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Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Writing and Ministry Together, Week 5 by Patti Greene

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Welcome to my NEW Blog Series: Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Writing and Ministry Together, Week 5

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

About the Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.

Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:

Week 1 – Our Connection and Story greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-week-1/

Week 2 – Early Life and Faith greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-conversations-with-glory-early-life-and-faithweek-2/

Week 3 – Journey and Calling Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Journey and Calling, Week 3 by Patti Greene | Greene Pastures by Patti Londa Greene

Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry https://greenepastures.org/singleness-and-ministry/

Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together – THIS WEEK

6 – Reflection and Encouragement – Be Encouraged: You’re Not Walking Alone

Week 7 – Friendship and Connection – Enjoy Christ-Centered Friendships

Flowers – Thinkstock

Writing and Ministry Together

Q. What inspires your writing the most?

A. What inspires my writing the most is the word of God. I love the word of God. I can spend forever in it. I never get enough of it. That’s the key thing that inspires my writing, because I take it in, I meditate on it, and I think about how to apply it in my life.

The second thing that inspires my writing is my walk with God. As I take in His word and walk it out, it becomes an adventure. My writing comes from the things I learn and the things I draw from walking with Him. I’m practicing His word and watching it work in my life, and I’m also walking with the people God brings into my life and seeing how His word works in their lives.

Those are the things that inspire my writing.

Word of God

Q. How does Scripture and personal experience shape your voice as a writer?

A. My writing is primarily shaped by the word of God and my experience of walking with God. Most of what I write comes from what I draw from Scripture—what I learn as I sit with the Holy Spirit and He opens my eyes to the word. He connects the Scriptures to my walk and to my experiences.

One thing I work hard on is not making my experience a standard for anyone else, because I know that’s not how God works. I also know that God uses His word to shape our walk, so I am learning from the word of God, and I am learning to walk the word of God, talk the word of God, and share that word by the way I live.

The people God brings into my life get to witness how the word of God works and produces fruit in the lives of those who believe. The word of God is the primary motivation for my writing, and aligning my walk with His truth helps confirm how His word works.

Fruit Basket
Fruit Basket

Q. What message do you feel God is asking you to share in this season?

A. Considering the season I am in and what God is doing in my life right now, I’m learning to see Him as the God who rescues people from troubles that they cannot get themselves out of, who redeems them from the ravages of the situations they’ve lived through, and who restores what was lost in the fire of affliction. These are the three messages God is working in my life currently, and I am seeing them and experiencing them.

I’m experiencing God rescue me. I’m experiencing God redeem me. And I’m sitting in the place where I am watching and seeing how God is doing this work of restoration in my own life. That’s what God is doing right now, and that’s the message—because, like my writing, I speak from my walk with God unless He specifically directs me to speak into something else. Most of the time, I draw from how He is revealing Himself as I walk in His word in my life and in my circumstances.

So right now, I am experiencing God as the One who rescues, the One who redeems, and the One who restores.

Q. How do you hope your writing will minister to others?

A. I am hopeful that my writing will minister to those who want to see God walking with them through their day‑to‑day experiences. I want it to reach those who long to encounter God in the places and ways I have encountered His power—to deliver, to help, to teach, to enlighten, and to heal.

I drink from the well of God through His word and through my life experiences, and I share what He has taught me and is still teaching me. I hope that people who are going through similar situations will find hope and encouragement through my writing and preaching, knowing they are not alone. When God says, “I will deliver,” He is fully able to do exactly that.

If people can see that He has done it in my life, maybe it will help them believe and hold on in those difficult and dark moments, knowing that God honors His word—not just to me, but to everyone who believes and waits for Him.

Praising God

FACT by Patti

During the years I’ve known Glory, one thing has never changed: the “word” is always on her mind. I’m not exaggerating. I counted how many times she answered my questions using the word “word” above. It was eighteen. Eighteen! And honestly, that didn’t surprise me at all. She LOVES God’s word—the Bible. It’s practically her native language. And her multiple books prove that. Yes, most are on Amazon.

Glory and I met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and we bonded immediately. One of the first things she shared with me was her poetry. I offered to help edit her poetry, not realizing I was about to enter a whole new world. You see, I’ve never been a big poetry person—but I didn’t tell her that. Then came the moment I sat down with her poems. Oh my. After going through a multitude—and I mean a multitude—of poems, I started to understand how Glory thinks, how she writes, and how deeply she listens to God. Somewhere between poem number twenty and poem number “I’ve lost count,” I realized she wasn’t just a good writer. She was a gifted one.

