This month marks the beginning of a new chapter for my BeanSpired Editions blog. Over the past ten years, I’ve loved digging into faith topics at length and sharing the results with you. But with the launch of my first book, my needs and responsibilities are shifting. Just Megan is finding its place in the world, and God is using it to open doors to other kinds of ministry. Meanwhile, other writing projects are demanding to take shape (Lord willing, Just Megan will not be the last book I publish).
I still want to regularly share faith lessons. But I need a more compact, versatile format, and one that also allows me to keep you, my readers, in the loop of this adventure God has me on.
So, allow me to introduce “The BeanSpired Life.” In these monthly posts, you’ll find:
- a short faith lesson
- a highlight or two from this author life
- upcoming events or milestones to watch for
… and more!
My past posts will still be available to browse on my website under “Blog.” The BeanSpired Life will simply start taking up my blog feed and have a category under the “Blog” tab.
If you’re subscribed to my website, you’re already set to receive these posts in your inbox. If you haven’t already subscribed, sign up to get new posts in your email as soon as they’re published!
Thank you all for your support of my writing journey! I look forward to continuing to share it with you!
How Sure a Salvation
Some recent conversations with friends and at church got me thinking about a question that often arises when discussing the gospel: “Once we’re saved, are we always saved?”
The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that, in order to answer, we need to clarify what we’re asking.
By “saved,” are we referring to God’s saving work on behalf of repentant, Christ-embracing sinners? Then the answer is, “Absolutely!” Jesus is able to save completely and forever those who turn to Him (Hebrews 7:24–25) and nothing can snatch them away from Him (John 10:28–29). Further, the Bible assures us of God’s forgiveness when we confess the sins we inevitably commit even as Christians (1 John 1:9).
On the other hand, are we using the word “saved” as a label—the way we’d say, “She’s Republican,” “He’s Democrat,” “I’m vegetarian,” and so on? Then what we’re really asking is, “Will someone who once identifies as a Christian always identify as a Christian?” In that case, I’d say the answer is up to us. Paul and other biblical writers warn against abandoning Christ (Romans 11:16–22; Hebrews 6:1–8), which implies that it’s possible.
But those biblical writers also point to our Helper, the Holy Spirit, who provides everything we need for our walk with Christ (Romans 8:14–27; 2 Peter 1:3–11). They point to God’s determination to sanctify those who’ve truly accepted Christ (Romans 8:28–30; Philippians 1:6). And they seem to distinguish between spiritual laziness and outright apostasy (Hebrews 5:11–6:12).
At the end of the day, this is clear: Christ welcomes sinners who come to Him with all their heart and soul. He’ll never cast them out of His saving grace. The choice to come to Him and stay with Him is ours.
We can’t fully know others’ hearts. We can’t foretell the future. What we can do is study what God has set down for us in His Word, the Bible, and live by what He says.
Instead of speculating about others’ eternal fate, let’s focus on sharing the gospel and building others up in the faith. Instead of worrying about what our future selves might do, let’s focus on practicing obedience today, and rest in the sufficiency of God’s provision for our spiritual lives.
God meets us in the present. Let’s meet Him—and each other—there, and trust Him with the future.
Behind the Screen
On Friday, August 1, I celebrated my first ever book event at Wings of Eagles Ranch. (If you’ve read Just Megan, you’ll recognize that name!) Approximately forty people gathered in the beautifully decorated Ranch House on a hot, stormy evening for a reading, author Q&A, book-signing, refreshments, and fellowship. And I’d say everyone had a good time!
For me, the best parts were having many of my favorite people together in my favorite place, meeting some more wonderful folks, and seeing God answer prayers to provide us with an amazing evening.
Thank you again to Christine Cronin, Julie, Terri, Cindy, Allie, and Chris for pulling this off, and to my family and friends who pitched in! This event was truly special.
And the fun isn’t over …
Coming Up!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be at the following events in September. Come join me!
Breakfast and Book Signing
Saturday, September 20, from 7:30–9:30am at West Corinth Baptist Church, Mooresville, NC
Drop in for a free breakfast and stop by my table to chat, get your copy of Just Megan signed, and/or grab a copy!
Dinner at the Ranch
Saturday, September 27, at 5pm at Wings of Eagles Ranch, Concord, NC
Enjoy an outdoor dinner, hear about my author journey, and support the nonprofit that changed my life—and continues to change thousands of others.
Help others find grace and resilience in the face of the unknown.
Did you enjoy Just Megan? Leave a review on Amazon! Reviews help books get found and increase their chances of being picked up by new readers.
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Jesus loves you. Embrace His love and live it out.
BeanSpired Editions 