Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 17

What Is the Correct Response to Modern-Day Idolatry?

[image error]I think most of us want to believe we’re okay when it comes to being on the right track in our lives. At least I know I sometimes fall into this deceived thinking.

Then we start to play the comparison game, both to make ourselves feel better and also excuse our sin. You know, the “I know I’m not perfect, but at least I’m better than _____” routine.

Honestly, apart from God and His unfathomable grace, none of us are okay. In addition, our puny attempts to measure ourselves by any other standard than Jesus is nothing more than self-deception and utter stupidity.

And then there’s the matter of idolatry. Lest we assume that idolatry is something practiced only by those who don’t belong to God, let me just stop us all in our tracks before we even go there. Truthfully, even those of us who profess faith in Christ and earnestly desire to follow God’s ways can be swayed by idolatry.

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What Is An Idol?

As we consider the question, most of our minds probably go to a carved or man-built image of some type. But according to God’s Word, it goes much deeper than that.

The apostle Paul stated it this way: “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” ~Ephesians 5:3-5 (NASB)

“…no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater…” Eph.5:5
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[image error]Did you catch that? According to Paul, anyone who is immoral or impure or covetous is an idolater and has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

This definition by Nancy Pearcey, author of Finding Truth, matches that of Paul’s: “An idol is anything we want more than God, anything we rely on more than God, anything we look to for greater fulfillment than God. Idolatry is thus the hidden sin driving all other sins.”

“An idol is anything we want more than God, anything we rely on more than God…” -Nancy Pearcey
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As an example to her definition, the author mentions lying. When we lie–even those untruths we consider to be minor or little white lies–it’s because we value another person’s opinion or ourselves over God.

My personal definition of idolatry, which is not near as eloquent as the ones above is simply worship of the wrong god…those impotent little-g gods. In the end, it all comes down to where we place our trust, because we become like what we trust. And everything other than God will eventually prove itself untrustworthy.

“Idolatry is the worship of the wrong and impotent little-g gods.” @Cathy_Bryant
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The Scope of the Problem

I don’t think we fully realize how serious the problem of idolatry (AKA spiritual adultery) really is to God.

First off, it’s the subject matter of both the first and second commandments given in the Law, two out of four responsibilities listed for maintaining our relationship with God. “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” -Exodus 20:3-6 (NASB)

And just so there’s no confusion, that phrase “before Me” literally means “besides Me” or “other than Me.”

Secondly, idolatry is the most widely-spoken about form of sin in the Bible. Just about all of the Old Testament prophets speak about it in response to the idolatry of Israel and Judah.

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But just because we don’t have the tendency to carve a stick of wood into an idol and worship it today, doesn’t mean we’re not idolaters. Consider these subtle and not-so-subtle forms of idolatry:

Skipping church fellowship and worship and Bible study to watch a movie.
Skipping prayer and reading our Bible (in other words, our intimate time of fellowship with the Lord) to do other things.
Polishing our shiny new sports car to drive it slowly around the neighborhood so everyone can see it.
Overwork, when God calls us to rest. (This one really steps on my toes…)
Chasing after money/income when God says “Don’t.”
Watching movies and television shows that are clearly opposed to God and His ways.
Putting our trust in our bank accounts, 401Ks, jobs, houses, personal power, pantries, government, military, or anything else besides God.
Political alliances with ungodly nations.
Worry, fear, and anxiety.
Other people.
Self.

Idolatry (AKA spiritual adultery) is a serious matter to God. See the list here:
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Only One Solution

My motive in writing this post isn’t to send us on some gigantic guilt trip. Nor am I trying to put myself on a higher spiritual plane than anyone else.

I’m guilty of idolatry, too. We all are.

And it should scare us into a prostrate position before God’s throne of grace. It should bring us to a place of soul-searching and repentance before the One True and Living God, the Creator of the Universe. He is the only solution to the waywardness of our hearts.

God is the only solution to the waywardness of our hearts. More here:
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It might help to consider this: God is a good and gracious God who promises to never leave us and always provide for us. He’s proved time and time again that He is trustworthy. So why would any of us choose to “worship” anything other than Him?

Father God, No wonder Your Word has so much to say against idolatry. As our Creator, You know the sinfulness and deceitfulness of our human hearts. You know our natural human tendency is to follow our own ways rather than You. And because You are our Maker, and because we’re in a covenant relationship with You, that idolatry is spiritual adultery in Your eyes. Oh, God, forgive us and help us to do better. You are the only One worthy of worship, Lord, but still we persist in the worship of stuff. Lord, lead us to search our hearts on a regular basis, to confess the idolatry we find there, and to seek to serve and worship You better each and every day. In the powerful and precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Chit-chat Fodder: What are some other examples of modern-day idolatry?

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The post What Is the Correct Response to Modern-Day Idolatry? appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Have You Seen This Timely and Important Video?

Every once in a while I come across a video that is too timely and too important NOT to share.

And that is certainly the case this time around.

As I was going through my e-mail on Friday, August 21, I came across an article that contained a video message from Jonathan Cahn. Jonathan is a Messianic Jew and the author of The Harbinger and The Mystery of the Shemitah, both books I highly recommend as must-reads for every believer. (I’m adding book descriptions and purchase links at the end of this post.)

When I saw Jonathan Cahn’s face displayed in the video window, I quickly clicked to hear his message. I’m so glad I did! Honestly, as I watched and listened, I felt the power of God surging through my veins. Cahn not only discusses the troublesome turn of recent events, but the proper Christian response.

In short, we are to be LIGHT in a place that will grow increasingly dark. That is just part of the message, so please watch the video in its entirety. As a friend commented on my posting of the video on Facebook: “I can feel my heart beating faster and tears in my eyes just listening to this. It’s so moving.”

