category.Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the 2013 ECPA Christian Book Award for fiction.In 2011, after publishing her first novel, Pearl in the Sand, Tessa was named New Author of the Year by the FamilyFiction-sponsored Reader's Choice Awards.Tessa's latest trilogy of biblical fiction, Thief of Corinth, Daughter of Rome, and Jewel of the Nile are based on minor characters from the book of Acts. Daughter of Rome is a finalist for the Carol Award, 2021.Tessa's Bible study, The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth, won the 2021 ECPA Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category. Optional videos of the same title are available with this book. The Way Home was chosen by Moody Radio SFL for their summer of 2020 book study. Tessa Afshar was born in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently.Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was elected as the co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year.She served in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker.Tessa is a devoted wife, an enthusiastic cook, and a mediocre gardener. But that has not cured her from being exceptionally fond of chocolate. Visit Tessa Afshar's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Biblical fiction is very popular among readers right now. I asked for your input about the genre on social media recently, and on this episode, we discuss what you like and what you dislike about it. Below are links and descriptions for some of the books I mention on the program.Seal of the Sand Dweller by Regina RushingA slave rises from a garrison prison to save Egypt, but first, he must save the king.There are things more dangerous than interpreting the dream of a sovereign, like convincing him of corruption among his top officials. Integrity has its price, one Yoseph has already paid at the hands of jealous brothers and his master's wife. On the whim of a king, he is raised to inconceivable heights as second in command of the realm. And with the authority of a king's seal, this time, integrity might cost him everything...even his life.Get your copy of Seal of the Sand Dweller.Lynn Austin Chronicles of the KingsFrom Book 1: Gods and Kings is the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of King David. When his evil father plots to sacrifice him, Hezekiah's mother, Abijah, searches frantically for a way to save him. But only two men can help her, and neither of them seems trustworthy. In a time and place engulfed by violence, treachery, and infidelity to Yahweh, Abijah and her son must discover the one true Source of strength if they are to save themselves and their country. Book 1 of Chronicles of the Kings.Gods and Kings (book 1)Song of Redemption (book 2)The Strength of His Hand (book 3)Faith of My Fathers (book 4)Among the Gods (book 5)Building Benjamin by Barbara M. BrittonLove Grows Where God Grafts the Tender Shoot. Naomi desires to dance well enough to catch the eye of a wealthy landowner. Her father needs a substantial bride price due to the deaths of her brothers at the hands of the tribe of Benjamin. But when Benjamites raid the Ephraimite feast and capture young girls, Naomi is bound and carried from her home by Eliab, a troubled shepherd who needs a wife. As Naomi awaits rescue, she finds Eliab has a strong faith in God and a just reason for abducting her. A reason that affects all the tribes of Israel. The future of the tribe of Benjamin hangs in the balance, but if Naomi follows her heart and stays with Eliab to rebuild his lineage, she must forfeit her family and become a traitor to her own tribe.Get your copy of Building BenjaminOther guests of Christian Historical Fiction Talk: Rahab's Courage by Naomi CraigBetween the Wild Branches by Connilyn CossetteJewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

