Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 2

Have the Bravery and Commitment to Actually Follow Jesus?

In obedience to Jesus, a wounded woman moves back to the one place she swore to never return. But at what cost? http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/still-i-will-follow

As believers, our desire is to follow Jesus. After all, living our best life is centered around following Him. But sometimes I wonder if I truly have the bravery and commitment required to follow Jesus as I should.

One of those times happened recently as I read the tenth chapter of Mark. At first glance, the chapter might seem like a series of unrelated stories. But on closer inspection, all the stories center around the brave commitment required to follow Him.

This post is a two-part devotional about the bravery and commitment needed to truly follow our Savior.

What’s required to truly #follow #Jesus? Brave commitment. #Bible examples here:
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Follow Jesus – Commitment Required

Read Mark 10:1-12. (Click on the Bible verse reference, and a new browser will open to reveal the passage.)

The Pharisees, jealous for their religious positions of power and authority, once more tried to trap Jesus.

In their question they hoped for the same outcome for Jesus that John the Baptist met for teaching on this very topic (Mark 6:14-29). John’s beheading ultimately came about because he publicly denounced Herod for marrying his brother’s wife.

The Connection With Commitment to Follow Jesus

In typical fashion, Jesus quickly landed at the real core of the issue.

Commitment.

Jesus pointed out that in a marriage, a lack of commitment (in this case, divorce) led to adultery.

But how does this connect to following Jesus? Marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God through Jesus. When we accepted Christ as Savior, we bound ourselves to Him. The day we said “Yes” to His lordship in our life was the day we joined ourselves to Him forever.

Just like in marriage, our commitment to Jesus is tested. It’s all too easy to step away from that commitment when following Him is more difficult than we expect.

If we choose to go our own way, we commit spiritual adultery.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Am I totally committed to Christ?

RECENT POSTS:

GIVEAWAY: Autographed Print Copy (Winner’s Choice)
How to Actually Help Me Choose Books to Write
What Is The Perfect Law of Liberty?
What One Thing is Most Important for Your Best Life?
12 Powerful Verses on Freedom and Following
How to Set Goals for Your Best Life that Actually Work
How to Best Resolve Conflict to Restore Relationships
How to Absolutely Live Your Best Life


Follow Jesus – Childlike Faith and Dependence

Read Mark 10:13-16.

I’m always amazed at the total dependence of children on those who care for them. But spiritually speaking, we sometimes forget we are children completely dependent upon our heavenly Father for everything–=our jobs, our health, our food, and even our every breath.

From my own personal perspective, I sadly recognize a DIY mentality in myself that creeps even into the spiritual realm. Like a two-year-old asserting independence, I say: “I can do it myself.” (And that rarely turns out well…)

The Connection With Commitment to Follow Jesus

When the disciples tried to keep children from bothering Jesus, He instead welcomed them and used the opportunity as an object lesson.

Just as children are completely dependent on their parents, to follow Jesus means to completely depend on Him with that same childlike faith.

At first the idea seems wonderful, until we remember that it also requires submitting to His authority. See how self always tries to take over?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do I totally depend on God in childlike faith?
Follow Jesus – The Cost of Commitment

Read Mark 10:13-25.

In this story we see a rich young man who appeared to want to follow Jesus when he asked,  “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Because of the Jewish upbringing in the Law, the young man’s relationship with God was all bound up in doing. This is still very much a problem today. If we’re not careful, we also fall into the trap of thinking: “What must I do?”

When Jesus answered him with the commandments which deal with our earthly relationships, the young man further revealed his lack of understanding. “I’ve kept all these since I was a boy.”

In other words, he saw himself as sinless.

The Connection With Commitment to Follow Jesus

Here’s the underlying message of this story: Anytime something in our lives takes priority over Jesus, we aren’t truly committed to Him.

The young man’s actions revealed that both his belief in his ability to earn salvation and his dependence upon money took priority over following. The typical human response to wealth is to view it as a sign of God’s favor. If we have wealth, it’s because we’ve done something to earn that favor. Right? And if that is true concerning money, it only makes sense that it also works with our salvation.

But that type of thinking totally contradicts grace. The very definition of grace is something that can’t be earned.

Can you see why Jesus taught that it’s not only hard for wealthy people to enter the kingdom of God, but for all of us to enter?

Why is it so difficult? Because there’s absolutely nothing we can do to earn God’s favor–either in the case of wealth or in earning eternal life. And by trying to earn it, we negate the gift of grace God offers. Praise the Lord, that our salvation is not dependent on us!!!

In all ways we are completely dependent on God and His grace.

Furthermore, anything that stands between us and following Jesus (in this story, the young man’s wealth) reveals a struggle point in our commitment.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What stands between me and God?
Following Jesus – Wrap Up

When I hear stories about the depth of persecution our brothers and sisters around the world experience on behalf of Christ, I question my ability to stand up for Him under such circumstances. While I’d like to believe I wouldn’t deny Him in the face of death, torture, or imprisonment, I can’t help but wonder if my faith, commitment, and bravery are strong enough.

How I pray that they are, not just for myself, but for all of us who have led such sheltered lives in comparison.

Next week we’ll look at the rest of Mark 10 as we give further thought to the bravery and commitment needed to truly follow Jesus.

 Blessings to all,

P.S. For this week only, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (Christian romantic suspense) is on sale for just $0.99 on Amazon. It’s also free for those subscribed to Kindle Unlimited. Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2fyT5Ls

Also, don’t forget to drop by to enter our monthly giveaway while you’re here. This month’s giveaway is a signed print copy of any Miller’s Creek novel or my Christmas novella…winner’s choice. Enter here: http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2

The post Have the Bravery and Commitment to Actually Follow Jesus? appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

How To Actually Help Me Choose Books To Write

Want to help me choose books to write in 2017? If so, you’re in the right place. AND I appreciate your help and input!

I usually do this annual reader survey earlier in the year, but I’ve been spending lots of time finishing out the edits to the seventh Miller’s Creek novel STILL I WILL FOLLOW.

You’ll be happy to know that the book is currently with a magnificent team of beta readers who will help me hone the story to the very best it can be. We will hopefully launch in the first week of March!

Help Me Choose Books To Write – Annual Survey

This short survey will take you around five minutes to complete. All answers are completely anonymous.

And you will definitely help me choose books to write, as well as other content. This is your chance to give me your input.

Simply use the Google Form below to mark your answers. And “THANK YOU!”

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Other Stuff
STILL I WILL FOLLOW

Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for more information on the new book’s launch. There will be all sorts of special events, activities, and giveaways–including a bunch of bonuses I’m creating for those who purchase the book during March 2017. So stay tuned!