Glory and Patti, 2019

Over time, we’ve helped each other with our writing. But the funniest season was when I wrote three Bible Word Search Puzzle books. I had a program that created the puzzles using words I found in the New Testament. The problem? The program didn’t weed out bad words. Yes, you read that right. Bad words. In a Christian word search puzzle. So before publishing, I had to go through EVERY puzzle and hunt for anything inappropriate.

Naturally, I called on Glory. There aren’t too many friends one feels comfortable saying, “Hey, can you look for bad words in my book?”

At first, I asked her to look for twenty bad words. Then I narrowed it down to the worst five. That’s the kind of friend she is—she will sit with you, laugh with you, pray with you, and help you make sure your Bible puzzles don’t accidentally turn into something you’d have to repent for.

We help each other do good works, and we have fun doing it. And honestly, if you’ve ever wondered whether Christian word search authors go buggy searching for bad words—yes, we do. And Glory helped. She always helps. And her writing shows that same heart: steady, faithful, thoughtful, and full of God’s truth.

Bible Verse: “My heart is overflowing with a good theme… my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45:1

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, thank you for friends who encourage, love, and help us with our needs, whether big or small. Let us love your word so much that it is always on our mind, guiding us how to live, write, or whatever we do. Let us see You as the One who rescues,  redeems, and restores us, as we follow You in our lives. Amen.

Next Week: Reflection and Encouragement

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#WordofGod #ChristianMinistry #God #Writing #WritingBooks #WalkingWithGod #Scripture #TheWord #TwoPathsOneSavior #Inspiration #ChristianBlog #GreenePastures.org #Glory #PattiGreene #ConversationswithGlory #Nigeria

Flowers – Thinkstock

Books by Patti Greene

Coming Soon: Luke 2: The Christmas Story: Discover the Birth of Jesus in Scripture

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God ISBN: 979-8284335017 

Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer ISBN 978-1512760453

Bible Word Search Puzzles: The Gospels ISBN 979-8218070465

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Acts and Epistles ISBN 979-8218092696

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Epistles and Revelation ISBN 979-8363612046

Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending ISBN 978-0692115381

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal ISBN 978-1490893181

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Prayer and Bible Study ISBN 978-1490893174

 
Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Nigeria, Patti Greene, Salvation, Writing and Speaking

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Early Life and Faith, Week 2 by Patti Greene

Welcome to my NEW Blog Series Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

About the Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.

Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:

Week 1 – Our Connection and Story                  greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-week-1/

• Week 2 – Early Life and Faith – This Blog
• Week 3 – Journey and Calling
• Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry
• Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together
• Week 6 – Reflection and Encouragement
• Week 7 – Friendship and Connection

EARLY LIFE AND FAITH,  Week 2

Q. What was your childhood like, and how did it shape your walk with the Lord?
 
A. My childhood was very interesting and very adventurous. One of the things that shaped my childhood, as well as my religion, is that my dad, growing up, was my best friend. I was very close to him, and after I gave my life to Jesus, coming from a Catholic family, my family did not accept it. When I would not give up my faith, I was disowned by my family. This hurt my relationship with my dad and my heart, so I turned all of that attention and affection that I once shared with my dad to God. That is how I understood the father-child relationship with God, because I had grown up with my father. I never struggled to see God as my father, and it shaped my faith and my walk with God.
 
 
Q. When did you first sense God drawing your heart toward Christ?
 
A. I think I always sensed God calling me to leave everything for him and serve him. I think I always knew that I would serve God with all that I am and all that I have for as long as I live, so it’s something I’ve always known from the time I gave my life to Jesus.
 
Q. Who were the people who most influenced your faith growing up?
 
A. One person who had the greatest influence on my life and my faith in those early days was a guy called Jonathan. We were in the same fellowship, and he had such an infectious love for God that he would read the Bible every day, going from class to class, preaching the gospel, and singing at the top of his voice, telling everybody about his love for Jesus. I just loved the way he loved God, and we became very close friends. So he had the greatest influence in my life because I remember at some point some of my friends in fellowship said, “You remind us of Jonathan,” I always loved to sing and was always singing.”
 
And, I was always with my Bible, and I would go around preaching the word of God in all my classes. Yeah, the greatest influence in my early Christian life was Jonathan.
Fact:

Ever since the day Glory stepped into my life—thirteen years ago now—I’ve watched her walk with a faith that never wavers. I’ve seen it in quiet moments, in hard seasons, and in the way she speaks about Jesus with such natural joy. Her faith strengthens mine. Her courage encourages me. And she remains one of the truest examples I know of someone who loves to share Christ with the world.

