You’re now in the library at The Ranch, a quiet, warm place where you can sit still and listen to God.
You’ll find stories here of people living today who have caught a glimpse of the Living God. God takes great delight when His children seek Him, like a Father delights in his children when enjoying a simple game of hide-and-seek.
Know this: the search is not in vain. God promises that those who seek Him will find Him, as the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:13:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
Considering how BIG God is, it’s hard for Him to hide too long! In fact, the more you look, the more of Him you’ll see.
Whenever I read stories like these, I’m encouraged that God is real, that He’s alive, and that He’ll be there for me, too.
So sit back, get comfortable and choose a story. You’re about to read about a very faithful God.
Choose a Story
My Stories of Faith by Eric Elder
True stories of faith to encourage you in yours.
In this book I share some of my deeper walk with Christ: how I hear from God, the miracles I’ve seen take place when I step out in faith, the blessings I and others have received by leaning into spiritual practices like fasting and prayer and journaling and taking steps of obedience to what I feel God is calling me to do. I pray these stories encourage you to step out in faith, too! I KNOW God will honor your steps of obedience to Him! As Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO My Stories of Faith for FREE on this website!
Also available in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Breaking the Power of Unhealthy Attractions by Eric Elder
Highlights from My Recovery Journey
If you’ve ever been attracted to someone who is not yours and never could be, you’ll relate to Eric’s journey. Maybe it’s a coworker or friend, or someone of the wrong age, gender or marital status. Maybe it’s a movie star or someone from your past who will never come back. In this book, Eric shares highlights from his own recovery journey to give you hope for yours. The audiobook also includes a new song recorded by Eric called, Hero.
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, and Spotify
Living Life with a Capital “L” by Eric Elder
Twenty-one devotions based on the book of John.
Every day we have a choice to make: we can lose ourselves in despair or keep living our lives to the full. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus never married, yet He had a full life. He was beaten and ridiculed, yet He accomplished all He came do. I want that kind of life… a Full Life… an Abundant Life… Life with a capital “L.” Maybe you do, too? If so, I invite you to read through the Gospel of John with me and let Jesus lift you up. He came that you may have life, and have it to the full… Life with a capital “L.”
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Living Life with a Capital “L” for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback or Spotify
St. Nicholas: The Believer by Eric & Lana Elder
A new story for Christmas based on the old story of St. Nicholas.
If you’ve never read about the real St. Nicholas who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., you’ll find his story both fascinating and inspirational. Even if you have read the historical account of his life, this version may just be the most human telling of his story you’ve ever heard.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO St. Nicholas: The Believer for FREE on this website! (ALSO available in SPANISH and ITALIAN!)
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, Spotify or Apple Audiobook
Fifty Shades of Grace by Nicholas J. Deere (pen name for Eric Elder)
A new love story for a new millennium.
An inspirational testimony of how God can do anything, absolutely anything. Nick grew up on a typical American farm in the heart of the great Midwest. But when his best friend in college invites him into a romantic relationship, Nick’s life takes an unexpected twist. A true-life story of one man’s journey into homosexuality, and how he came out of it through the power of Christ and with the help of some friends, one of whom became his devoted wife. (Special Note: for mature readers)
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Fifty Shades of Grace for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, Spotify, or Apple Audiobook
Loving God & Loving Gays: What’s A Christian To Do? by Eric Elder
A thoughtful look at a delicate subject, borne out of my own personal experience and my ministry to hundreds of others in this area for the past 30 years.
This book is filled with HOPE for anyone who wants to find valid ways to meet their valid needs, ways to honor God with their desires, and ways to bring more joy and fulfillment than anyone might ever expect or imagine. This book also includes ways to be more kind and loving to anyone who is experiencing same-sex attractions, including those who may have very different deeply-held beliefs. A small group study guide is included discuss what they’re reading.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Loving God & Loving Gays: What’s A Christian To Do? for FREE on this website! (ALSO available in SPANISH!)
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Spotify, or SPANISH
Psalms: Lessons In Prayer by Eric Elder
How to enjoy richer, deeper, and fuller conversations with God, featuring 31 inspiring devotionals
based on the oldest prayer
book in the world.
