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ASC Book Reviews I am a Christian Fiction Book reviewer/functional artist I review Christian Fiction on my blog ASC Book Reviews!

I also post some giveaways and free book announcements sometimes!

10/16/2026

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 KJV

10/15/2026


There’s a lyric in my song Come Alive that might be one of the most convicting lines I’ve written in a while:

If Jesus passed me by, would I even know? Or would I miss Him ’cause I was busy looking at my phone?

Someone once described my songwriting style as “a hug and a punch.” They told me, “Your songs are encouraging and uplifting, but every now and then there’s a line that stings a little.”

I guess this is one of those stingers. And honestly, it’s one I needed.

I’m often embarrassed when I check my phone and see how much screen time I’ve had in an average day. It makes me wonder how much life I missed while I was busy scrolling. More importantly, how much of what God was doing around me did I miss?

Were there moments He was trying to get my attention, but I was preoccupied with lesser things? Were there people who needed kindness, but I was tuned in to the wrong frequency? Did my kids try to talk to their dad while I was distracted by Instagram?

Those questions convict me because I don’t want the constant noise of this world to numb my senses and slowly lull me to sleep spiritually.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).”

That kind of life requires us to be awake. Present. Attentive to God and to the people He has placed right in front of us.

I don’t want to spend my life endlessly distracted by things that don’t matter and miss the One who matters most.

Jesus Is Life.

And I want to be fully awake for every bit of the life He came to give me.

~Matthew West PopWe (https://popwe.org/day-one-devos/)

10/15/2026

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Acts 11:23-24 KJV

A
by Greg Laurie on Oct 15, 2026
When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
—Acts 11:23–24
Scripture:
Acts 11:23–24

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/a-purposeful-approach/

Hats and T-shirts often give us a window into people’s personalities. If you walk through a large crowd, you’ll find that many people are eager to share, via their apparel, what they were born to do, whether it’s “Born to Surf,” “Born to Ride” (usually horses or motorcycles), “Born to Shop,” or “Born to Cross-Stitch.” While these messages are lighthearted and fun, they point to a deeper concern: finding one’s purpose in life.

If someone asked you what your purpose in life is, what would you say? If you’re a conscientious Christian, you might quickly respond with “To honor God” or some other biblically sound statement. But keep in mind that your life’s purpose isn’t revealed in what you say, but in what you do.

To put it another way, what do you prioritize? Where do you channel most of your energy? What do you think about most often? What do you long for? What fuels you and gives you purpose? What is the most significant thing in your life?

Given those parameters, some people, if they answered honestly, would say, “My purpose in life is to have fun.” Others might say, “My purpose in life is to experience pleasure.” Others might say, “My purpose in life is to be successful.” Others might say, “My purpose in life is to make money.”

The book of Acts introduces us to a Christian worker and traveling companion of the apostle Paul named Barnabas. Acts 11:23–24 recounts Barnabas’ arrival in Antioch. “When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord” (NLT). Barnabas found purpose in life by furthering God’s kingdom and encouraging his fellow believers. With his purpose firmly fixed in his mind, Barnabas seized every opportunity to fulfill it. He led with encouragement—purposefully—in his interactions with others.

Paul himself said, “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]” (Philippians 3:10 AMPC).

In other words, “My purpose in life is to know the Lord. Yes, there are other things that I do, but my primary purpose is to continually deepen my relationship with God.” With his purpose firmly fixed in his mind, Paul could allot his time accordingly to prayer, Bible study, and sharing the gospel—the things that would bring him closer to God.

Do you know your purpose in life?

Reflection question: How is your purpose in life reflected in the way you live?

~Pastor Greg Laurie-Harvest

10/15/2026

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 KJV

"Choose
October 15, 2026

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5

Recommended Reading: Galatians 5:19-25

Believers sometimes find themselves doing things they don’t want to do and not doing things they do want to do. The apostle Paul confessed that was his experience as well (Romans 7:7-25). So how can that happen to a born-again Christian?

Paul explains in Romans 7–8 that the sinful fleshly nature is still present in us. When we set our minds on things of the flesh, we find ourselves doing those things that are contrary to life in Christ. But if we set our minds on living according to the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves living a life pleasing to God. We cannot have our minds set on both flesh and Spirit at the same time. It is up to us to choose to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh.

Pray today for the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Set your mind on following His leading that you may manifest the fruit of His presence (Galatians 5:22-23).

Anticipate your battles, fight them on Your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have the victory.
R. A. Torrey"

~David Jeremiah-Turning Point- https://www.davidjeremiah.org/magazine/daily-devotional...

10/15/2026

O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Psalm 30:3 KJV

10/14/2026

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:12 KJV

10/13/2026

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Acts 8:35 KJV

on
by Greg Laurie on Oct 13, 2026
So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.
—Acts 8:35
Scripture:
Acts 8:35

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/philip-on-the-spot/

According to Acts 8, Philip led a thriving ministry in the city of Samaria. Crowds flocked to hear him preach the gospel and watch him perform miraculous signs. Countless people believed his message and were baptized. The apostles Peter and John traveled to Samaria to see Philip’s ministry for themselves.