Do not miss this video message by Jonathan Cahn, author of The Harbinger.
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Jonathan Cahn’s Moving Video Message

So without further ado, here is the video:

PLEASE SHARE THIS VIDEO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS NEED THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND WISDOM THIS VIDEO BRINGS.

For the eyes of the LORD move to & from thru-out the earth… Is your heart His?
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Key points made in the video:

A great “shaking” is coming to America and the world. This involves the financial markets as well as other realms. God’s judgment can come in many different forms. Jonathan states that he is sounding the alarm, but that we shouldn’t be focused on dates, because as Sovereign God, God is free to act in any way He chooses, apart from our timing, our understanding, or even how He has worked in the past.
The apostasy of America has continued and is accelerating.
The harbingers have not stopped, which is Biblically indicative of a nation progressing to judgment.
The tower in NYC is scheduled to be completed this year during the time of the Shemitah.
The relations between Israel and America are at their worst, which is a dangerous sign for America. America is pressing for a deal with Iran that Israel says will put them in danger.
All these things are converging now, and we need to take warning. (And I personally believe it will also put America in danger.)
If nothing happens this Fall, then we will praise God, be bold for Him, spread the gospel, stand as His witnesses, and glorify His Name. If something does happen this Fall, then we will still praise God, be bold for Him, spread the gospel, stand as His witnesses, and glorify His Name.
It can happen according to this time frame (i.e. the Shemitah, the fourth blood moon, the fall festivals of Yom Kippur and Succoth).
It is wise to be aware and be prepared.
The last seven Shemitahs (Sabbath years) have brought a collapse of some sort, and we’re approaching the end of this present Shemitah. In 2001 and 2008, on the exact day of remission (end of the Shemitah), came the two greatest stock market crashes of all time. (This year that day falls on Sunday, September 13th, so the stock market won’t even be open in America. The last day it is open before that day is 9-11.)
After the end of Shemitah follows the ten days of awe (dealing with confession and repentance) according to the Jewish calendar, which leads up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Year of Jubilee begins September 14, 2015 and lasts until September 2016.
While nothing may happen during this time frame, it is enough to take notice and be ready.
If we know and heed no other warnings besides America’s apostasy from God, that alone is enough to warrant our notice and our prayers.
Being prepared physically is a wise idea, though you should be led by the Lord. Even if nothing happens, it’s still a wise idea to have essentials on hand, especially food and water.
We’re not survivalists; we’re revivalists. We’re not here to survive, but to be a part of God’s reviving and restoration. And we shouldn’t just prepare for ourselves, but to bless others.
Jonathan says that he only speaks for himself, but doesn’t feel secure having investments linked to the financial markets. Consider having cash at home.
Our most important preparation? Get our spiritual houses in order. (More below.)
This summer, America crossed the line in the Supreme Court decision to strike down the Biblical definition of marriage. This was a statement not only against traditional marriage, but against God, who instituted marriage between one man and one woman. This is a seismic event that affects our culture, our religious freedoms, will lead to persecution, and will potentially lead to judgment.
A principal seen in the Bible as a forerunner to judgment is an act of desecration. Ezekiel was given a vision of the Temple being desecrated with idolatry, followed by a vision of judgment against Israel. Later, in Babylon, there was a festival to the gods of Babylon, in which the Babylonians used holy items taken from the Temple during their festival. This is a vivid picture desecration, which means to take something that is consecrated by God and use it against it’s God-given purposes and ultimately, against God. In the story of Babylon, they immediately saw the sign of a hand writing on the wall, and judgment came against Babylon that very night. Since marriage is a consecrated vessel of God’s, this act by the Supreme Court could very well be the desecration that comes prior to judgment. This action took place as the Shemitah headed toward its end. Every single Supreme Court Justice who opposed the ruling issued a warning that for those who believed in God and the Bible, persecution would surely follow. We already see signs of this happening.
The grays in our society are disappearing quickly, leaving behind only areas of white and black. The middle ground is fading away. If those in the darkness are removing the gray to move toward utter darkness, then it is time for those in the light to remove the gray in our lives. The gray area–living both ways, compromising, not living consistently with our faith–is over. Jonathan felt led of the Lord and was given the opportunity to share this message with Congress the day after the decision was handed down: “Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’ ” (1 Kings 18:21)
The same dynamic that allows the grays to move to darkness, will allow the those who follow God without compromise to move from light to BLAZING light! The Supreme Court decision has moved us from a cultural faith to a counter-cultural faith, from a status quo faith to a revolutionary faith. There is good in this. We will see a return in the church to be like the church in the book of Acts. They lived in an anti-God culture. This will force everyone to go totally dark or totally light.
Ground yourselves in the Word of God and plug into the Presence of God in prayer, supplication, and worship every day. Serve Him with all your being–emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, physically. Let all things be ruled by the Word and Presence of God.
Decide that no matter what the cost or what the price or what the world does, you will follow Jesus. No turning back.
If there’s anything in your life unbecoming to a saint of God, the time is now–not later–to get it out. Whatever God is calling you to that is not currently in your life, the time is now to get it in.
Jonathan made this video on Elul 1 (the Hebrew date for our August 16 in 2015). The time of Elul is historically given for prayer, repentance, getting right with God and man, and drawing near to God. Elul 1 kicks off forty days of prayer and preparation. Jonathan calls for people to use this time to seek God in prayer and repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14).
America is in danger and is progressing on a dangerous course. Our country is at a crossroads in every way, and we must pray.
We must make up our minds that we won’t bow down to “Baal,” our culture, or those who persecute us for our faith. We must make up our minds not to compromise or give in to political correctness, no matter the consequences. We must not turn away from God no matter what any earthly power says. We must follow only the Lord and His ways. “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a)
“Arise, shine; for your light has come,

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

For behold, darkness will cover the earth

And deep darkness the peoples;

But the Lord will rise upon you

And His glory will appear upon you.