First Facebook LIVE Video Chat Replay

I had so much fun at the first Facebook LIVE video chat! It was great to be able to get questions from readers and answer them. If you’d like to catch the replay, you can do so below:

Hi everyone! Excited about chatting with you! Hope you can join us. There are #Free autographed books involved… ;)

Posted by Cathy Bryant, Christian writer on Thursday, January 26, 2017

THE WAY OF GRACE Amazon Giveaway Ends Soon

The Amazon giveaway that’s going on for THE WAY OF GRACE ends January 31, 2017.

These giveaways are like opening a gift from Amazon. There are still seven copies of the ebook up for grabs, so tell all your friends!

Here’s the link to enter:

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/7a16bc5873d27f94

Monthly Giveaway For LOVE Month (Winner’s Choice!)

Our monthly giveaway for February is one you’ll love. It’s the winner’s choice of a signed print copy of any of my fiction books–one of six Miller’s Creek novels OR the Pieces On Earth Christmas novella.

You can enter via the Books page on this website. You’ll need to scroll to the bottom of the post to enter. Here’s the link:

http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2

Blessings to you and yours,

The post How To Actually Help Me Choose Books To Write appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

3 Awesome Reasons You’ll Absolutely Love This Children’s Book

You are going to love this children’s book.

I’ve always had an affinity for children’s books. So anytime I get the opportunity to review one, I will!

Today’s review and giveaway is for “I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!” by Caroline B. Cooney and illustrated by Tim Warnes.

#Giveaway Children’s Book #BearHug #FlyBy via @Cathy_Bryant
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Scroll down to the bottom of this post to enter the giveaway!

RECENT POSTS:

What Is The Perfect Law of Liberty?
The 1 Thing Most Important For Your Best Life
12 Powerful Verses On Freedom and Following
How to Set Goals For Your Best Life That Actually Work
Resolve Conflict to Restore Relationships
How to Absolutely Live Your Best Life


Love This Children’s Book – About the Book

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.

Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy, slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples. Cooney’s sweet and simple rhymes encourage playful interaction between parent and child and ultimately help them wind down before they snuggle into bed and drift off to sleep.

Love This Children’s Book – About the Author

Caroline B. Cooney is the bestselling author of teen suspense, mystery, and romance novels that have sold over 15,000,000 copies and are published in several languages. Of all her books, she is best known for the young adult novel The Face on the Milk Carton that has sold over 3,000,000 copies and was made into a television movie.

Caroline grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and spent most of her life on the shoreline of that state. She currently resides in South Carolina. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, playing piano, walking near her home, pottery, jewelry-making, and, of course, reading.

Love This Children’s Book – About the Illustrator

Award winning children’s author / illustrator Tim Warnes’ first book was published in 1995; since then he’s worked on more than 65 books, which have been translated into 18 different languages (9 of these he wrote). He also has an online comic strip, Chalk & Cheese, published every Monday & Friday.

Tim’s married to fellow illustrator Jane Chapman. They have 2 boys, and work from home in the countryside in South West England.

Tim enjoys birdwatching, making films, reading comic strips and wearing fancy hats!

Love This Children’s Book – About the Publisher

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As a leader in Christian children’s communications, it creates products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 12. Zonderkidz is also the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the NIV. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company’s products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide in more than 60 countries, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan is the North American publisher and licensee of the NIV Bible translation. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information please visit www.zondervan.com.

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My Review: 3 Reasons to Love This Children’s Book
Heart-Tugging Topic

Who doesn’t love hugs?

And this book is chock-full of many ways to enjoy a hug. (Or maybe I should say a variety of animal hugs!)

Anyway, the topic will tug at the heartstrings of kids and adults alike. I can see where it will also promote hugs, snuggles, and cuddles!

Delightful Illustrations

I’m very much a visual person, and most children are, too.

The illustrations by Tim Warnes will not disappoint! With lovable and cuddly creatures, the artwork makes you want to jump into the story for a few of those bear hugs. :)

Wiggly-Giggly Rhyme Time

Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, the author’s approach to the story with loads of rhymes will surely appeal to children.

And I can’t help but think that it will make this story book a fun favorite with parents as well.

I know I can’t wait to share this beautiful children’s book with my grandchildren!

 

Enjoy the down-home charm of Mitford and Mayberry? Then you’ll LOVE Miller’s Creek! LIMITED TIME OFFER: Buy the Miller’s Creek boxed sets and save up to 50% off individual book prices. FREE for Kindle Unlimited: http://amzn.to/2iXlBdD
Love This Children’s Book Giveaway

This children’s book giveaway is open from January 25, 2017 to February 4, 2017 and only to US Residents. Enter for a chance to win via the Rafflecopter below. Winners will be chosen randomly and contacted via email.

ALSO CHECK OUT OUR MONTHLY GIVEAWAY HERE.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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The post 3 Awesome Reasons You’ll Absolutely Love This Children’s Book appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

What Is the Perfect Law of Liberty? Answers Here.

Coming Spring 2017 ~ STILL I WILL FOLLOW (Christian romantic suspense) ~ To receive four free books and new book release info, go to http://www.CatBryant.com/free-books

The perfect law of liberty? The phrase captured my attention. What did that even mean?

This scenario occurred as I studied the concept of biblical freedom in preparation to write STILL I WILL FOLLOW, the 7th stand-alone book in the Miller’s Creek novels, and a story all about freedom through following.

I decided to dig a little deeper.

So what exactly is the perfect law of liberty? The answer may surprise you, but I think it will also challenge you. It did me.

What is the perfect law of liberty discussed in the Bible? Find out here:
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The purpose of this post is take a closer look into the scripture to uncover what is meant by the phrase “the perfect law of liberty.”

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What One Thing Is Most Important For Your Best Life?
SPOTLIGHT: 12 Powerful Verses On Freedom and Following Here
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See How to Best Resolve Conflict to Restore Relationships
How to Absolutely Live Your Best Life

To get posts delivered to your inbox, click HERE. For updates on new book releases (with a special bonus), click HERE.

PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY – Breakdown
Perfect

As a self-confessed word nerd, it’s important to me to make the distinction that this law of liberty we’re studying is perfect.

While perfection is something many of us long for, we know we’re far from it. Nothing around us is perfect, except One.

Therefore, it stands to reason that this perfect law of liberty must originate and find its conception and culmination in God.

