Pearl in the Sand
Website: tessaafshar.com
Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well--walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness.
A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith...of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.
“In Peal and the Sand, Tessa Afshar has created compelling characters that bring new meaning to this well-loved tale.” Jill Eileen Smith, bestselling author of Michael and Abigail.
“Pearl in the Sand, the story of Rahab the harlot who became an ancestor of Christ, delivers a very powerful truth within its pages: forgiveness, redemptions, and the changing power of God. An unforgettable read, Novel Journey and I give a high recommendation.” Anne Mulligan, editor of Novel Rocket.
Opening Prayer
Discussion Questions:
To download agenda and questions for your group, please see tools page.
- What was your overall impression of Pearl in the Sand?
- What brought this Bible story to life? ie..”the walls of Jericho were a marvel. They said he was built like the wall of Jericho” Other examples?
- What did you like about Rahab?
- In what ways, do you relate to Rahab?
- What are some of God’s qualities in this story that touched your heart?
- What did we learn about how people relate to God in this story such as Salmone’s thoughts here:
Salmon page 79 “God appears to have a particular purpose for choosing such an unlikely season for our crossing, He wants to teach us about His power and glory. He wanted to part the waters in order that He might part their hearts and make sufficient room for Himself.”
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- There is a recounting of many battles that the Israelites won that included the killing of all inhabitants of a city. What are your thoughts about why God wanted this to happen?
- How does Rahab start and continue a personal relationship to God?
- How does this book emphasize that our faith is in God not in ourselves? What other examples? Do you relate to these and how do we emphasize our faith today?
MosesDeath (pg. 54), parents that lost faith(pg. 53) the water at flood level...pg.(55)
- What were your thoughts about Joshua’s encounter when he met the Commander of the Army of the Lord?
- What did you think about the discussion with Joshua and Salmone pages 100-101. Do we sometimes grow judgmental in or attempts to be righteous?
- What are your thoughts about Rahab’s hearing: “You only need to please Me. And I am satisfied. Leave your vindication in My hands. I have called you and I am faithful.”
- “But I pray also from my heart as if I were speaking to a friend as if I was speaking to a father. I believe God desires to hear from us” How do you pray?
- When Miriam offers a cushion to Rabab after she was hit by a stone, she says she can’t take it..Salmone’s vexes about it and says you will take it.. Do we know how to take help?
- What about the story of the snake and the child, with the mother who had not been kind to Rahab in the woman’s tent…..Salmone wanted to do something, revenge? but Miriam says let God handle this. Rahab also is angry with God why didn’t he kill the snake, she now acknowledges she is thankful for that snake. Has there been a time in your life that God surprised you?
- The culmination of the story is the pearl in the sand and how it effects both Salmone and Rahab. “ I didn’t really believe God would ever be willing to pardon me.” Do we hold on to our wrongs and not feel forgiven and loved?
Discussion for next book, date and time. Example below.
Closing prayer
Land of Silence
Before Christ called her daughter... No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body... and soul?
“No one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar. Land of Silence grabs hold of the woman who stole healing by touching Christ’s hem in a way that brings us all to a place where we can recognize that we, too, are daughter of the Kings.” Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Tessa Afshar’s novels draw you in so that you’re both captivated and changed by the power of story. Land of Silence is no exception. You’re in for a treat with this one-enjoy! Susie Larson, National speaker, radio host and author of Your Beautiful Purpose.
Questions included in book.
In the Fields of Grace
Without wealth or family, the widow Ruth left her people and followed Naomi, her beloved Hebrew mother-in-law, to rebuild Naomi's home in Israel. Provisions gone and starvation at the door, Ruth used all that she had left--a strong back and a willing heart--to gather grain in a field, abandoned after the harvest.
“Afshar writes unforgettable biblical fiction.” Romantic Times
“This is one of my favorite books of the year. Beguiling, exciting, romantic, and a much-needed reminder of the Creator’s steadfast faithfulness, even to hose the world deems undeserving. Novel Crossing
Opening prayer
To download agenda and questions for your group, please see tools page.
- What insights from the story of Ruth can we relate to the relationship of Christ with his people?
- There is a theme throughout of "surrender." It wasn't easy then and it sure isn't now.
- Is it God's directive or a personal realization?
- What makes Ruth an important part of Jesus lineage? Why do you think she was mentioned?
- How has this book and the prior one: Peral in the Sand effected your spiritual life?
Elimelech, Naomi’s husband leaves Bethlehem due to famine and wanting to take care of his family to a foreign land not known for practicing their religion, Naomi mentions: “We could have lingered. Trusted the Lord for a miracle. Or taken the solution into our own hands”.
- How do we know when we are God driven and me driven…?
- Naomi also says “If God spared us from the piecing shaft of every sorrow, we could never fulfill His best plans for our lives. Sometimes the sweetest things in life rise up out of the worst things in life” Have you had an experience that brings this to mind?
- What about the lion on the way to Bethlehem saving Naomi and Ruth from the thieves…has there been an example of God’s hand in your life?
- What did you think of Boaz and Ruth’s growing relationship…how did God enter their consideration?