Nations will come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:1-3)

Is it possible…

That there exists an ancient mystery that holds the secret of America’s future?

That this mystery lies behind everything from 9/11 to the collapse of the global economy?

That ancient harbingers of judgment are now manifesting in America?

That God is sending America a prophetic message of what is yet to come?

Before its end as a nation, there appeared in ancient Israel nine specific warnings and omens of national destruction – These same nine Harbingers are now manifesting in America with profound ramifications for America’s future and end-time prophecy.

Hidden in an ancient biblical prophecy from Isaiah, the mysteries revealed in The Harbinger are so precise that they foretell recent American events down to the exact days… the 3,000-year-old mystery that revealed the exact date of the stock market collapse of 2008… the ancient prophecy that was proclaimed from the floor of the US Senate and then came true…and more. The revelations are so specific that even the most hardened skeptic will find it hard to put down. Though it sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller – IT’S REAL.

The prophetic mysteries are factual but revealed through a riveting narrative the reader will find hard to put down. The Harbinger opens with the appearance of a man burdened with a message he has received from a mysterious figure called The Prophet. The Prophet has given him nine seals, each containing a message about America s future. As he tells of his encounters with the Prophet, from a skyscraper in New York City, to a rural mountaintop, to Capitol Hill, to Ground Zero, the mystery behind each seal is revealed. As the story unfolds, each revelation becomes another piece in a larger and larger puzzle, the ramifications of which are, even now, altering the course of America and the world.

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The book you can’t afford NOT to read.

It is already affecting your life…

And it WILL affect your future!

Is it possible that there exists a three-thousand-year-old mystery that…

· Has been determining the course of your life without your knowing it?

· Foretells current events before they happen?

· Revealed the dates and the hours of the greatest crashes in Wall Street history before they happened?

· Determined the timing of 9/11?

· Lies behind the rise of America to global superpower… and its fall?

· Has forecast the rising and falling of the world’s stock market throughout modern times?

· Lies behind world wars and the collapse of nations, world powers, and empires?

· Holds key to what lies ahead for the world and for your life?

· And much more….

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |
I’d love to hear your thoughts about the message of this video in the comments.

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The Truth About the Underlying Messages of Popular Movies

 

Have you ever stopped to consider the underlying messages of popular movies you watch?

If not, you definitely should.

Consider this quote:

“Those who tell the stories of a society rule that society.” ~Plato

As a story-teller, I’ve had a front-row seat to the power of story, so I fully believe the truth of the quote above.

Not convinced? Then consider this. How did Jesus make most of His theological points?

Yes, He made them through stories also known as parables. The Prodigal Son. The Sower and the Soil. The Woman Who Lost a Gold Coin. I could go on, but you probably have the message by now.

We ALL love a good story. Stories draw us in, make us empathize with the main character(s), then end with a message that wraps the story into a neat little package.

And what is the most widely-consumed story form in American culture today? Without doubt, movies.

In recent years, we’ve seen a huge influx of young people who no longer believe in the Christ of Christianity or God. What is the cause of this? Actually, the answer more than likely comes down to several factors, but one of the biggest is the underlying messages of popular movies which impact a person’s belief system and thereby their worldview.

And lest you think that animated children’s movies don’t count in the big scheme of things, think again.

Since I believe this is a message we ALL need to hear and heed, the purpose of this post is to help all who read it make sense of movies–and indeed, all stories–so you can watch with wisdom, discernment, and critical thinking.

Popular Movies and Stories – Behind the Scenes in Story World

While I don’t want to burst the magic bubble of story, to make my point it’s important for me to pull back the curtain a bit. I want you to see and understand what goes on behind the scenes in most story worlds, whether in the form of books, theater, or movies.

In fact, learning this very common story structure was instrumental and crucial to my training as a writer of Christian fiction. I actually had several movie-watching sprees in which I analyzed my favorite films according to the following characteristics which under-gird most fictional stories:

Overall Message/Theme (what the story is actually about)
Hero/Heroine (the story centers around this character)
Goal of the Hero/Heroine (what the hero/heroine wants to accomplish in the story)
Antagonist/Enemy (can be human or inhuman, external or internal)
Weakness of Hero/Heroine (which they must overcome to be victorious in the end; this flaw in their personality is usually tied in to the overall message)
The Last Battle (between the hero and enemy)
Hero Loses Ground and Appears Defeated (everything looks really bad…even deadly…for our poor hero)
Hero Comes Back from Defeat (overcoming great odds, the hero rallies to defeat the enemy)
Resolution (last few minutes of a movie where the overall message is proclaimed)

The Irony of Popular Movies: Preachy

One of the biggest hurdles in Christian fiction story-telling is writing stories that get the point across without sounding preachy. I’ve had reviews on both sides of the fence. Some say that I do a good job at not being preachy. Others state the Miller’s Creek novels are too preachy. (Just goes to show you that it’s all subjective… One man’s trash truly is another man’s treasure.)

But get this.

Every good story preaches.

That last few minutes of popular movies is nothing but a blatant sermon for the belief system and worldview of the person/people making the movie.

That’s why it’s imperative that you don’t get so caught up in a story to the point that you mindlessly buy–hook, line, and sinker–whatever that particular movie is preaching.