A new attorney pursues perfection and justice until she finds herself in need of grace. THE WAY OF GRACE (Christian romantic suspense) – http://amzn.to/2fSpZKW (Free for Kindle Unlimited)


Law

My mind automatically goes to the Ten Commandments and Mosaic Law when I hear this word. As believers on the back side of the resurrection, we realize the danger of trying to earn our way back to God through our own puny efforts. We can’t.

But lest we think the Law is unimportant and irrelevant, consider these words from Jesus:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”  -Matthew 5:17

God’s Law is still the best way to live in relationship to both God and our fellow man. We just can’t expect to be so good at keeping it that we’ll ever “spiritually arrive” on our own efforts. It was meant as a schoolmaster to help mankind realize our sinful condition and inability to keep the Law. To help us recognize our need for a Savior (Gal. 3:24).

A soldier wages war unlike any he’s ever known, a battle for the souls of a bitter single mom and her little girl. CROSSROADS (Christian romance) – http://amzn.to/2fSIcVh (Free for Kindle Unlimited)


Finding Balance Between Old and New

So how do we find a balance between the old and new covenants? The following verses help me:

“And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” -2 Corinthians 3:6 (BSB)

“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” -Jeremiah 31:33 (BSB)

In the context of this post, this “Law of Liberty” is what God has written on our hearts. It’s the Spirit of the law. It’s what He wants for us and through us.

Limited-Time Offer: Get MILLER’S CREEK COLLECTIONS 1 & 2 at up to 50% off the regular price of individual books – http://amzn.to/2iXlBdD (Free for Kindle Unlimited)
Liberty

God never wants people enslaved to anyone or anything besides Him. And honestly, don’t we want the same thing?

At least we want it until God’s will clashes with our will.

But true followers of Jesus submit to God. No matter how badly we want something, we have to reach the place where we say: “Not my will but Thy will be done.”

“To seek God’s will means releasing our own.” @Cathy_Bryant
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In other words, to seek God’s will means that we release ours.

Sounds like the exact opposite of freedom, doesn’t it?

It would be if it weren’t for the fact that God:

made us
is all-knowing and knows us better than we know ourselves
loves us
has our best interest at heart
and has a perfect plan for our lives



Battered by a broken promise and heartbreaking diagnosis, can she learn to trust in promises that never fail? PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE (Christian love story) – http://amzn.to/2fE4fNQ (Free for Kindle Unlimited)


Perfect Law of Liberty – 3 Verses
Verse 1: Called to Freedom Expressing Itself In Love and Service

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV)

God calls every believer to a life of freedom. In fact, that was a big part of Christ’s mission on earth (Isaiah 61:1; Galatians 5:1). Yes, He freed people from sin and death through taking our sins on His shoulders and dying in our place. But He also frees us from disease, demon-possession, legalism, and a whole host of self-inflicted little-g gods.

“Jesus is in the business of breaking chains.” @Cathy_Bryant
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In short, He is in the business of breaking chains.

So we should never tarnish that perfect freedom God gives by spending it on our sinful nature. Instead, we use our God-given freedom to serve humbly in love.

THAT is the perfect law of liberty. The freedom to love in the form of service.

So how do we best fulfill this perfect law of liberty? Keep reading.

Can a city gal find true home in a back-roads Texas town? TEXAS ROADS (Christian romance) – http://amzn.to/2g1wZTV. Enter the giveaway for an autographed print copy of this story here: http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/texas-roads


Verse 2: An Effectual Doer of the Perfect Law of Liberty

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. -James 1:25 (NASB)

I’ve read this verse thousands of times, but always honed in on being a doer rather than just a hearer. To overlook the first part of the verse is to overlook a HUGE part of what it means to be a Christ-follower.

“To overlook the law of liberty is to overlook a HUGE part of following Jesus.” @Cathy_Bryant
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Since the perfect law of liberty is love expressed in service, our “doing” should be based in love. And if you get right down to it, that’s what the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 is about! Jesus also reiterated it to His disciples several times on the night before He died.

“Love one another.”

“Blessed” Defined

And don’t forget to notice the results! If we “do” the perfect law of liberty, we’ll be blessed in what we do. We use the word “blessed” so often, but have we ever stopped to consider what it really means?

Find out what “blessed” really means here:
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So what does it mean to be blessed? The word blessed Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount is from the Greek word makarios, which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The Greeks called the Island of Cyprus “the happy isle.” They believed that because of its geographical location, perfect climate, and fertile soil that anyone who lived on Cyprus had it made in the shade. And the term they associated with the island was makarios. They believed everything you needed to be happy was right there on Cyprus. We can’t all move to Cyprus, but the idea is that our happiness is independent of our circumstances. It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally. We can be genuinely blessed as followers of Jesus Christ. -Greg Laurie, Jesus.org

In the face of all-consuming tragedy, can a grieving widow regain trust in God to direct her path? A PATH LESS TRAVELED (Christian romance) – http://amzn.to/2i4w85X


Verse 3: How Then Shall We Live?

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. -James 2:12 (ESV)

This short verse perfectly sums up how followers of Jesus are to live.

We speak and behave as those judged by this perfect law of liberty.

By how we followed Jesus in loving and serving others.

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” -Matthew 20:28 (NASB)


She’s responsible for the scars on his face. He’s responsible for the scars on her heart. Can they put aside old wounds to build a bridge? A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (Christian romantic suspense) – http://amzn.to/2fyT5Ls (Free for Kindle Unlimited)

The Son came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Matt. 20:28
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Perfect Law of Liberty – Wrap-Up

I hope this post and the perfect law of liberty challenges us all to better live a life of love and service to others. We really adequately follow Jesus if we don’t do both.

Why?

Because service without love is patronizing, and love without service is hypocrisy.

“Service without love is patronizing. Love without service is hypocrisy.” @Cathy_Bryant
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COMMENT CONVERSATION: What are your thoughts on the perfect law of liberty?

What is the importance of the perfect law of liberty? Join the discussion here:
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The post What Is the Perfect Law of Liberty? Answers Here. appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

What One Thing Is Most Important For Your Best Life?

What one thing is the most important to live our best life, God’s way?

What one thing is most important to live our #BestLife #GodsWay? Find out here:
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It’s a question I’ve given considerable thought and study.

I believe that finding the correct answer to the question is critical. So critical, that without it we’re doomed.

In this devotional post, I hope to shed light on the one thing that’s most important to live our best life.

COMING SPRING 2017: A story of following ~ no matter the cost. More details here: http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/still-i-will-follow
One Thing – Starting at the End

When I set out to write a new Miller’s Creek novel, I often begin with “The End” and work backwards from there.

We did the same thing in the previous post on how to set power-packed goals. Remember when we imagined ourselves at judgment day and even our own funerals?

