Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 19

My Personal Take on the Word “Inspirational”

I don’t have anything against the word “inspirational.” Honestly, I don’t.

BUT…

I do have trouble with it as a category for fiction.

Here’s why.

Is there really such a thing as “inspirational” fiction?
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Inspirational – A Definition

Dictionary.com defines “inspirational” as: 1) imparting inspiration, 2) under the influence of inspiration; inspired, or 3) of or relating to inspiration.

So if we use the term inspirational in reference to fiction we are implying that either the book imparts inspiration, the book is inspired, or that it’s related to inspiration.

Inspirational Fiction…Really?

On a basic level, I understand what people mean when they say inspirational fiction or inspirational romance, but as it relates to Christian fiction, why not use the word “Christian” instead?

Is the word “Christian” too confrontational? Too politically incorrect?

Is “inspirational” less intrusive? More palatable?

Do we use the word “inspirational” to keep from offending others?
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Let’s think about this a second.

I only know of one book that is truly inspired, and that’s the Bible. Even God’s Word proclaims it to be so.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God… 2 Timothy 3:16
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On the other hand, people tend to use the word “inspirational” about many things. A trip to the beach or to a ball game can be inspirational, depending on a person’s point of view. A movie or book with nary a reference to God can be described as inspirational.

Writers and other artists often refer to inspiration hitting them. Does that mean that every book or piece of art is inspired?

Hardly.

Inspirational – Why I Don’t Like It As a Description For Christian Fiction

First off, I think a lot of folks use the term “inspirational” in place of the word “Christian,” because they think it will offend less people. But the last time I checked, we’re not to be ashamed of that name or the gospel that goes with it.

Secondly, a Christian book is no more inspired than any other book with the exception of the Bible. Yes, it might contain references to scripture that’s inspired, but the book itself just isn’t.

Thirdly, to me the term “inspirational” is just one more thing that tries to water down Christianity, all for the purpose of being more acceptable to those who aren’t Christians.

Conclusion

It might seem like I’m in a rant kind of mood between this post and the one I wrote on the difference between clean and Christian fiction. But I promise I’m really not out to stir up controversy.

I just want us to think about things a little more carefully. When we use the inspirational rather than Christian, what does that say to the lost world? Doesn’t it tell them that at the very least we’re willing to back away from the name of Christ to please them?

While to some the difference between the two might just seem like a matter of semantics. in my humble estimation, it goes much, much deeper than that.

In short, inspiration is a poor substitute for the name of Christ.

As always, I welcome your comments. What are your thoughts on the term “inspirational” as it applies to fiction? Please feel free to disagree with me. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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It Takes Someone Special to Be a Daddy

 

From the perspective of others, my daddy probably would never have been nominated for Father of the Year, but to me he was–and is–special in so many ways.

As Father’s Day approaches, I can’t help but remember him.

Daddy & Father’s Day

When I was a young mother (and always on a tight budget), I frequently gave hand-made gifts for special occasions. One particular year, I used fabric, batting, and stiff cardboard to make Daddy’s present for Father’s Day. It was just a small picture frame, but inside the frame I used calligraphy to write the following: “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Daddy.”

He didn’t really say a whole lot, but that was fairly typical for him, so I didn’t think much about it.

A few years later, he pointed to the gift, on display at my parent’s home, and said, “I didn’t really understand what you meant by the quote at first, but now I do.”

I know it sounds a bit strange, but at that moment I recognized that was his way of saying he liked the gift.

The quote still rings true today. Becoming a father is nothing more than biology, but being someone’s Daddy is so much more.

It implies relationship.

Daddy is a word that implies a close relationship.
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Our Heavenly Daddy

While the world at large would say that we are all God’s children, that is simply not the case.

Yes, God created each of us and gave us life, so in that sense, He is our Father. But unless people respond to Him in faith and obedience, they do not have that Daddy-child relationship.

The Hebrew word for “father” is abba, and it denotes an intimate relationship.

Consider the following verses from God’s Word:

For those led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” -Romans 8:14-15

And He (Jesus) was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” -Mark 14:36

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” -Galatians 4:4-6

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. –Galatians 3:26-27

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. -John 1:12-13

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. –1 John 3:1

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
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“And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. -2 Corinthians 6:18

I can only speak for myself, but these verses about God as our Daddy paint my heart with pure peace.

