Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 18

Our Powerful Lifetime Heart Quest For True Home

Excerpt From  Texas Roads

A balding police officer with a prickly-looking moustache and bushy eyebrows entered the store. J. C. stepped up beside her. “Ernie, I’d like you to meet Mama Beth’s niece. This is Miss Dani.”

The officer, his expression warm and genuine, clasped her hand with a two-fisted squeeze. “Nice to meet you, ma’am. The whole town thinks the world of your aunt.”

Dani forced her gaze from his porcupine moustache to his gray eyes. “You, too.” Surprise skidded through her. All things considered, these were the friendliest people she’d ever met.

“I understand you need help with your car. Where’s it located?”

She gave him the details, and the policeman and J. C. left to retrieve the car. The rest of the men chattered at once, one offering her a folding chair, and another, a scratchy blanket. Their thoughtfulness rained down on her like soothing balm after the tense drive into town. Steve’s angry expression intruded into her thoughts. She’d take thoughtful over tense any day.

The man who looped his thumbs through his orange suspenders, the one they called Coot, spoke. “So you’re Cecille’s girl.” His chewing-tobacco breath blasted her in the face, his blaring voice in competition with his loud suspenders.

Her heart skipped a beat. This was a small town. Of course they would know her mother. She shifted in the chair and pulled the blanket closer. “Yes. You know her?”

He nodded once. “Yep. Grew up with her. Heard she married some rich city fella.”

Dani offered him a close-mouthed smile, unsure of how to respond.

The men began reminiscing about the days of their youth, painting her mother in fresh colors. She marveled at their stories. They couldn’t be talking about her mother. The person they mentioned sounded like a fun-loving country girl, not the cold and difficult-to-please woman she knew.

The rattle of the cowbell above the door drew her attention. An older woman approached, her face glowing. Dani’s neck tingled, an indescribable feeling rushing over her. She stood and moved toward the woman, her hand out. “You must be—”

“A handshake just won’t do, Dani. I’m so glad you’re here.” Her aunt waved away her outstretched hand and blanketed her in an embrace.

Unexpected tears spilled down Dani’s cheeks, their saltiness sliding onto her lips, as tension and fatigue gave way to relief. She pulled away and used her hands to wipe dampened cheeks, brushing at a wet spot on her aunt’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I got you all wet.”

“Oh, pshaw.” Her aunt’s voice hitched for a moment then leveled out. “Won’t kill me. But we’d better get you into some dry clothes before you catch your death of cold. Let’s go home.”

Home? Was that where this road led? Please let it be true.

 

Devotional – The Heart’s Quest for True Home

Maybe it’s just us woman.

You know, as the nest-builders and nurturers.

But I suspect that all people–not just women–have this deeply-embedded need for a place called home.

We’ve all heard the cliches.

“Home is where the heart is.”

“Home is where you hang your hat.”

I even have a wall graphic above my writing desk that says: “Home is where your story begins.”

While all are true, I think the actual meaning of home goes much, much deeper. In fact, I believe each of us are created with a home-shaped hole in our hearts–one that can be filled in only one way.

The quest for home runs deep with me. As a young bride and mother, I longed for the “perfect place” to call home. But as the wife of a minister, I quickly learned to build each new nesting place quickly. Because every few years–just as I began to feel at home–my hubby’s work would lead us away from that nest toward a new one.

At first, I grieved my lost homes. But through the process the Lord graciously taught me that true home isn’t a place at all. Instead true home is found in a person.

Our heart’s search for true home is indeed a powerful lifetime quest that leads to the One who made us. The One who pitched His tent among the wilderness-wandering young nation of Israel. The One who made His dwelling among us at the advent of Jesus.

Yes, my friends, it’s true. The only way to fill that home-sized hole in each of our hearts is in to abide in Christ.

Texas Roads tells the story of a hurting seeker’s quest for home, and the cowboy-turned-mayor who leads the way. It shares the truth that our lifetime quest to fill that home-shaped hole in our hearts can only be met in One.

 

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Christian Fiction Book, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN: 99 Cent Sale

Hey everyone! Hope you’re all having a great summer!

Just wanted to let you know that A BRIDGE UNBROKEN, the fifth Miller’s Creek novel (released in 2014) and Amazon best-selling Christian romantic suspense (rated at 4.8 stars on Amazon) is on sale for just 99-cents July 21-27, 2015.

