Honoring Patriots

A couple weeks ago Dr. Richard G. Lee, the General Editor for The American Patriot’s Bible, was asked to be a guest on “The Glenn Beck Program” as well as attend Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally event at Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. What an honor it was to have our author included in discussing religion in America and paying tribute to America’s service personnel and other citizens who represent our country’s founding principles of integrity, truth, and honor.

With Patriot’s Day having been this past weekend I can’t help but think about all the men and women who have gone before us living godly lives and paving the path for myself and others to follow.

I am continually humbled and grateful when I hear about all our modern-day patriots both of military nature and faith who are on the frontlines fighting for our freedoms. People who are taking a stand to say “In God We Still Trust.”

I’m honored to have Thomas Nelson Bibles play a small part in bringing patriots of the faith to light. Both in the pages of The American Patriot’s Bible as well as through that Bible’s website which features a special “Honor and Pray for an American Patriot” online gallery page.

We’re at a time in our cultural life where it’s incredibly important for our communities to recognize and encourage people what they believe represents a true American Patriot. Now keep in mind a patriot isn’t only military personnel. A patriot can be a former teacher, family member, military officer, civil servant, pastor, or friend (living or deceased) who has prominently displayed and set an example of the godly qualities that helped shape the legacy of our great nation.

This week I’m going to take time to reflect on the patriots who have impacted my life and honor them with a dedication.

I’d encourage you to reflect and pray for the patriots of the faith in your life. I also invite you to join me in making a dedication at americanpatriotsbible.com.

This is a chance to share their name, story, and photo to allow individuals and churches to pray for them. Your patriot, or one of their loved ones, will even receive a special certificate of recognition letting them know that they have been honored for their faith, patriotism, and loyalty.

I’d also encourage you to take a look at your life to see if you’re personally setting a godly example for others. I know I’ll be taking a long look at myself and working to ensure that my life is advancing the living legacy of the Bible honoring Him above all.

I’d love to hear about how God speaks to you in your reflection time.

Also, please be sure to let me know who you dedicate as I’d like to make a point to read their story and pray for them.

1 Thessalonians 1 (New King James Version)

Greeting

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Their Good Example

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Guaranteed

A couple of months ago, Thomas Nelson Bibles officially announced that beginning this month, we would begin offering a Lifetime Guarantee on all of our Bibles. Regardless of its binding, if a Bible fails due to manufacturing defects, customers may return it for a free replacement. If the same Bible is no longer available, it will be replaced with a Bible of the same or greater value. This guarantee applies to both English and Spanish versions as well as adult and children’s titles. You can check out the full details here: http://www.nelsonbibles.com/guarantee.

Shortly after sending out the announcement, our publicist received an email from a pastor in Georgia who found the information to be “thought provoking.” Although he realized that we were addressing the binding of our bibles, he couldn’t resist having a literal first impression.

In his email he mentioned that he got to thinking . . .

“Does the Lifetime Guarantee, guarantee the Bible promises?  If, after passing, can the guarantee be passed on to one’s survivors if it has not been all used up in the wear and tear of using it to live one’s life by?”

He even mentioned that he would be sharing his thoughts and reactions in his next sermon.

Now the subject of promises is brought up numerous times in the Bible.

“They are, after all, Israelites who have been placed into God’s family; the glory, the covenants, the gift of the law, the temple-service, and God’s promises are their rightful heritage.”
– Romans 9:4 (The Voice)

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

- 2 Peter 1:2-6 (New King James Version)

“I tell you that Christ became a servant of the Jews to show that God’s promises to the Jewish ancestors are true.” – Romans 15:8 (New Century Version)

So when asked if the promises of the Bible are guaranteed, if you believe what the Bible says the answer is a resounding “Yes!” I’m not a betting man, but if I were I’d go “all in” on this one.

And if we’re constantly striving to “walk the walk” and follow Christ, I’d hope that our spiritual legacy will pass onto our survivors. That the promises we’ve found in Christ will be evident and that our loved ones will go to the Lord who is awaiting them with loving arms.

It’s amazing to me to hear how God inspires each and every one of us. Never would we have anticipated that our press release would lead to a Sunday sermon, but it did.

In today’s busy society we often don’t take the time to be still. Every day Christ is speaking to us, and if we’re truly listening, His voice comes from everywhere and everything. So today I’m taking time to listen, and I’m excited to see how He will choose to speak to me.

So, are you listening for Him? What is Christ saying to you?

Guest Blog – Trip to Haiti: Redefining Scripture

Karen Barnes is a Marketing Specialist in Thomas Nelson’s Bible Group. She recently went on a mission trip to Haiti to help build houses. I am glad to have her share a little bit about how the experienced shaped her and her view of a familiar Scripture passage. To read more about her experience in Haiti, check out her blog here. Follow her on twitter here.