He adopted us into His family, releasing us from slavery to fear. Even in the most trying circumstances we can be at peace when our hearts focus on who we are in Christ.
Our Daddy is God of the universe. Nothing is impossible for Him.
God came to earth with skin on in the form of Christ to buy us back and make it possible for us to be adopted as His children. His Spirit within us testifies to the fact that we are His children.
Through faith in Christ, we are truly God’s children.
Our spiritual birth through receiving Christ took place through the will of God.
He has lavished His great love on us by calling us His children.
He has promised to be a Daddy Father to us.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.
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Daddy Wrap-Up

While our earthly daddies can’t compare to our heavenly Daddy, that close relationship we felt with our earthly daddies is just a brief shadow of the relationship that is ours with our Abba Father.

At the risk of being repetitive, let me say it again: it takes Someone very special to be our Daddy.

Abba Father, thank You for all You did so we might be Your children. Thank You for the love You lavished on us from the cross. May we live our lives in full assurance and perfect peace, knowing You as our Daddy. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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20 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Man You Love

Click review pic to purchase.

I don’t know why, but I’m always a little taken aback when men read and enjoy my books.

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE IT!

So in this post, I thought I’d share not only the books as a potential Father’s Day gift, but also some other items I found on Amazon.

20 Fabulous Father’s Day gift ideas for the man you love.
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Father’s Day Gift – Electronics
Click the pic to view refurbished Kindles.

Refurbished Kindles

You might not know this, but Amazon refurbishes Kindles and re-sells them at a reduced rate. My hubby attributes the Kindle with restoring his love of reading. Now it’s with him everywhere he goes. He’s much more tech-savvy than me. I use my Kindle Fire strictly for reading books, but he uses his to check his e-mail, Facebook, and more.

Prices range from $60-$220.

Click the review pic to purchase.

Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Click the pic to find out more details at Amazon.

My husband and I are both musicians and music teachers. When it comes to high-quality speaker sound, you just cannot beat Bose.

And Amazon has knocked down the price of this mini Bluetooth speaker by $20.

So if the man you love has a Bluetooth device, this would make an excellent Father’s Day gift.

The compact speaker size makes it easily transportable. It also connects to the Bluetooth device wirelessly and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to seven hours.

Father’s Day Gift – Tools
Click the pic for more details at Amazon.

 

Torin T88007 7 Gallon Portable Air Tank

We have one of these and use it all the time. It’s handy for airing up a flat car or bicycle tire. The compact size makes it light and easy to carry. When it runs out of air, you simply take it to the nearest gas station (that has air available) and fill it up. A great addition to a man’s workshop or tool supply, and very affordable at under $50.

Click the pic to purchase.

Click the pic to see the special promotion items of Black & Decker tools on Amazon.

Black and Decker Tool Sale

While we’re on the subject of tools, you might want to take advantage of this Black and Decker tool sale that ends on Father’s Day. Many of these items are Amazon #1 Best-Sellers.

When you spend $50 or more on select Black & Decker power tools, power tool accessories, outdoor power equipment, and floor care products shipped and sold by Amazon.com, you can get $10 off. Discount applied automatically at checkout. You can see the terms and conditions of this special promotion here.

Click the pic to find more details at Amazon.

LED Head Lamp Flashlight

This is another item that we’ve acquired during the past few years. Now we wonder how we ever made it without them. These head lamps make it easy to work in dark spaces or outdoors at night hands-free!

This particular set has three settings and can be used for camping, backpacking, doing work in the attic or under the house, and especially in black-outs. We consider them must-haves. The head strap is adjustable.

Click the pic for more info on this product at Amazon.

LuxoLite Brightest Headlight

In case you prefer something a little beefier, check out this head lamp. This one comes with red night vision technology, is an Amazon #1 Hot New Release, and is rated at 5 stars with 67 reviews (as of this posting).

It is waterproof, has six operation modes, and also has an adjustable head strap. At under $30, this is a steal!

Father’s Day Gift – Cooking
Click the pic to find out more details at Amazon.

MASBond Silicone Cooking Gloves

My husband loves to cook, including grilling outdoors when the weather permits. (And me? I love that he cooks. I love to let him cook, so I don’t have to. And I love to eat what he cooks.)

These highly-rated silicone cooking gloves are a great gift for any cook, and can be used inside or out, whether grilling or cooking over a campfire.

These are especially a great deal for those on a tight budget, coming in under $20!

Click the pic to purchase.