The spiritual theme of this book is forgiveness, a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Forgiveness is such an integral part of the Christian faith, but so many take it lightly and don’t fully understand its impact on our lives. The companion Bible study to the book is THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS: FORGIVING THE INEXCUSABLE, and digs deep into the scripture to uncover the Biblical meaning of forgiveness and what it means for those of us who belong to Christ.

You can find all the scoop about A BRIDGE UNBROKEN below. Please take just a minute to share this limited-time offer with friends and family who enjoy Christian fiction. I appreciate it so much!

Here’s a tweet for easy sharing (or you can click any pics or side buttons to share–on other social media channels as well):

Please retweet: A BRIDGE UNBROKEN #99cents #ChristianFiction 4.8 #amreading http://t.co/5BKWy19724 pic.twitter.com/tI3f2uLaeP

— Cathy Bryant (@Cathy_Bryant) July 21, 2015

And here’s a Facebook post for easy sharing:

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN 99-cent saleChristian romantic suspense ~ 4.8 “Not all scars are visible…” #forgivenesshttp://amzn.to/1h5wm2j

Posted by Cathy Bryant, Christian writer on Tuesday, July 21, 2015

And here’s a pin to share on Pinterest:

Blessings to you and yours,

99-Cent Sale for A BRIDGE UNBROKEN

 

Amazon Kindle Best Seller
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Letting go to build a bridge…

Dakota Kelly is a frightened runaway who wants to lay low so her painful past will hopefully disappear. But her plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with Chance Johnson, the man responsible for the scars on her heart.

But Chance isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense with a message of forgiveness, don’t miss A Bridge Unbroken.

PURCHASE:   | Kindle | Print | Nook | Smashwords |

Use this readers-only coupon code to receive $2.00 off the print copy: UNWBGE2H

A 2014 Release Rated at 4.7 Stars Out Of 5 On Amazon

Click HERE to Read or Download a Free Chapter

 

 

“I am new to this series but A Bridge Unbroken grabbed me, pulled me in, and kept me hostage until I had finished. Cathy Bryant is so very good at taking her readers and immersing them into the story in such a way that you are emotionally involved. In a way it reminded me of L.M. Montgomery’s ability to the same thing.”

–Jasmine A.

“This book is another home run for Cathy Bryant! She has a shown a knack for writing books with a balance of romance, mystery, suspense and Christianity all in one book, or actually, into a series of books. There were times I was sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I loved how I thought I had it figured out only to realize ~ not so much! This book is a good read. Try it and the other books in the Miller’s Creek series.”     –Sherlee G.

 

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The Right Way to Overcome Fear and Discouragement

Fear. Discouragement.

There’s a lot of both going around out there in light of recent events.

Mainly because we feel helpless to do anything.

But that’s okay.

There’s a way to overcome fear and discouragement.

Overcome Fear and Discouragement – An Example

It’s easy to get frightened and discouraged when the enemy seems too powerful and too vast for us to fight. The kingdom of Judah also faced a large enemy, but their godly king took the right steps, and the nation’s people fell right in line.

Jehoshaphat was afraid and [c]turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord. -2 Chronicles 20:3-4

Next they held a national prayer meeting.

“O Lord, the God of our fathers,are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You. Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying, ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’ Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir,whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” -2 Chronicles 20:6-12

These things stood out to me in this prayer:

The prayer acknowledged God’s sovereignty, power, and authority.
The prayer accessed God’s past promises to Abraham.
The prayer admitted they were powerless without God and needed Him.

Out of that prayer meeting came a prophecy the Lord sent through His Spirit, which resulted in praise to God:

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s….You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves,stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.” Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel, with a very loud voice. -2 Chronicles 20:15b, 17-19

The next day, the kingdom of Judah praised God all the way to the battlefield, and the enemy army was defeated as they turned upon one another (2 Chronicles 20:18-28). All Judah had to do was take up their position, stand firm, and see the deliverance God gave them. Needless to say, there was a whole lot more of praising God after that.

And look what happened next.

And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. -2 Chronicles 20:29

Overcome Fear and Discouragement – An Application

Regardless of what happens as a result of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, brothers and sisters, we must not forget that our Sovereign God is in control. We also need to band together, to stand strong in our faith in God and His deliverance. This is a time to cry out to God and a time to deny ourselves as we seek God.