Friendship Fun in Central Texas, 2019

Bible Verse: 

“Be steady, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”   1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)

Next Week: Journey and Calling

Feel free to repost, forward, or save. And please subscribe to GreenePastures.org to receive blogs by Patti Greene.

#Childhood #EarlyLife #Nigeria #Lagos #ChristianJourney

———-

Books by Patti Greene

Coming Soon: Luke 2: The Christmas Story: Discover the Birth of Jesus in Scripture

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God ISBN: 979-8284335017 

Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer ISBN 978-1512760453

Bible Word Search Puzzles: The Gospels ISBN 979-8218070465

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Acts and Epistles ISBN 979-8218092696

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Epistles and Revelation ISBN 979-8363612046

Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending ISBN 978-0692115381

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal ISBN 978-1490893181

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Prayer and Bible Study ISBN 978-1490893174

Bible Review, Bible Study, Concordance, Core Topics, Doctrine, Faith, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Jesus Christ, King James Version, KJV, New Testament, Note-taking Space, Old Testament, Patti Greene, Spiritual Growth, The Bible, Thomas Nelson, Topic-by-Topic Notes, Uncategorized

Bible Review: Color Code Study Bible (KJV) by Patti Greene

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

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Personal Review: KJV Color Code Study Bible by Patti Greene

I recently received the King James Version Color Code Study Bible and want to share my appreciation and main observations.

KJV Color Code Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2026.

ISBN: 9781400350988

First Impressions: Lovely At First Look

When this almost 2,000-page leather soft, red-letter Bible arrived, I thought, “What a beautiful Bible.” The rich purple cover with its elegant indentation makes it feel special—an excellent, memorable gift. Its design appeals to gift-givers, collectors, and anyone who values thoughtful presentation. This is a Bible worth treasuring or sharing. The white satin ribbon marker is beautiful and practical.

Color Code Study Bible Features

Depth and Richness: Great for Learning More

I was impressed by the substantial commentary, notes, and archaeological insights, which are clearly for those desiring more than a casual understanding of God’s Word. One of my favorite features is how charts are placed throughout the Bible. This makes a noticeable difference when studying, keeping the reader engaged without always having to flip pages to find answers.

Visual Impact: Very Well Designed

The visual elements are excellent. Over 270 photos provide context and richness. Thomas Nelson excelled here.

Color Code Study Bible Map

Study Tools: Extremely Useful

As a Bible teacher, I appreciated these study helps:

  • Book introductions and summaries
  • “How to study” guidance for each book
  • Footnotes that clarify meaning and context
  • Topic-based articles (obedience, suffering, God’s will, and more)

The way additional insight is woven directly into the text—such as explanations of locations or historical references—is incredibly helpful and meaningful.

Nothing better than reading the Bible while in a massage chair!

Organization: Designed With the Reader in Mind

The layout and structure make this Bible easy to navigate:

  • A helpful table of contents
  • A topical index with page numbers
  • Cut-out tabs for quickly locating books (thumb-indexing)
  • A Scripture index highlighted with colors to link to major topics in the Bible. They consist of the following.
  1. Purple – God the Father
  2. Blue – God the Son
  3. Gold – God the Holy Spirit
  4. Red – Salvation
  5. Green – Sanctification
  6. Gray – Sin and Temptation
  7. Orange – Last things
Color Code Study Bible

These features show purposeful planning and a desire to truly serve the reader.

Practical Use: Perfect For Those Who “Engage” With Their Bible

I also appreciate the wider 1.25” margins, which allow for making notes—something I value personally and as a teacher. The inclusion of character profiles, prayers, a concordance, and a weights-and-measures section adds even more depth.

Color Coding: A Creative Idea with Some Challenges

I want to share my thoughts on the color-coding system, as this was of particular interest to me.

My husband is colorblind, specifically with red, green, and brown tones, so I evaluated the color-coding system from that perspective. While color-coding is creative and has potential, in practice, several colors—particularly red (which looks pink), gold (which looks yellow), green, and orange—are difficult to distinguish for those with color vision problems. The colors often blend or appear muted due to their similar tones and low contrast. This reduces the intended usefulness for colorblind readers.

Various Kinds of Colorblindness by color-blindness.com

A Suggestion from Personal Experience

Based on what works well for my husband, using stronger, higher-contrast colors would greatly improve accessibility. Bold tones are much easier to distinguish than soft pastels; however, this might not be advisable because dark colors may show through on the pages. But these colors would work for many colorblind folks.

  • Dark blue
  • Deep purple
  • Black
  • Bold tones (rather than soft pastels) tend to be much easier to distinguish.

