Interview with Author Zeke Lam

My regular Friday posts are so much fun. I get to meet Christian authors who write all types of books. While my blog is Faith-Driven Fiction, from time to time a non-fiction author will grace me with an interview. Such is the case today.

I'm so excited to host Zeke Lam here today. His book, Submission, is available at Amazon. Connecting with him and learning about his book has been such a blessing.

Marji - Tell me about yourself.

Zeke - I am 27 years old and have been married to my beautiful wife, Kathleen, for 6 years. We have three children (4, 2, and 2 months) that we love very much. I have ministered since the age of 18 as a youth minister and evangelist. In addition to this, I operate a small business which constructs ornamental concrete such as flower pots, bird baths, etc. I also help out with the family furniture when time permits. 

Marji - What do you see as a purpose in your life.

Zeke - We are passionate to see Christ glorified through our lives, and constantly seek to use our lives to share the Gospel. This has led our family all over the world. Our most recent “adventure” involved us literally driving to a town in Texas, renting an apartment, and seeking the Lord. Although we knew nobody or anything about the place, God gave us an entire church fellowship in 2 days! This turned into an incredible 7 month stay that is surely not finished yet.

Marji - What motivated you to write Submission?

Zeke - Compromise is way too commonplace today. I have seen it in the church, in families, and in my own life. If revival is to take place in our society, God’s people must be willing to operate with the level of obedience and submission God requires. Mixing our opinions with God’s commands or desires is the very recipe for disaster. If we will fully release ourselves to Jesus Christ, and be willing to follow Him the way He commands, a shift will take place in our society! Ultimately, shortcomings in my own life with regards to submissions sparked this fire.

Marji - Oh wow! Yes, I've seen elements of this as well. What do you hope this book accomplishes?

Zeke - My hope and prayer is that Christians nationwide will be challenged to step into a realm of Scriptural obedience that will spark revival!

Marji - Did God show you anything particular as you were writing?

Zeke - I certainly experienced moments where I was convicted about the level of submission I lived under. God revealed to me the importance of denying any and all voices that seek to lure us from His presence. Submission to Him will position us for spiritual greatness!

Marji - Do you believe people struggle with the idea of "submission"?

Zeke - Yes, we all struggle with the idea of full submission. It means releasing our control and desires to the Lord. When we do not feel in control, it creates an emotion of insecurity. This insecurity is what makes us resists submission on many levels. When it comes to submitting to our Lord Jesus, we must reject these emotions, and faithfully surrender our lives.

Marji - Your subtitle mentions obeying only God's voice. What are some ways people can hear God's voice?

Zeke - God desires to interact with us in ways we could never imagine. The Holy Spirit is very much alive and active, but the question is, will we allow ourselves to get in position to hear Him. He speaks through the Scriptures, His written word. He speaks to our hearts as we intimately seek Him daily through prayer and fasting. He can speak through people and situations around us. God is not limited to anything and can therefore speak any way He chooses. The only real issue is that which restricts and hinders us from hearing.

I'm so glad Zeke came to visit with us today. Here is what folks have to say about SUBMISSION:

Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.
—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia  

In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…
—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas 

______________________________________________________________________________

What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.

• Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
• Is the presence of God evident in your life?
• Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
• Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
• Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?

Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
______________________________________________________________________________

Zeke with children from the Dominican Republic

ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

http://submissionministries.org/

Interview with Author, Joana James

Joana James is a young author that I've recently met through the Facebook group Grace and Faith Author Connection. You can find their blog HERE! It's a wonderful group that brings together authors and bloggers who support, encourage, and promote one another. Joana is fairly new to the group, and I'm delighted to welcome her to Faith-Driven Fiction today!

Her new Young Adult novel is available at Amazon for only $3.99.

Holiness

I've been thinking about the song by Sonic Flood called, "Holiness." Lately I've been coming into contact with people - well-meaning people - who are a little off track. They want to do this or that good thing, but they have hidden reasons for their actions. Private agendas. A personal benefit of some sort for the good that they are doing. I confess, I've even seen the tendency in myself. I think it's easy to rationalize the goodness of the act, but in doing so, we're really lying to ourselves.

The song has been playing in my head over and over as I am praying this evening. It says, " Holiness is what I long for; holiness is what I need. Holiness is what You want for me." I always change the word "want" for the word "ask." I think holiness is a choice

Author Interview with Mary C. Findley

Today, the author of The Baron of Larcondale is visiting. Mary C. Findley is another member of Grace and Faith Author Connection that I've been blessed to get to know. My first query, as always, goes for the big picture.

Marji - What inspired you to become a writer?

Mary - I started out wanting to be an artist, but everything I drew was characters from a story. So around Junior High, with the encouragement of some teachers, I began to write the stories. God had a hand in this. I don't have the discipline to create the level of art required to be successful in that field, but I still use my artist's "eye" in the graphic designs I make for our books and videos.

Marji - So did you ultimate goal in writing stem from the artistic realm, or was it something else?