This book is based on 31 of the 150 psalms in the Bible. I’ve chosen these psalms because they highlight different aspects of prayer, such as when to pray, how to pray, what to pray for, and how to hear God’s voice during your prayers.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Psalms: Lessons In Prayer for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Water From My Well by Eric Elder
Finding God in the midst of life, love, and loneliness.
Featuring twenty inspiring messages drawn from my own personal well, including: goal setting and goal keeping; asking for blessings and receiving blessings; remembering to smile in the good times and trusting God in the bad; pursuing love with all your heart and dealing with the loneliness that sometimes results; believing that God can do anything, moment by moment, and enjoying His sanctuary in the mean time; keeping your feet forward and your knees bent so you don’t get sideswiped by obstacles in your way; being who you are and telling your story; the power of prayer and the blessing of perseverance; excavating your heart to expand your capacity; and digger deeper to go deeper with God.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Water From My Well for FREE on this website!
Also available at these link in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
15 Tips For A Stronger Marriage by Eric Elder
Practical tips for newlyweds, nearly-weds or anyone who wants to strengthen their marriage. Featuring 15 inspirational tips to help your marriage be the best that it can be. Also includes 12 tips on parenting!
Want to make your marriage be the best that it can be? Here are 15 tips that have been tried and tested in my own 23-year marriage. Each tip contains practical, real-life examples of how they worked for us and how you can adapt and apply them to your own marriage. Also includes a special bonus chapter: 12 tips on parenting!
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO 15 Tips For A Stronger Marriage for FREE on this website!
Also available in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Making The Most Of The Darkness by Eric Elder
How to keep trusting in God, even in the face of significant loss. Featuring 12 inspirational messages to give you hope during your time of loss.
We all suffer losses in life, whether it’s the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, the loss of our health, the loss of our finances, or as in my case recently, the loss of my sweet wife, Lana, too young at age 48. But that doesn’t mean we have to lose our faith in God, too. If we’ll let Him, God can help us make the most of the darkness, ensuring that even our most painful moments are not lived in vain.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Making The Most Of The Darkness for FREE on this website!
Also available in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Romans: Lessons In Renewing Your Mind by Eric Elder
How to think clearer, live better and enjoy life more fully. Featuring 40 inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible.
God has used the book of Romans to change many lives since it was written almost 2,000 years ago, including Saint Augustine’s back in the 4th century, Martin Luther’s in the 16th, John Wesley’s in the 18th—and mine in the 20th! So I’ve written this devotional study of Romans to help you reap the benefits from this life-changing book, too. This beautiful paperback contains 40 inspiring devotionals, as well as study questions at the end of each chapter that you can use for personal reflection or study with a small group.
Also available at these links in Paperback, Apple Books, Kindle, Nook, or Spotify
The Top 20 Passages In The Bible by Eric Elder
The 20 most popular passages from the best-selling book of all time. Featuring 20 inspiring devotionals based on the top 20 passages in the Bible.
“The Top 20 Passages In The Bible” contains 20 inspiring devotional messages based on the top 20 passages in the Bible, those passages which people turn to again and again for comfort, hope, and encouragement. The book also includes a SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE filled with questions for personal reflection or group discussion. It also features a special section called, “The Top 100 Verses In The Bible,” which features the most well-known and best-loved verses in all of Scripture, each one of which is excellent for meditation, memorization or just plain inspiration.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO The Top 20 Passages In The Bible for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Apple Books, Kindle, Nook, or Spotify
Israel: Lessons From The Holy Land by Eric Elder, with photography by Karis & Makari Elder
A devotional tour of the land where Jesus walked. Featuring 30 inspiring devotionals based on 30 sites in Israel.
Whether you’ve been to the Holy Land or not, we’ve created this devotional book to be the next best thing to being there! Featuring 30 inspiring devotionals–and over 300 photographs–from some of the most famous places in Israel, this book will help bring the Bible to life.
Also available at these links in Paperback in Color or Black & White, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Israel For Kids Activity Book by Eric Elder and family
Lessons for kids about the Holy Land. Featuring 30 fun activities for kids including word searches, crosswords, pictures to color, word scrambles, sudokus, coded phrases, mazes and more!
This “kids” version of “Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land” includes 30 short, memorable devotionals, plus word searches, crosswords, pictures to color, word scrambles, sudokus, coded phrases, mazes and more! Also includes 90 photographs from all over Israel!