I want to do that again today by looking at a couple of key verses about the end of time.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus tells a story of being prepared for His return. Five of the virgins in the story were unwise. They went out to meet the bridegroom, but didn’t take along extra oil for their lanterns. In sharp contrast, the five wise virgins had oil stored up in jars to refill their lanterns.

The invitation to meet the bridegroom arrived in the middle of the night, and the lanterns of the unwise virgins began to go out. They were required to leave in order to purchase more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived and started the party without them.

They knocked on the door, expecting to be let in.

” ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. “Open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ ” Matthew 25:11-12 (NIV)

Save 35% off the cost of individual books or read them free with Kindle Unlimited: http://amzn.to/2iXlBdD
A Tale of Twos

In Matthew 7, Jesus compares the end times with tales of twos: two roads, two trees, two professions, and two builders. All the stories are related in their overall message: two very different outcomes for humans based on choices made during this earthly life.

But let’s look specifically at Matthew 7:21-23:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord.’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord.’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” Matt. 7:21
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The Correlation

Did you catch the correlation between the two passages?

First off, they both refer to Jesus’ return, the time at which we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account for our lives.

But secondly, and I believe more importantly (because it deals with why their outcome will result in separation from God), are these words:

“I never knew you!”

My heart melts in fear at those four short words. Can you imagine any worse fate? Lord forbid that we hear Jesus speak those words to us!

Is there anyone who wants to hear Jesus say: “I never knew you!”?
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A daily devotional about influencing our world for Christ: http://amzn.to/2iDAqhM Free for Kindle Unlimited.
One Thing – Two Sisters

One of my all-time favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters with two very different ways of living their lives.

I’m more like Martha than I care to admit, but I am in recovery. Martha is one of those women with an agenda. She’s even goal-oriented. The only problem? Her goals, while helpful and directed toward service, leave out the most important aspect of life. She totally misses the one thing!

Are you missing the one thing?
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Sure, her house is clean, she’s hand-sewn the new robe she’s wearing, and she has several casseroles and desserts prepared for her important guest and His followers. Stressed out and worried, she fears not winning the Homemaker of the Year award.

Are you a Martha or a Mary? Or maybe a little bit of both?
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Then there’s Mary.

Rather than helping her sister with the nitty-gritty details of serving a crew of hungry men, she plops down at the feet of Jesus, latched on to His every word. She has a soft heart and a strong desire to serve, but in a very different way than her very busy sister.

This soft-hearted servant finds the real treasure of the one thing.

For a limited time, I’m offering folks the chance to receive 4 free books: the first two Miller’s Creek novels, a LifeSword Bible study, and a LifeSword daily devotional. Details here: http://www.CatBryant.com/free-books

The One Thing That Matters

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

This passage is perfect for helping us find our best life, God’s way.

First, like Martha, we often miss the one thing that’s needed despite our good intentions. (Scary thought, huh?)

“We can have the best intentions and totally miss the one thing.” @Cathy_Bryant
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Secondly, we only need this one thing in order to live our best lives. In fact, it’s the only way to find that best life!

Want to find the one thing that’s needed for your #BestLife? It’s here:
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NOTHING is more important than having a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. The only way to do that is spend time at His feet (in prayer and in His Word) learning from Him and developing a relationship with Him.

Though it’s not really a surprise, this is also the one thing that separates Christianity from every other religion on the face of the planet. (More proof that Jesus is the ONLY way!) True Christianity is about a relationship, while all other religions deal with human performance.

What one thing separates Christianity from all other religions? Find out here:
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We have absolutely no chance of finding or living our best life if the key ingredient of that relationship is missing. An intimate and right relationship with Jesus IS our one thing!

“An intimate and right relationship with Jesus IS our one thing!” @Cathy_Bryant
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RECENT POSTS:

12 Powerful Verses on Freedom and Following
How to Set Goals for Your Best Life That Actually Work
See How to Best Resolve Conflict to Restore Relationships
How to Absolutely Live Your Best Life


One Thing – Wrap Up

Here are a few key takeaways to find the one thing that enables us to live our best life:

On judgment day, the criteria for either a life with God or separated from Him for all eternity is Jesus knowing us personally. (Remember the ten virgins and the two professions?)
We cannot expect to find our best life apart from an intimate relationship with Jesus.
This relationship, like any relationship, requires spending quality time with our Lord and Savior in prayer and Bible study.
In turn, this one thing relationship becomes the structure for living a life of love and service for God and our fellow man. THAT is our best life!!!

If you’re unsure about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus, please see this post: http://www.catbryant.com/plan-of-salvation/. And if you have any questions, you can contact me here at any time: http://www.catbryant.com/contact-cathy-bryant-christian-fiction-writer/

COMMENT CONVERSATION: Would you agree that only one thing truly matters in finding our best life? Why or why not?

Praying we all find that critical ONE THING,

P.S. Want this free blog series delivered to your inbox? Click here: http://www.CatBryant.com/blog-post-subscribe/

P.S.S. While you’re here, don’t forget to hop on over and enter the monthly giveaway (an autographed print copy of TEXAS ROADS): http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/texas-roads. You can also enter via my Facebook author page: http://gvwy.io/jkebe4o.

P.S.S.S. For a limited time, there’s an #AmazonGiveaway of THE WAY OF GRACE here: https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/7a16bc5873d27f94

The post What One Thing Is Most Important For Your Best Life? appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

SPOTLIGHT: 12 Powerful Verses On Freedom and Following Here

Freedom.

It’s a word we’re accustomed to hearing in America.

Most of us associate the word with our independence as a nation or our personal rights, but to relegate it only to those realms is to miss the greatest freedom of all.

Our freedom in Christ.

“To relegate freedom to the realm of rights is to miss the greatest freedom of all.” @Cathy_Bryant
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As is the case with all my novels, I do an extensive Bible study on the spiritual theme of that particular book while I’m writing it. And as is usually the case, I came away totally blown away by how much richer and deeper the concept of biblical freedom is, over and beyond what I believed it to be.

RECENT POSTS:

How To Absolutely Live Your Best Life, God’s Way
How To Set Goals For Your Best Life That Actually Work

Back in 2016, I did something I’ve never done before: After much prayer, I asked readers to vote for the book title of their choice for this story, giving them only a brief synopsis. To my surprise, they chose the title STILL I WILL FOLLOW.

This left me in quite a quandary. In my head, this was a story about freedom. But the title suggested a story about following and discipleship. What did the two have to do with one another?

Our God works in marvelous ways. As I continued to study His Word, I grasped a profound and often-overlooked truth:

There is freedom in following Christ.

