There In God's Grace

By Dana Bicks

There In God's Grace is Book One in a Christian inspirational series of powerful narratives, written by the miracle of God through the hands of a gifted, dyslexic author. This personal collection of our Lord's messages encompasses Christian faith and love, betrayal, devotion, loss, and life surrounding the author's years in his child

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bicks Books LLC
• Release date: Sep 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781732475427

Dana Bicks

Dana Bicks, a Severna Park, Maryland native, was born a left-handed dyslexic, and educationally labeled "retarded" as a young child. He struggled throughout his life with the disability when at the age of sixty, a miracle occurred. God, in His infinite grace and wisdom, awoke Dana and asked him to be a writer of His messages to the world. Shortly after humor in God's suggestion, Dana picked up a pen. He began writing, right-handed nonetheless, his Christian struggles of life, and prayers ascribed to him by the Lord. In June, 2017, Dana and his wife created their Christian inspirational blog, www.danabicksauthor.com, which currently maintains 19.6 million readers in 29 countries around the world. It has won many awards including a Top 30 Inspirational Blog in the World by Feedspot in May, 2018. It is followed by numerous celebrities, ministries, political affiliates, authors, and people in all walks of life. Only God's hand could allow an unexperienced writer to grow a fellowship of such success in less than a year!

Book preview

A Thread of Faith

Sitting on an old boulder along the hillside, I watched quietly as if I had gone way back in time. Under the overcast skies, stood a few men that looked as though they were dressed in biblical robes milling about a field. Several knelt before the base of a rough-cut pole. I watched them pray in the shadows and observed the amazed disbelievers. They gazed upon the monument where the crucified King hung not so long ago. I presumed it must have been day four or five since He was entombed in the limestone cave. They stood praying in His honor and breaking off pieces of the treasured cross.

I heard a woman weeping as she threw herself around the base of the up righted cross. Aided by two disciples, she reached up and carefully removed the remains of His loincloth hanging from the driven spike. She tore the cloth into threads and shared the pieces --much like a first communion. Our Savior lives! Our Savior lives! she announced. I began to shed a tear, for I knew the truth! They, too, saw the empty tomb and knew what happened to Him.

From her soiled hands, she passed out a thread of faith. Each of the disciples carried their pieces as a sacred memento. The doubters watched while others came forward and found salvation with her communion. As I watched, I could tell they were the first to become born-again Christians for they now accepted He was the Christ.

I don’t think they saw me; maybe I didn’t exist to them but what I saw while sitting on that ominous boulder in a pair of jeans was incredible! As much as I wanted to walk up to the site, I thought better of losing the mirage. I, a mere messenger, can only report what I saw that day. The sun broke through and before it set, I watched the rays lift them into the heavens.

Job 19:25-26

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;

Am I? I Am!

Isit in the dark, waiting, as a message came in tune…. I Am. A candle burns, and God asked a question. What do you want to be? Everyone has a calling to do something greater in their life.

He continued, What are your goals? How high are your sights?

As God spoke, I listened. In the darkness, He said, Relax! I am here! You must be patient! My heart raced. I felt the blood and adrenaline charging through my body. My toes became cold, my forehead was sweating, and my nerves were on edge. What is it the Lord has called me to do? What can I, a poor sinner, ever do that God could need?

It was very early in the morning when a thought came to my mind. God, don’t you sleep? Why am I awake? What is it you beckon me to do? I am too old and tired! What is my calling? What is your wish?

I should have put on socks because my toes were frigid, but instead, I tried to sit with my feet under me. They’re too old! Listening, my left-hand writes; it’s November 8. Should this be significant? I don’t know.

My love is asleep…. or I hope so! She’s not here; it’s just Jesus and me. I pray for blessings for this year to be more different than earlier years. He hears me! But still I wait, in the cold darkness. I picked up my pen for there’s something to relay. Shorthand, perhaps, to write that which I intend to discern? I pray, Lord, what might it be that I can do to help you? I am not worthy to be in your room, yet you are here beside me. I am in awe! What should I do?

My feet are freezing; my heart is warm. I received a message from an angel - an old friend named Florence. I don’t understand the significance. Why did she email me at 3:54am?

Lord, it’s you! I wait to receive your sacraments.

Oh, Lord! My heart goes out to another I adore. She is the love of my life, to be my wife and blessed by you but your presence prevails here.… in this room. I rub my face as chills crawl through my soul. I know you’re here! I sensed you before in a hotel in Carolina a few months ago. Lord, what do you call upon me to do? Must I be alert and attentive to your every demand? Yes, I am your servant! How can I help you? What is it you have given me?

