THE ARK THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD, by Jenny Cote

Saturday - This has been a hard book to write seven reviews for, not because it is shallow or lacking in any way, but because one wonders exactly what to write about. It is so filled with many wonderful things that I find myself at a loss. To get some of her own words on the matter Jenny Cote has several videos on her page which you can browse through and gain a more personal touch from the author. You can also hear an online interview with Jenny Cote at Blogtalk Radio

Since reading this story I've had a chance to go over the Noah story once again, specifically as it relates to us. In Matthew 24:37 Jesus says, "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. " So understanding the story of Noah is important. Notice that God didn't say that on such and such a date He was going to destroy the earth. He did, however give Noah commandments to ensure the safety of his family and the creatures of the earth. In the same way Jesus didn't give the disciples a date when He would return. He did give them certain commandments. Next, notice the condition of society during the time God brought the Flood upon the earth. We are becoming that same kind of society. This is not some political giant the Christians need to fight, but a sign of where we are in history. It is also a kind of report card on how we, as a church, have been negligent in keeping these commands. Of course there are going to be people who will hear the Gospel and refuse it, but how many people out there, even in America, have really head the Gospel? Because of the laziness on the part of the people of God (including me) society continues to slip morally on its express route to Hell. We still have the chance to be effective for our Lord. We can still warn these people, or show them how much God loves them. We can repent and allow the light of God to shine through us. We should take this warning seriously. For just as with Noah, when he, his family and the animals were in the ark, it was God who closed the door. Today that ark is Jesus. We are commission to be as Noah, to preach to those around us, if not by word, then by action. For the time is coming soon when God will close the door to this ark of safety. No more will we be able to reach out to the lost. I wonder at times like this will Christ say to me, "Sorry, I never knew you" because I have not fulfilled the commandment of love He has given me? Will I be like Noah's neighbors who knew the words of Noah, but never entered the ark? Paul tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Are you leading people to the ark of safety, who is Jesus Christ? Are you in the ark yourself? Can you, like Maximillian Braveheart the Bruce, overcome your fears and follow "the Voice" and be obedient even in times of trial? For this is where we see it all coming together. Max, Liz, Al, Kate and all the rest exhibited different qualities, which, interestingly enough, helped each other. And they managed to stay the course, no matter how hard it seemed. In the end they were rewarded for their tasks, but it should be noted that the completion of these tasks was in itself a reward. So when that over-bearing co-working starts in on you, saying things that no one should say, perhaps the best way to handle it would be to remember that if they don't get in God's ark they will be lost, not how hurt you feel. In thinking through like that you can love them as Jesus loves them. If they refuse this love, then their punishment is upon their own heads. Think, however, of the joy you will share with them if they should respond and receive the mercy of God offered them through Christ Jesus. "Behold I set before you this day death and life. Choose life."

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

THE ARK THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD, by Jenny Cote

Friday - As with most stories about animals THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD, by Jenny Cote is really about people. It's about emotions, relationships, actions and interactions that we, as people, can all relate to. Morphing the story into one about animals makes it easier to see ourselves as we truly are. Sometimes the blunt truth is a bit difficult to bear, so this approach takes the sharpness of such brutal honesty and dulls it down a bit. We can laugh, cry, get aggravated, annoyed, joyful, scared and even brave, all in an honest context that is removed just enough so that we can enjoy the story without feeling condemned about something in our lives or guilty. For instance, Max has this fear of storms...and water, but it's much more deep than that as you will find out. We also have our own fears and complexes. By placing these in this cute Terrier we free ourselves from the guilt that would normally be associated with it. This gives us enough reprieve so we can allow God to show us that once we come to Him we are truly forgiven.

Perhaps this is one of the more powerful points of the story, that is our own need to be forgiven and to forgive. This is a teaching that has been far too lacking in many churches. In some it is totally ignored in the name of tolerance and love. In others we are beaten so ruthlessly over the head with it that we shy away. The balance is to realize that we were sinners, but through Jesus we have been made free from sin (if we have accepted Him as Savior and Lord). We are seen by God wrapped in His righteousness and not our own. We need only to forgive ourselves and those who have done or spoken things against us. We aren't in a perpetual need of being saved again as some would teach, nor are we to live as if we can now get away with anything. These are the two deadly opposites of the truth. The truth lies squarely between condemnation and "greasy grace". It lies within the mercy of God and our obedience to come to Him and repent when we have done wrong. As my pastor says, "We can lose our fellowship with God through unrepentant sin, but there is still that relationship. God wishes to restore the fellowship so that relationship is complete.

