Mar 5, 2020
This week’s episode is with the fantastic Jill Eileen Smith. Jill has written a number of Biblical Fiction books as well as one non-fiction work based on stories of women in scripture. Listen. This is one. wise. woman. The way she speaks about the Word of God and its role in her life, and the way she shares insight into the history of God and His people is just incredible. This conversation is a bit like stepping into an Old Testament master class and it is AWESOME. If you’ve never read the Bible before, or if you’ve never really thought the Old Testament was for you, I hope you’ll give this episode a listen. I think you’ll find some hidden treasure just for you.
When I get the chance to hear men and women, just like Jill, who have studied the Bible indepthly, talk about the people that lived their lives within its pages, and the God who weaves it all together, it makes me so hungry to know more about the Bible. That’s the biggest reason I really enjoy Biblical fiction is because it takes stories I may know or may have never even heard and brings them to life in a way that ignites a sense of curiosity in me to dive deeper into the Word. Her newest book, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, is the perfect picture of how to do just that.
The book of Esther is such a unique book of the Bible, ripe with details, but absent of one notable detail: the name of God. God’s name is NEVER mentioned throughout this epic tale, but as Beth Moore says “His name is all over it.” Jill does such a beautiful job diving into this familiar tale and bringing history and the activity of God and his people to life! Star of Persia just released this week so be sure and grab a copy!
And just a little heads up… Jill’s book and drawing our eyes to the story of Esther is PERFECTLY timed as the celebration that is found at the end of the story, Purim, is just around the corner! We have something really special planned to celebrate and dive in to this story a little bit deeper, so be sure you’re subscribed and following along!
Find ways to get Jill’s book, listen to the conversation and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts at the link in bio!
Resources:
Beth Moore’s David study (called A Heart Like His)
My Heart Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger // Here is a digital copy that is free for anyone to read!
The Crimson Cord :: Rahab’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith
When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams: Hope for Today from 12 Women in the Bible by Jill Eileen Smith
Story of Joseph waiting on his dreams to come true
Story of Abraham waiting on his son
Story of David waiting to be King
Two from Galilee: The Story of Mary and Joseph by Marjorie Holmes
Michal in the Bible // Michal’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith // Also a great blog by another amazing author, Liz Curtis Higgs, on Michal
Abigail in the Bible // Abigail’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith
The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith
David and Bathsheeba (Uriah’s Wife) (also see her story by Jill Eileen Smith)
The Shulamite from the Song of Solomon
The Loves of King Solomon Ebook novellas by Jill Eileen Smith
“Every story whispers His name” SLJ/ JSBB
This Present Darkness by Frank Perreti
“Any amount of theology can now be smuggled into people's minds under the cover of fiction without their knowing it.”- C.S. Lewis
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (audio book I mentioned)
Lord of the
Rings by J.R.R.
Tolkien
“The world does not need
more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing
good literature.” - C.S.
Lewis
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Harnard
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Star of Persia - Esther’s Story - the latest from Jill Eileen Smith!
Scripture References:
Matthew 18:2-4 Faith like a child
Luke 15:11-32- Prodigal story
Philippians 4:6-7-by prayer and petition make your requests known to God
Luke 12:7- Knows every hair on our head
Hebrews 4:16- Come boldly before the throne of grace
2 Corinthians 12:7-10-Thorns in our flesh
Galatians 6:7- What you reap you sow
2 Peter 3:18- Grow in the knowledge of grace
Woman who anointed Jesus with oil in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Don’t eat the meat offered to idols // 1 Corinthians 10:28 // Exodus 32:6 // Numbers 25:2 // Revelation 2:14
Esther (Bible and Commentary)
Philippians 1:6- He who began a good work will carry it out
Hebrews 12:1- Cloud of witnesses
Matthew 6:11- He gives us daily bread
Psalm 51:17- Broken and contrite heart He will not despise
Hebrews 13:15- A sacrifice of praise
Connecting with Jill:
Stay Connected with Em!