Letter from Our Publisher’s Desk
As we move into another year, I am reminded to look back at all that God has done over this past year. I look back and see His provision, His blessing, and His guidance. There has been much to be thankful for as we have seen so many authors see their works come to publication and fulfill life-long dreams.
This past year has brought many new and returning authors to Ambassador, and I have had the honor of publishing so many wonderful books. There have been children’s books, devotionals, mysteries, fiction, biographies, and the list could go on and on.
This following selection of some of these titles was difficult to compile as there was almost an embarrassment of riches this past year as I reflect back.
When it comes to riches, one work that I believe would make a beautiful addition to display on a coffee table with its glossy hard cover and beautiful images on every page is Tracy Smoak’s newest release, Treasures of the Wise: 30 Devotions for Storing up Heavenly Riches. Join author and former educator Tracy L. Smoak on a thirty-day journey around the world as she showcases coins to highlight the beauty of the eternal treasure given to us from God. Each devotional is short but filled with riches beyond what the world can offer, as well as photographs of unique international coins and snippets of information about them.
Stories have been written throughout the centuries about the search for gold. But the true treasure we all need is easier to find than we think. For the wise person, treasure that will not be wasted, tarnished, or stolen can only be found in God’s Word. This would be a wonderful book for the month of January with which to begin the new year!
If fiction, mystery, and adventure sound enticing, then House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity by Margaret Philbrick would be the perfect read. If we were to judge a book by its cover, then this book looks more like a sleek magazine filled with many glossy pictures of renowned artworks by the famous artist Caravaggio. However, at the heart of this book’s beautiful pages is the gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family. As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a high stakes game where his loyalty is tested, honor is redefined, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover how far they’re willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything. House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of art history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, and the enigmatic power of the Vatican into a riveting tale of betrayal, loyalty, and love.
Gems of Truth: A Bible Student’s Devotional and A Bible Teacher’s Resource Handbook by Dr. John Mannion is the perfect yearlong devotional. Every day, we are striving to figure out why we have been placed on this earth and how the Bible pertains to our everyday lives. In Gems of Truth, the second book in the Jewels from God’s Word series, Dr. John Mannion explores the Scriptures to pull out “gems of truth” that will help us every day of the year to discover what God intends for us personally and show us how we can help others to grow. Whether you are a counselor or a lay person, each daily devotional offers thoughtful words of wisdom to help you grow in your knowledge of God’s Word this year. With hermeneutics mixed with daily living, readers will be inclined to dig deeper and uncover their own “gems of truth” as well. What better way to start the new year than digging deeper into God’s word?
The Altar of Our Hearts: An Expository Devotional on the Psalms, Volume I by Gary Wilkerson explores how Scripture gives us a guide to navigate our greatest trials, and although we are always hopeful going into a new year that it will be the best year yet, more often than not, we are met with many trials, and it is important to be prepared. So, how do you pray to God with complete honesty about your struggles when facing those hard times? When the Lord’s plans for your life seem completely derailed, how do you approach the Father with your heartache and anger? It can be hard to find guidelines for these types of prayers in the modern church, but the Bible offers an entire book of examples to follow and a road to follow toward healing.
In the first volume of Expository Devotions on the Psalms series, Gary Wilkerson, pastor and president of World Challenge, examines the first twelve psalms and how each is a unique invitation to authentic prayer. Our heavenly Father desires a deep, genuine relationship with each one of us, but that can only happen if we are completely transparent with God about our doubts, struggles, and sorrows. This is clearly displayed throughout the scriptures.
I believe that there is much to be said for the power of the written word. Our very faith is based on a written text, the Bible. This book (the greatest ever written and inspired by God) has made an unimaginable impact, changed and saved countless lives, and can reveal the state of our hearts. I contemplate this as I look back. To some, the Bible is just an old book, while to others, it is life changing. Personally, I remember as a child singing the following lines in children’s church,
I have a wonderful treasure,
The gift of God without measure:
We will travel together,
My Bible and I.
As we journey into and through 2025, let these simple lines go with us, and may the most important Book be our guide as we continue trusting in His wisdom and resting in His sovereign care.
“But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” – Luke 11:28