Then we’ll watch as He delivers and praise Him all the way home.

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2015 Inspy Award Winners (Christian Fiction)

Since I write Christian fiction and also help promote it via my website and the Christian Books group on Facebook, I thought you readers might enjoy hearing about the Inspy Awards and the recently-chosen 2015 Inspy Award Winners in Christian fiction.

Based on your comments to some of these very same books in our Facebook group, I think many of you will be thrilled with the choices. You can visit the Inspy awards website here: http://inspys.com.

About the Inspys

The Inspy awards were created by bloggers who felt the need to recognize excellence in faith-based literature. Criteria include:

must have been published in print during the prior calendar year;
re-issues, independently-published books, and eBooks are not eligible;
the books must have high literary qualities, including innovative and original writing, as well as complex characterization;
the topic must respectfully deal with some aspect of the Christian faith; and
the book must not contain too much profanity or explicit sexual scenes.

Categories include: debut novel, general fiction, contemporary romance/romantic suspense, historical romance, speculative fiction, mystery/thriller, and young adult.

You can find the website’s book nomination guidelines HERE.

2015 Inspy Award Winners
Debut Novel:

Miracle in a Dry Season

by Sarah Loudin Thomas

It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor . . . until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.

PURCHASE: | Kindle | Print |

Other Books in the Series: Until the Harvest

Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense:

Meant to Be Mine

by Becky Wade

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school–irresistible. When their paths cross again after college–still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

PURCHASE: | Kindle | Print |

Other Books in the Series: Undeniably Yours, A Love Like Ours 

General Fiction:

Saving Amelie

by Cathy Gohlke

Increasingly wary of her father’s genetic research, Rachel Kramer has determined that this trip with him to Germany—in the summer of 1939—will be her last. But a cryptic letter from her estranged friend, begging Rachel for help, changes everything. Married to SS officer Gerhardt Schlick, Kristine sees the dark tides turning and fears her husband views their daughter, Amelie, deaf since birth, as a blight on his Aryan bloodline.

Once courted by Schlick, Rachel knows he’s as dangerous as the swastikas that hang like ebony spiders from every government building in Berlin. She fears her father’s files may hold answers about Hitler’s plans for others, like Amelie, whom the regime deems “unworthy of life.” She risks searching his classified documents only to uncover shocking secrets about her own history and a family she’s never known.

Now hunted by the SS, Rachel turns to Jason Young—a driven, disarming American journalist and unlikely ally—who connects her to the resistance and to controversial theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Forced into hiding, Rachel’s every ideal is challenged as she and Jason walk a knife’s edge, risking their lives—and asking others to do the same—for those they barely know but come to love.

PURCHASE: | Kindle | Print |

Historical Romance:

Mark of Distinction

by Jessica Dotta

London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.

PURCHASE: | Kindle | Print |

Other Books in the Series: Born of Persuasion, Price of Privilege

Young Adult:

Storm Siren

by Mary Weber

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse – and the girl – can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth – meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

PURCHASE: | Kindle | Print |

Other Books in the Series: Siren’s Fury

Mystery/Thriller

A.D. 30

by Ted Dekker

Step back in time to the year of our Lord…A.D. 30.
The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father’s warriors–Saba who speaks more with is sword than his voice and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.
But Maviah’s path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life which offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people–and herself.


PURCHASE: | Kindle | Print |

Speculative Fiction:

Spirit Bridge

by James Rubart

Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in spiritual realms . . . but each is reeling from recent vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.

But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes is a trump card―a hidden strategy set in motion before the Warriors Riding even began―that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he’s just set it loose.

The street-magician Simon―finally free of Zennon’s alternate-reality prison―is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there’s Miyo, a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn’t know about. They will be pivotal in the final war against the Warriors Riding.

If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on.

PURCHASE: | Kindle | Print |

Other Books in the Series: Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door

Congratulations to the nominees and winners! Okay, reader friends, which of these have you read? Let us know the scoop in the comments.

 

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You Need to Know About This Wonderful New Study

I didn’t think you’d want to miss out on this wonderful new study.

The LifeSword ladies’ Bible study group on Facebook finished up their study of Believe & Know: The Search for Truth (currently priced at 99-cents for the Kindle version) last week. We had a wonderful time learning about living out our faith in God, knowing Him intimately, and sharing our faith–especially with those who have strong arguments and questions against our beliefs.