Today I am chatting with author, speaker, filmmaker, artist, musician, and just an all around renaissance woman, Rebecca Friedlander. During our conversation, Rebecca shares about waiting on the Lord in wilderness seasons and what it looks like to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Lord and then be willing to move when He says “move.” Her latest book The Divine Adventure: Spiritual Practices for a Modern-Day Disciple dives into this, and also looks at what spiritual practices or disciplines even are and how they move us into a place of preparation in order to embrace the divine adventure God has for our life. When we pursue God in an intentional way, we heighten our awareness of the activity of God all around us, and we begin to draw our attention away from working for the approval of people, and instead living from a place of knowing just how loved we are by Him. Rebecca is such a soothing and lovely person, with such a beautiful heart. I hope that you enjoy our conversation and maybe feel intrigued to dive into your own divine adventure. I love how Rebecca points out that we need hope that walking with the Lord is practical in how to meet the genuine needs that exist in our heart. It can be hard, but not because He isn't available to us. He helps us interact with the world around us. And I just want to say, if a relationship with God has a funky taste in your mouth right now due to how some Christians behave, don't bank all your assumptions about who God is based on human behavior. Look to His word. Seek Him out He will make Himself known to you. Ultimately, we all have a desire to live a life that matters, to love well and walk in truth, and Jesus is the hope that anchors all of these things together. If you're looking for ways to figure out what that might look like, we have other episodes in this podcast that speak to how to get started, but I also will say Rebecca's book may be a great place for you to start as well. You can find ways to connect with all those resources in our show notes or over on my blog! By the way, on the other end of the conversation, Rebecca has a masters in Celtic History and she shares with me some of the incredible things she's learned from Early Church history and what can we learn from them, and it's fascinating. Y'all know I love to nerd out!! You guys are going to love Rebecca and I hope this conversation encourages you right where you are today. This journey matters, friend. Don't lose heart. You matter. Your story matters.  Connecting with Rebecca: Instagram Facebook Website YouTube   Today's Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree with Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube   References: Deadwood, TX Her latest book: The Divine Adventure: Spiritual Practices for a Modern-Day Disciple The Bible Recap (book and podcast) with Tara Leigh Cobble  This is the God of covenant (a great resource to see how God made promises in the very beginning He keeps today) “Radical Makeovers” Celebration of Disciplines (the book I mentioned that I studied that was very good, but is definitely was a challenge) The early Celtic saints “Celtic Pilgrimage” “Thin Places” Saint Patrick's story  A thin place  Bryan Litfin (My episode with him) Constantine's conversion The early church's model that appears more catholic  Mass-persecution of Christians  Red Martyrs, Green Martyrs, White Martyrs The sanctity of cemeteries in the Early Church // the Roman catacombs  “Fairies”   Saint Patrick's writings  The early celtic church's prayer book Saint Nicholas' history    Podcast Episodes on where to start with faith. Honestly we talk about this a lot in so many of our episodes, but it's more poignant in these! Episode 2 with Ashley Abercrombie Episode 17 with Hope and Christine of At His Feet Studies Episode 47 with Jessica Hottle Episode 48 with Shari Rigby Episode 50 with Phil Herndon Episode 82 with Tyler Staton Episode 84 with Elizabeth Wyndham Episode 94 with Tessa Afshar   Scripture References: Jeremiah 18- The potter and the clay  Isaiah 40:30-31/Psalm 27:14- Wait on the Lord Exodus 40:36, Acts 1:8-  God is always moving Genesis 1:2- He is the Spirit that hovered over the face of the waters when creating  John 13:23- John the Beloved leaning on the Lord  Hosea 2:14- I will allure to the dessert and speak tenderly to her there Fasting (a big list of verses!)  Spiritual Disciplines (list of verses) John 1:10-13, John 6:40, 1 John 3:1,1 John 4:19,  James 4:8, Revelation 3:20- God wants to be in relationship with us  John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 Peter 3:18-22-  God of the universe gave up everything for us Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:11,Titus 3:3-7,  Romans 6:1-23,  Receive the gift of grace  1 Corinthians 12:27- The body of Christ  Matthew 16:18- The gates of hell will not be able to withstand it John 14:16,  Acts 1-2- When Jesus handed the Spirit out (after His ascension)  Acts 13:4- When the Holy Spirit began to go across the globe 1 Samuel 15:11-35 ICB-Stories of kings or leaders in the old testament allowing idol worship “just in case” (there are SO many, this is just one) Philippians 1:21- To live is Christ and to die is gain  God is who He says He is (a list :)) 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 10:23- The hope we need in Christ  Acts 2  2 Kings 21, 2 Kings 22-23-  (insert name here) king followed the way of the Lord, but his son… etc (SO many kings did this, but here's an