How I See It as A Teacher

As a Bible teacher for ladies ages 40-90, I try to be mindful of the needs of those I teach, including those with visual challenges and those in an aging population. Because of this, I would likely not use or recommend this Bible as a primary teaching resource in a group setting. Relying on subtle color distinctions could make it difficult for some to fully engage. However, I would absolutely recommend it to individuals with strong eyesight who enjoy a visual, color-based approach to study. For them, this Bible can be a very enriching resource for study.

Color Code Study Bible Scripture Links Per Color

Additional Considerations

A couple of smaller points I wanted to note:

  • The print, while described as large, felt somewhat small to me.
  • The Bible is a bit heavy, which may be a consideration for some users.
  • A New King James Version of this Bible with the same study notes would be very welcome, as many younger Bible readers prefer versions other than the King James Version.

Closing Thoughts

The Color Code Study Bible is engaging and meaningful, but it is not for everyone.

Book Review, Church and Ministry, Devotionals, Faith, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, Jesus Christ, Leadership, Missions and Evangelism, Most Recent Post, Obedience, Oswald Chambers, Pastoral Care, Patti Greene, Salvation, Writing and Speaking

Book Review: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more. Please, don’t miss the video link below – All about OSWALD CHAMBERS and a life dedicated to His Lord.

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The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers is a large book—over 1,400 pages—and it contains all of Chambers’ published writings and many of the messages he delivered during his life. The collection was compiled after his death by his wife, who had taken careful notes on almost everything he taught. Because of her work, we can read his words today.

Oswald Chambers was born in 1874 in Aberdeen, Scotland, the youngest son of a Baptist minister. When he was a teenager, his family moved to London, and he soon publicly professed his faith in Christ and joined Rye Lane Baptist Church. Over the years, he served as a pastor, a traveling speaker, and a representative of the League of Prayer. Later, he became the principal and main teacher at the Bible Training College in Clapham, London.

During his lifetime, he published only three books. He died in 1917 at the age of forty‑three and was not well known at the time. But after his death, his wife gathered the notes she had taken during their seven years of marriage and shaped them into many books. From those notes came My Utmost for His Highest, a devotional that has been translated into more than twenty‑five languages.

My Utmost for His Highest is a book of 365 daily readings. Many of the entries come from his lectures at the Bible Training College. Sometimes a single sentence can sound sharp or surprising when read alone, but when the rest of the paragraph or work is read, its meaning becomes clear.

For this blog, one sentence from each month of the devotional will be shared. These small pieces are simply what stood out along the way. They are offered to anyone curious about Oswald Chambers, his life, or the heart behind his teaching.

January: “[God] expounds things to use as we can understand them.”

February: “We show how little we love God by preferring to listen… to personal testimonies, but we do not desire that God should speak to us.”

March: “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.”

April: “Character determines how a man interprets God’s will.”

May: “The purpose of God is not to answer our prayers, but by our prayers, we come to discern the mind of God.”

June: “If you are recognizing your Lord, you have no business with where he engineers your circumstances.”

July: “The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience.”

August: “It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him.”

September: “God does not ask us to do the things that are easy to us naturally. He only asked us to do things we are perfectly fitted to do by His grace, and the cross will come along that line always.”

October: “It is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify; is it my will?”

November: “God never gives us discernment in order that we may [criticize], but that we may intercede.”

December: “We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful discourses.”

———-

Bible Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Source: Chambers, Oswald. The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers. Grand Rapids: Our Daily Bread, 2000. 738, 749, 761, 774, 783, 792, 805, 817, 827, 835, 848, 857.

greenenpastures.org

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Unstoppable by Patti Greene; Available on Amazon or through Ingram Distributors
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Bible Encouragements by Patti Greene

If you are receiving this blog through email, click on the title of the post to see the best version.

————

Sometimes we need a little reminder. A small truth. A bit of hope. A simple word from the Bible that meets us right where we are. God’s Word is full of these treasures—short, strong promises that lift our hearts and help us keep going.

These are verses to think about as we step into the new year. They’re a great place to start, but they’re not the whole story. God didn’t give us only a few books of the Bible to read. He gave us all of Scripture so we could learn from every part of it—Genesis to Revelation. If you haven’t read the whole Bible yet, this is a wonderful year to begin. God will meet you in every chapter.

————

Old Testament Encouragements, Paraphrased

The Old Testament

Genesis 1:31
God delights in what He creates.

Exodus 14:14
The Lord fights for you; rest in Him.

Leviticus 26:12
God walks with His people.

Numbers 6:24
The Lord blesses and keeps you.

