Stories From the Sidelines
The pages of the Bible are full of ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances that we often overlook or forget. "Stories From the Sidelines" explores the lives of some of these lesser-known people in Scripture-like Huldah, Eliab, or the women of the early church-while providing alternate perspectives to familiar narratives.
Detailed retellings bring their stories to life. Once we step into the shoes of someone who experienced God in an ordinary place, our eyes are opened to the Lord’s presence in their lives. We begin to understand how their experience applies to us as ordinary people today.
Each account we encounter gives us a look at something that we might believe is unimportant, but is actually a crucial part of God’s plan. As we discover God in their lives, we glimpse His presence in our own. We can glean wisdom as we follow their ancient footsteps with a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Before we know it, we understand that we are not insignificant or forgotten by Him at all. Just as He has been with His people always, He is with us every moment, filling our lives with His incredible purpose, even when we think we’re merely sitting on the sidelines.
Published by Ambassador International
If you’ve ever wondered about your place in God’s plan, or heard stories of heroic faith and felt like you could never measure up, this book is for you. Malinda Fugate will take you on an eye-opening tour of the “sidelines” in Scripture, highlighting stories of overlooked characters in a way that will shift your whole perspective. You’ll learn why sometimes, the sidelines are exactly where we belong—and why that’s something to celebrate.
- Gina Dalfonzo, author of Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis
Malinda Fugate’s excellent examination of those who are supporting players, not the super stars, is fascinating reading. Stories From the Sidelines reveals accounts of lesser-known people in the Bible as well as provides alternate perspectives to familiar narratives. Each chapter begins with a detailed retelling of Scripture, including available historical context and employing prayerful imagination to bring it to life. Highly recommended.
- Eva Shaw, Ph.D., author of The Seer, The Finder, and The Pursuer
Through these imaginatively rendered stories, Malinda invites us to believe that even when we feel sidelined, God sees us and has a purpose for our lives. Step onto the dusty roads walked by these oft-forgotten Bible characters and be reminded that God also walks with you. There is much wisdom in these pages.
- Sarah L. Sanderson, author of The Place We Make
The Other Three Sixteens
“For God so loved the world . . . ”
Many of us could finish that sentence in our sleep. John 3:16 is a beautiful Scripture that neatly and simply sums up the message of the Gospel. But what do all the other 3:16s in the Bible have to tell us?
The words of the Bible weave a tapestry of love, particularly the love that our Heavenly Father has for His children. But a love so deep and so wide cannot be contained in one memorized phrase. It takes multiple authors of sixty-six individual books to begin to explore the mystery of God’s care for us.
The Other Three Sixteens by Malinda Fugate examines each third chapter and sixteenth verse in the Bible and invites a fresh, new perspective to help readers uncover surprises or remind them of forgotten truths of a faith that has become routine.
Through Genesis to Revelation, we can soak in its depth, wonder at its intricacies, and be moved at how much the Lord truly does lavish upon us. Together, we discover God’s love under the weight of Eve’s sin in the garden. It’s there in front of Moses, burning in a bush that is somehow not consumed. God’s love sits in the dark with Job, rebuilds a wall with Nehemiah, and encourages a young pastor named Timothy. Together we will find a deeper understanding of the way our Heavenly Father cares for each of us today.
Published by Ambassador International.
Bible Time for Active Kids
Kids learn best through experience. Bible Time for Active Kids is a children’s devotional centered on the Word of God and includes activities that help them process biblical concepts. Instead of being distracted by the effort it takes to study quietly, kids will learn naturally through hands-on activities like playing, building, and using their imagination. Bible Time for Active Kids introduces stories and concepts while creating memorable experiences that bring children closer to the Lord. Designed for ages 7-12 working independently, younger disciples with guidance, or quick lessons for Sunday School teachers and homeschool parents!
The Pen and the Sword:
Connecting With the Word of God
The Pen and the Sword: Connecting With the Word of God is a creative writing journal designed for young disciples. This resource provides dozens of unique journal prompts to help kids explore Scripture. Young writers will step into the shoes of their favorite Bible heroes, look at familiar stories from new perspectives, and dive deeper into the alive and active Word of God while unleashing their creativity along the way.