example of an evil King, whose son was good) Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today on the podcast we have fiction and non-fiction author, speaker and just incredible woman of deep faith, Tessa Afshar. Tessa grew up in a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East, and after her family's fracturing, she moved to England where she lost her culture, her language, everything she knew and experienced a total identity shift. Then, as a young adult, she found herself broken-hearted, divorced, and confused about what was next for her life. and Jesus met her in a dream and began to woo her to Him. During our conversation Tessa shares her incredible journey with us, as well as where God has led her in her calling, and how He makes Himself known to her even still. Tessa also offers a beautiful and unique perspective on the fracturing in the Church in the west, and especially how it plays out on screens whether that's live news or newsfeeds. No matter what we are seeing, and no matter how we feel, as followers of Jesus, we are not in control of others, but we can control our response to them and to the Savior. Tessa gives a powerful reminder that the measure of the Church is the person behind the scenes that never makes it on the news. Being genuine and honest, carrying out small acts of kindness and faithfulness in Jesus' name will still change the world for the Gospel. These things matter to Him, and it matters to every person you encounter who is desperately looking for a place to be loved and to belong.  Tessa is one of those people that her love of the Word and her love of the Lord can set a fire in your bones, and this conversation today, is a such a time as this moment. If you need a reminder about who Jesus really is, the power, the love, and the peace only He can give, this episode is for you. If you have had things happen, experienced loss or heartbreak  in your life or maybe you're there right now and you need to be reminded of who God is, and how valuable you are to the One who made you, this is an episode for you. I hope this lands on you like a balm to wound because it most certainly did for me. Take heart, friends. You matter, and your story matters.  Connecting with Tessa: Her books Facebook Instagram Twitter Website References: -The 5 tenets of Islam  -Episode of the podcast where we discuss cultural paradigms  -The Qur'an, written only in Arabic -Leo Tolstoy  -Her story based on the book of Ruth, Pearl in the Sand -Jane Austen -Charlotte Bronte  -Kingdom of Kush // Modern day Sudan, south of Egypt -Francine Rivers' and the Lineage of Grace series -Our reading of Ruth and discussion about it on the podcast to celebrate Pentecost -Jesus is the son of David, He is the promised One.  -Tessa's Bible study The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings // Here is a link to the video introduction to it as well -A link to her YouVersion Bible study on Priscilla and Aquila “Cultivating a Forever Faith” Scripture References: Job 11:7-9, Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 40:28- God has no limit  Luke 1:37- Nothing is impossible with God Matthew 19:26- Everything will be possible with God  Romans 8:1,Psalm 103:12- Shame is not of the Lord  Hebrews 12:2-, 1 John 3:1, John 15:13-  Romantic love is not the love that saves you  Isaiah 53:2- Jesus' appearance was unremarkable Matthew 16- Jesus is not who people thought He should be Romans 4:21, Hebrews 10:23,  more here - Whatever He promised He meant to keep Matthew 4:19, John 12:26- Follow me John 14:27- A peace only Jesus gives  Romans 6:23, 1 Peter 2:24- We can't pay the price for our sin Psalm 119:11- Have the word hidden in your heart  Acts 2:42-47- Being the Church: living open hearted, proclaiming who He is  1 Peter 4:8-9- Hospitality from the Church Ephesians 6:18, James 5:13-20, Philippians 1:3-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18-  Prayers from the saints  Nehemiah 8:10- Let the joy of the Lord be your strength Isaiah 14:27- Nothing can stop the Lord Matthew 16:18- Nothing can stand against the Church Matthew 5:16- Let your light shine before men Romans 5:5-11- Your hope will not be put to shame Psalm 71:14, Romans 8:31-39- There is a hope that brings life Psalm 33:18-22- An act of obedience  Joshua 2- Rahab living in the wall  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24- He prepares you for your calling  Philippians 4:11-13- Contentment in every circumstance  Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31- Wait on the Lord  I am who God says I am Colossians 2:6-23- The fullness of life in Christ Revelation 21:4- Only in Heaven is there only love and no more tears  John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 4:8-12, Hebrews 10:23- You will have trouble and storms, but there is hope Jeremiah 29:11- There is a tomorrow and a restoration Matthew 1:1-16- Christ's lineage The book of Judges The book of Ruth starts with a famine, but the last word is the name David. That person is an answer to the famine, John 6:35- Jesus is the bread of life Philippians 1:6- This is not how the story ends, God is not finished Acts 18:2-11, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19- Priscilla and Aquila 2 Chronicles 20:12- We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you.  Psalm 112:7- // AMP translation I used- He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast trusting the Lord  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