I listen! Rejoicing, I come into your presence.

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

An Angel’s Love

Iwoke this morning in such despair! So many things I worried about seemed stuck in my head. I even called my trusted friend. His advice would surely help, but he was at a loss for things to cure and put things on the mend. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an unexpected call came, and my heart sank with the impending news. My body is crushed beyond words, so I sit on this broken bench. I knew just how it felt.

I sat in such despair waiting on a light as it descended from heaven. It shined brightly in my eyes until standing before me was an angel - much to my surprise!

Did you hear my dreams?

The angel smiled and said, Yes, we heard your cries. She remained with me all afternoon. We spoke and laughed till the sunset.

I asked the angel, What can I do to repay this debt? Again, she smiled and looked at me. I came because you needed me. Even angels need love too, and I wanted that love from you.

I said, Miss, not knowing how to address her. Miss, I’m at a loss for words. She drifted away while I told her, You made my day.

As she faintly disappeared, I heard her say, For you, my dear, I will be right here all your days to come.

Exodus 23:20

See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.

Bed of Prayers

The thunder rolls across the heavens and our hearts pale. Burdens carry like a loaded freight train headed out to who knows where; an engine strains to pull the grade, and we feel the weight upon our shoulders. There is little joy where burdened hearts are weary. The strain of life shows its fury.

Looking to the Lord to sort all this out, deadlines and schedules can’t seem to coincide. The rusty brakes give little confidence, and hearts swallow up pride. But life goes on like an old train car that wobbles across the rotten railroad ties. From afar, we hear the whistle blaring out loud in the dark of night. It wakes the lonely as they stir on the couch. Climbing into bed and determined to persist, we keep our eyelids tightly shut, but the freight train rumbles through our mind. Relentlessly nighttime remains, and we feel a clammy sweat on the sheets when morning arrives.

In the turmoil of the stifled trains, we ask, Where is God? Where are the answers we are seeking? We put an ear to the railroad bed and listen to the distance. How far away must it be! But God hears our pleas as we drift off to sleep again. Our prayers are etched in the book of stone. As dawn breaks, the trains are gone, and peace comes in the morning’s light.

Before the alarm sounds, we reach to turn it off and roll back over to listen to the humming fan. Angels came and guarded the dark, but sound asleep, we never knew it. God the Almighty, who sits on high, blesses us every night. He promises to calm the spirits that steer our hearts as we listen to the distant drums in our bed of prayers.

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Choices and Changes

Before the hot summer nights or the bone-chilling cold, we were wrapped in warmth while embracing each other. We’re created not by love, but, by the Holy Spirit. We wander out to unknown destinations, trials uncounted, and our faith is tested in the world of deception and converse. Watching our step, careful of hurts, we plan not to trip. Our desires mapped, we’re ever mindful of obstacles that will cause us to stumble. You and I stand in the valley, between the mountains of good and evil.

God watches and protects us even though our choices might not be the best. He lets us roam, patiently waiting, as we walk through the path He planted for us. We know, occasionally, getting lost is inevitable. Walking along, you might encounter a little shower, but never fear as even clouds of thunder have a silver lining.

We stand now before our Believer. Which believers do you follow as the paranormal bears its faith that leads us to a course of completion? Our heavenly Father never needs advertising, but, counterparts are on the market - merchandising.

Yes, we all have choices, but, it’s the hard ones that God waits for us to make in life. Take time to examine those He made for you. In His image, we are called to make similar choices and changes. The link is God’s love. In the night full of emptiness and loneliness, Satan waits for he hates the soul whose footprints trace back to our heavenly Father above.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Closing Doors

The crew covered the field as the lightning and thunder moved into the stadium. The bleachers were now empty, and heavy raindrops fell, yielding to the weather. I remained in the dugout and watched it pour. A kid’s cap lay drenched on the field.

God had stopped the game with a summer shower. As I sat inhaling the refreshing cool air, the thunder got louder. I knew that God was closing doors up in the heavens. It’s a clap so loud it would make you come straight out of your chair. In the pouring rain, I asked God why he decided it was time to close one door before another opened. A bit of blue sky shone through, and in a quiet voice, I heard, Yes. I’ll wash the slate clean if I want.

So, I stood listening like a child from a scolding parent. There was nothing more I could do in the pouring rain but listen and walk away. I guess the Lord scolding me, was for my ears only as the ball field was empty. I smiled and chuckled under my breath. Who would believe what happened? Not even me! Could I pretend I didn’t hear it? As we so often get caught up in our routines and rituals, I find it curious why