Also available at these links in Paperback in Color or Black & White, or Spotify
Ephesians: Lessons In Grace by Eric Elder
How to believe, receive, and share God’s gift of grace. Featuring 20 inspiring devotionals based on one of the most grace-filled books in the Bible.
Have you ever wished you could better understand God’s grace? Or that you could better share God’s grace with others? These practical lessons from the book of Ephesians will help you to do just that, stimulating your thoughts, words and deeds as you seek to believe, receive and share God’s gift of grace.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Ephesians: Lessons In Grace for FREE on this website!
Also available in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Nehemiah: Lessons In Rebuilding by Eric Elder
How to repair, restore, and rebuild what’s broken in your life. Featuring 15 inspiring devotionals based on one of the most ambitious rebuilding projects of all time.
Is there something broken in your life that you’d like to fix, but don’t know how? A broken marriage, a failing business, a dying relationship? Or is there something that’s fallen apart that you’d like to rebuild: a house, a church, a ministry, a career? If so, then join me for these lessons on how to repair, restore and rebuild what’s broken in your life.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Nehemiah: Lessons In Rebuilding for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Acts: Lessons In Faith by Eric Elder
How to find, increase, and express your faith in Christ. Featuring 30 inspiring devotionals based on the lives of the very first followers of Christ.
The biblical book of Acts documents what it was like for very first followers of Christ. Their acts of faith ranged from waiting on God to speaking out for him, from healing others to being ready to die themselves. This devotional will help you to find, increase and express your own faith in Christ in practical ways.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Acts: Lessons In Faith for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Apple Books, Kindle, Nook, or Spotify
Jesus: Lessons In Love by Eric Elder
How to love God, love others, and love yourself more. Featuring 30 inspiring devotionals based on the greatest “lover” of all time, Jesus Christ.
Learn how to love God, love others and love even yourself more as you look at how Jesus loved God and people. Based on the life of Jesus as recorded in the biblical book of Matthew, this inspiring book also contains many compelling personal stories from today about how you can love others more. Makes a great one-month devotional for yourself or those you love.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Jesus: Lessons In Love for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Exodus: Lessons In Freedom by Eric Elder
How to get free, stay free, and set others free. Featuring 50 inspiring devotionals based on one of the most dramatic yet practical books of the Bible.
This faith-building book contains some of my favorite personal stories of how God has spoken into my life. If you’re looking for a great devotional book for the New Year or anytime of the year, this book has great, short entries to read each day, and will help you learn how to get free, stay free, and set others free.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Exodus: Lessons In Freedom for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, Apple Books, Nook, or Spotify
What God Says About Sex by Eric Elder
An inspirational book to help you discover and put into practice what God says about sex.
A great book on a compelling topic for people of all ages, from those just learning about sex to those who would like a clear understanding of what God says about sex in the Bible. A reader writes: “…heartwarming, honest, insightful and quite provocative.” Another writes: “Although this is a short work, it speaks volumes.” A mother writes: “After only a few pages, I knew I could trust this book in the hands of my daughters.” A father writes: “It’s the kind of book I could read to my son and not be ashamed.”
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO What God Says About Sex for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Spotify
Two Weeks With God by Eric Elder
A 14-day devotional to help you clear your mind and focus on God, based on the songs from Eric Elder’s piano album, Clear My Mind.
Be inspired as you read about why God sometimes waits to answer your prayers, or where to turn when tragedy strikes, or how to clear your mind and how to find peace with God. Each devotional includes special scriptures pertaining to each topic and thoughtful questions for reflection.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Two Weeks With God for FREE on this website!
Also available at thsee links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, Apple Books, Nook, or Spotify
365 Daily Devotions with Eric by Eric Elder
365 daily devotions to encourage you in your quiet times with God.
I love spending quiet time with God every day. It centers me. For over 30 years now I’ve been writing down what God has spoken to me during those quiet times with Him. I pray this book encourages you during your own quiet times with Him. This book includes devotions from a dozen books I’ve over the years: Two Weeks with God, Exodus: Lessons in Freedom, Jesus: Lessons in Love, Acts: Lessons in Faith, Ephesians: Lessons in Grace, Nehemiah: Lessons in Rebuilding, Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land, The Top 20 Passages in the Bible, Romans: Lessons in Renewing Your Mind, Making the Most of the Darkness, 15 Tips for a Stronger Marriage, 12 Tips for Parenting, Psalms: Lessons in Prayer, plus the inspirational Christmas novella, St. Nicholas: The Believer. 657 pages.