“There is #freedom in #following Christ.” @Cathy_Bryant
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Below are twelve verses about freedom (and following) that have particularly spoken to me during the writing of STILL I WILL FOLLOW. I pray and trust that they will impact your heart the way they have mine.

JANUARY 2017 GIVEAWAY: Texas Roads – Autographed print copy. Enter for a chance to win here: http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/texas-roads


Verses On Freedom and Following
Christ’s Mission:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… -Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

Christ came to #free captives and release prisoners:
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Slaves of God:

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. -Romans 6:22 (NIV)

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. -1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)

Servant Followers of Christ:

“The greatest among you will be your servant.” –Matthew 23:11 (NIV)

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” -Matthew 20:28 (NASB)

Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” -Luke 9:23-24 (BSB)

“The greatest among you will be your servant.” Matt. 23:11
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Freedom in Christ:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

The Perfect Law of Liberty is Love:

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV)

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. -James 1:25 (NASB)

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. -James 2:12 (ESV)

The perfect law of liberty is #love. #Freedom in #Following:
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His Truth Sets Us Free:

“If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -John 8:31b-36 (NIV)

Longing to be set #free? #Truth is the answer:
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Freedom In The Spirit:

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. -2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)

Don’t miss these 12 powerful #Bible verses on #freedom and #following:
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Still I Will Follow
A Story of Freedom Through Following

Book 7 in the Miller’s Creek Novels

Enslaved to One, servant to all…

A freedom-seeking believer has done the one thing she never wanted to happen: move back to Miller’s Creek. Though Bella followed God’s leading in her quest for freedom, she never imagined He would take her back to a place so full of hurtful memories. And she struggles to understand why. Especially since at every turn, folks seem determined to remind her about her checkered past and condemn her for it in the present.

At Miller’s ranch, the hard-as-nails ranch manager yearns to share life with a special someone. But Clay’s not prepared for a softening of his heart toward the woman who betrayed him years ago. Perhaps the best way to handle it is to make sure she leaves Miller’s Creek. This time for good.

Can Bella and Clay release their chains to find a freedom that’s always been theirs? Or will false accusations and the lies they believe condemn them both to a life of emptiness?

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Coming Soon: STILL I WILL FOLLOW #Freedom through #following. #ChristianFiction
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Let’s continue the conversation in the comments section. (Scroll down to leave a comment.)

What has been your personal experience in finding freedom through following? Share your testimony below.

The post SPOTLIGHT: 12 Powerful Verses On Freedom and Following Here appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

How to Set Goals For Your Best Life That Actually Work

As we concluded in last week’s post, we all want to live the best life possible. One way in which to reach that best life is to learn, not just to set goals, but how to set goals that are powerful.

Why is the distinction so important?

Because setting a goal isn’t all that difficult or specialized. Anyone can jot down a few vague ideas about what they hope to accomplish. But let me ask you this: How has that worked for you in the past?

If you’re like me, those vague and hastily-written goals are quickly forgotten.

But when we learn to super charge our goals and infuse them with power, we can not only live our best life, but do so with more clarity and increased productivity.

My goal in writing this post is to show you how to set goals that are power-packed.

Are your goals power-packed? More info here:
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How to Set Goals – Start With…

Yes, there is a definite benefit to starting with a desired outcome and working backwards from there. In fact, it’s a great way to create action plans for your goals.

But in this post about how to set goals, I want you to go even further than that.

I want you to imagine attending your own funeral.

That might sound a little macabre and unsettling, but I promise I have a reason for wanting you to do this.

Judgment Day

Actually as believers we understand that we all will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So rather than only starting with our funerals, it would behoove us first to imagine that day.

Here are some questions to consider:

What do you expect Jesus to say about your life?
Have you been a faithful and good steward of what He’s given you?
During your life have you given Him His rightful place in your life?
Did you place your faith in Him and try to live according to His will?
Have you given the gift that is your life your very best effort?

To receive four free books and new book release info, go to http://www.CatBryant.com/free-books

These questions (and maybe others you come up with on your own) will give you some powerful clues about setting goals for your life. Those goals will include things you need to change as well as things you’re already doing that should continue.

Your Funeral

Now back to our funerals. Imagine the day of your funeral service, and answer these questions:

How do you want to be remembered by others?
What legacy will you leave your children and grandchildren?
What difference have you made in the lives of others?
How have you influenced and impacted the world?
Is there something you could have done differently and/or better?

Do you see how asking these questions can direct your attention to what really matters? Those things that matter most create our most powerful goals.

Start with funerals and judgment day to set powerful goals? Find out why here:
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How To Set Goals – The Power of Asking Why
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When I first pursued my dream of becoming a writer, I snatched up many books on various aspects of the craft of writing. In my study of characterization, I learned to ask “Why?” in an attempt to better understand the motivations of my characters.

Each time a character motivation presented itself, I would keep asking “Why?” until I reached the heart of that character.

Ask Why For Each of Your Goals

This process also works wonders for us in uncovering our own motives. Honestly, unless I follow through on this goal-setting step, I don’t fully understand all the layers of my own personal motivation.

Example:

One of my goals is to make my work as a writer financially feasible.

Why?

Because I want to help my husband provide for our financial needs.
I also want to give to worthwhile individuals and organizations to continue Kingdom work.
In addition, I want to be able to help others with their financial needs.

Why?

Because we need the income not just to meet our current needs, but also for the future. One day we’ll be old and potentially unable to work. We don’t want to be a financial burden to our children, so it’s prudent to set aside money now.
I believe that giving to God’s work is a way to store up treasure in heaven.
We all need help from time to time. I want to treat others the way I would want to be treated if I had smilar circumstances.

What’s the motivation behind your goals? And why is it even important?
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Peel Back Layers of Motivation

See how asking why over and over helped me peel back layers to my motivation and thereby set a more powerful goal? And get this: with each motivation we uncover, our goals become stronger and more powerful. The process gives us an increased need to carry those goals out to completion and the momentum and traction to do so.

Please don’t neglect this step of how to set goals. Be sure to write down not only your goals, but in parentheses beside the goals list all your why’s. When you grow discouraged about reaching a certain goal (and yes, I said “when”), those motivations will remind you why you set that goal in the first place.

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How to Set Goals – The Importance of Action Plans

Though writing down your goals and placing them where you can review them often can be useful, it’s not enough. Powerful goals must have an action plan to back them up.

So what’s an action plan? It’s a detailed, step-by-step process for reaching your goal in a given amount of time.

Example:

Another one of my goals for this year is to lose thirty pounds.