Faith Reader's Weekly

UPDATE!!! I'm so pleased that I'm able to keep up with me word count goals for round 4 of a Round of Words in 80 days (ROW80). My goal is 1500 words ON MY NOVEL each weekday. I've actually been able to do closer to 1700 each day so far and I'm really pleased with what I've written. My new romantic suspense is a little more than 35% complete.

Because I'm not including any other writing in my word count, I haven't been really satisfied with the postings I've done on my blog this week. I don't like putting them off until the last minute. So in an effort to correct that situation, I've worked up some of the meat of my postings ahead of time. I'm even working on some of the ones for the following week. I prefer to stay proactive anytime I can be!

What are your goals for this week beyond those for ROW80?

Weekend-spiration - He Is

This brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Wrap yourself in a good book." In this case it's The Good Book.

What an amazing visual of John's Gospel. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

How distinctly we see the person of Jesus pour from the pages of His book, and not just through the Gospels and letters of the New Testament. Like a thread throughout history, He is also evident in the Prophecy books of the Old Testament, being the One of Whom they mainly speak. He is the loving bridegroom in Song of Solomon, the wisdom of Proverbs, and the muse throughout the Psalms. All of the historical books

Interview with Author, Jody Hedlund

Author, Jody Hedlund

Today you're in for a treat with a visit from Author, Jody Hedlund! 

I've gotten to enjoy a few treats from this amazing lady. The first was when I happened onto her blog, FULL of ideas, advice, and insight into the writing and publishing biz. I've learned so much!

The second treat was when I decided to take the plunge and read a historical fiction. I hadn't read anything historical since Jane Austen's books started being made into movies, but that was over a decade ago. I chose Jody's debut book, The Preacher's Bride and learned that I like historicals! Who'd have thought?

The third treat was getting to prepare for this interview. I've gotten the chance to know a bit more about Jody and have enjoyed peeking into her world. But the book itself was the biggest treat of all. Okay, so I LIKE

Weekend- spiration: From the mouths of Babies - well . . .

My precious red-head just texted me. She is on a tour with a large group of teenagers, the SALTeens from Dallas Christian College. She was so excited about going on this tour, her first. I focused on the performing experience she would gain from this, but she was stoked about her first mission trip. Yes, she's always way ahead of me with the spiritual aspects of anything!

Weekend-spiration:

I had a blog for this Far Side (by Gary Larson) cartoon all written and buttoned up, but I just can't use it. See I looked at this and focused on the bitterness of the comment. I know Christians aren't always viewed with smiles and welcomed greetings, but focusing on that just isn't my thing.

That doesn't mean it's not truth. Jesus told us that we would be hated because He was hated. It it what it is.

But I don't want to dwell in it.

I'd rather talk about the picture itself, birds traveling in their little design, sort of like the bumper art on so many of our cars.

There, that's where I want to go with this post! Those little fish bumper stickers that you see on people's cars. I have a friend that has 2 big fish and 3 little fish representing their family. Stinkin' cute idea, but my bumper isn't big enough for my family. And I have a friend with 7 kids - forgetaboutit!

Author or Writer

Carol J. Garvin had a post in her blog last week about whether writing was a vocation or avocation.  Well for me, it's been years of avocation, but I, like her example, couldn't justify spending too much time indulging my hobby, my fantasy world. After all, it stole precious moments away from my kids and hubby, my friends, and even activities at my church. How could I be okay with that?

The One and Done Boys

I just have to post about the NBA playoff game that I just witnessed. This game was just full of lessons. A minister could make a month full of sermons on this!

1st Jason Terry - Jason was unashamed to give glory to God not only for this win, but for the last two wins as well. Even during losses, Terry showed a Godly attitude, maintaining calm. His reputation was obvious during the first game of the series when he lost his temper in a rare episode. The announcers honed in on it with shock because they had so very rarely witnessed it before. JET deserved the player of the game award that he received tonight.
Romans 1:16

2nd Mark Cuban - Mark makes some really stupid statements once in a while. He is, by far, less than perfect besides his brilliance in making money. Still, this man is like so many of us, just struggling to do his best, amidst a multitude of mistakes - IE: normal, fallen. He hit a homerun after the game tonight. It was pure class and I was so delighted to see Don Carter there, getting to share in the credit of the team he built.
Phil 3:12-14

3rd Dirk Nowitzki - Dirk didn't play his best tonight. He struggled throughout the entire first half, but gave credit to his team since he wasn't in a rhythm. "They carried me," he said. How like the Body of Christ, where one person or group will fill in where another person or group is fading. In fact, during the third quarter, 3 men from the bench played almost the entire time, maintaining the lead and allowing the stars a much needed rest, so they could then push through to the end.
Romans 12:4-5

4th Jason Kidd - Jason, at 38 years old is the oldest player ever to start in the NBA Finals next to Kareem Abdul Jabar. With amazing experience, he has the wisdom that comes with his age. After the cockiness that was displayed from opposing teams, he could have done an "in yo face" type of thing, but instead he made a point to compliment the HEAT for an amazing battle. His interview comment echoed some of the personal "private" comments that he made to some of the Miami players, just proving his integrity. He didn't just give lip service to the opposition because it looked good on camera. He sincerely applauded them both on camera and "off." There is much to be said for a man in such a position who exemplifies such a humble attitude.
Phil. 2:5-11

"This is a group of castaways and now they're champions" is what Mark Jackson, one of the game announcers, said. So let me draw a few conclusions:

1. The NBA world considered these players to be near the bottom of the barrel. (I really did find that hard to believe, but with Jackson's comments and the perpetual underdog image that the media gave them for the past 2 months, I guess I should start accepting that fact.) 
2. The team itself accepted the championship with all humility, making a point to give away credit instead of glorying in their own achievements.
3. The players of this team recognize their inability to carry the team alone and are stronger for it.

Not to say that the Miami Heat or any other team is less than honorable, but isn't it sweet when the righteous prevail???

Weekend-spiration - Worship and Maverick Basketball?

I can find myself all over this cartoon by Gary Larson! I'm the geek in the skirt (without the beard!) who misunderstood the directions - again! I'm also the appalled woman standing next to the geek with her mouth hanging open at the audacity of the man to show up at a formal event dressed so shamefully! I'm even Jacob the Stutterer, who's so stinkin' excited to get out the news that he double clutches every other word.

This cartoon just delights the tar out of me!

As I look at it, though, the actions of the people with the branches aren't so unlike the actions of the guy in the skirt - well ... except for the skirt and the belly hanging out over it. The people that gathered on that amazing day when Jesus came back to Jerusalem were cheering him on.  It was an ancient parade, for pity's sake.  I liken it to our reaction to a rock star or even the enthusiasm of a sports event. 

Seriously, when was the last time you cheered at a sports event?  Mavs won!  Even from our living room I was hollering and I bet they heard me down at the Triple A! Yelling at sports is nothing new for me. I made myself hoarse at my boy's football games when he was in high school. He really wished I had been hoarse before I arrived, but I told him I would just buy a loud, obnoxious bell if that happened.

Next question: when was the last time you cheered at church?

Was that a cricket?

I'm not pointing fingers! On the contrary, I wish I was bold enough to act on the excitement I feel sometimes during worship, but my church just isn't big enough to cover my embarrassment if I started whooping. I'd rather just sit in the back and be as inconspicuous as possible. Shame on me!

I'm not sure the guy in the picture has the wrong idea at all!

What are your thoughts? Are you uninhibited when you worship corporately or would such emotion make you uncomfortable?

Holiness

I've been thinking about the song by Sonic Flood called, "Holiness." Lately I've been coming into contact with people - well-meaning people - who are a little off track. They want to do this or that good thing, but they have hidden reasons for their actions. Private agendas. A personal benefit of some sort for the good that they are doing. I confess, I've even seen the tendency in myself. I think it's easy to rationalize the goodness of the act, but in doing so, we're really lying to ourselves.

The song has been playing in my head over and over as I am praying this evening. It says, " Holiness is what I long for; holiness is what I need. Holiness is what You want for me." I always change the word "want" for the word "ask." I think holiness is a choice that we make - with every choice that we make! Rationalizing our choices because they're no big deal or that they don't really matter in the big picture is wrong because our practice of poor choosing DOES hurt the big picture. If we don't choose holiness in the small things, what makes us think we will choose it when the matter is really important, or the stakes are really high? What makes us think we'll choose the high road when the pressure is on to short cut?

As I'm writing, I'm noticing my living room. In a homeschooling family, the living room is TRULY LIVED IN! I notice the scratches on the wall where the loveseat used to sit hiding them. Really need to paint this room. And there is dust up high where I took down a swag that had been up there since we moved in. Surely I can find something long enough to get that down. And my sweet twins vacuumed for me today. Yep, there's a piece of popcorn under the treadmill, and another crumb at my feet. A couple of pieces of paper are under a little table they didn't move and something black, but it's not moving, thank goodness, is in front of the tv.

My Lord could certainly do that with my life, as well; "yes, you've hit the high points, but then there's this. And this is really not up to my standards. While you're at it, you might try doing this a little better." Thank Him that He doesn't, though! The holiness He wants me to have - to do - is FOR MY BENEFIT. Just like I want my kids to make and learn from their mistakes now, while they're young, when the mistakes aren't as crucial. He wants me to develop holiness because of what it will do for me.

The bottom line is, He already sees me as holy because of Christ's blood.

That doesn't get me off the hook, though. His Word says, "Be holy, as I am holy." It's not a matter of my salvation - that's already bought and paid for. Holiness is an element adding to the joy that I can ENjoy living in this terribly unholy place until I can experience the fulness of the joy of being with Him. Every decision I make to honor God in my daily life develops this holiness and all the fruits that go with it - patience to wait for His timing instead of pushing through on my own, peace that He's got everything under control in the midst of the daily grinds, confidence and satisfaction from knowing I obeyed Him, the gentleness and humility of practice to submit to Him, not to mention the joy that wraps it all up. Just like daily workouts can benefit our muscles and stress levels, daily submission to His will builds up the benefits listed and will ultimately create in us an attitude of holiness.