Click the pic to find out more information at Amazon.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

I know some folks prefer gas grills, but my husband swears by charcoal for the best flavor. You just can’t go wrong with these Weber kettle grills. Not only are they highly-rated, compared to most grills this one is economical, priced at under $150.

Click the pic to check out the details on this product at Amazon.

Weber Rapid Fire Chimney Starter

I also highly recommend the Weber RapidFire chimney starter. It’s the easiest way to light your charcoal without resorting to petroleum products like lighter fluid. (Much healthier in my humble opinion.)

Simply bunch up old newspapers or paper sacks in the bottom, place your charcoal on top, and light the paper. Within a few minutes your charcoal is ready to dump in the grill.

Click the pic for more details at Amazon.

 

Cuisinart 14-Piece Deluxe Stainless Steel Grill Set

In addition to the grill and chimney fire starter, why not complete the set with this beautiful 14-piece stainless steel grill set by Cuisinart?

The set comes in an aluminum storage case for easy transporting, and includes a chef’s spatula, grill tongs, silicone basting brush, 4 pairs of corn holders, cleaning brush, and extra brush head.

Click the pic to purchase.

A Father’s Day Gift to Touch His Heart or Funnybone
Click the pic for more t-shirt colors and further details.

 

This is What an Awesome Dad Looks Like (t-shirt)

In spite of their assertion to the otherwise, aren’t most dads softies at heart?

Why not let the kids give him this shirt and then take him out to eat for Father’s Day? I can’t think of a better way to show him love and respect on his special day.

Click the pic to see all the available colors at Amazon.

Happy First Father’s Day

Daddy’s are proud of and smitten by their babies. If the man in your life is a father for the first time, I think this would make a great side gift–a baby onesie that celebrates fatherhood.

These cute onesies come in a variety of colors at Amazon. Just click the pic at the left to see which colors are available.

Click the pic for more information at Amazon.

Rules for Dating My Daughter (t-shirt)

In my latest book, Crossroads, the male lead in the story is an ex-military single dad. I can so see him wearing this t-shirt and enforcing what it says!

The “rules” include: get a job, I’m everywhere, and you hurt her, I hurt you.

Like Carter (in my latest book), daddies are particularly protective of their little girls. This t-shirt will resonate with him and bring a smile to his face at the same time.

Click pic for more details or to purchase at Amazon.

Daddy/Daughter Gift Combo

This one I had to include because it touched my heart! It is an Amazon Best-Seller.

In case the picture is difficult to read, the key chain for Dad says: “There is this girl. She stole my heart. She calls me Daddy.” (Is that not the sweetest thing ever?)

The heart pendant for the daughter simply says: “Daddy’s Girl.”

Again, I can see Chloe and Carter from Crossroads having and using these gifts.

Click the pic to purchase.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! What other gift ideas do you have for the men we love? And men, what has been your all-time favorite gift? Let’s chat it up in the comments!

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Moving Back to Miller’s Creek

I feel like a giggly schoolgirl.

And that, in spite of the fact that things have gone a completely different direction than what I ever expected.

(Don’t you just love it when God surprises and leaves you breathless?)

First, allow me to paint a picture of a freckle-faced country girl riding in the back of her Pawpaw’s pickup on a dusty back road. As the truck crests a rocky bluff much like the one on Steve Miller’s ranch, she glimpses a familiar scene she’s always loved. Immediately she bursts into a rousing rendition of “This is My Country“ that makes the cows raise their heads in surprise. (Well, as much surprise as a cow can feel…they didn’t stop chewing…)

I am that freckle-faced girl.

Moving Back Home

It feels like full circle. Like where I’m supposed to be.

You see, my Miller’s Creek journey actually started in the small town of my childhood, so very much like the fictional setting of my stories, complete with lovable characters and a close-knit community where everybody knows each other.

Like Dani in Texas Roads, I know beyond any doubt where my true home is. My heart is hidden in Christ, my Lord and Savior. But for this earthly journey, my home here on the earth has been a long time coming.

Though Hubby and I originally “assumed” (Yeah, those assumptions always lands me in hot water…) that we were to move near the grand-kids, it turns out God had other plans. One after another, He effectively shut door after door. (It took us three tries to get the message. *sigh*)

Get a Kindle copy of Texas Roads for free HERE. (Also free for Nook HERE.)

Moving Back in a Faith Walk

When will I ever learn? Just like Trish in A Path Less Traveled, I have a penchant for marching out in my own direction, convinced I’m on the right path.