I traveled with a group of 8 to Haiti over the 4^th of July week. It was hard and it was awesome at the same time. Without a doubt, it was the most consistently physically challenging week I’ve ever had. The heat & humidity were rather unbearable to be out in for hours on end, doing hard physical labor. I think the heat index put it at about 115 degrees. The sun baked us and the dirt, dust, & grime were caked on us. I’ve been dirty before, but this was a whole new level of how dirty we could be, for 7 days straight. We just got used to the fact that we were gross. Drenched in sweat with dirt under our nails. We’d shower in the late afternoons and be sweating again within minutes.

But we did it! We made it through and basically built 2 houses for families that did not have homes. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in crazy conditions that you’d never picture yourself in. How far outside of your comfort zone you can go. I’m a firm believer that you can do anything for a week. Especially if it’s something the Lord has called you to and with prayer support behind you.

I want to share one specific experience that forever changed a familiar passage of Scripture for me. On that Sunday morning, we had the opportunity to attend worship at the church that we were there serving. Philadelphia Baptist Church, led by Pastor Joseph. I was so excited as I love attending church services in other cultures/languages. I love that we are all able to worship the same God regardless of language, culture, or style.

The service was all in Creole, but I could pick out some words here and there, due to some similarities to Spanish. We would figure out which Scripture passage they were reading so that we could at least follow along in our own Bibles. In a roundabout way we learned that since the earthquake the entire church has been memorizing Psalm 46. I don’t think this Psalm will ever be the same for me again. It has been completely redefined.

Psalm 46

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
³ Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.  Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
⁶ The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

⁷ The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah

⁸ Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

¹¹ The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah

(New King James Version)

There is no question that the Haitian earthquake was severe. Over 230,000 people died and over 1.5 million people are now homeless. The 7.0 earthquake caused the ground to shake violently for upwards of a full minute. I can’t imagine something so terrifying lasting for so long. Just seven minutes later there was a 6.0 aftershock. There were upwards of 50 or more aftershocks that then lasted for days, where the earth would tremble sporadically. The 2nd largest aftershock (5.9) then occurred on January 20th (8 days later) centered right under Petite Goave (the town we were serving).

This church is now memorizing Psalm 46 – that God is their refuge and strength…though the earth give way & the mountains fall into the sea. And in the midst of everything going on in this Psalm – earthquakes and wars and desolation – God is saying, “be still and know that I am God.” In some of the most frightening circumstances, this is a command. The Lord Almighty is with us.

Psalm 46:10 is one of our most used Scripture passages, particularly in household decorations. Even Cason & I have it on a sign hanging above the door to our bedroom. But I have come to the conclusion that we take it far too lightly, as just another inspiring, fluffy verse. Something to remind ourselves of in the midst of a busy day when we haven’t had a chance to get everything done. I don’t think I have ever fully looked at this verse in context before, to see in what circumstances the Lord is really talking about. God is talking about in the midst of the most dire, terrifying conditions. He can overcome any circumstance. His power is much greater than just my trivial “busy days”. My stress on those busy days pales so much in comparison to what our Haitian brothers and sisters have gone through. To what other people all over this world are dealing with on a daily basis. But we serve an amazing, mighty God. He truly is our refuge and strength. In all things.

This passage is forever changed for me and I am so thankful.

Be still and know that I am God.

We went to Haiti hoping to help a few people and we’re the ones that come back changed and immensely blessed by the experience…

To read more about Karen’s experience in Haiti, head over to her blog

Who are you working for?

I remember 25 years ago when I accepted Jesus as my savior like it was yesterday.  A very vivid memory.  I was not ingrained by Bible teachers… I was simply lost and then found.  In my infancy as a Christian I used to pray everyday driving to work that God would bless my efforts as I worked for Him.  It was a very simple prayer and one that I felt very strong about.  I had great bosses (teachers) in my early days in sales and I respected them as my boss but I just knew I was really working for God.  I would tell folks around me that I knew God was training me, in the various jobs I had in my early days, to do something for Him at some point in my life.  It was a very innocent and unquestioning faith that I pray that I continue to have today.  After 25 years God has blessed beyond my greatest imagination and I now have the honor of serving Him as the Bible Group Publisher for Thomas Nelson, Inc.  He is amazing, faithful full of mercy and grace.  I trust that all that He has taught me through my peers over the years has prepared me for this moment in my life.  Believe me there were struggles along the way and fear that almost kept me from pushing forward but as Don Miller says… there is always a protagonist in every great story.  So I look back and embrace those tough moments and the lessons I learned from them.  I encourage you that whatever path you are on to push forward and ask God to bless your efforts as you work for Him.  He has more than answered that prayer for me and I know he will for you.

I would love to hear your story, your journey… we all have them and they all have an impact on the world around us.