Deuteronomy 31:6
God goes with you and never leaves you.

Joshua 1:9
Be strong—God is right beside you.

Judges 6:12
The Lord calls you courageous.

Ruth 2:12
God rewards those who seek refuge in Him.

1 Samuel 12:22
God will not abandon His people.

2 Samuel 22:31
God’s way is perfect and trustworthy.

1 Kings 8:57
The Lord stays with us and never forsakes us.

2 Kings 20:5
God hears your prayers and sees your tears.

1 Chronicles 16:34
God’s love never ends.

2 Chronicles 16:9
God strengthens those who rely on Him.

Ezra 8:22
God’s hand is on those who seek Him.

Nehemiah 8:10
The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Esther 4:14
You are here for a God-given purpose.

Job 19:25
Your Redeemer lives and stands for you.

Psalm 46:1
God is your refuge and ever-present help.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust the Lord with your whole heart.

Ecclesiastes 3:11
God makes everything beautiful in its time.

Song of Solomon 2:4
His banner over you is love.

Isaiah 41:10
God strengthens, helps, and upholds you.

Jeremiah 29:11
God has good plans for your future.

Lamentations 3:23
God’s mercies are new every morning.

Ezekiel 36:26
God gives you a new heart and spirit.

Daniel 12:3
Those who lead others to God shine brightly.

Hosea 6:3
God’s coming is as sure as the dawn.

Joel 2:32
Everyone who calls on the Lord is saved.

Amos 5:24
Let justice and righteousness flow like a river.

Obadiah 1:17
On God’s mountain, there is deliverance.

Jonah 2:2
God hears you from the depths.

Micah 6:8
Walk humbly with your God.

Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good and a refuge in trouble.

Habakkuk 3:19
God makes you sure-footed and strong.

Zephaniah 3:17
God rejoices over you with singing.

Haggai 2:4
Be strong—God is with you.

Zechariah 4:6
Not by might, but by God’s Spirit.

Malachi 4:2
The Sun of Righteousness rises with healing.

New Testament Encouragements, Paraphrased

The New Testament

Matthew 11:28
Jesus gives rest to the weary.

Mark 10:27
With God, all things are possible.

Luke 1:37
Nothing is impossible with God.

John 10:10
Jesus gives abundant life.

Acts 1:8
You receive power from the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:28
God works all things for good.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Your work for the Lord is never wasted.

2 Corinthians 12:9
God’s grace is enough for you.

Galatians 5:1
Christ sets you free.

Ephesians 3:20
God does more than you can imagine.

Philippians 4:13
You can endure all things through Christ.

Colossians 1:11
God strengthens you with His power.

1 Thessalonians 5:24
God is faithful and will do it.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord protects and strengthens you.

1 Timothy 1:14
Grace overflows through Christ.

2 Timothy 1:7
God gives power, love, and a sound mind.

Titus 3:7
You are heirs of eternal hope.

Philemon 1:6
Your faith becomes powerful as you share it.

Hebrews 13:5
God will never leave or forsake you.

James 1:5
God gives wisdom generously.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast your cares on Him—He cares for you.

2 Peter 1:3
God gives everything needed for godly living.

1 John 4:4
He who is in you is greater.

2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy, and peace are yours in truth.

3 John 1:2
God desires your well-being and health.

Jude 1:24
God keeps you from falling.

Revelation 21:4
God will wipe away every tear.

Bible Verse:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT.

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Add Some of His Spirit to the Season! By Patti Greene

Dear friends,

I’m grateful for the chance to share the books the Lord has placed on my heart. Each one was written to encourage you in different seasons of life — whether through prayer journals, Bible word search puzzles, caregiving insights, or reflections on living faithfully day by day.

Patti and John (Husband) in Lagos, Nigeria, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    

                                          My newest book . . . 

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, is a reminder that our walk with Him is steady and strong, even when challenges arise.

TO ENLARGE THE PHOTOS, CLICK ON EACH ONE TO READ MORE ABOUT EACH BOOK OR BOOK SET.

Unstoppable : Go the Distance with God by Patti Greene

As you prepare your Christmas gift lists this year, consider adding something that nourishes the soul. These books can be a meaningful way to bless loved ones with encouragement, joy in study, and tools to grow deeper in the Lord.

Your support allows this ministry to continue the Lord’s work.

May your season be filled with His peace and presence. Merry Christmas.

With gratitude,

2 Corinthians 9:15

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Book Review: Alexander Maclaren Study Bible by Patti Greene

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

As a Bible reviewer for Thomas Nelson, I received the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible  (New King James Version® – NKJV), and I am excited to share my honest thoughts with you.