I’m sure the Lord must shake His head with the thought, “There she goes again.”

Hmmm…it’s kinda hard to call it a journey of faith when you’re leaning on your own understanding…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…
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 A Path Less Traveled is free for newsletter subscribers. More details HERE.

Moving Back Immersed in His Grace

It’s the grace part that always gets to me and leaves me wide-eyed and breathless, like an unexpected ocean wave crashing over me and tugging me beneath the water.

Surfacing with a belly laugh, I realize what a gift grace truly is.

You see, when things don’t go my way, I can get a little belligerent. (When you hit your head against a brick wall for the umpteenth time, your head starts to ache, and you want to know why things aren’t going as planned!)

I’ve read the story of Job enough to know that to be demanding…well, you know…it can get you a visit from a voice in a whirlwind.

Then, like Gracie in The Way of Grace, God in His grace reveals the right way, and I truly “get it,” breathless again, jaw sagging in awe.

Moving Back as a Promise Kept

When our boys were little, we lived in yet a town that’s also a big chunk of Miller’s Creek. We loved this town. Truly one of those rare places where we felt like we’d lived there our entire lives from day one.

We left there when Hubby was called into music ministry.

Oh, how we sobbed as we drove away from the going-away party with our little circle of faith friends.

As we started life over in yet another small town, the Lord led me to the Bible story where the birthright-thieving Jacob was on the run from his irate brother Esau. After wrestling with the angel and sleeping on a rock for a pillow, the Lord gave Jacob a promise that also became a promise for me.

One I’ve clung to for over twenty years.

“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” -Genesis 28:15 (NASB)

This is how Mama Beth’s journey in Pilgrimage of Promise mirrors my own.

I will bring you back…I won’t leave you until I’ve done what I promised…”
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Moving Back Means Letting Go

Yes, I’ve had to let go like Dakota and Chance in A Bridge Unbroken. Letting go for me meant accepting the fact that I’m not as close to the world’s cutest grandson and granddaughter as I would like.

(But the good news is I can get there in one day rather than two!)

I trust that God has His reasons for the way things turn out.

The silver lining in this small cloud is that I get to be close to my very own Mama Beth (who speaks in more cliches than the fictional Mama Beth ever dreamed of)!

Jesus’ Cross: A Line Drawn in the Sand

Sand.

Always shifting, always moving. The sands of time marching forever onward.

And in the course of human history, the cross of Jesus stands as as a line drawn in the sands of time.

There is no straddling of this line. In fact, the line drawn by Jesus’ cross forces a decision between one side or the other. While one decision may seem more realistic and expedient, extreme care and wisdom is called for. The choice of human realism and convenience over trust and obedience to God comes at the high price of your soul.

There is no straddling of the line in the sand drawn by the cross of Jesus.
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Jesus: Your Decision

For those who don’t believe, please don’t allow personal pride and arrogance, the devil’s deception, reliance on your human senses, or resentment and bitterness to keep you from Jesus. Stepping over the line in the sand may seem difficult, but it’s not impossible.

But don’t delay too long in making your decision. The fact that the sands of time march onward means you don’t have forever. None of us are guaranteed another breath or heartbeat. Make your decision now, while it is still today, and understand that a non-decision is a decision.

Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. -Isaiah 55:6 (NASB)

Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. -Isaiah 55:6
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For those who say they believe, but live contrary to God and His Word, you cannot stand with one foot in the world and one foot as a follower of Christ. While it may seem like an option, it is in all truth a deception of the devil. Check your heart. Get rid of the unholy and sinful. Our holy God will not allow it.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. -Galatians 6:7 (NASB)

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. -Gal. 6:7
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In trying times, it is easy to fall prey to the enemy’s fear and confusion.

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. -James 4:7-8a (NASB)

Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
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But the truth is this: we need not fear anyone except God.

“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him.” -Luke 12:4-5 (NASB)

Fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him.”…
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We all face CROSSROADS at one point or another, but we can BELIEVE & KNOW the absolute Truth. Join our LifeSword ladies’ online Bible study group.

Jesus: Why You Need to Make Your Decision Now

“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” -Joshua 24:15 (NASB)

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:15
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The ever-marching sands of time draw nearer and nearer to the end of human history. Time is short. I am convinced of this.

Like a dark cloud on the horizon, I sense the coming storm.