“The Book of Eli” – A Bible Publisher’s Take

I finally got around to watching the DVD of “The Book of Eli” the other day and have to admit that I was impressed by the film.

Although I don’t want to spoil the movie for anyone that hasn’t viewed it, the ads and reviews I saw offered up information that allows me in good conscious to talk about this point of the film.

The movie takes place in a violent post-apocalyptic world where all hope has been lost. Denzel Washington plays a traveler named Eli who encounters numerous obstacles as he makes his way across the land. But through it all he finds rest in his travel companion—a Bible.

Now in the film most of the books in the world have been destroyed, so this Bible is incredibly valuable. But outside of that there are people that don’t want this book unearthed as the message of hope is threatening to their agenda. This is a treasure that Eli is willing to fight for.

That got me thinking about how blessed I am to be publishing Bibles and making them available to the masses. I’m not living in a place where I’m kept from reading The Word. My team and I are in a unique role to help develop Bible offerings that can speak to the needs of people and help them to grow in their relationship with Christ and encourage them in their daily journey. We also are in a position to ensure that we’re making offerings in all price ranges to help everyone have easy access to the Bible and also enable evangelism efforts.

But the road of Bible publishing is oftentimes like that of Eli’s perilous journey. Although we aren’t being attacked by villains scavenging to survive, we do encounter resistance along the way. When you’re working with the Bible you come under spiritual attack. It’s amazing to me how things that you’d anticipate would go smoothly don’t. There’s an enemy out there that doesn’t want this message of hope delivered to the masses. I’ve no doubt that our team is faced with spiritual warfare on a daily basis. The resistance is strangely motivating as it becomes evident that the more obstacles you encounter on a particular Bible product, the more you know its influence will be on the world. The greater the positive impact for Christ, the stronger Satan pushes back. However, it’s an honor to be a part of a group of men and women that each day take on the armor of God and battle what comes their way in order to get The Word out.

So as you go about this world and leave your mark for Christ, know that the Thomas Nelson Bibles team is praying for you and is here to help as we’re on the frontlines together.  And if you think of it, say a little prayer for us too.

I recommend “The Book of Eli”  DVD and if you watch or have seen let me know your thoughts.  Great surprise ending!

What battles are you facing currently?

ICRS in St Louis

The International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) yearly convention for the CBA industry was held a couple of weeks ago in St Louis and I still find myself reflecting on how different this show was when viewed from a publisher’s perspective versus a sales perspective. To follow are a few of my take-aways about each role:

Sales: Key retail account meetings to discuss sales numbers and partnerships are the #1 priority.

Publishing: Key retail account meetings are focused on painting a vision for and increasing awareness of upcoming products and promotions.

Sales: Check out the sales promotions and discounts of other publishers.

Publishing: Check out the promotions, campaigns, and products of other publishers.

Sales: Meetings are held with industry leaders to discuss sales initiatives.

Publishing: Meetings are held with other publishers to discuss how we can work together to increase Bible product awareness.

Although there is always much to learn from convention experiences, these reflections are just a handful of what I observed when comparing the similarities and differences of these two unique roles. To be honest… it was difficult at first to approach the conference from this new perspective having attended ICRS for so many years while on the sales side. But after a few days of viewing this event through a publisher’s eyes, an exciting world of opportunities for both  publishing and sales was revealed to me. I’m sure it will become even clearer as I continue down this path, and I welcome the new discoveries and chance to impact the future of the overall publishing industry.

What new perspectives have you gleamed from your personal ICRS or other trade show experiences?

More Than Fireworks

Although the Fourth of July holiday is behind us now, I can’t help but reflect on how blessed we are for the freedoms afforded to us through sacrifices of everyday citizens.

When many people think about Independence Day their minds automatically go to images of the American flag, a day off from work, outside grilling, time with family and friends, and fireworks. But July 4^th commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence back in 1776 and that was definitely worthy of celebration.

This got me thinking about the preamble that begins with “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Right, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

All men are created equal:

God is pretty clear about us all being equal in His eyes . . .

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28 (NKJV)

Endowed by their Creator:

Last weekend I was flipping through some of the pages in The American Patriot’s Bible and landed on an article about how our Founding Fathers, whether they were Christian or not, were influenced by Christian principles:

“Clearly, there was a predominant Christian consensus in colonial America that shaped the Founders’ thinking and their writing today. The Declaration of Independence identified the source of all authority and rights as ‘Their Creator,’ and then accentuated that individual human rights were God-given, not man-made. Thus, there would be no king or established religion to stand in the way of human liberty or dignity—uniquely Judeo-Christian ideals.”

The Bible is an overall celebration of the many things that God has given to us, and our lives are an ever living legacy of His promises. So it only makes sense that everything is endowed to us by our Creator.