We followed up the study with a survey to see what folks liked about the study, what they wanted to change, and what we needed to do next.

The results were in favor of continuing our Tuesday night studies at the regular time of 7:30 p.m. (Central time) with a study of the book of Revelation. So that’s what we’re going to do!

Join LifeSword ladies’ #BibleStudy group on Facebook. Details here:
Click To Tweet

New Study Kicks Off July 7, 2015

Tuesday, July 7, 2015, we’ll kick off the first night of our wonderful new study. For those of you who want to participate, but can’t make it at our allotted time, no worries! You can catch up at your convenience by dropping by whenever it’s convenient to you.

LifeSword is a closed Facebook group with a little over one hundred members. We keep the group closed so folks will feel comfortable sharing their hearts. I post a new section every ten minutes or so, along with some questions which we discuss in the comments. You are more than welcome to just lurk, but we hope you’ll eventually be comfortable enough to join the conversation.

Our first night will be over the first two chapters of Revelation, so you may want to read through those before Tuesday night.

Resources to Use and Share

In addition to sharing the photo and tweet above as an invitation for other ladies to join us, below are a few other resources to use and/or share.

First off, here are links to a couple of free printables/downloads for our first night of study. They’re charts to fill in with information about the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3. One is Microsoft Word format. The other is the same thing, only in PDF format. Feel free to print as many as you want or need.

Letters to the Churches (MS Word document)

Letters to the Churches (PDF document)

Secondly, here’s an infographic detailing the description of Jesus in Revelation 1. This can be shared via Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Also, here are a couple of verses from our first night of study for you to share as you choose.

Hope you can join us Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. (Central time), to start our wonderful new study of the book of Revelation!

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The High Cost of Freedom

Throughout the first half of this year, I’ve seen many authors comment on choosing a “word for the year.”

If I had to choose just one word for 2015, that word would be freedom. This year for us has been a time of remaining free in Christ rather than give in to forces who have tried to assume that power over us.

As America approaches July 4th, the day we celebrate our freedom and independence as a nation, I am once more struck by the thought that freedom is not, nor never has been, free.

In fact, just the opposite is true. There is a very high cost to freedom.

Who Needs Freedom?

Freedom is always important to those enslaved to cruel taskmasters. When we find ourselves enslaved, we crave freedom as badly as our lungs crave air and our bodies food and water.

The answer to the question of who needs is freedom is us. There is something in our make-up as human beings that requires freedom.

What Do We Need Freedom From?

The first part of this answer is easy. We need freedom from the power of sin and death.

All of us are sinners, incapable of freeing ourselves from the sin gene passed on to us by Adam and Eve, bent on self-destruction. In addition, we all face the same final doorway: the doorway of death. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, we no longer have to fear sin and death. Jesus paid the ultimate price–the high cost of freedom–by laying down His sinless, perfect life on our behalf.

Because of His astounding and earth-shattering love demonstrated by His sacrifice, we are free.

Unfortunately, as sinful creatures, we tend to land ourselves right smack-dab back in the middle of slavery–to little-g “gods” like our sinful self and wills, jobs, relationships, unforgiveness, material possessions, prosperity, bank accounts, retirement accounts, worldly ways, personal convenience, pleasure, health, entertainment, political correctness, addictions, wrong thinking, peer pressure, mob conformity, tolerance, religious legalism, leaders who command our allegiance to them rather than to God, family members, etc. The list is endless.

Who Gets Freedom?

The answer to the question of who gets freedom is two-fold:

those who accept it
those willing to lay down their lives in exchange for it

To illustrate, let’s begin with the example of Christ. His gift of salvation, eternal life, and deliverance from sin and death is offered for free to anyone who will take it, accepting Him as the one and only Master. And as long as we serve Him only and seek Him as our Lord and Savior, He also delivers us from the little-g “gods” who seek to enslave us.

BUT…we must take the gift He offers as well as the conditions under which He offers it–the second part of the equation–the laying down of our lives to follow Him.

To not accept His offer of salvation means slavery to the little-g “gods,” who are not gods at all. These “gods” have no power other than the power we give them. In other words, they are life-sucking creatures we create and then give the power to enslave us.

Little-g “gods” are life-sucking creatures we create and then give the power to enslave us.
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The Benefits of True Freedom

True freedom is only found in following Christ.