I don’t mean to scare or condemn or to spread fear or negativity. Instead my heart’s desire is to share God’s Word and to warn as He commands:

 “Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. However, if you have warned [n]the righteous man that the righteous should not sin and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; and you have delivered yourself.” -Ezekiel 3:17-21 (NASB)

Blow a trumpet in Zion,

And sound an alarm on My holy mountain!

Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,

For the day of the Lord is coming;

Surely it is near,

A day of darkness and gloom,

A day of clouds and thick darkness.

As the dawn is spread over the mountains,

So there is a great and mighty people;

There has never been anything like it,

Nor will there be again after it

To the years of many generations. -Joel 2:1-2 (NASB)

It’s time to blow the trumpet and sound the warning.
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Recommended Reading and Viewing

Over the course of the past several weeks, I’ve come to recognize the need for a call to repentance in my own life, in the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and especially in America.

I highly recommend the book, The End of America (currently 99-cents for Kindle; watch for my upcoming review) and it’s corresponding website, endofamericabook.com. As mentioned previously my goal is not to spread fear other than the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10).

The dark cloud on the horizon is the ever-near approach of the day of the Lord, foretold in His Word for centuries. While we cannot know the day or the hour (Mark 13:32), we are instructed to recognize the signs of the times (Matthew 24:32-35).

I also recommend a series of free videos by Anne Graham Lotz (the daughter of Billy Graham). Here is the link to the first video, where you can also access the remaining videos: https://vimeo.com/127179922.

LORD God, bring us to our knees as we cry out to You. Make each of us highly aware of the line in the sand drawn by the cross of Jesus. Thank You that one day every knee will blow and every tongue confess that Jesus is LORD to the glory of God the Father. Help us to make that decision out of commitment to You and not because we are one day forced to do so. Help us to repent, to shed our sin-stained clothing, and follow after You with whole-hearted devotion. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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20 Verses About Believing

Mark 1:15 – “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Hebrews 11:6 –  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Romans 10:9-10 – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

John 1:12 – Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—

Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Acts 16:31 – And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

John 20:31 – But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

John 5:24 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Mark 5:36 – But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Psalm 112:7 – He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 20:29 – Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 14:1 – Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.

John 6:47 – Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.

John 3:36 – Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

John 8:24 – “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am He,you will indeed die in your sins.”

Mark 16:15-16 – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

1 John 5:13 – I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

James 2:19 – You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

John 11:26 – “And everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 6:40 – “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day.”

BELIEVE AND KNOW: THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH is a Bible study about the defense of our Christian faith. Find out more HERE.

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5 Reasons Our Prayer Gets Blocked

We’ve all been there, right?

You know, those times when we’re desperate for God to move, but our prayer seems to bounce right off the ceiling and land in our lap.

Sometimes it’s just the enemy messing with our perception. But according to the Bible, sometimes the problem lies elsewhere.

So if you’re struggling in your prayer life at the moment, hopefully this post will help.

Struggling in your prayer life? It might be one of these five things:
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Blocked Prayer – Check For Unconfessed Sin

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. -Psalm 66:18 (NLT)

God takes our sin very seriously. So seriously that Jesus suggested extreme measures like plucking out an eye or cutting off an arm.

If you’re like me, it’s all-too-easy to launch right into what I want God to do for me, without stopping first to praise and thank Him and without checking the deep recesses of my dark and deceptive heart.

Heart checks are so important in regard to our prayer life. I often pray that if there’s anything in my life and heart that shouldn’t be there, that God would convict me.

I’m so grateful that “if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (John 1:9)

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. -Psalm 66:18
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Blocked Prayer – Check For Wavering Faith

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. -James 1:6-8

Unbelief isn’t just something that non-believers struggle with.

If we’re completely honest, we’d confess that sometimes as Christians, we also struggle with doubts. We might say that we believe God, but when it comes to acting on that belief, we often waver in our faith.

Unbelief is a huge detriment to our prayer life.

Join our LifeSword ladies’ Bible study on Facebook as we study Believe & Know: The Search for Truth.

Blocked Prayer – Check For Wrong Motives

And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong–you want only what will give you pleasure. -James 4:3

God can’t be fooled or manipulated. He knows when our motives are purely selfish in our prayers.

So before we even ask, we need to check our intentions. Is what we’re asking for something worldly that only benefits us? Is that benefit something God would see as beneficial?

He loves us too much to give us something that isn’t truly helpful, so when we ask with the wrong motives, we can praise the Lord that He refuses to answer that prayer.