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”
– Romans 11:36 (NKJV)

Liberty:

What a blessing it is to live in a country where I have the right to religious freedom. Although there’s been a lot of talk lately about this being challenged in today’s society, there’s no denying that as a U.S. citizen I am afforded many a liberty that others in the world are not. It amazes me that in other countries people may walk days to reach a place of worship, when I live in the “Bible-belt” and have my pick of numerous churches within a few miles of my home.

While I did enjoy my time with family and friends this past holiday weekend, I’m grateful to my Creator for my eternal freedom.

So what freedoms are you celebrating today?

Bible Group Publisher

It’s been a few months since my last blog.  I have been busy acclamating to my new position.  I am coming out on the other side of a steep learning curve and it’s been a very exciting 6 months.  I have a great Bible group team and couldn’t do what I need to do without any of them.  Too many projects and promotional campaigns to mention here but just let me say that the opportunities are endless when dealing with the Word of God.  I pray that God gives me the wisdom, judgement and creativity to lead this team in developing life changing products that reach out beyond our wildest expectations.  Great place to start!

I love collaboration and hearing ideas from customers and consumers so as I always say “ideas are welcome”

Q: Has God spoken to you about an Bible, Reference or curriculum idea that you like us to consider?

Gary

Time for a New Adventure

It’s been a very busy and interesting past six weeks to say the least.  Let me start at the beginning…

About eight weeks ago I was driving home and was praying, thanking the Lord for His blessings among other things.  I began asking God if I was doing what he wanted me to do in this life with the gifts and talents He has given me.  I love what I have done at Nelson for the past 13 years, however I wanted to check in to make sure I was on the right track with God.  I told God that I would not pursue anything, but that I would wait on Him to open any doors He wanted me to walk through.  Three weeks later I was approached by my boss, Mark, and asked if I would consider becoming the Sr. VP and Group Publisher for the Bible Group here at Thomas Nelson.  This was a huge decision and huge opportunity, especially after my prayer a few weeks earlier.  Become responsible for the publishing direction for the Word of God.  I was very honored that Mark would ask me to take on this responsibility and humbled by the opportunity.  The Word of God.  WOW.  What an answer to a simple prayer… and so quick.  I did take a week or so to pray about it, discuss with my family and consider all aspects of this decision.  I have been in sales for 29 years and in the Christian industry sales side of things for 20 – so this was a huge career shift.  I love the Christian Markets sales team that I have led the past ten years but, then again, what an opportunity and challenge to take on another part of our business and become a publisher.  A Publisher!! A Bible Publisher!!  WOW!!

After thoughtful consideration what could I say.  This is an answer to my prayer and my heart is to be in the will of God.  On top of this it gives me a great opportunity for a great new adventure that allows me to help spread the Word of God more intimately as the Group Publisher.

Please pray for me as I venture out into unknown territory, that I might bring honor and glory to our most wonderful Savior.

Have you asked God lately if you are using the gifts and talents He has given you in the way God wants you to use them?  Remember if you don’t follow His lead for your life and use your talents for Him, no one else will. (Thanks John and Frodo)  What is your prayer today?

God Bless,

Gary

Can’t we all just get along?

These famous words in recent history that many, including me, use as a punchline when appropriate.  The interesting thing about this phrase is that it does apply in many situations.  One situation that comes to mind is in our own Christian industry.  I have now been in this industry for almost 20 years and it amazes me  that in an industry that produces products that should reflect Christian values, we spend more time protecting kingdoms rather than coming together for the good of everyone.  Here are my thoughts on our trade organizations that all continue to struggle with a tough economy and are not sure how to bring everyone together. 

CBA has struggled for several years to effectively produce a convention which has declined year over year.  GMA has also seen a huge delcine in their yearly GMA event climaxing with the Dove Awards.  ECPA attemped the first ever consumer show in Dallas in order to better connect with consumers, but did not succeed in generating the interest to support going forward.  Finally NRB also invests in a yearly convention that is expensive to produce and does not connect with consumers or retailers in a big way. 

Here is my suggestion… Please, please CBA, GMA, NRB and ECPA work together to produce a Retail, Consumer, Publishing/Music  yearly convention that can connect all areas of interest and expand our territory as Bruce Wilkinson states so well in Prayer of Jabez.  If we can all come together in one place once a year I believe we can have an impact far greater than the four separate events currently create.  Just think of all the possibilities for sharing ideas, showcasing the best in our industry on one stage, exposing new talent, connecting retailers, authors, ministries, and artists to consumers.  I believe we would gain tremendous media covereage and could make a huge impact on our society.   We could then focus on our message and leave God’s mark in our collective stories. 

Please let me know your thoughts and maybe we can start a movement bringing us closer to becoming one as we were instructed to do by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Isn’t this what we should strive for in these uncertain times? 

I want to get along, how about you?  I believe we must if we are to fulfill our common mission and goals.