Let’s use a popular movie everyone has probably seen as an example to study. I hope to further drive home the point of being discerning in watching a movie, even if watched for pleasure or entertainment. (In fact, when you’re in that frame of mind, it’s even more crucial that you keep your wits about you!)

Analyzing A Popular Movie: The Wizard of Oz

I grew up on The Wizard of Oz. And I dare say you did too. While at first glance, we think this movie is about learning the value of home, that is really just a sub-theme of the story. But let’s save the discussion of theme until the end of our analysis.

Instead let’s begin with:

Hero/Heroine

This is an easy one, right? Dorothy is undoubtedly the heroine of the story, the character the story centers around.

Goal of the Heroine

Not far into the movie, we see Dorothy’s goal revealed in song. And not just any song, but a classic which vividly expresses something every human being longs for–a world better than this one. Because of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” we connect with Dorothy’s character in a very visceral way.

Watch the video below, but try to do so with a discerning heart. You might not “catch on” at this point, so don’t feel bad.

Antagonist/Enemy

Though Dorothy (and the friends she picks up along the way) encounter many challenges, we all know the main enemy in this story. Her name even gives it away. She’s the Wicked Witch of the West, and she wants Dorothy’s shoes.

Yet more proof that women WILL go to war over a pair of great shoes.

See It Here: Miller’s Creek Novel Sale

Pilgrimage of Promise Novel Sale

Delighted to announce this Kindle version novel sale of Pilgrimage of Promise for just 99-cents!

The Kindle version 99-cent sale lasts from August 19-25, 2015. (Please use the share buttons to the left and bottom of this post to share this 99-cent sale with your friends and family.)

#99cents sale PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE 4.7* #amreading #ChristianFiction Details here:
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Rated at 4.7 stars with 115 5-star reviews, Pilgrimage of Promise tells the story of the matriarch of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Fans of the novels have named Mama Beth as their all-time favorite character. This special story of Mama Beth weaves together the past with the present to uncover broken promises, unfathomable betrayal, and the ever-trustworthy promises of God.

Novel Sale: Book Trailer

Watch this 48-second book trailer to learn more about this heart-tugging story:

Novel Sale: Book Blurb

2013 Grace Award Nominee (Reader-Nominated)

Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller

“…Karen Kingsbury meets Nicholas Sparks.” ~Amazon reviewer

Amazon #1 bestselling Christian fiction author Cathy Bryant delivers a timeless story of love gained, vows broken, and the unfailing promises of God.

A dusty stack of unopened love letters forces Bo and Mona Beth Miller to revisit a part of their past they’d rather leave buried–especially in the face of impending death. Only as they retrace history will they learn the truth about the shattered promise that threatens to come between them. But can their relationship endure the deception and sabotage they unearth, or will the experience compel them to trust more fully in the promises that never fail?

If you enjoy a faith-based read that makes you laugh and cry while driving home Biblical truth, Pilgrimage of Promise is the book for you!

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Novel Sale: More Special Offers (Free Books!)

In addition to the 99-cent Kindle novel sale on Pilgrimage of Promise, the first stand-alone novel in the Miller’s Creek series, Texas Roads, is currently free for both Kindle and Nook! Find out more about this 2009 Genesis Award nominee and #1 Amazon Kindle bestseller HERE.

You can also nab a free eBook of the second stand-alone novel, A Path Less Traveled by signing up for the Miller’s Creek Reader’s group newsletter. Not only will you get the free eBook in the format of your choice, but you’ll also be eligible for special monthly giveaways as well as first news of brand new book releases. You can find out more HERE.

What this means is that you can get three of the Miller’s Creek novels for just 99-cents! You can’t beat that!

Get 3 #MillersCreek novels for #99cents! #amreading Details here:
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Chit-Chat Fodder: If you’ve read any of the Miller’s Creek Novels, which is your favorite and why? (Let new readers know which books to try!)

The post See It Here: Miller’s Creek Novel Sale appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

SPOTLIGHT On These 22 Amazing New Christian Fiction Releases

It’s time for the Christian Fiction Roundup for August 2015!

So mosey on down and check out all the new Christian fiction releases! (But please take a minute to share this post for other Christian fiction fans via the share buttons on the left. Thank you!!!)

Enter #ChristianFiction #giveaway + check out new Christian fiction releases for August 2015.
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To enter the Christian fiction giveaway, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Christian Fiction Releases for August 2015
Mystery/Suspense

Corbin Gage can stand up to anyone . . . But his own divided house will bring him to his knees.

Corbin, a longtime legal champion for the downtrodden, is slowly drinking himself into the grave. His love for “mountain water” has cost him his marriage to the godliest woman he knows, ruined his relationship with his daughter, Roxy, and reduced the business at his small Georgia law firm to a level where he can barely keep the bill collectors at bay. But it isn’t until his son, Ray, threatens to limit Corbin’s time with his grandson that Corbin begins to acknowledge he might have a problem.

Despite the mess that surrounds his personal life and against the advice of everyone he knows, Corbin takes on a high-stakes tort case on behalf of two boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, a fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. The lawsuit becomes a tornado that sucks Corbin, Ray, and Roxy into an increasingly deadly vortex. Equally intense pressure within the family threatens to destroy, once and for all, the thin threads that connect them.

Corbin must find the strength to stand up to his personal demons. Justice for two dying boys depends on it . . . his family depends on it.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

(by Davis Bunn writing as Thomas Locke)

Reese Clawson’s work is mind-bending–literally. Her company specializes in global data analysis for an elite group of industry executives, and now a lucrative government contract is moving her into the realm of cutting-edge intelligence gathering. She is determined to crack the limits of consciousness–and in doing so, the boundaries of secrets and lies. But her experiment crashes as test subjects slide into a coma-like state. Reese is left scrambling to maintain control, drawing three disparate people into the search for answers–an adrenaline-amped thrill junkie with altered brain chemistry, an Italian scientist working on remote-viewing technology, and a math prodigy whose algorithms subvert

computer encryption.