We cannot gain it by following a person’s or party’s political agenda.

We cannot truly gain it in military might.

We cannot gain it by seeking our own way of independence.

But when we choose to bow to Him and His plan, this–and so much more!–is what we receive:

His continual Presence with us.
Strength.
Encouragement.
No fear, worry, or anxiety because of our trust in Him.
Freedom from slavery to lesser “gods.”
The gifts of His Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Eternal life in the Kingdom and Presence of our Creator, God, and Father, who loves us, provides for us, and protects us.
Victory!

Stay Free

With any gift comes the responsibility of guarding it wisely. The enemy of our souls is a thief and would like nothing more than to steal our freedom.

In fact, since Christ is the true author of freedom, I will go so far as to say that those who seek to take our freedom away are anti-Christ.

In the end, the decision is ours.

Will we remain silent, tolerant, complacent, and apathetic, while our God-given freedom is stripped away? Or will we willingly and boldly lay down our lives to follow hard after the One True God so that others behind us will be able to do the same?

DISCUSSION POINTS: What are your thoughts on freedom? What little-g “gods” do you see threatening your God-given freedom?

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Why Americans Must Elect Godly Leaders

It’s time to wake up, America.

I know this post isn’t politically correct by today’s standards, but I make no apologies. Though political leaders in and of themselves can’t save us, ungodly leaders will take us down the wrong path to our destruction as a nation.

Consider this: Our currency bears the name of God and our trust and dependence on Him. Our pledge of allegiance claims that we are one nation under God. A visit to our nation’s capitol reveals the Word of God engraved in stone on national monuments. A perusal of our nation’s founding documents reveals the establishment of a nation for the purpose of religious freedom in worshiping the one and only true God.

Yet we have forced God to a position in our country far less than He deserves and demands in an effort to be tolerant and politically correct. And though He is patient and long-suffering, He won’t put up with it forever. We can’t have it both ways. Either we are His people (as our money, pledge, and national monuments and documents declare), or we aren’t. No straddling the fence.

The Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles tell the history of the young nation of Israel. When they were under the leadership of a king who refused to submit to God, bad things happened. In sharp contrast, when a king whole-heartedly followed after God and His ways, good things happened, including deliverance from stronger and more numerous enemies, great prosperity, and peace.

Godly (& Ungodly) Examples of Leaders
1. Saul and David

First, a little background. God established the nation of Israel, but they sinned against Him by demanding a king like the nations around them. He gave in to their request, but with words of warning.

Their first king, Saul, had problems with obedience, so God tore the kingdom from his hands and gave it to a young shepherd boy with a heart for God.

After He had removed him (Saul), He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, “I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.” -Acts 13:22

2. Solomon

Fast forward a few years. David’s son Solomon took the throne after Him. Though more wise and prosperous than any king ever, Solomon disobeyed God to the point that God told him the kingdom would be divided after his death.

3. Rehoboam & Jeroboam – A Divided Kingdom

And that is exactly what happened. Solomon’s son Rehoboam took the throne in a haughty way and caused all the tribes of Israel except for Judah and Benjamin to be handed over to King Jeroboam. Jeroboam quickly led his ten tribes into gross immorality and idolatry.

Rehoboam didn’t do much better.

He (Rehoboam) did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord. -2 Chronicles 12:14

4. Abijah

After Rehoboam came his son Abijah.

…his (Abijah’s) heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God. -1 Kings 15:3

A battle ensued between the northern and southern kingdoms, under the leadership of King Jeroboam and King Abijah. By this time, Abijah seems to have come around, because he told those who defected to Jeroboam that they had forsaken the one true God and were serving false gods.

During this discourse, Jeroboam sent part of his 800,000 men behind Abijah and his 400,000 men. Pay careful attention to what happens next.

Judah turned and saw that they were being attacked at both front and rear. Then they cried out to the LORD. The priests blew their trumpets and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. At the sound of their battle cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. The Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands. Abijah and his men inflicted heavy losses on them, so that there were five hundred thousand casualties among Israel’s able men. -2 Chronicles 13:14-17

Whatever you do, please grasp the message of this next verse:

The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD. -2 Chronicles 13:18

5. Asa

When Abijah’s son Asa took the throne we see a great example of a godly and God-fearing king.

Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. -2 Chronicles 14:2

He (Asa) commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to obey His laws and commands. He removed the high places (of idolatry) and incense altars in every town in Juday, and kingdom was at peace under him. He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest. -2 Chronicles 14:4-6

“The land is still ours (spoken by Asa), because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought Him and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. -2 Chronicles 14:7b

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-2

But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them. -2 Chronicles 15:4

They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. All who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman. -2 Chronicles 15:12-13

They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. -2 Chronicles 15:15b

Asa’s heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life. -2 Chronicles 15:17b

What We Should Expect From Our Elected Officials

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance….
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1. Submission to God

The only way to receive God’s blessing is to live under His leadership. If we reject His leadership, we can expect cursing rather than blessing.

There is only one true King and Sovereign in the universe, our Creator. He made us to be in relationship to Him and to give Him the honor, praise, and service only He deserves.

Alliances with other countries can’t save us.

The best military in the world can’t save us.

Our gross national product and great wealth can’t save us.

Simply put, apart from God and His grace and mercy, we are doomed.

A godly leader who submits himself to God’s sovereignty will lead America down the right path rather than the path of evil and destruction.

2. Wholehearted Seeking After God

You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.
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God makes it clear over and over again in His Word. He won’t accept anything other than our whole-hearted devotion.

If we set up little-g gods for ourselves in God’s rightful place, we can expect His judgment. These little g-gods (AKA idolatry) are exactly what landed the young nation of Israel in captivity. As demonstrated through the nation of Israel in the Bible, God defends and prospers those who seek Him and brings judgment on those who don’t.

A godly leader will turn the hearts of the people toward God rather than away from Him.

The Crossroads of Decision

We simply must take to heart the message of the story of Israel. The future of this country depends on the election of God-seeking and God-fearing leaders. It also affects us, our children, and our children’s children.

It’s easy for us to sit back with such thoughts as: What can I do? I’m just one person. My vote doesn’t really matter. My voice doesn’t really count. These are lies straight from the enemy of our souls, whose purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy.

So in these coming months leading up to the national primaries, prayerfully consider not only the political agendas of each of the candidates, but especially their personal relationship with and submission to God. If candidates support something God condemns, they’re obviously not a good choice as leader of America.

If candidates support something God condemns, they’re not a good choice as leader of America.
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I’ll end with this quote from Edmund Burke:

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The End of America? (Book Review)

(NOTE: While I realize that this book is controversial, I do think it is worth our consideration–if for no other reason than drawing us closer to God in prayer and repentance. I recognize that many of the scripture passages used in this book are open to interpretation, but I also believe that America, both Christians and non-Christians alike, need to wake up to the possibility that God can and will bring judgment against us unless we wake up and change our ways. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE MOVES OUT OF COUNTRY AS A RESULT OF READING THIS BOOK, BUT I DO RECOMMEND THAT WE ALL SEEK GOD FOR HIS WILL AND HIS WILL ONLY.)

The title of this book is definitely one that grabs you by the throat. Is it possible that our beloved America could come to a devastating end?

Before we get to my thoughts on this matter in a review of The End of America, let’s learn a little about the book and its author.

The first Miller’s Creek novel, TEXAS ROADS, is currently free at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. The second novel in the series, A PATH LESS TRAVELED, is free for newsletter subscribers. More details HERE.

About “The End of America”

Is the end of America coming? Check out this review of “The End of America”
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Book Description: “The End of America – The Role of Islam in the End Times and Biblical Warnings to Flee America” interprets Biblical prophecies describing a rich, powerful and influential end times nation, destroyed in one day/hour/moment. Twenty-one scriptural clues unlock the “mystery” of the identity of the nation. Muslim prophecies and speeches are linked to Bible warnings of destruction. Verses are analyzed advising American Christians and Jews to flee the nation. When and where to flee and world events to watch for are detailed.

More information at http://www.EndOfAmericaBook.com

About the Author, John Price

John Price is an attorney who represented conservative and Christian causes and clients in Indiana for forty years, retiring recently to devote his time to writing. In 1979 Tyndale House published his book AMERICA AT THE CROSSROADS, which looked at the history of spiritual revivals, and called for a revival in America. In 1998 he narrowly missed the Republican nomination for the U. S. Senate from Indiana by about one vote per precinct.

