Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 24

You Need BlueHost For Your Website

One of the new things I’ve taken on in the past few months is taking on advertisers for my blog through becoming an affiliate. My main motivation for doing this is to make a little residual income from products/services I truly believe in to help supplement my writing income.

If you’ve scrolled down the sidebar, you’ll see that one company I recommend is BlueHost.

BlueHost is my website hosting provider of choice. They were recommended to me, and after much online research, I chose them to host CatBryant.com. I’ve used them for many years and never been sorry. They’ve been in operation since 2003. I’ve used them for three different websites with great results each time. Their customer service is outstanding and available 24/7.

CatBryant.com uses BlueHost website hosting. Check out the Bluehost sale:
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So if you, or someone you know, is considering building a website or looking for a new web hosting service provider, I highly recommend Bluehost for your hosting needs. From February 9-16 they are having a 42% price reduction in their hosting services with hosting as low as $3.49 a month–a wonderful price for a wonderful service!

Do Christians Need to Follow the Ten Commandments?

Since the ten commandments were given in the Old Testament in Exodus 20–God’s covenant with the nation of Israel–many believers, in relationship with God through the New Covenant of grace, find the ten commandments to be archaic and irrelevant. But a closer look at God’s Word proves this is just not the case.

Ten Commandments – A Matter of the Heart

If anything, Jesus’ words in the sermon on the mount imply a deeper and more stringent application of the ten commandments than merely following them on the surface (Matthew 5:21-48). He corroborates these laws of God in His command to love the LORD your God with all your heart, strength, soul, and mind, and to love our fellow man as we love ourselves (Luke 10:27).

Jesus’ words imply a more stringent application of the ten commandments (Mt 5:21-48).
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Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

The New Testament makes it clear that Christ didn’t come come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20). In other words, He became the sacrifice for our sins once for all, laying aside the need for further shedding of blood for the remission of sin (Hebrews 7:26-27; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 10:10-14).

Ten Commandments – Not Legalism, but Faith

Please don’t get me wrong. I am NOT suggesting that we are capable of perfectly keeping these commands of God or that we should attempt to keep these laws to gain God’s acceptance and entrance to heaven. The Bible is clear that it is by God’s grace that we are saved through faith, and no other way (Ephesians 2:8-9), but God created us for good works that demonstrate our faith in Him (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:20-24; Romans 8:4).

This is true today, and it was true during the Old Testament. Long before God gave these commandments to Moses, He established a covenant of faith with His people beginning with Abraham. Abraham was found to be righteous, or right with God, because of his faith (Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; Genesis 26:5; Hebrews 11:8-12).

Long before God gave the ten commandments, He established a covenant of faith with Abraham.
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Ten Commandments – God’s Standard of Right Living

According to Paul, these commands are a schoolteacher (Galatians 3:24), which reveal God’s standard of right living and the sinful nature inside man that prohibits us from being able to keep the law perfectly. In other words, the law reveals God’s holiness and our sinfulness. And if we break even part of these commands, we’re guilty of breaking God’s standard (James 2:10).

But just because we’re incapable of keeping these commands doesn’t negate our responsibility to try–not in an attempt to win salvation–but out of obedience to the King of Kings to whom we belong.

Just because we can’t perfectly keep the ten commandments doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. #Obedience
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Will we fail from time to time? Of course. So can we sin deliberately and have an out? No way, Jose.

God knows our hearts, and He won’t be mocked. We will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8). That’s why we should never take lightly God’s call to holy living. Our behavior has both temporal and eternal ramifications.

Ten Commandments – Foundation For Civil Law

But think about this for a second. The legal workings of most countries are based on the foundation of the ten commandments, with the exception–sadly enough–of man’s relationship to God.

Civil law is based on the ten commandments, except–sadly–man’s relationship to God.
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Ten Commandments – Still the Best Way to Live

Despite our ability to keep the law, it is still the best way to live, not just in relation to our fellow man, but in relation to the one and only true God. And the results are the same. Obedience brings life and blessings; disobedience brings death and cursings (Deuteronomy 30:11-20). Our God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 13:8).

The ten commandments are still the best way to live because they’re God-given and God’s standard.
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It’s important, I believe, for us to remember that this treaty God made with the young nation of Israel wasn’t a negotiation like the treaties between nations today. Instead it was initiated by God as the Supreme King in relation to His servants. The people’s choice back then is the same today. We choose to accept or reject it, with all the positive and negative consequences related to our choice.

Ten Commandments Point to Christ

Even as early in the history of the world as the formation of the nation of Israel, the ten commandments point perfectly to Christ. Despite our ability to keep His standards, He loves us still (John 3:16; 1John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1John 4:9-11; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 86:15). He remembers we’re made of dirt and clay (Psalm 103:14). When we confess and turn in repentance to Him through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ to cover our sin, He forgives (1John 1:9) and in His mercy remains faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23).