Will this piecemeal team prevail when a government operative is sent to investigate? As the threads of perception and reality become tangled and even time itself twists in unexpected directions, one warning remains clear: what you don’t know can kill you.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Austin Delvecchio has tried to use his Constabulary resources to track down his missing girlfriend Violet. He finds a stranger instead, held illegally and mistreated. Rescuing the man will make Austin’s boss an enemy, but ignoring the situation will mean the man’s death.

Lee Vaughn has lost the most important person in her life. She continues his work her way, providing black market medical assistance to Christians and allowing fugitive Violet to live with her. Then she learns what really happened to Marcus, and the danger following him leaves them all with only one option: to flee.

To make it to freedom, all four will have to rely on their traveling companions. But that’s not easy when confronting past hurts, fear, and distrust.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

Everyone in Crow Hollow knows of Alvaretta Graves, the old widow who lives in the mountain. Many call her a witch; others whisper she’s insane. Everyone agrees the vengeance Alvaretta swore at her husband’s death hovers over them all. That vengeance awakens when teenagers stumble upon Alvaretta’s cabin, incurring her curse. Now a sickness moves through the Hollow. Rumors swirl that Stu Graves has risen for revenge. And the people of Crow Hollow are left to confront not only the darkness that lives on the mountain, but the darkness that lives within themselves.

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New Orleans–Hunter Galen, a stock and securities broker, suspects his business partner, James Nowak, may be involved in embezzling their clients’ money, but he’s reluctant to jeopardize their friendship based on suspicion alone. After James turns up dead, Hunter realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have cost James his life.

Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the stockbroker’s murder, recover the missing millions from the client accounts, and establish herself in the career she adores. As she ferrets out fraud and deception at Galen Investments, Hunter’s fiancee, Ashley Menard, rubs Nicki the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious woman with an agenda longer than the Mississippi River. Ashley seems to be hiding something, but is Nicki’s growing attraction to Hunter–a suspected murderer–her true reason for disliking Ashley?

As they encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and murder, Nicki and Hunter’s only option is to turn to God as they search for answers, elude lethal danger, and perhaps discover love along the way.

PURCHASE: | Print | Kindle |

A killer with a penchant for torture has taken notice of forensic expert Gwen Marcey . . . and her daughter.

When Gwen Marcey’s dog comes home with a human skull and then leads her to a cabin in the woods near her Montana home, she realizes there’s a serial killer in her community. And when she finds a tortured young girl clinging to life on the cabin floor, she knows this killer is a lunatic.

Yet what unsettles Gwen most is that the victim looks uncannily like her daughter.

The search for the torturer leads back in time to a neo-Nazi bombing in Washington state—a bombing with only one connection to Montana: Gwen. The group has a race-not-grace model of salvation . . . and they’ve marked Gwen as a race traitor.

When it becomes clear that the killer has a score to settle, Gwen finds herself in a battle against time. She will have to use all of her forensic skills to find the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her—and the only family she has left.

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Historical

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.

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With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country’s cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she’ll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them–or the faith they’ll need to maintain hope.

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Lady Mirabella Tirel, the beautiful daughter of the Marquess of Camarden, takes a practical approach to love since a dashing captain broke her heart at age 17. Now at almost 22 years old, she has decided to endure one last London season to secure a suitable engagement and begin a simple life in the country.

Sir Giles Knyvet is Mirabella’s oldest friend and her most dependable ally, and he is also secretly in love with her. Yet he knows the prospect of a relationship is doubtful: Besides being a mere baronet, he aims to settle a large family debt before sharing his feelings with her. But as Mirabella draws close to a suitable match, Giles may need to interfere to buy himself more time.

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When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy―literally while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town―as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off―Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can’t seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

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Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy―that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

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When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she’s determined to assist him in making the venture a success. Having just graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. In her efforts to help the pottery flourish, Rose reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family’s pottery works in a nearby town.

Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be the decent sort. He just wishes Rose wouldn’t insist on cleaning and moving everything. But when McKay Pottery starts losing business to the Harkness company, Rylan realizes Joshua might be taking advantage of Rose.

Then Franklin Hotels announces a design contest. Winning the Franklin contract would be exactly the boost McKay Pottery needs, so Rose and Rylan work closely together to create something magnificent. With Joshua’s company as their main competition, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may be misplaced?

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Nell Holstrom wanted no part of her grandfather’s barren gold mine that had taken the lives of her mother, father, and younger brother; even if there may still be hidden wealth inside. Instead, she went to Denver and took a job as housekeeper at the old Stone Hill Inn. Asa Stone was barely more than a boy when his father dragged him and his brothers to fight with Colonel John Chivington. But Asa refused to participate in the raid on the peaceful Cheyenne and Arapahoe; and when the smoke cleared, his father and brother lay among the slaughtered. Besieged by guilt, Asa wandered the West for years before returning to Denver to rebuild the old inn he’d inherited. Together, Nell and Asa work hard to restore Stone Hill. But when disaster hits the inn, Asa retreats into despair and Nell is forced to return to her family’s mine. Asa faces the hard fact: He’ll never be the man Nell deserves. Can he overcome the dark secrets of his past? And will Nell still love him when she learns the truth?