My kids went from praying every night the baby growing inside would stay alive to praying that we wouldn't die. I wrestled with my feelings dealing with my second baby boy dying in 6 months. There have been lots of feelings in my house. We have talked about prayer with our kids and how God does not always answer how we want Him to BUT He still hears and He walks gently with us through the painful answers.Scripture:Psalm 56:8People/Books/Author Mentioned (simply because I like them):Amy Carmichael"Hinds Feet On High Places" by Hannah Hurnard"Jewel of the Nile" by Tessa AfsharMusic: It Is Well With My SoulLyricist: Spafford, H.G. / Arranger: Bliss, P.P.Public Domain, played by Paul Most

Episode 93 - Stephanie welcomes Tessa Afshar, bestselling author of historical and biblical fiction. Tessa grew up in Iran in a nominally Muslim family before emigrating to the UK. She became a Christian in her twenties, and it has dramatically affected her life's focus. She had a dream about Christ, and she says, "I am one of the only persons in the universe to ever say that my first reaction to Christ was... disappointment"! But then she saw His eyes and she discovered "unbroken love." Tessa writes biblical fiction to draw us deep into the reality of life over the 2,000+ years covered in Scripture. In other words, she does through fiction what the Gospel Spice podcast does through teaching: giving us a fresh perspective to help us fall in love with God more! Tessa and Stephanie discuss her conversion story, and the importance of seeing ourselves through God's eyes.   If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Check out the first episode of each season: The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/ The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/ The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/ The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/   IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE: SUMMER 2021 EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT Go to gospelspice.com/identity to register for FREE for exclusive bonus content to experience our upcoming summer series, IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE, at a whole new level.    DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODE If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! There are 3 easy ways to do that: PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/ PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforward PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with! Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year.  Go to gospel-spice.com (with a "dash"!) to join the Gospel Spice Podcast community and interact with us! Contact us on the website or at contact@gospelspice.com to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you.   GOSPEL SPICE GIVEAWAY! Tessa is giving away a copy of her phenomenal Bible Study, The Way Home: God's invitation to new beginnings. Go to Gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win! The winner will be announced on the same page next week. ------------ Tessa Afshar is the best-selling author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novels have won a number of awards, including the Christy and the INSPY. She recently released her first bible study and DVD called The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth. Tessa was born to a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls, before immigrating to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of Tessa's life forever. She holds a master of divinity from Yale University, where she was elected to serve as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year. After working in women's ministry for twenty years, Tessa now works as a full-time writer. Tessa and her husband live in New England where they proudly tend their small, mediocre garden. Visit her online at TessaAfshar.com. Make sure to order her latest AMAZING novel, Jewel of the Nile, by clicking here. (released June 1, 2021) Her Bible Study, wich we discussed on the show, is also available by clicking here. You will find Tessa on Facebook and on Instagram. Support us!

Join us for a chat with historical biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar as she talks about her latest release. Pinch of the Past …We enjoy the history of Cinderella, from its beginnings in Ancient Greece to China and finally the Disney version. Bookworm Review: Roseanna M. White's Dreams of Savannah.

Do you wish you could start over in some area of your life? Maybe your faith feels stale. God has a vision for your life, and invites you to new things. Author Tessa Afshar shares hope and inspiration from her Bible study, "The Way Home: God's Invitation to New Beginnings."

Tessa Afshar and Susie discuss Tessa's book Daughter of Rome. With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, giving an imaged backstory to Aquila and Priscilla.

Award-winning authors Tessa Afshar (CT) and Heidi Chiavaroli (MA) discuss the biblical and historical background for their latest books Daughter of Rome (Afshar) and The Tea Chest (Chiavaroli). Each shares their thoughts on the value of Christian fiction for evangelism and the Christian life, along with encouragement for the Bright Lights community as they contend for the faith and invest intentionally in their relationships with God and others.   Connect With Tessa Afshar! www.tessaafshar.com Connect With Heidi Chiavaroli! www.heidichiavaroli.com   Books mentioned in the podcast: Daughter of Rome By Tessa Afshar Now Available! Order here! The Tea Chest By Heidi Chiavaroli Now Available! Order Here! Harvest of Gold By Tessa Afshar Freedom's Ring By Heidi Chiavaroli Pearl In The Sand By Tessa Afshar   www.morningstarbookstore.com

In a special series of short bonus interviews with Northwestern Christian Writers Conference faculty members, author Tessa Afshar shares important lessons learned through perseverance in her writing career.

Tessa Afshar Writes in Search of Sacred Romance by Christianity Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices