Falling for Books: Barbara's book

A Ringtone For God
A devotional by Barbara M. Britton

Many years ago, I purchased a smart phone. It sat in its perch and didn’t see much use. Then, my kids grew up and preferred that I text them reminders instead of calling them the traditional way. A family member became deaf, so community texting was invaluable for communication. And, I became an author and the expectation was that I be on several social media outlets and actively check for responsive readers. Needless to say, my phone didn’t sit in its perch very much anymore. My phone travels most everywhere I do. Does this sound familiar?

I thought about comparing the time I spent on my smart phone to the time I spent with God. Was I more focused on technology or God? I think the answer would be humbling. Technology isn’t going away, but what if I could use it as a reminder to focus on God and use it as a light for the world? What if…

First thing every morning when I picked up my phone to communicate with an elderly family member, I thanked God for a new day. I’m a cancer survivor and tomorrow is always a blessing.

I’ve never taken a selfie because at my age who wants a close up of your face? If I did take a picture of myself, could I wear a cross? Show a Scripture verse or the Bible? Hold up a Christian music CD? What if I showcased my Creator and His beautiful world instead of my features?

After texting with a friend or family member, could I pray for something specific for them? I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray continually.” If I prayed for the people who texted me and commented on my social media, my prayer time would skyrocket. What if I chose the first three every day?

Sometimes, I have to admit, all the dings and hums stress me out. People want my attention. How much more does God seek my attention? What if I set an imaginary ringtone for God? I hear a ding, and I remember my Savior. I could praise God that I can hear the noise? I can praise God I have community. I can praise God I have a computer at my fingertips. I can pray and ask God for wisdom on how best to use this little computer.

1 John 5:21 says, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” How wonderful it would be if more people focused on growing their faith than scanning friend’s vacation photos on Facebook.

We serve an awesome God who gave Man the ability to create computers, smart phones, emojis, hashtag movements and the list goes on and on. Let’s shift our focus from the created to the Creator and remember to abide in Jesus. We can even change our ringtones to shine the light of Jesus.

What ringtone would help you remember all that God has done for you?

I’ll take “Jesus Paid It All.”

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Author Bio:

Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. 

She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. 

Barb brings little known Bible characters to light in her Tribes of Israel series. Her latest book brings to light the story of Nehemiah and how this man of prayer rebuilt Jerusalem’s wall with the help of the daughters of Shallum. 

You can find out about Barb’s books on her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Book blurb for Barbara's book, Jerusalem Rising: Adah’s Journey:

When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit—God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David.

Nehemiah challenges the men of Jerusalem to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Should her father who rules a half-district of Jerusalem be forgotten forever?

Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside of the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same rocks they hope to raise.

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Buy Jereusalem Rising on Amazon, B&N, CBD, or ask your library to order it and shine a light on God’s stories.

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:
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