In 2009 John Price authored THE END OF AMERICA which is a non-fiction look at Biblical prophecies (223 verses by five Prophets, Old and New Testament) that describe a rich, powerful and influential end times nation that meets a tragic end when it betrays Israel. In 2012 he released SECOND TERM – A Novel of America in the Last Days. The book portrays the second four years of a President committed to fundamentally transform America, and what that would mean for abolishing guns, curtailing free speech and authorizing green-shirted gun and speech control federal employees, under the TSA.

In 2013 he released THE WARNING. The book imagines an America which discovers that it is being led by Marxists, actively transforming the country. Car bombs explode at federal buildings, though a US Senator learns from his CIA brother that the explosions are “false flags”, meant as excuses to round up and imprison religious and Tea Party supporters. Patriots and veterans organize a secret armed attack on the White House. Iran and Russia secretly move military equipment to the northern border of Israel and covertly install nuclear weapons in the US. Will the US keep its treaty obligation to defend Israel? Will ancient prophecies of the destruction of a rich, powerful and influential end times nation come to pass?

In 2014 John Price released THE DAY, which is a novel based on America just before and in the year after its destruction due to its betrayal of Israel. In the Middle East Israel faces extinction, even though it agreed to a ‘peace treaty’ bowing to US pressure, under which it gave up much of its God-given land. Russia, Iran, Libya and several Muslim countries invade northern Israel, fulfilling Biblical prophecy. Israel cries out for America to come to its military defense. Protestant, Catholic and Jewish leaders plead with the President to change his mind and help Israel survive what will surely be total destruction. Tanks and troops storm into Israel, shedding blood, as Israel pleads for help. The Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem leads a national assembly at the Wailing Wall, praying that God fulfill His Word and destroy the invaders, before Israel is shoved into the sea. Can Israel survive the onslaught?

Will America, as a betrayer of God’s chosen people, be destroyed in one day, one hour and one moment? How will Americans who ignored the warnings and didn’t flee survive attacks on US cities? How will preppers fare? What will life be like after The Day for those still alive? What happens to the nations which invaded Israel and to the world after The Day?

Are ancient prophecies being fulfilled before our very eyes?

The End of America – My Review

As I began reading this book, I hoped to find evidence that this was just another doomsday prepper sort of book. But with each page the author laid out prophecies in God’s Word as they relate to a powerful end times nation that is wealthy, a melting pot to which the nations stream, and a place with a large Jewish population.

In this book, the author presents information about radical Muslims, what they believe, why they believe it, and how all of it lines up with Biblical prophecy.

It also gives pertinent information on how the past few American presidents have strong-armed Israel into giving up land they were told by God not to relinquish. Along with this has come immediate natural disasters upon our country. Are these merely coincidental, or the judgment and warning of God?

At the same time that I read this book, I stumbled across this series of videos by Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy Graham. Here’s the link to the first one, which will also allow you to watch subsequent videos in the series:  https://vimeo.com/127179922 . This just served as further confirmation for me that the Lord is and has been sending out warning after warning to America.

If nothing else, this book forced me to read through several Biblical prophecies concerning end times, including the book of Revelation. In my personal opinion, it would behoove us all to follow Jesus’ advice to watch and be ready. And as always we must “work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

As always, I welcome your comments.

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2 Interesting Videos I Thought You Might Like

I’m a big fan of Christian entertainment. So when I stumbled across these two short videos, I decided you might enjoy them as well.

Videos – Movie Trailer for Hope Bridge

The first is a video about a new movie that’s coming out. It stars Kevin Sorbo who was in one of my favorite movies from 2014, God’s Not Dead. The name of the new movie (now available on DVD) is Hope Bridge.

Videos – Pure Flix

The second short video I thought you might be interested in is this promo for a new-to-me site called Pure Flix. It appears to be much like NetFlix, only for clean and Christian entertainment. The man in the video is David A. R. White, who was also in God’s Not Dead.

Have any of you used Pure Flix before? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments about the service below.

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5 Powerful Ways the Word of God Transforms Us

Ever feel the need for an overhaul in your life?

Yeah, me too.

Like the psalmist, I’m grateful for God’s Word, because it does just that. It transforms us from the inside-out.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible at 176 verses. And it is all about God’s Word, commands, statutes, precepts, and laws.

I wish there was room in one blog post to probe its depths, but there’s such a treasure trove in this chapter that time and space just don’t permit it.

Instead we will focus on verses 169-176, and the five powerful ways in which God transforms us through His Word.