********************

BLUE COVER – JUST RELEASED!

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible

Beautiful Beginnings – First Impressions

As soon as I slid the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible out of its boxed sleeve, its beauty drew me in. It felt warm and welcoming—the kind of Bible that seems to say, “Pick me up.” While I don’t usually compare Bibles to furniture, this one reminds me of something comparable to the elegance of Ethan Allen furniture: elegant, eye-catching, and a little more expensive than most.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible – Cover

Beauty in the Basics – Basic Facts

  • Translation: New King James Version®
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
  • ISBN: 978-1-4003-3595-4
  • Font: NKJV Comfort Print®
  • Typeset: Modeled after Scottish Roman type (1808–1813)
  • Extras: Blue satin ribbon and thumb indexing
  • Copyright: 2025

Elegant Exterior – Spine & Front Cover Decor

The sky blue “leathersoft” cover features graceful gold accents on the spine, front, and back. A script “M” for Maclaren appears on the spine, along with the Bible’s title and NKJV imprint. Both covers display a matching floral pattern that continues onto the page edges when closed. This edition feels especially fitting for women—a thoughtful gift for someone dear.

Treasures Within – Contents and Interior Design

The front pages offer a preface to the NKJV, a list of Bible books, abbreviations, and an introduction to Alexander Maclaren, known as “the Prince of Expositors.” In the back pages, you’ll find a bibliography, a four-page index of features (Christ connections, life applications, and outlines), seven maps, and a 388-page concordance. Yes, you heard me right – 388 pages! Wow.

The 388-page Concordance

Inside, the layout is both practical and beautiful. Blue boxes highlight Scripture with a cross symbol, while decorative frames hold life applications. “Triumphant Prayers” appear throughout. The two-column format includes reference verses between columns and footnotes at the bottom of select pages. The blue satin ribbon adds a graceful touch.

Radiant Purpose – What Makes This Bible Special

This Bible stands out for its look, feel, and thoughtful design. One feature I haven’t seen elsewhere is how it includes highlights of Christ in both the Old and New Testaments—a meaningful detail that deepens its impact.

The Alexander Maclaren’s Study Bible – Interior

Designed for Hearts – Who Is This Bible Written For

This Bible would bless a wide range of readers—from seekers, new believers, to seasoned followers. Its gentle tone and thoughtful features make it an excellent companion for anyone seeking deeper faith. But, due to the cover, I would say, especially for women! There are previously published works for men, as well.

Unique Beauty – What Sets This Bible Apart

This Bible makes me smile. It feels like it’s whispering, “Lift me up and read me.” I can visualize it on coffee tables and office desks, luring folks to pick it up to read it. The seven maps in the back are clear and easy to follow, especially Paul’s journey to Rome, which many Bibles leave out. The color coordination from cover to content is stunning. The concordance is thorough, and the biography of Alexander Maclaren adds depth. When I first opened it, I wondered, “Who exactly is Maclaren?” After reading about his life and ministry, I now want to explore his sermons. FYI, Maclaren was elected president of the Baptist Union in 1875 and “preached with a power that rivaled Charles Spurgeon.”

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible

Graceful Adjustments – If I Could Tweak

If I could adjust a few things, I’d widen the margins to give note-takers more space. I’d also redesign the sleeve to reflect better the Bible’s beauty—right now, it doesn’t do it justice. In a bookstore, I might overlook it and miss out. Lastly, I’d shrink the cover design slightly to allow room for personal imprints, which isn’t possible with this design.

Lasting Impressions – Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, this Bible is worth considering. It’s a study Bible, so it’s a bit heavier—but it’s full of treasures. I’ll definitely be using the concordance often. I absolutely love this Bible and wholeheartedly recommend it—for a friend or for yourself.

“The gospel is not speculation but fact. It is truth, because it is the record of a person who is the Truth.” ~ Alexander MacLaren

Source: TOP 25 QUOTES BY ALEXANDER MACLAREN (of 121) | A-Z Quotes

Leathersoft is trademarked. TM.

Feel free to comment, forward, and/or share this post.

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THE WAIT IS OVER! My new book, Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God is now available !

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God by Patti Greene

AVAILABLE NOW: PB ISBN-13: 9798284335017; On Amazon!

To order, click here!

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

———-

THE WAIT IS OVER! My new book, Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, is now available. Ready to inspire, strengthen, and encourage you to pursue God’s path with unwavering faith.  And as proof that miracles still happen, my “desk” is finally clear–turns out writing a book creates more clutter than ever imaginable. 