I know from past experience that if I don’t write out a specific action plan, within a few weeks (and maybe even a few days!) that goal will fall to the wayside. I’ll reach December 31, 2017 with those unwanted pounds still in place, and horror of all horrors, the potential for additional weight! (Talk about motivation…)

My Action Plan for this Goal:

First, I break that goal down into smaller time frames. Did you know research proves most of us work better in smaller time frames than a whole year? It’s certainly been the case in my life. My action plan time frames are: a quarter, a month, a week, and a day.
Secondly, I attempt to be reasonable in the action plan for each of my goals. There is absolutely no way (at least no way that’s healthy) to lose all that weight in one fell swoop. Research shows (and it’s proved true in my case) that losing a pound a week is doable. There’s my weekly goal!
How does that play out by the quarter? There are 13 weeks in each quarter, which means if I meet my weekly goal of one pound a week, I can lose thirteen pounds in the first quarter, 26 pounds by the end of the second quarter, and finish up my goal in the third quarter. As you can see, this gives me some wiggle room for those plateaus where it takes a stick of dynamite to blast off the weight. It also gives extra room to navigate the minefields and curve balls life always throws our way. (NOTE: Caution is advised when it comes to wiggle room. Don’t let it become an excuse to procrastinate!)
So what does all this mean for the day-to-day action plan? It means exercise. Along with that exercise, I want to learn ways to vary my exercise routine so I can learn new things, not get bored, and find activities I enjoy. It means eating nutritious foods and maybe even doing research to find healthy recipes. It means getting adequate rest and drinking enough water. Most importantly, it means scheduling those thing on my daily planning sheet. If we don’t schedule our action plans each and every day, we can’t expect to have much success.

One key ingredient to achieving goals is to schedule your work and work your schedule.
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How to Set Goals – Wrap Up

There are many more ways to power-pack your goals, but the subject could literally fill up a book. That’s another reason I’m hoping to turn all this information into an online course. Not only do I want to help others reach the potential of their best life, but I want to make sure I cover everything in easy-to-implement bite-sized chunks.

So stay tuned for more free blog posts on the topic of living your best life. (If you haven’t already done so, you might want to sign up for email updates of new posts. You can do that HERE.)

I hope this post on how to set goals has been beneficial for you. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments:

What steps do you take to set and reach your goals?

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Here’s to living our best life for Him,

 

P.S. Don’t forget to enter this month’s giveaway of an autographed print copy of TEXAS ROADS (the first stand-alone book in the Miller’s Creek novels and a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist) here: http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/texas-roads

RECENT POSTS: How To Absolutely Live Your Best Life, God’s Way

The post How to Set Goals For Your Best Life That Actually Work appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

See How to Best Resolve Conflict To Restore Relationships

Is there any person on the face of the planet who enjoys conflict? And is there anything so difficult to navigate as human relationships?

I dare say that for most of the us the answer to both these questions is a resounding “No!”

For a long time, my go-to solution for resolving conflict was to simply not deal with it. Kind of a “pretend-it’s-not-there-and-it’ll-go-away” mindset.

First off, that way of handling conflict is far from scriptural. In other words, it’s not the way God wants us to handle it.

Secondly, it doesn’t work. All it does is perpetrate the problem. It brings about more conflict and distance and allows the enemy a foothold to drive a deeper wedge in our relationships.

The purpose of this post is to take a look at God’s Word for His way of bringing about restoration and reconciliation by resolving conflict.

Struggling with how to handle conflict? This post will help:
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Resolve Conflict: Step 1

Matthew 18:15-20 deals with handling conflict. But people often misunderstand and misinterpret the passage, which reveals how Satan twists scripture around and uses it against humanity. Sometimes the problem arises from NOT following the steps exactly as laid out in God’s Word. At other times, those with the best of intentions have sadly caused much injury, hurt, and damage through misapplication of these verses.

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector.” -Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)

Have you seen or experienced Matthew 18:15-17 misapplied?
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Step 1 – Digging Deeper

Notice that this is a brother, a fellow believer. (I do think it could certainly be applied on a broader scale as representing our human brotherhood.)

Also note that the process requires communication.

By the standards presented in God’s Word, communication requires love/concern, listening, honesty, gentleness, and kindness, along with a whole host of other godly characteristics.

Anger, malice, and hatred should never play a part in resolving conflict. Nor should asserting power over another be the goal. Instead resolving conflict takes place through sincere attempts to make things right, not just between you and your brother/sister, but also between both of you and God.

I would go so far as to assert that if our relationship with our brother isn’t right, there’s a deeper spiritual problem of something not being right in our relationship to God.

“Reconciliation requires willingness on both sides of the issue.” @Cathy_Bryant
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Reconciliation is one of those tricky things that requires willingness on both sides of the issue. Sometimes the other party will refuse to listen. Or sometimes they have something against you too, so it becomes a case of who feels the most wronged and the most justified in holding on to a grudge.

But if we and our offended brother both follow Jesus’ example of humility, we’ll do whatever is needed to resolve the conflict. It won’t become a matter of who’s right and who’s wrong, but of mutual love and forgiveness.

Her greatest need is human forgiveness. His greatest need is to learn how to give it. Can they let go to build a bridge? A BRIDGE UNBROKEN: http://amzn.to/2fyT5Ls. See the corresponding Bible study book on forgiveness here: http://amzn.to/2jjIrgr


Resolve Conflict: Step 2

If this first step doesn’t work, the next step is to take along one or two others as witnesses. This is in accordance with an Old Testament practice/law set forth in Deuteronomy 19:15. These two witnesses weren’t to be yes-men for one party’s cause, but godly people who had the best interest of both parties at heart–people who wanted to honor God in all they did. (Can you see how taking people who are just there to support our side would only add to the conflict?)

Resolve Conflict: Step 3

The step after that is to present the matter before the whole church. If that doesn’t work, the church is to treat that brother as a pagan or tax collector.

I truly understand that offending brothers are “handed over to Satan” for the destruction of sinful ways. This is addressed by Paul in the New Testament in two different places: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and 1 Timothy 1:18-20. These types of conflicts showed gross immorality on the part of the offending brother, blatant acts that threatened the purity of the church.

So don’t get me wrong. The church is not to tolerate or make light of this type of behavior among believers. BUT we are to respond to the offender with sincere love and concern for their spiritual well-being. It’s less about excommunicating and shunning them and more about helping that brother see and experience the consequences of his/her behavior.

“It’s less about shunning them and more about the spiritual welfare of your brother or sister.”…
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Step 3 – Digging Deeper

Let’s talk for a minute about treating the offender like “a pagan or a tax collector.”