And then one day God told Philip to go to the desert. Not only did God tell him to go to the desert, but He also told him to go to Gaza, to a desolate road that was rarely used. Not only did God tell him to go to this rarely used road, but He also told him to go at the hottest time of the day. Essentially, God said, “Go to a deserted road in the middle of the desert in the middle of the afternoon and await further instructions.”

Sometimes God will tell us to do things that may not make sense in the moment. Common wisdom might have dictated that Philip stay in Samaria, where the numbers were, and continue his successful ministry. But the wisdom of God is far different from common wisdom. And who are we to question the wisdom of God? That’s why Philip was a man whom God could call on. Philip recognized that God knew exactly what He was doing.

There’s another subtle element in Philip’s story that I want to highlight. Billy Graham once said, “Time after time in my ministry I have quoted a Bible verse in a sermon—sometimes without planning to do so in advance—and afterward someone has told me it was that verse which the Holy Spirit used to bring conviction or faith.”

Knowing God’s Word is essential for any person who wants to lead others to Jesus Christ. Anyone who shares the gospel needs to use the Word of God.

When Philip met the Ethiopian in the desert, the Bible tells us, “So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus” (Acts 8:35 NLT). What if Philip had not been a student of Scripture when the Ethiopian was looking for answers? He would have had to say, “I don’t know, that’s a good question. Uh, can I get back to you?” Fortunately, Philip was well-versed in what Scripture taught.

This is why believers are told in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (NLT). I’m not saying we need to have the answer to every question. But I am saying that we need to study and prepare ourselves as effectively as possible. And if we don’t have the answer, let that propel us back into the pages of Scripture to find it for the next time that question arises.

Reflection question: How can you prepare for a God-given assignment like the one Philip received?

~Pastor Greg Laurie-Harvest

10/13/2026

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5 KJV

"
October 13, 2026

Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5

Recommended Reading: Genesis 6:1-8

Sometimes you can’t turn the screen off fast enough. You thought it was a safe show; you were scanning social media; you were listening to a book on audio. Suddenly you were subjected to unwanted sexuality, profanity, or violence.

Because of the sinful nature within us, our imaginations run toward evil as in the days of Noah. We must guard against external temptations, but the bigger problem is our own heart and mind. In the battle for our souls, the war with the flesh is prominent. It takes a deliberate effort to be filled with the Spirit of God and with the Word of God.

Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Through Christ, you can be victorious if you never give up. Fill your mind with Scripture and ask Him to fill your soul with His Spirit of victory.

Only the Spirit…can give us the desire, determination, and discipline to reject evil.
John Stott"

~David Jeremiah-Turning Point- https://www.davidjeremiah.org/magazine/daily-devotional...

10/13/2026

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Psalm 5:3 KJV

10/12/2026

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Acts 16:25 KJV

Unlikeliest Hymn
by Greg Laurie on Oct 12, 2026
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.
—Acts 16:25
Scripture:
Acts 16:25

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-unlikeliest-hymn/

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to look at the book of Acts—specifically, the people, situations, encounters, and experiences that laid the groundwork for the church as we know it today. And we’re going to start with one of the most famous worship scenes in the New Testament.

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night by a Christian song or worship chorus running through your mind? If so, then that’s a pretty good indication that you’re laying up the things of God in your heart. Instead of waking up with the latest pop music in your head, you’re thinking of a praise chorus or maybe even a Scripture verse. That is a “song in the night” that God has given you. And that places you in some pretty good company.

In the city of Philippi, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for doing the Lord’s work. Prisons in those days were far more primitive than they are today. Archaeologists have discovered what they believe was the actual prison where Paul and Silas were held. It was nothing more than a dark hole, without ventilation—a hot and horrible place to be.

How did these two servants of God respond to their brutal predicament? “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening” (Acts 16:25 NLT).

The word listening is significant. In the original language, it means to listen very carefully. Another way to translate the phrase is “they listened with pleasure.”

I doubt that the other prisoners had ever heard anyone sing in that dungeon before. And I think the simple fact that Paul and Silas were singing at all in such a place was a powerful testimony. It takes a special spiritual perspective to recognize a dark, airless dungeon as a platform for evangelism. Believers can talk about trusting God in adversity all we want. But when people see that trust in action in our lives, our testimony takes on an undeniable authenticity. Our witness becomes exponentially more powerful. Our faith becomes more real, more practical, and more desirable to others. Worship can be a powerful tool for unbelievers to be exposed to.

The great British preacher C. H. Spurgeon said, “Any man can sing in the day . . . It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is the skillful singer who can sing when there is not a ray of light by which to read . . . Songs in the night come only from God; they are not in the power of man.”

When you’re in pain, the midnight hour (in the figurative or literal sense) is not the easiest time for a worship service. But God can give you songs in the night. And never doubt it: People will be listening.

Reflection question: What might a “song in the night” look like in your life?

~Pastor Greg Laurie-Harvest

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