But what you see below is a very messy table, with stacks of books and Bibles that filled every nook and cranny of my dining room as this book was being produced!

My work “desk” during a neat phase!

Unstoppable is officially LIVE and ready to jump off the shelves! You can grab it on Amazon or order it at your favorite local bookstore. But before I get into the wild ride that was my writing and publishing journey, let me tell you what’s inside.

This book began as a love letter to my children, a way for them to hear my voice long after I’m gone. But somewhere along the way, I realized it wasn’t just for them. It was for every believer, every seeker, every soul longing to know God more. The words are mine. Every thought, every bit of wisdom comes from a journey with the Lord. And I hope that as you read, you hear my voice—not just in ink, but in your heart. It is a book about the Bible, Prayer, Christian Living, Leadership, and Crises.

The Writing Process

Writing a book should come with a survival guide. Between editing, formatting, and proofing (more than one hundred times), I learned that endnotes and bibliographies were designed to evaluate human patience. My dining room transformed into a battlefield of books, sticky notes, and a laptop that looked like it had survived a war. In an attempt to feel like I was in control of something, I started frequenting the nail salon. If nothing else, the salon became a form of stress relief to me.

And then there were the technical nightmares—the formatting jargon no one warns you about. Acrobat, DPI, cropping, templates, first-line indents, hyperlinks, marketing strategies, and the dreaded Kindle Previewer. I wrestled with Smashwords, preorders, reflowable text, TOC (which I now believe stands for “Totally Overwhelming Chaos”), citations, quotation marks, italics, and hyphens. Every minor detail became a new mountain to climb. Somewhere between resizing eBook files and debating whether “almighty” should be capitalized or not, I pondered every life instance, from toddlerhood to now, that the Lord allowed me to until this moment. And yes, He prepared me.

What God Taught Me Through the Process

But in all the challenges, God was working on me. He taught me patience, the importance of time management (because writing at 2 a.m. is not sustainable), and the power of prayer (especially when my manuscript almost disappeared into the abyss). I learned about His glory and honor, self-control, thankfulness, and stick-to-itiveness. Quitting was never an option. The Lord reminded me that persistence matters, that gratitude changes everything, and that friends, faith, and a sound support system are essential.

The Publishing Process

Ah, publishing—the part where a writer either gets an agent or slowly realizes that the industry now requires social media influence and more friends than you have. After six months of rejections and feedback that I wasn’t quite “popular enough,” I did what any stubborn writer would do—I self-published. Again.

This final process was chaotic, exhausting, but God nudged me forward, whispering that this book mattered. And when God nudges, you listen and obey—even if you’re delirious from lack of sleep.

Conclusion

So, here it is—Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God. It’s in the wild now, floating in Amazon’s Sea of millions of books. Will it become a bestseller? Who knows. But that’s never been the point. It’s a book of faith, a book of endurance, and, frankly, a book that put me through the ringer. And I believe it’s meant for someone, maybe even you. 

So, go ahead and grab a copy. Not just because I’d love for you to buy it,  but because I believe God has a purpose for everyone’s life, and it was written to help people live a godly life and “go the distance,” until God calls them home.

For ages 12 and above!

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Paperback ISBN-13,  9798284335017

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Hardcover ISBN-1,  9798284456651

It’s on Kindle too!

Feel free to share, forward, or comment as desired.

God bless you. Patti

Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 11:5

To order, click here. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sacred Snippet: Why do believers know so little about the Bible?

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If you receive this blog through an email subscription, you can click on the title to see the full version of this post.

____________________

Have you ever been challenged to ponder a spiritual question?

I have!  The question was, “Why do believers know so little about the Bible?” My semi-short answer and thoughts follow.

I have been a Bible teacher in church, homes, and outside venues, and I have been astonished (sort of) encountering people, even long-time believers, who know so little about the Bible.

When this occurs, I silently ask myself questions like…

– Does the Word go in one ear and out the other?

– Do they not ever look at their Bible outside of Sundays?

– Do they have selective memories?

– Does Satan wipe out what they have heard or learned?

– Does a person have medical memory problems?

– Is some sin blocking them from being involved in the Bible?

– Why don’t they take the Bible seriously?

– Are they really believers?

It baffles me that “so many know so little about the Bible” because since I accepted Jesus Christ 50 years ago, I have taken the Bible seriously from the get-go. I say that with as much humility as I can muster because I do not want it to come out prideful. “Lord, please forgive me if it is.” That is not my intent. I am not perfect—far from it, believe me. But what happened that was different?