A pagan was obviously someone who lived an immoral life, and usually referred to idolatry, sometimes of a sexual sort.

Tax collectors in the first century A.D. were despised because they exacted tribute from the Jews to pay the Roman government and acquired a hefty portion for themselves in the process.

Both pagans and tax collectors were outcasts from the Jewish religious system and the heart of that society.

But when we look at the life of Jesus, he reached out to these sorts of people. Why? Because it was the sick who needed a doctor (Matthew 9:11-13).

“Jesus reached out to pagans and tax collectors because they needed healing.” @Cathy_Bryant
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So here’s my take on the whole pagan/tax collector thing. We rightfully hate the sin and don’t tolerate it. Excusing sin or downplaying it isn’t an option. God takes sin very seriously (enough to send His Son to die for it), and so should we.

But we are to love the sinner. Never are we given permission in God’s Word to do anything less. In fact, anything less is unacceptable.

“Hate the sin; love the sinner. Anything less is unacceptable.” @Cathy_Bryant
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God’s Heart in Resolving Conflict

When the Bible was written, there were no chapters, verses, and sub-titles. For that reason, I’m a firm believer in taking any given passage in context by looking at what precedes and follows it.

In Matthew 18:12-14 and even before, Jesus addresses how we are to treat others. God shows His heart when He says: “If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.” Matthew 18:12-13 (NIV)

“I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than the 99 that did not wander off.”
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Can you better understand our main passage in light of the wandering sheep? God’s desire and heart is for that wandering sheep. As His people and followers, that should be our heart’s desire as well.

Human Nature in Resolving Conflict

In Matthew 18:21-35, we see good old “bull-in-a-china-closet” Peter charge in with good, but spiritually-inaccurate, intentions. He thought he was being exceptionally worthy by offering to forgive his brother seven times. Jesus quickly set him straight with his demand that our forgiveness was to be limitless. He followed this with the parable of the unmerciful servant.

In this story, a servant owed the king an astronomical amount and was brought before his lord and master. He was told to pay up or be sold (along with family members and possessions) to repay the debt. The servant begged for mercy (not getting what he deserved) and time to repay. He was granted grace (more than he could ever deserve) and the debt was completely canceled.

We all want justice for others and mercy for us…until we find ourselves in need of grace. THE WAY OF GRACE: http://amzn.to/2fSpZKW

(There’s a deeper lesson here about being able to accept forgiveness in order to fully experience it.)

This parable presents a perfect picture of God’s forgiveness toward us. And EVERYONE needs forgiveness.

But the servant didn’t fully comprehend that cancelled debt and immediately demanded payment of a paltry sum from a fellow servant.

See how this sheds light on the Matthew 18:15-17 passage?

We must not treat our brothers–even sinful and immoral ones–with an unforgiving attitude. The unmerciful servant did that, and the king quickly had him tossed in prison until he repaid a debt he could never repay.

This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your…
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“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” -Matthew 18:35 (NIV)

“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” -Matthew 18:18 (NIV)

FOR COMMENTS DISCUSSION: What insights and experiences do you have in handling conflict for restoration and reconciliation?

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RECENT POSTS: 

How to Absolutely Live Your Best Life (Free blog series on planning and goals from a Christian perspective)
Autographed Print Copy Giveaway of TEXAS ROADS (the first stand-alone book in the beloved and best-selling Miller’s Creek novels)

Discipleship comes at a cost. Would you still follow?

 

The post See How to Best Resolve Conflict To Restore Relationships appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

How To Absolutely Live Your Best Life

Happy New Year! (Yes, three days in and I’m already running late. But at least I’m getting there!) As this new year gets its start, I’m on a mission. Just like in previous years, I’m determined to not only live my best life, but to do it God’s way.

My goal in writing this post is to help us all give further thought to living our best life God’s way.

Are you determined to live YOUR best life, or do it God’s way? #goals #planning #NewYear Join the…
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Best Life – God’s Way

I know I’m not alone.

We all want to live a better life, don’t we?

We want to:

make forward progress and reach our goals.
be healthy and balanced in every aspect of our lives.
not only live our best life, but make a positive difference in our world.
do it by following Jesus and His way.

And it’s that last part, the following part, that is the most difficult, even for those of us who have known Him for a very long time.

Why is it so hard to follow? Here are a couple of reasons that come to mind immediately:

The enemy has planted cheap substitutes on living our best lives all around the world. Do a Google search and you’ll find thousands of “experts” who will tell you how to live your “best” life. But upon closer inspection, most of them are selfish and shallow philosophical and psychological babble, intended to deceive.
Another reason for difficulty in following Jesus is that our natural man (AKA the flesh) still wars against the Spirit. We are by nature selfish beings, prone to wander and go our own way. Unfortunately, certain ways can seem like the right move for us, when in all actuality they lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12).

There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12
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Best Life – What’s the Solution?

So what’s the answer? Are believers not to set any goals at all? Are we to simply wander and wait around hoping God will write what He wants for us in the sky?

Yes and no.

We are to wait, but to do so in full expectation that God will reveal to us what He wants for us (Isaiah 30:21).

Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” … Isaiah 30:21
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Once we have our marching orders they become our goals, our mission, and our priorities.

Let us never forget that as believers our lives are not our own (Jeremiah 10:23). We’ve been bought at the high price of the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his…
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When we placed our faith in Him, it also involved handing over the reins of our life to the reign of Christ in our life.

“…we handed over the reins of our life to the reign of Christ in our life.”
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He alone is our Lord and Master. God created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. He has our best intentions at heart.

Following Him IS the best life we could possibly live. And it’s the only life we should desire as His people.

Check it out here: http://amzn.to/2hLCad4

God specializes in NEW BEGINNINGS. Get the daily devotional here: http://amzn.to/2hLCad4
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Best Life – Free Blog Series & Online Course

Over the next few weeks I plan, at God’s direction, to write more posts like this, along with an online course (and possibly a book) to help other believers live their best life God’s way.