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD, by Jenny Cote

Thursday - One of the other really interesting aspects of this story is the story of Liz. This sleek, black feline exudes both femininity and intellectualism. She has to investigate things she doesn't understand and come up with a logical explanation for these things. This really sounds like a cat, doesn't it? It also sounds like a lot of people, especially in today's society. God is offering to anyone who will come to Him and call upon Him the full and complete pardon for all sin through His Son Jesus. This is better than learning you won a giant sweepstakes or something. Unlike people who spend there money on little cards that aren't worth the paper they are printed on and hope that they win at least something, God's gift is a promise. In fact, not only is it a promise, but it is an unbreakable promise that God makes with us because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Yet, people seem to want to spend their money in hopes of winning a couple of thousand dollars, maybe more, rather than putting their trust in the sure thing with God.

OK, now that I've run down that rabbit track, let's see how it relates to Liz. In this book Liz runs into so many situations and faces so many manifestations that she realizes that no amount of her own knowledge can neatly fit things together. Slowly she begins to learn the value of faith in the Creator. As she does Liz finds that her knowledge, now blessed with faith, has become unshakable. To me this is one of the back stories that make this book more than just a kid's book, more than just an interesting retelling of a story from the Bible. It asks the question of those claiming to be wise, "How can you understand without faith?" The answer is you cannot. And yet Liz is faced with so much proof that she cannot classify she ends up leaning more and more towards this elusive thing called faith. Once she scoffed at people (animals) who trusted solely on faith. In the end she understands the power, the magnitude, the reality of faith. This sets this book apart from other works. The journey to and on the ark is one built upon faith. Liz knows that now. The question is, "Do you?"

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD, by Jenny Cote

Wednesday - THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD, by Jenny Cote is a remarkable journey into the past. Using amazing story skills she tells the story as seen through the eyes of some very colorful and interesting animals. In doing so she asks, and provides answers for, some very interesting questions. For instance, how did some of these animals make the long journey, some of them across large bodies of water? How did arctic and antarctic animals adjust to the change of climate? How did God provide for all these animals from different climates? Now, the answers she provides may not be accurate, but they are thought provoking. In a very real sense she mingles fantasy with reality, although she is careful to let the reader know about some of the more fantastic things and that these are simply her artistic interpretations.

One question that comes to mind, however fantastic these events may seem, is this, just how did God provide for the many and varied needs of Noah, his family, and all these diverse animals? Whether it was done as she has written isn't the point, and I think she would agree with me on this. The point is that God will provide a way. This is something that I think we tend to forget in our day to day lives. As Christians we need to remember that it is God who provides. He is called "Jehovah Jireh" which means "the Lord provides". And yet when we face difficulties, especially in the area of finances, we are often tempted to worry and fret. It is surprising that we are touring this book at a time when the financial structure of the U.S. seems to be teetering on the brink of collapse. Christians are running in all sorts of directions trying to figure out how they can make ends meet. Have we forgotten so quickly the words of Jesus? "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:24-24)

Like Noah, we are not of this world, even though we live in it. Just as God provided for Noah during the days of wrath upon the earth, He will still provide for those who place their hope and trust in Him today. As it says in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." We who have come to Jesus and have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior have come to God's Ark of Safety. Now we must trust in that ark, enter in, and believe that whatever we have need of God is more than able to meet those needs. Yet let us purge ourselves of sin through repentence that God may shower His grace upon us. While the world may struggle to find food, clothing and shelter, these things and more God gives freely to those of His household. Do not put your faith in the world system, for it will fail you. Instead, put your faith in God, for He will never fail you.

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

The Ark, the Reed, and the Firecloud, by Jenny Cote

Tuesday - In a very real sense THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD, by Jenny Cote, is a story about Maximillian Braveheart the Bruce, better known as Max. We see him from all different kinds of angle, which I found interesting. We find him frightened in the beginning of the book, struggling with fear in other parts of the book, a bit dense at times, and yet surprisingly thoughtful and proactive at other times. He is called a hero, but never really feels worthy of such a title. And of course we get to see the romantic side of Max. Perhaps the most important thing we see is how Max grows in the Lord through each trial of faith. At first it is just acceptance of a common knowledge, but slowly this becomes a personal and intimate belief and relationship with his creator.

Watching s character grow like this is pleasant for readers, but ecstacy for a writer. I'm fairly sure that Jenny Cote had no idea how weak Max's faith would be in the beginning, nor how great it would be at the end of the story. Like any reader, she watched her own character unfold before her and come to life. That is if she's like most writers I know. Judging from conversations with her and viewing her website, I'd agree that while Jenny created her characters, she also watched them come to life. For those of you who don't write or don't write fiction, this may seem a bit strange. It is natural. It is like planting a seed. If you plant an apple seed you know it will grow into an apple tree. What you don't know is what that tree will look like, or how tasty the apples will be when it finally begins to bear fruit.