Need an overhaul? God’s Word transforms us. See how:
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God’s Word Transforms Our Minds

May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your Word. May my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your promise. ~Psalm 119:169-170 (NIV)

I can’t think of a person alive who doesn’t want understanding about the ins and outs–the intricacies–of any given situation or life in general. We all want to understand what we’re going through and how it will come out in the end.

God’s Word is like a life manual. It helps us understand our purpose and how to live in a world that is increasingly hostile toward us.

It comforts our troubled minds with the truth that this world and its problems are temporary.

And that brings peace.

Thank You, God, for transforming our minds through the truth of Your Word.

God transforms our minds. “Give me understanding according to Your Word.”
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God’s Word Transforms Our Mouths

May my lips overflow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. May my tongue sing of Your Word, for all Your commands are righteous. ~Psalm 119:171-172 (NIV)

Praise is our grateful response to the One who gave us His Word, and patiently teaches us His way. Whether in spoken or sung worship, our gratitude is the result of a transformed mouth.

A mouth that offers hope rather than the world’s hopelessness.

A mouth that speaks word of faith rather than doubt and despair.

A mouth that testifies to the reality of God and His love and faithfulness to us.

A mouth that utters blessing rather than cursing.

A mouth that speaks love and acceptance, rather than hate and condemnation.

Thank You, God, for transforming our mouths through the truth of Your Word.

God transforms our mouths. “May my lips overflow with praise”
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God’s Word Transforms Our Wills

May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts. ~Psalm 119:173 (NIV)

Another way in which God transforms us by taming our wills and teaching us to instead submit to His will for our lives.

Mankind is by nature a passel of selfish beings. It’s easy to choose what we want rather than what God wants for us. But when we go His way instead of our own, we find the path of blessing.

Yes, it can also be a path of hardship, but we have the added bonus of God’s help and Presence with us. He saves us and brings us into His family. And a heavenly home beyond earthly description awaits us–one especially prepared just for us.

Thank You, God, for transforming our wills through the truth of Your Word.

God transforms our wills. “I have chosen Your precepts.”
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God’s Word Transforms Our Emotions

I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight. ~Psalm 119:174 (NIV)

I’ve come to despise my human emotions. They’re so fickle and unreliable. Sometimes it seems that they burst forth at the most inopportune times.

Yet God created us this way, in His image. So our emotions–fickle as they are–are yet another way in which we are like God.

Can you imagine life without emotions? No love, no joy, no sadness, no glee. Just a numbing nothing.

This brings to mind a Star Trek movie, where Data, an android without emotion, is given the ability to feel. Our emotions are a gift.

In spite of the negative emotions that sometimes swarm around us like a hive of angry hornets, God is in the business of transforming our emotions. And one way in which He does this is causing us to take delight in His Word.

Thank You, God, for transforming our emotions through Your Word.

God transforms our emotions. “Your law is my delight.”
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God’s Word Transforms Our Consciences

Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands. ~Psalm 119:175-176 (NIV)

Why is it that our minds seem to always go back to our greatest heartaches and failures?

My answer to that would be the enemy of our souls. Satan wants us to remember our messes.

But not God.

Instead, when we confess our messes to Him, when we admit that as sheep we’ve gone astray, He does a marvelous thing.

He removes that mess and turns it into a message. Don’t believe me? Consider this:

He took the son of a Pharaoh–a murderer on the run–and turned him into the rescuer/leader/intercessor of millions.
He took a lying thief on the run and turned him into the father of a nation.
He took a shepherd-king whose passion brought him to adultery and murder and turned him into a man after God’s own heart.
He took a tiny squat of a tax collector and turned him from selfish to selfless.
He took a persecutor of Christ-followers and turned him into the greatest evangelist the world has ever known.

Through His earth-shattering plan of forgiveness, God removes condemnation, blame, shame, and guilt and transforms us into His people.

Thank You, God, for transforming our consciences by Your Word.

God transforms our consciences. “I have strayed like a lost sheep.”
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In Conclusion

Though many in the world will tell you that God’s Word is irrelevant, religious nonsense, or a bunch of junk made up by men, they’re wrong. The Bible is God’s Word.

And it brings about lasting transformation in our lives that leads to eternal glory.

Thank You, God, for transforming us through Your Word.

Thank You, God, for transforming us through Your Word.
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