Here are just a few of the sub-topics I hope to cover:

Why most of us ditch our New Year resolutions after a couple of weeks, and why many people don’t even bother setting resolutions or goals of any kind.
How and why living our best life is not a one-size-fits-all process, which means tailoring your plan specific to you.
Why starting with our funerals is an effective way to plan.
How reflection and review is critical to living your best life.
Why working on more than one big goal at a time is a bad idea.
Why we need to “know why.”
How a written plan is helps.
Why you want to put all your eggs in one basket, and why you don’t. (I know this sounds confusing, but you’ll just have to wait and see…) :)
What you need to do to make your environment work for you.
How perfection is an enemy to our best life.
Why we all must change from a goal-setting mentality to an action-plan mentality, and how to make it happen.
How to determine life roles and write a mission statement based on those roles.
Why both negative and positive visualization is important to our success.
How to develop planning and tracking systems. (I’ll even share my own personal system for you to tweak for yourself!)
Why it all boils down to “one thing.” (And why if that “one thing” isn’t right, nothing will be right.)
How to rid ourselves of “grasshopper mentality” and the “dream thieves.” (HINT: One of the biggest of these culprits is procrastination. Been there?)
Why our planning needs to take a whole-person approach.
How other people are important to our planning.
The importance of gratitude in building our best life.
2 steps we must take to avoid discouragement and build momentum.
4 questions we should ask each day to move us in the right direction (and the 1 that is most crucial).
The 6-fold journalistic approach to crafting our action plans.
The best time frame for accomplishing your goals. (It’s probably NOT what you think…)
How faith plays a part in setting our goals.
What we must eliminate and incorporate for the best results.
The best way to put ourselves in “wait” mode as we plan out our year, and why you might want to plan a certain type of mini-retreat several times a year. (Retreat? Sign me up!)
How to be more productive without killing yourself in the process. (In other words, how to maintain balance.)
Finding God’s will and purpose for your life, and why it’s super important to living your best life.

NOTE: If there’s any sub-topic you’d like for me to cover that is NOT listed here, please let me know in the comments or send me an email.

Enter for a chance to win an autographed print copy of TEXAS ROADS (Book 1 in the beloved and best-selling Miller’s Creek novels; Christian fiction) here: http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/texas-roads. You can also enter via my Facebook author page here: http://gvwy.io/jkebe4o.

#Giveaway signed print copy of TEXAS ROADS at http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/texa...
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Best Life – My Story

 

Just so you know, I have never reached every goal I set for myself in any given year. I still have plenty of room for improvement.

But each year I’m able to do a little better and reach a little further. And I can’t help but believe that the goals I don’t accomplish are because they weren’t what God wanted for me in the first place or because I let the enemy’s tactics keep me from living my best life in Christ.

I don’t consider myself an expert or as one having “arrived” in any shape, form, or fashion. So please don’t get me wrong. What I’m about to share with you isn’t to brag or pat myself on the back. In fact, without the Lord’s help and guidance, none of this would have happened.

“Without the Lord’s help and guidance, none of this would have happened.”
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Because of God-given goals for 2015-16, I wrote six books, renovated two homes, and successfully sold one of those homes as For Sale By Owner after a year-and-a-half of sitting on the market with very little activity. In addition to the Lord’s help in meeting these goals, He did so through my wonderful husband, who was also instrumental in these successes. On top of reaching these goals, we also moved across four states in two separate trips and met our desired outcome goals of being closer to our family and getting out of debt.

Best Life – Wrap Up

My desire in this free blog post series and online course is to encourage all of us to reach our best life, but to do it God’s way. I truly believe we’re capable of so much more than we ever fully believe.

Even as I write this post and seek after God for His desired goals for me this year, my life is very much in limbo. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my life could take a very different turns at any given minute. But I’m not worried about it. I’ve learned that our sovereign God is very much in control. His plan for my best life will happen. My job is to seek after Him, do the work, and trust Him for the outcome.

“God’s plan for my best life will happen. I have to seek Him, do the work, and trust Him for the…
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Now I’d like to learn from you. So let’s continue the conversation in the comments.

What’s your biggest obstacle in following through with your God-given goals?

Here’s to living our best lives, God’s way!

P. S. I’m giving away my first two novels and two bonus books here: http://www.CatBryant.com/free-books.

 

The post How To Absolutely Live Your Best Life appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

SPOTLIGHT: Why You Want to Enter This Children’s Bible Giveaway Here

As parents and grandparents, nothing is more important than nurturing and training our children to love and obey God and His Word. That’s why I’m a big believer in children’s Bibles that accurately follow God’s Word and introduce kids to God through important stories that reveal who God is and His redemptive plan and love available for all.

The illustrations in the Beginner’s Bible by Zonderkidz have recently been updated. This post includes information about the Bible, my review, and a hard-cover copy giveaway.

But first, here are some sample pictures for you to enjoy (SOURCE: Amazon.com):

#Giveaway THE BEGINNER’S BIBLE #FlyBy #TheBeginnersBible via @Cathy_Bryant
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About the Children’s Bible

The Beginner’s Bible® has been a favorite with young children and their parents since its release in 1989 with over 25 million products sold. Now it’s redesigned with fresh new art that will excite children for many more years to come.

Full of faith and fun, The Beginner’s Bible is a wonderful gift for any child. The easy-to-read text and bright, full-color illustrations on every page make it a perfect way to introduce young children to the stories and characters of the Bible. With new vibrant three-dimensional art and compelling text, more than 90 Bible stories come to life. Kids ages 6 and under will enjoy the fun illustrations of Noah helping the elephant onto the ark, Jonah praying inside the fish, and more, as they discover The Beginner’s Bible just like millions of children before. The Beginner’s Bible was named the 2006 Retailers Choice Award winner in Children’s Nonfiction.

SOCIAL CORNER:

Official Website: http://thebeginnersbible.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zonderkidz.Beginners.Bible

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeginnersBible

Have you seen the all new Beginner’s Bible? Details + #Giveaway here:
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To receive 2 free Miller’s Creek novels PLUS 2 bonus books, visit http://www.CatBryant.com/free-books.


Children’s Bible: My Review of “The Beginner’s Bible”

Though this is not a new Bible, the 3D illustrations in The Beginner’s Bible by Zonderkidz are new and fun. I have no doubt that kids will enjoy them and find them appealing.

Of course, the stories are timeless and written with great accuracy for kids to learn about God and His Word.

Though there are many variations of children’s Bibles available, this one has stood the test of time and is worthy of consideration when you choose a Bible for the children in your life.

Stories include: Adam and Eve, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Ruth, and much more.

Be sure to scroll down to enter the giveaway for a hardcover copy of The Beginner’s Bible by Zonderkidz.

#FlyBy – Here’s @Cathy_Bryant’s review + #giveaway of #TheBeginnersBible by Zonderkidz:
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Children’s Bible Giveaway

This giveaway is for a hardcover copy of The Beginner’s Bible from Zonderkidz and is open only to residents of the US. You can enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway concludes on January 2, 2017.

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant  per mailing address, per  giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post SPOTLIGHT: Why You Want to Enter This Children’s Bible Giveaway Here appeared first on Cathy Bryant.