Click here to DOWNLOAD 365 Daily Devotions with Eric for FREE on this website! (All individual books listed above are available in ebook and audio at their own links)
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, or Hardcover
Write Your Story
Write With Me! by Eric Elder
The ultimate guide to help you WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart!
Do you have a book on your heart? Don’t know where to start? Don’t know how to finish? I’ll show you how! I’ve written and self-published over 35 books (this is #36!) and helped dozens of others do the same. I’d love to help you! Click the link to see what’s included and what others say about this book!
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Write With Me! for FREE on this website!
Also available at these links in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, Spotify and Apple Audiobooks
Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!! by Eric Elder
A companion guide to help you WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart!
This is a companion guide to Eric Elder’s original “Write With Me!” book. This notebook contains questions, prompts, diagrams and graphics to help you write and publish your entire book from start to finish. Chapters in the notebook match with the original book, and include a workbook format to jot your own answers to create your book.
Click here to READ or DOWNLOAD the Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!! for FREE on this website!
Also available at this link in Paperback
Let’s Get Technical! by Eric Elder
A ultimate guide to help you SHARE YOUR MESSAGE with the world–ONLINE!
Do you have a message to share with the world? I’ll show you how! I’ve shared my message online daily with tens of thousands of people for more than 30 years.
Click here to READ, DOWNLOAD or LISTEN TO Let’s Get Technical! for FREE on this website!
Also available at these link in Paperback, Kindle, Audible, Spotify, and Apple Books
More Short Stories
- The Walk Of FaithNote from Eric: And last but not least, here are several stories from the days when Jesus walked the earth about the power of faith to change their lives. Be encouraged that Jesus is still alive and doing miracles. These are just a few of those recorded in the Bible, as the Apostle John said,… Read more: The Walk Of Faith
- More Short StoriesHere are several short excerpts from stories of people whose lives have changed by the power of Christ… JESUS WAS EVERYTHING I WAS LOOKING FOR by Ari Hamalainen At university I became exposed to ideas and philosophies that were new to me. I became interested in Buddhism, Occult, Astral Projection, Meditation, Life After Death, Pyramids… Read more: More Short Stories
- You Mean…I Can Still Be Happy?Note from Eric: Dara has been a Christian for some time, but she couldn’t believe it when one day she felt God was saying that she could still be happy even after all she had been through. She was soon flooded with a joy she had never felt before. YOU MEAN…I CAN STILL BE HAPPY?… Read more: You Mean…I Can Still Be Happy?
- My Son, There Is A JesusNote from Eric: Paul could literally feel the forces of good and evil pulling him as he battled to stay alive. But God answered his prayers when the Spirit of God zapped him with what felt like an electric shock that saved both him and his mother on the same night, causing his mom to… Read more: My Son, There Is A Jesus
- The Bridge Went DownNote from Eric: Shannon was a teenager with little church background when she heard a story about a man who worked at a railway bridge. When she realized the story was about what God did for her through Jesus, and she put her faith in him that night. THE BRIDGE WENT DOWN by Shannon Blacklock… Read more: The Bridge Went Down
- Tomorrow May Not Be MineNote from Eric: As a wife and mother of two children, the unthinkable happened when Joy was in a car accident that broke her neck. As she lay in the hospital, she had to face whether or not she was ready for what’s to come beyond this life. TOMORROW MAY NOTE BE MINE by Joy… Read more: Tomorrow May Not Be Mine
- I Felt The Most Amazing PeaceNote from Eric: Lisa was a teenager who had been sexually abused, consumed with rage and very depressed. On the night she planned to take her life, she got hope from a Christian radio program. One month later, she said a prayer and felt “the most amazing peace.” She concludes, “And it has never left.”… Read more: I Felt The Most Amazing Peace
- Ever Since I Challenged GodNote from Eric: Vicki tried everything she could think of to escape from the abuse others had inflicted on her and that she had inflicted on herself. But when she was invited to church for the first time in 15 years, she heard about something she’d never tried before. After “challenging” God to prove himself… Read more: Ever Since I Challenged God