One of the chief reasons for writing fiction is to watch this happen, at least for me. In Hebrews 12:2 it says that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. What a beautiful analogy. We are able to connect with God in His creativity from that very same aspect of being the Author. For me there are few things that are so rewarding as this. Remember, God knew you before He even started creating this world. He knew all about you, your habits, your thoughts, what you would and would not do, everything. And guess what? He said it was good, meaning who He created you to be was exactly as it should be. Sin ruined that initial plan, but the death of Jesus for our sin brings us back into fellowship with God. He knew all about that too. So He works with you, if you are willing, a fallen piece of His creation, to lift you up and bring you into that perfect image patterned after His Son. This is why I write, why most of us here at CFRB write, why many Christians write, to pave the way back to God's initial plan for us. We write to point you to Jesus, plain and simple. Without Him and the love He shows to all of us daily, there really wouldn't be a reason to write, not for me anyway.

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

The Ark, the Reed, and the Firecloud, by Jenny Cote

Monday - If you like geography or history you will find this book interesting as well. Not only does Jenny Cote include the Biblical account (artistically enhanced), but she has different animals from different countries, even continents, making their way to the ark as they follow the Firecloud. By doing so she adds a touch of the geographically correct dialog, lets you know what kind of climates you are dealing with and such. This brings to mind different pictures from history that have nothing to do with the book itself, but create a full-bodied feel of the epic.

I think one of the most interesting things, from a writer's point of view, is that instead of asking "What if?" as most fiction writers do, she asks the question "How?" So it's not "What if there really was a flood, what would it be like?" Instead it's, "How did Noah create this ark? How did the animals from different climates make it across so vast expanses of territory? How did they survive together, having differing biological needs when it came to temperature? How did they eat and entertain themselves? " and more. By asking the question "How?" she is making the statement that this event did happen, not that it may have happened, or that some people believe it happened. She is making a bold statement that the Bible means just what it says. I find that intriguing and interesting, even refreshing. I also congratulate her for doing so, because such a bold statement of faith cannot be mistaken for some work of fiction. Yes the book is definitely fiction, unless she actually went back in time and interviewed each of these animals, which the book seems to say would not be possible (animals seem to be smarter than humans on the communication level at least). So this even must have happened. Probably not the way she has written it down, but it has happened the way God has it written down in His Book (which she points you to in the story itself, which I also thought was a nice touch). I am already looking forward to Jenny's next book, but you can read more about that at her site listed by her picture at the bottom of this post.

Another thing I should mention is that THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD is being made into an animated movie. In my opinion it's about time Christians have more respectable movies and animations. Personally Veggie Tales just doesn't do it for me, and don't get me started on Bibleman. If done properly this would have the look of a professional animated movie that would appeal to children of all ages.

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

The Ark, the Reed, and the Firecloud, by Jenny Cote

Sunday - This month CFRB is touring a super-amazing book. Now, most of us who have any kind of church background have heard the story of Noah and the Flood, but I can assure you that you haven't heard it told this way. You see, instead of laying out the chronological events and following Noah and his family, Jenny Cote thought it would be interesting to follow the animals. She was right. This is the first of "The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz". We meet Max, a Scottish Terrier, right at the beginning. What follows is truly an amazing tale filled with wit and charm. How do all these animals get to the ark? What were they like and how did they interact with one another? are just a couple of the questions that she answers, making the story come alive. She does follow Noah and his family, and while this seems almost an intrusion on the story at first it becomes a necessary component. If people are going to tell Bible stories Jenny Cote can show them how to do it with a little imagination and artistic license and yet be true to the Word of God. There's a lot more that I could say, but you'll find most of that on the CFRB website this week as well as a number of the CFRB member pages. So grab yourself a copy and enjoy it. Word of caution. This is written for kids, so if you aren't a kid at heart you aren't going to enjoy it. If, however, you have allowed that child in you to remain active, this book is for you, no matter what your age.

Another thing I should mention is that THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD is being made into an animated movie. In my opinion it's about time Christians have more respectable movies and animations. Personally Veggie Tales just doesn't do it for me, and don't get me started on Bibleman. If done properly this would have the look of a professional animated movie that would appeal to children of all ages.

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

WAIT!!! Don't stop reading. I will personally be checking out the comments left on the above CFRB blogs and this blog. Whoever I determine to have put the most thought into their reply and communicated their feelings best will receive a copy of WHEN THE SOUL MENDS, by Cindy Woodsmall. Cindy is one of a number of Christian authors who bring real life situations into there book against the Amish backdrop. So if you are looking for a really great Christian book you have the opportunity to win one by carefully reading the posts on all the sites above and writing what I determine to be the best comment. Please leave contact information so I can let you know who won. Take care and God bless you all. - David Brollier