Blocked Prayer – Check For Impatient Demands

Those of us who have been Christians for any length of time are well aware of the struggles of Job, an upright man whom God allowed to be tested by Satan.

Honestly, I can’t imagine the difficulty of all Job went through at one time: financial ruin, the deaths of all his children, a painful disease that made him a social outcast, and so-called friends who were anything but friendly and comforting.

But Job allows his excruciating pain to make him impatient and demanding.

Finally God has enough. He answers Job out of the whirlwind: Now gird up your loins like a man; I will ask you, and you instruct Me. “Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? “Or do you have an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?” -Job 40:7-9

God continues His discourse for a couple of chapters, until Job repents: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job had learned something we all need to learn.

No matter how difficult our current life circumstances, never are we in a place to make demands of God. We’re not even close to being on the same playing field as the Creator of the universe.

“No matter how difficult our current life circumstances, never are we in a place to make demands…
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Blocked Prayers – Check For Pride

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

We’ve probably all fallen into the trap of rattling on in our prayers, convinced that if we get the right combination of words or sound holy enough that God (and others) will surely be impressed.

This is the trap of spiritual pride, and God is quite clear about pride.

The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. -Proverbs 16:5

The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. -Proverbs…
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In Conclusion

I’m so grateful for God’s Word. Not only is it God’s revelation about Himself, but it’s chock full of practical wisdom about how to live. I plan on keeping this post bookmarked for handy reference. The last thing I want or need in my life is blocked prayer.

Can you think of anything else that blocks our prayers?

Can you think of reasons for blocked prayers? Join the discussion:
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Murder in the Milk Case? (Christian Fiction Book Review)

I have a confession to make.

I’ve always wanted to try my hand at writing a Christian cozy mystery. I think I’ve devoured every Cat Who book ever written, and would really enjoy something similar in the Christian fiction realm.

So when I ran across Murder in the Milk Case as I posted books to our Christian Books ~ Giveaways, Freebies, Bargains, and New Releases Facebook group, I snatched it up in a hurry.

I’m glad I did.

#ChristianFiction review of MURDER IN THE MILK CASE:
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Would you like a free digital copy of A PATH LESS TRAVELED? It’s a story about regained faith. More information HERE.

About MURDER IN THE MILK CASE

Murder in the Milk Case

by Candice Prentice

When mommy and wife, Trish Cunningham, finds the body of pharmacist Jim Bob Jenkins behind the two-percent milk, she knows she’ having a bad day. Worse, she’s a suspect. Sleuthing to exonerate herself from murder charges, she shakes up a murderer who has nothing to lose by killing any one in the way – including Trish.

(Originally published as a mass market paperback in 2007; recently released in eBook format)

As of the writing of this post (5-12-15), the Kindle version was priced at only 99-cents!

Enjoy cozy mysteries? Check out this #ChristianFiction review of MURDER IN THE MILK CASE:
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Check out the 2015 Christian Books Survey results–Part 1 and Part 2.

Murder in the Milk Case – My Review

As most of you know, one of my biggest pet peeves is clean fiction that tries to pass itself off as Christian fiction. (You can read my rant post HERE.) Since mysteries usually start with a dead body, I wondered how an author could make a mystery–cozy or otherwise–work as a Christian book.

While Murder in the Milk Case doesn’t have a strong overall Christian theme like the Miller’s Creek novels (finding our home in Christ, regaining faith, bestowing grace on others, believing God’s promises, forgiving others, defending Christianity, etc.), it does have Christian characters who live out their Christian faith in prayer, church attendance, and lifestyle.

I’ve read books where faith references felt inserted at the last minute to make the book “Christian.” I didn’t get that sense in reading this book. The faith of the characters was interwoven throughout.

I really connected to the main character, Trish. She’s one of those who always seems to land herself in trouble of the worst kind, including finding a dead body in the milk case at the local grocery store!

The only negative to the story for me was too many minor characters. I couldn’t keep them all straight (which might be attributed to my currently hectic life).

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I highly encourage you to check out this book. Very readable and enjoyable!

Oh, and be on the lookout. I think I might just try my hand at writing a cozy mystery or two…

What books have you read recently? Let’s discuss our current reads in the comments!

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Life Management – How to Live a Better-Balanced Life

Finding it difficult to balance your life?

Join the crowd.

Because of over-busyness, we all struggle with balance.