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Journey along as men and women emerge triumphantly out of their challenges and into romances that bolster their faith in nine historical novellas. Lonely Prudence has a secret admirer. Spoiled Olivia finds her first job. Adventurous Edie helps a ranger track bandits. Poor Lillian learns about true wealth. Fearful Katie confronts her past. Desperate Dameon finds work. Grieving Maime discovers new purpose. Guilt ridden Justin faces his fears. Newcomer Garrison seeks a business partner.

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Contemporary

After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

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Who knew making dinner could change your life? Louisa Copeland certainly didn’t. But when the George Foreman grill falls out of the pantry onto her head, resulting in a bump and a mighty case of amnesia, Louisa’s life takes a turn for the unexpected. Who is this Collin fellow, claiming she is his wife? And whose kids are those? Her name can’t be Louisa. Why, she is the renowned romance writer Jazz Sweet, not a Midwestern mom of three. Struggling to put the pieces together of the life she’s told she had, Louisa/Jazz may realize that some memories are better left alone.

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Juggling motherhood and her job as a real-estate agent, Elizabeth Jordan wishes her husband could help more around the house. But Tony’s rising career as a pharmaceutical salesman demands more and more of his time. With a nice home in the suburbs and a lovely young daughter, they appear to have it all―yet they can’t seem to spend time together without fighting.

Hoping for a new listing, Elizabeth visits the home of Clara Williams, an elderly widow, and is both amused and uncomfortable when Clara starts asking pointed questions about her marriage and faith. But it’s Clara’s secret prayer room, with its walls covered in requests and answers, that has Elizabeth most intrigued . . . even if she’s not ready to take Clara’s suggestion that she create a prayer room of her own. As tensions at home escalate, though, Elizabeth begins to realize that her family is worth fighting for, and she can’t win this battle on her own. Stepping out in blind faith, putting her prayers for her family and their future in God’s hands, might be her only chance at regaining the life she was meant for.

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Happily ever after begins today. The honor of your presence is requested at three autumn weddings . . .

A September Bride by Kathryn Springer

When Annie moves to Red Leaf, she’s ready to call the little town home, but Deputy Jesse Kent can’t believe his mother has handed the keys to her bookshop over to a woman she met on the internet. Jesse has seen his mother taken advantage of before, and he decides to keep a close eye on this Annie Price. But when a close eye turns into a historical wedding reenactment with Jesse and Annie as the couple, make-believe nuptials quickly give way to real-life emotions.

An October Bride by Katie Ganshert

No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they’re getting married—so Emma’s dying father can walk her down the aisle. While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications—the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

A November Bride by Beth K. Vogt

Having celebrated the big 3–0 by ending a relationship, Sadie is tired of romantic relationships-by-text. The only man she knows willing to put down his iPhone and have face-to-face conversations with her is Erik. It’s time to put a 21st-century twist on the Sadie Hawkins’ tradition of a woman going after her man. But when he realizes he’s fallen for her, can Erik convince Sadie his just-for-fun dates were the prelude to “’til death do us part”?

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Rae Stevens’ life might as well be a front page headline after a popular local sportscaster abruptly ends their engagement. Now, due to a staff shortage at the newspaper she works for, Rae is assigned to write a feature on baseball standout Malachi Burke, renowned as a womanizer and party man. She plans to write a quick and uninvolved story and then leave Malachi and everything he represents in the rearview mirror. Malachi Burke has never been so intrigued by a woman as he is by Rae Stevens. From the first day they met, he knew there was something different about her. For three months, he’s worked to put his life in right standing with God and leave his past behind. But it resurfaces when his former girlfriend Alexandria shows up to claim what’s hers. He doesn’t mind that Alexandria doesn’t like the person he’s become, but he wants Rae to know him for more than the person he’s been.

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Now that the whole truth has come out about her husband’s double life—including the fact that she and Jack were never legally married—Jessie is standing on her own for the first time in her life. As she struggles to put Adornments, her rental store for designer labels, on the map in Tinsel Town, her relationship with private investigator Danny Callahan gains momentum.

When she dresses a reluctant Danny in Valentino for undercover work at a formal affair, it’s him rather than her store that captures Hollywood’s notice. Danny, snapped by photogs, lands as the unlikely cover model on the front of L.A. Magazine. So much for inconspicuous. Will his popularity thwart her efforts to grow her business? Or worse, can Jessie afford to put her faith—and heart—into another relationship when she’s so obviously handicapped in the good judgment department?

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Enjoy the rollercoaster ride five modern couples take on the road that leads them back into a love that was meant to be. The ex-wife reads his work of fiction for an eye-opening revelation. The missing fiancée is returned to her home. A desperate wife gets one last Christmas with her husband before they divorce. The busy housewife wakes up to the drift occurring in her marriage. The low-key mom suddenly encounters her son’s high-profile dad.

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Children/Young Adult

The Wikk kids have been separated on their quest to find humanity’s home planet. Reunited with his parents, Mason makes new friends and clashes with old enemies on board the sinister Übel ship, theBlack Ranger. Meanwhile, Oliver, Tiffany, and Austin race to rescue their friend Ashley from a toxic moon—and find themselves in more trouble than they’d bargained for.

FREE ON iTUNES AUGUST & SEPTEMBER!

Others in the series: Taken, Risk,  Unleash

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Christian Fiction Giveaway
Win an eBook of THE WAY OF GRACE

122 Reviews

 

This eBook giveaway of THE WAY OF GRACE is open internationally. The giveaway will end on August 31, 2015. Winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via e-mail. Good luck everyone!

Join the discussion: What’s your favorite #ChristianFiction book and why?
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Chit-chat Fodder: What’s your favorite Christian fiction book and why? Let us know in the comments!