- Gleaning the fields what do we do today to help others and keep their dignity?
“She thought of how the Lord had directed here path, drawing her step by implacable step to Bethlehem. She did not comprehend His ways or why He had wanted her there. She only knew that He had never forsaken her.” Have we ever been in a place where we didn’t know how we got there but are assured of God’s presence?
Were there any bible verses you liked especially for the beginning of each chapter?
Discussion for next book, date and time. Example below.
Closing prayer
Harvest of Rubies
The prophet Nehemiah's cousin can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay, and solve great mysteries. There is only one problem: she's a woman in a man's court.
Catapulted into the center of the Persian court, Sarah is working too many hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and solving intrigues for the Queen. Ironically, it isn't failure—but success—that causes Sarah to lose her only source of external validation.
Sarah soon learns that she has something of worth to offer beyond her ability with languages and sums; her very being proves to be a blessing to others, particularly the aristocrat Darius, whom she is given to in marriage.
There is so much depth to HARVEST OF RUBIES that readers will happily drown in its message of God’s unfailing love and mercy, while diving headfirst into the captivating plot and precarious romance. Characters are realistically flawed, likable and earthy. Emotions run the gamut from insecurity and fear to passion, pain and the indescribable joy that can only come with the realization of God’s grace. This is a great read!
Opening Prayer
To download agenda and questions for your group, please see tools page.
- What are you overall impressions of the book?
- What did you think of how Sarah was portrayed?
- How did you relate to Sarah in the beginning of the book? Her wedding? Her talking to Amestris to explain the plot? Her way of finding out about Teipes? Riding without complaint?
- What about the line I should have prayed before…
Your Account is with me…
Let’s look at page 205 and 206…207 “I want David’s why” Page 208: “I had even meant some of them”
The conversation that Sarah has with Nehemiah about not being good enough in her fathers’ eyes. Nehemiah says: “He pronounced them good not because of what they had accomplished, but because of who He made them to be.” “My child, the Lord’s care for you has never depended on what you achieve. You were created for His love, not to be His work mule. Your accomplishments are meant to be a response to that love, instead you have made love a response to your accomplishments.” (page 266-67) “My work is a small part of me-an assignment from God.
- Any reactions to this conversation?
- PG 330… how the title of the book came about, a vineyard of rubies…what did you think of the analogy?
- What did you think of the ending of the book?
- Has anyone tried the recipes?
- Compared to the others we have read how would you rate this one?
- What did you take away from this book?
Discussion for next book, date and time. Example below.
Closing prayer
Next book ideas:Ester: by Angela Hunt When an ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews, an inexperienced young queen must take a stand for her people.
When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king's heart and a queen's crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king's permission to exterminate all Jews--young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people...and bind her husband's heart.
"The biblical tale of Esther is a story often told, but here it is enhanced and elaborated with scholarly insight...Esther is a good read for those who love Bible accounts come to life." -RT Book Reviews
"Biblical fiction seems to be on the rise and readers will find nothing better in the genre than bestselling Hunt's interpretation of the biblical book of Esther....Hunt handles the tale's nuances with care and openness, presenting readers a beautiful, honest, captivating retelling of a familiar story." -Publishers Weekly
"With carefully researched, richly rendered historical details, Hunt breathes new life into the biblical blueprint. The result is a chilling tribute to Esther's bravery that is sure to grip and surprise readers." --Booklist
With nearly five million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Tale of Three Trees, The Note, and The Nativity Story. Angela's novels have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards
Harvest of Gold
Although his mother was an Israelite, Darius remains skeptical that his Jewish wife is the right choice for him, particularly when she conspires with her cousin Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Ordered to assist in the effort, the couple begins a journey to the homeland of his mother's people. Will the road filled with danger, conflict, and surprising memories, help Darius to see the hand of God at work in his life-and even in his marriage?
“Engaging. Inspiring. Heart-stopping and heart-rendering. A fabulous biblical novel that sent me straight back to God’s Word!” Meus Andrews, Award winning author
“Afshar has created a treasure of a book. Brilliant characterization, adventure, intrigue, and humor coupled with deep emotional impact garner a solid five stars.” CBA Retailers & Resources
Harvest of Gold (Book 2) A hidden message, treachery, opposition, and a God-given success will lead to an unlikely bounty.
In Harvest of Gold (Book 2), the scribe Sarah married Darius, and at times she feels as if she has married the Persian aristocracy, too. There is another point she did not count on in her marriage—Sarah has grown to love her husband. Sarah has wealth, property, honor, and power, but her husband’s love still seems unattainable.
Questions included in book.
Esther
Website: angelahuntbooks.com
When an ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews, an inexperienced young queen must take a stand for her people. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people…and bind her husbands’ heart.
“With carefully researched, richly rendered historical details, Hunt breathes new life into the biblical blueprint. The result is a chilling tribute to Ester’s bravery that is sure to grip and surprise readers.” - Booklist
“The biblical tale of Ester is a story often hold, but here it is enhanced and elaborated with scholarly insight…Esther is a good read for those who love Bible accounts come to life.” - RT Book Reviews
Questions included in book.