Most of us make several wrong assumptions when it comes to creating a better-balanced life. We assume that “life is just like that,” that we are powerless to do anything about it, even that it’s a temporary problem that will go away when ________________ (you fill in the blank).

All lies.

What lies do we believe about living unbalanced lives? Join the discussion:
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An Unbalanced Life – Case Study

As a self-employed writer, I know what that unbalanced life looks like. I’ve lived it, and I battle against it on a regular basis.

Would you like a free digital copy of A PATH LESS TRAVELED (Christian fiction about faith regained)? Click HERE for more details.

And with God’s help, I hope to get better.

It’s all too easy for me to allow my work to take precedence over more important things. Even though I view my work as Kingdom-related, other things must come first.

First off, my tendency to want to work all night or into the wee hours of the morning isn’t a good thing. It’s not healthy, and it’s presumptuous of me to think that I am so important that the world will fall apart if I don’t keep working. (So much for living a life of faith, huh?)

Secondly, one reason I work is to support my family. But if I allow my work to become more important than those God has given me, I’ve gone way off track.

An unbalanced life is a life sucked dry of joy, and Jesus wants us to have joy in our lives. It’s part of a balanced life. If our lives lacks joy, it’s time for a change.

While I’m not suggesting it will be easy, there are steps we can all take toward that better-balanced life.

“An unbalanced life is a life sucked dry of joy.” @Cathy_Bryant
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1. A Better-Balanced Life Begins With One Thing.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42, NIV)

You remember the story. You know the type. Martha is me. You know, the death clean, the scooting around at super-sonic speed to get everything done. The type-A personality and over-achiever.

When Martha reprimands Mary in a round-about way through Jesus, He quickly sets the matter straight.

For true balance, we must make this our first priority: sitting at the feet of Jesus in Bible study, prayer, and meditation, listening to Him.

Without this, our outta-whack lives will never be balanced.

If we don’t get this one thing right, our lives will never be truly balanced.
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2. A Better-Balanced Life Must Be Prioritized.

Ask yourself this question: What is your first priority? (If unsure, re-read point #1!)

What is your second? Your third? Fourth? Fifth?

Write them down and consider them carefully. These are your top priorities in order of importance.

Now when you sit down to plan your days, look at how these priorities line up with your to-do list.

If, like me, your to-do list seems endless and ever-growing, it’s time to cull out the unimportant. Yes, the unimportant. Anything that doesn’t relate to your first five priorities is unimportant.

I’m not suggesting that it’s irrelevant. I’m simply saying that if your list is unmanageable, it only makes sense to get rid of anything that isn’t a priority. Doesn’t that make sense to you?

If you can accurately list your top five priorities, you can find life balance.
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3. A Better-Balanced Life is All About Stewardship.

Most of the time, our brains automatically think “money” when stewardship is mentioned.

But honestly, we are stewards of something much more important than money.

Life.

Our lives are a gift from God. In fact, it’s our most important resource. We are managers/stewards of the life we’ve been given, so it makes great sense to live it as well as possible, and to live it with eternity in mind. One day we’ll all be held to account on how we’ve lived (Hebrews 4:13).

If we hired a manager to run a business for us, we would expect him or her to do a good job. We should expect the same thing of ourselves in managing our lives.

For believers, life balance is a matter of stewardship.
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A Better-Balanced Life: Questions to Ask

It behooves all of us from time to time to sit down and give careful consideration to our lives. So find  a quiet place alone from distractions and honestly answer these questions:

What are my top five priorities? Is God in His rightful place?
How does my to-do list line up with my top five priorities? What needs to be wiped off the list?
In what ways has my life become unmanageable and unbalanced?
As steward of my God-given life, am I taking care of my health and well-being in every sense of the word–spiritually, mentally, physically, and in relation to others? What needs to change? What action steps can I take to live a better-balanced life?
Are my projects, hobbies, and work taking a higher priority than my relationship to God, my health, and the people God has placed in my life?
Do my priorities reflect an eternal view? If not, what can I do to change?
Is my life joyful?
Would I hire myself as a manager? Why or why not?

In addition to answering these questions as individuals, it would also serve us well to discuss these things with our spouses. Re-calibrating our lives and our relationships in light of God’s Word and plan is always a good thing.

What are your thoughts on living a better-balanced life? Let’s learn from each other in the comments.

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How to Easily Feed Computer Files to Your Kindle Fire

The devil lives in technology.

But you already knew that, right?