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The post SPOTLIGHT On These 22 Amazing New Christian Fiction Releases appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

#Giveaway and Review of “The Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB”

Could you give an accurate defense for your faith through apologetics?

Next question. Could you do so especially when challenged by non-believers?

We live in times when God and Christians are under constant challenge and scrutiny. Besides responding with the love and compassion of Christ, we should all be equipped and ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us as stated in 1 Peter 3:15. Just as importantly, we need to be equipping our students to answer the tough questions of others as well, for their generation will bear an even bigger responsibility as the world becomes increasingly more evil and hostile toward those who profess faith in God.

So when I was contacted by FlyBy Promotions about reviewing the Apologetics Study Bible for Students, I emphatically said, “Yes!”

A soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal… CROSSROADS ~ 4.8 stars on Amazon http://bit.ly/CRKAA 

About the Apologetics Study Bible for Students

The Apologetics Study Bible for Students will ground Christian students in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses to difficult and hertfelt challenges to core issues of faith and life. It’s the study Bible that will actually help students articulate their faith. Think of it as Christian apologetics 101.

The Apologetics Study Bible for Students anchors younger Christians in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses for whenever the core issues of their faith and life are challenged.

Multiple research studies have shown that spiritual focus often weakens among teenagers as they head into the attention-dividing realm of young adulthood. Up to 66 percent of them leave church altogether. The Apologetics Study Bible for Students works against that trend by helping this audience begin to better articulate its beliefs. In addition to the complete HCSB text and dozens of articles collected from today’s most popular youth leaders, including editor Sean McDowell, this new study Bible also includes:

Two-color design-intensive layout on every page for the visual generation
Sixty “Twisted Scriptures” explanations, fifty “Bones & Dirt” entries (archaeology meets apologetics)
Fifty “Notable Quotes”, twenty-five “Tactics” against common anti-Christian arguments
Twenty “Personal Stories” of how God has worked in real lives
Twenty “Top Five” lists to help remember key apologetics topics

Looking for proof of your faith? BELIEVE & KNOW: Search for Truth http://amzn.to/1DzcH50

My Review of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students
What I Liked:

This could take a while.

I love this study Bible for many reasons, but I especially love it for providing valuable training for students to articulate and defend their faith for the purpose of winning the world to Christ.

The Apologetics Study Bible is loaded with extras, including extensive foot notes and all the valuable extras mentioned in the description above.

The extra articles cover such relevant topics as:

What are worldviews, and why are they important?
How old is the earth?
What is evolution?
Can I trust the Old Testament?
Why does God allow evil?
What does it mean to have faith in God?
Evidence for God: the moral argument
If I can’t see God, how do I know He’s real?
What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
Are there contradictions in the Bible?
What is the New Age movement?
Why does God care about my entertainment choices?
Is it okay to pick and choose religious beliefs and practices?
What’s the big deal with Wicca?
What makes the Bible special?
What does the Bible say about abortion?
How do I know God’s will for my life?
Why are there so many translations of the Bible?
Why would a good God send people to hell?
Does the Bible contain errors?
Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
What do Mormons believe?
Is Jesus the only way?
Can something be true for you, but not true for me?
Why should I wait until marriage to have sex?
Is there evidence for life after death?
What makes Christianity unique?
Why are there so many different denominations?
How do I share my faith?
Aren’t all religions basically the same?
Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

My personal favorite of the many extras in this Bible is the challenges and tactics articles, which include these challenges to the Christian faith:

“I don’t believe anything unless it can be proven scientifically.”
“All religions are basically the same.”
“You can’t prove God exists.”
“A loving God would never let people suffer.”
“There is no truth.”
“I’m basically good, so God wouldn’t send me to hell.”
“You are narrow-minded if you think Jesus is the only way to God.”
“Religion exists because people want a psychological crutch.”
“Christians are intolerant of people who believe differently.”

Not only is the Apologetics Study Bible filled with many different sources to train students to share their faith, but it is simply a beautiful book. My review copy is the hardback version, and it has indexed tabs for easy Bible searching. Also the Bible is laid out well for study purposes.

What I Didn’t Like:

My main objection has nothing to do with content. It’s strictly aesthetic. I found some of the fonts used for headings on the extra material difficult to read.

My other objection is “Where was this Bible when I was in Junior High and High School?”

Fun Life Hacks to Actually Accomplish Your Top 10 Priorities

I can’t help it.

Maybe it’s my former life as a public school teacher–or perhaps my belief in the importance of being a life-long learner–but there’s something about the beginning of a new school year that brings out the organized side of my personality. Trust me, I have a messy side too. So I’m delighted when organized me shows up.

The Most Powerful Trait That Should Characterize Every Christian

Have you been there?

You know, those times when you’re so overwhelmed, so angry, so hurt, so _______________ (fill in the blank).

I have.

And during those times, I can almost feel a physical response in my heart. Like a callous building or a wall of stone being erected.

Actually, a better analogy is that of a fire going out. What started off as a full flame slowly sizzles away before digressing to a dying ember.

The Trait That Should Characterize Every Christian

But no matter how pervasive the feeling of a fading fire, as Christ-followers we can’t allow ourselves to go there.

Why?

Because that fire going out is our heart growing cold. And cold hearts can’t love the way they’re supposed to.

Jesus put it this way: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

If there is any one quality that should characterize every Christian, it is most definitely love.

Too Easy To Go The Other Way

It’s so easy to give way to hate, especially when we’re scared and afraid and yes, even disgusted. It’s easy to look at the increase of wickedness and think, “Well, God’s not doing anything about it, so I might as well stop believing.” And in a roundabout way we blame God. In doing so, our love diminishes and grows cold.