To be effective in ministry, we should have a good handle on God’s Word. We should desire to read the Bible and learn what God wants us to do and what His will is. If we are disciples of Christ, we should not neglect the Word, and I mean the entire Word, including the Old and the New Testaments.

I believe the church should be used to lead people to Christ and then see them being transformed into Christ-like individuals.

While the church should be an instrument in one’s transformation, people make choices. They choose not to open their Bible. They choose not to read or study their Bible. And they choose not to attend church, Bible studies, or discipleship classes.

People must make the Bible a priority in their lives.

For a solid Bible believer, one act of kindness is to pray fervently for those who do not take the Bible seriously. Find out if they have a personal relationship with the Lord, encourage them to grow, and then stand by their side as they start the exciting life of knowing God through His Word and His Spirit.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2 NASB).

God Bless.

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Voices: Choose to follow God’s path of life

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Reprinted from The Baptist Standard

Voices: Choose to follow God’s path of life

God has a path of life for believers in Jesus. Are you on that path of following Jesus or heading down a different one?

8-28-2023 – By Patti Greene

_____________________________

Do you feel you are on the right path of life, following your Lord as closely as you know how? Or are you slipping slowly down the wrong path?

God has a path for believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible calls it the path of life.

As a child, I used to grab 10 to 15 Little Golden Books at a time and read one after another. One that always attracted me is Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton.

Scuffy was an adventurous little tugboat who believed he was meant for bigger things. He leaves his home, the man with the polka-dot tie, and the little boy who cared for him and sets off to explore the world. After his daring and treacherous adventure down a brook and then a raging river, Scuffy realizes home is where he’d rather be.

Twice during his adventure, Scuffy said, “This is the life for me.” The first time, he was leaving the reasonable, sensible path of his prior life to seek adventure. The second time was when he realized he already had been right where he needed to be all along—at home, safe in the arms of the man and boy who loved him.

Our goal should be to reach the point where we say right where we are, “This is the life for me.”

God wants us to understand we can know our path. Hopefully, it is the one he has set apart for us, but we must choose it.

Choices

In Psalms 16, King David declares he wants refuge in the Lord. In his communion with the Lord, he writes:

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).

What path does God want us to be on for him?

In his Tyndale Old Testament Commentary on Psalms 1–72, Derek Kidner defines a person on the right path of life asone whose affections are centered on God. This person finds satisfaction in God’s ways and does not pursue other gods. God’s protection and instruction bless him.

We have two choices we can make in life: (1) accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and (2) follow God’s path for us leading to total joy in his presence.

We know we have eternal life, but sometimes we experience spiritual struggles. David trusted the Lord would show him the righteous path of life.

Righteousness and unrighteousness

As believers, we continually must choose between righteousness and unrighteousness. We want to walk in victory, but sometimes we find ourselves desiring things God has proclaimed unsuitable for us. We have that struggle between our flesh and the spirit, so we must ponder the path our feet are on.

We cannot experience God’s true purpose for life when we travel the destructive path. We may find ourselves in a continuous cycle of repeatedly sinning and confessing. To break that cycle, we must deny ourselves, take up Jesus’ cross and follow him.

“And he was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23 NASB95).

“In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death …” (Proverbs 10:28 Amplified Bible).

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, so that he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NASB).

Reroute and redirect

A navigation system is an instrument that determines the position of a vehicle and the route to a particular place. The car’s navigation system tells the driver to turn left or right at a specific junction. The navigation system uses GPS signals to determine the vehicle’s location and direction.

It is a valuable tool with many benefits, such as helping people reach their destination, guiding drivers through congested areas, tracking packages, locating vehicles and more.

It is similar to the way God directs us in our lives. He shows us which way to turn, signals us on which way to proceed, helps us reach the destination and call of our lives, and guides us continually through the rough times in our lives.

Our navigation system must take its orders from the Lord. He will reroute and redirect our thoughts or actions if we genuinely want to follow his path.

‘This is the life for me’

Scuffy’s path of life allowed him to travel in a way that was not good for him. In the process, he enjoyed some of life’s simple pleasures, but as he kept traveling along the river, he was jammed with logs and became scared of the river moving faster and faster. Then the flood waters came, and the little tugboat desired the warmth and safety of home.

God can do the same for us as we travel our path of life.

Just like the man with the polka-dot tie who scooped Scuffy out of the water after his journey away and brought him home, God will do the same for us when we choose to live for him, decide against following unrighteous living, and allow him to reroute us when we stumble.

Let’s live victoriously in his presence along the path he has prepared for us.

Patti Greene is a graduate of Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University, a member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, and the author of seven books. The views are those of the author.