- God Can Do Anything, Absolutely AnythingNote from Eric: Liesl was hospitalized under a court order, diagnosed severely mentally ill, and told she would be institutionalized for life. During an escape from the hospital, God stepped in… There is hope, even for those who think they are beyond hope. GOD CAN DO ANYTHING, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING by Liesl Alexander “I was brought… Read more: God Can Do Anything, Absolutely Anything
- Mitch & DanNote from Eric: When Mitch realized his anger at others was really displaced anger towards his Dad, he decided to do something about it. He found that the best way to renew his relationship was to try to express his own love to his Dad first. It wasn’t easy, but over time, love won out.… Read more: Mitch & Dan
- There Was HopeNote from Eric: Russ had lost his hope that anyone could help him with what doctors call “panic attacks.” The sudden gripping fear that came upon him with each attack was overwhelming. But then he heard that God had set someone free from this. And then there was hope. THERE WAS HOPE by Russell Pond… Read more: There Was Hope
- There’s More!Note from Eric: My friend watched helplessly as his once-booming business began to crumble, and with it, several other things in his life. He came to a point where he put his faith in Christ, only to find out this was just the beginning. Read his story to find out why his godly uncle… Read more: There’s More!
- I Felt Him All Over My BodyNote from Eric: Sometimes God gets so close you can feel Him. Even though Russ didn’t believe in God, he began calling out in prayer to Him when things got bad. And God answered his prayers – in a way he’ll never forget. I FELT HIM ALL OVER MY BODY by Russell Pond Today is… Read more: I Felt Him All Over My Body
- It Brought Me To My KneesNote from Eric: God spoke to Randal in 1953 while he was doing the dishes: I want you to preach. Three times God spoke, and three times Randal was brought to his knees, weeping. And over 45 years later he’s still preaching. IT BROUGHT ME TO MY KNEES by Randal Wallen Many people do… Read more: It Brought Me To My Knees
- World Champion Cyclist Finds ChristNote from Eric: I met Sue Novara-Reber on a missions trip to Swaziland. She shared with me her story about how she had been a world champion cyclist, winning medals for the U.S. at the World Championships and the Olympics. But at the height of her cycling career, she wondered if this was all there… Read more: World Champion Cyclist Finds Christ
- We Considered SuicideNote from Eric: After the death of his father and mother, Paul discussed with his brothers and sisters what they were going to do without their parents. As they considered suicide, a stranger came into their home and changed their lives forever. Hear the story yourself as Paul tells it in both English and Tamil.… Read more: We Considered Suicide
- What A MessNote from Eric: Eighty percent of Peter’s body was burned in a fire at age 1. The scars on his heart from that accident caused even more pain throughout his life. At the end of his rope, while talking to his sister on the phone, he finally heard Jesus say “Come to me, Peter, and… Read more: What A Mess
- His Timing Is PerfectNote from Eric: Here’s a great story about God’s timing, and how His timing produces much more fruit in the end than our timing ever could. If you’re waiting for some of the things that God has put on your heart to come to pass, I hope this story will encourage you to keep trusting… Read more: His Timing Is Perfect
- You Can’t Do It, But Jesus Can!Note from Eric: Dave was a fast starter in the computer industry, eventually presiding over several computer companies. Disaster hit and he lost his business, his house, his wife, and his hope. There was nothing more he could do. But Jesus could. YOU CAN’T DO IT, BUT JESUS CAN! By David Daniel Wertman I… Read more: You Can’t Do It, But Jesus Can!
- Just One Prayer AwayNote from Eric: After a restless night, an 18 year hiatus from attending church, and knowing that one of his friends was dying, Al woke up one Sunday morning and told his wife they should go to church. They got in the car and started driving, spotting a sign for a brand new church called… Read more: Just One Prayer Away
- Jesus, Get Me Out Of HereNote from Eric: I must have cried three or four times while reading this story. Linda rejected God at an early age and then lived through many years of what she describes as “hell on earth.” The faithful prayers of a man at work led her to know there was a way out. One day,… Read more: Jesus, Get Me Out Of Here