Regardless of whether we like it or not, the increasing wickedness we see around us has been foretold for thousands of years. Right before He was unjustly accused, taken into custody, and hung on a cross, Jesus said this to His disciples: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Our Two Choices

The choice is ours. Love and peace. Or hate and strife.

Don’t get me wrong. We are never told to compromise with evil or to call evil good. In fact, we’re told just the opposite.

But it’s not our job to convict or to judge. That is solely the work of God.

Our job is to love.

So don’t let wickedness make you hate.

The post The Most Powerful Trait That Should Characterize Every Christian appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

DVD REVIEW: “Patterns of Evidence – Exodus” (& DVD #Giveaway)

Since writing Crossroads–the story of a prodigal from the faith and the soldier who battles for her soul–anything dealing with defending the faith against the arguments of others catches my attention.

Something brought to my attention through this documentary film, Patterns of Evidence – Exodus, is that “…for more than 50 years, the vast majority of the world’s most prominent archaeologists and historians have proclaimed that there is no hard evidence to support the Exodus story found in the Bible. In fact, they say that the archaeological record is completely opposed to the Bible’s account. This view of extreme skepticism has spread from academia to the world. The case against the Exodus appears to be so strong that even some religious leaders are labeling this ancient account as historical fiction.”

Before I give my review, let’s look at the DVD a little closer.

ABOUT THE FILM: Patterns of Evidence – Exodus

What is the validity of history found in the Bible? Is it fact or fiction? What does the hard evidence really have to say about the foundational story of the Old Testament: the Exodus out of Egypt? An in-depth investigation by documentary filmmaker Timothy Mahoney searches for answers to these questions amid startling new finds that may change traditional views of history and the Bible.

Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney begins with the question, “Is the Bible just a myth, or did the archaeologists get it wrong?” He decides to tackle this issue with a deliberate scientific approach. After examining the details in the biblical text, he journeys across the globe to search for patterns of evidence firsthand. The result is the most in-depth archaeological investigation into the Exodus from Egypt ever captured on film.

DVD Releases on August 4, 2015//119 minutes//Genre: Documentary//Rating NR

MY REVIEW: Patterns of Evidence – Exodus
What I Liked:

I found this documentary very compelling and interesting. There are several interviews with archaeologists and historians on both sides of the issue, and Mr. Mahoney does a good job of presenting the evidence to counteract those who say that their is nothing to support the exodus of the Bible.

What I Didn’t Like:

I found the introduction a little difficult to follow and a little over-dramatic, but other than that, I truly enjoyed this DVD, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Bible history, archaeological evidence, and a search for truth to support what we already believe to be true–a literal exodus of the Hebrew people from the land of their slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Israel.

GIVEAWAY: Patterns of Evidence – Exodus DVD ($20 value)

DVD #Giveaway of “Patterns of Evidence – Exodus” #PATTERNSOFEVIDENCE #FLYBY Details here:
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We do have a DVD Giveaway of Patterns of Evidence – Exodus for one of you! Here are the necessary details:

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinons are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

The drawing is open to only residents of the USA and Canada and will terminate on August 12, 2015. Please enter via the Rafflecopter below. Winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via e-mail in order to acquire mailing information. Can’t wait to see who wins!

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Day of Prayer Event Called For Saturday, August 1, 2015

I don’t know how to adequately put in words how I feel at this moment.

Numb. Shock. Sick at heart.

While all of these are true, they don’t fully express the heaviness I feel.

I just learned of an event that took place this past Saturday in Detroit, when a false image of Satan on a throne with two adoring children nearby was unveiled. The Satanic “church” hosting the event hopes to place the statue in Little Rock, Arkansas after their previous attempt to have it placed in Oklahoma City was denied.

I will say this.

Of all the emotions rushing through me at the moment, the one I don’t at all feel is fear.

Our God is greater! He reigns! He is victorious!

But still the heavy ache in my chest will not go away. I grieve for what our world has become. I mourn for what is yet to come. I hurt for those who have wandered away–that they will turn back before it’s too late.

So in response to this abominable statue, I created a Facebook event for this coming Saturday, August 1, a day of prayer for all Christians to bombard the gates of heaven on behalf of this country and this world. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1447444982231438/

Please share the event and invite your friends so we can stand together against this evil as we cry out to our Mighty God.

Posted by Cathy Bryant on Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Yes, I am more than aware that all this has been foretold. The increase in wickedness is to be expected and prepared for. But that doesn’t negate our responsibility to prostrate ourselves before the throne of God’s grace and mercy and cry out to Him.

Here are some specific ways in which we all can pray.

Pray for those deceived by Satan.
Pray that the devil’s lies will be exposed before more are swayed to worship evil.
Pray for godly men and women of God to step forward and lead others to do the same as we go to battle against something I never expected to see in my lifetime.
Pray for God to bring down that statue, just as the statue of the false “god,” Dagon, fell before the ark of God.

After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. -1 Samuel 5:1-4

Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, who daily stand strong for their belief in Christ, even in the face of death.
Pray for our complacent and half-asleep brothers and sisters, who need to wake up before the enemy draws them in.
Pray that those of us unaccustomed to the loss of religious liberty will stand strong, even if it means dying for what we believe.
Pray for godly leaders on every level of our government. While elected officials can’t  save us, they can keep us from going in the wrong direction and even head us back in the right direction.
Pray for unity among those who belong to God and His family.
Pray for God’s wisdom, guidance, and direction.
Pray that we will continue to be about His business of making disciples and leading others closer to Him.
Pray for God’s perfect will and timing.
Pray for Jesus to come quickly!

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