CROSSROADS Cover Reveal Party – $50 Amazon Gift Card (& More!)

I’m starting to feel that buzz of excitement that comes with launching a new book. I know the analogy has been over-used, but the closest thing to which I can associate releasing a new book is having a baby.

Months of laborious toil finally culminate in a series of events that lead up to launching the book. One of these events is the cover reveal party.

CROSSROADS Cover Reveal Party March 5 on FB. #prizes #books #gift cards Details here:
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The CROSSROADS Cover Reveal Party has been set for Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. CST. The party will take place on Facebook, and you are cordially invited to attend! You can RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1401546230148550/ (Please note: If you click ‘maybe’ on the event page, Facebook won’t let you into the party until you click ‘going.’ I found this out the hard way when some folks who wanted to attend a previous book launch party couldn’t join the fun or comment during the event.)

At the CROSSROADS Cover Reveal Party will be fun, games, and LOTS of prizes, including signed print copies of the Miller’s Creek books, digital copies of the Miller’s Creek books, an Amazon gift card for the person who invites the most people in attendance, and the biggie – a $50 Amazon Gift Card. You can start the process of winning that $50 Amazon Gift Card via the Rafflecopter below.

Here’s a snippet about CROSSROADS:

After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

I’ll send out a reminder post for the party a day or so ahead, but mark your calendars! You don’t wanna miss this!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I ♥ #MillersCreek Contest

I’m super excited about this month’s giveaway contest! Normally our monthly giveaway is a digital copy of one of the Miller’s Creek novels, but with February being the month of Valentine’s Day (and often the winter blahs), we’re gonna blow out all the stops.

Please note: the only requirement to enter the drawing is leaving a valid e-mail address for contact/subscriber purposes in the secure and private Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. However, if you’d like extra entries in the contest, there are several options listed below.

Contest Scoop

Who? You, your friends, and whoever else wants to join the fun!
What?  I ♥ #MillersCreek Contest (a cyberspace adventure)!
Where? My website (and this page in particular) will be home base, with outposts on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
When? February 2-14, 2015!
Why? To celebrate Valentine’s Day and defeat the winter blahs!
How? Catch the particulars below!

Contest Details

No purchase necessary in order to participate. The contest runs from February 2-14, 2015. All entries must be submitted during this time. Cathy Bryant reserves the right to extend or shorten the contest at her sole discretion.
Prizes include e-copies of the Miller’s Creek novels (Value: $5 each) and $5 Amazon gift cards (Value: $5 each).
With every fifty entries in the contest, another prize will be added. The final results will look something like this:

1-50 entries – 1 eBook of TEXAS ROADS (format of winner’s choice)
51-100 – 1 eBook of A PATH LESS TRAVELED (Kindle format only)
101-150 – 1 eBook of THE WAY OF GRACE (Kindle format only)
151-200 – 1 eBook of PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE (Kindle format only)
201-250 – 1 eBook of A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (Kindle format only)
250-300 – 1 $5 Amazon gift card
301+ – we start the list of prizes over again.


All contestants must enter via the Rafflecopter below in order to be entered and qualify for extra entries. Extra entry chances are available at various social media sites and added to the comment section of this post by the contestant. See the appropriate sections below for more details. Comments will be verified. The #MillersCreek hashtag is required on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for verification purposes.
Prizes are transferable, so you can pass your win on to someone else if you so choose. Winners MAY NOT exchange their prize for cash.
The contest is open internationally. Winners will be drawn randomly  on February 14, 2015 and announced in a separate blog post at CatBryant.com on Monday, February 16, 2015.
This contest is governed by these official rules. The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law. By participating in this contest, you acknowledge this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, and you release these sites from any and all liability arising from or related to this contest. You also agree to abide by all contest rules and regulations. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the promotion will be directed to Cathy Bryant, not these sites. The information you are providing for this contest is being provided to Cathy Bryant and not to these sites, and will be used to notify you if you have won, and to inform you about exclusive offers, book news, and offer you a complimentary e-copy of TEXAS ROADS. All e-mail addresses will be kept confidential, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Cathy is not responsible for late, lost or misdirected email or for any computer, online, telephone or technical malfunctions that may occur.  If for any reason, the contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort, Cathy may cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the contest.  Entrants further agree to release Cathy Bryant from any liability resulting from, or related to participation in the contest.

Contest Home Base and Outposts
Cathy’s Blog (This Post) – Contest Home Base

This post will be the home base for the contest, so you might want to bookmark it on your computer or device for easy accessibility. Should I need to answer a question, clarify something, or just post an update, I will do so at the top of this post with the word ‘Update’ and the date.

Though the Rafflecopter is the starting point for all contestants, there will be opportunities for extra entries, all of which need to be posted in the comment section of this blog post in order to qualify for the extra entries. If you are not commenting with your name (e.g. commenting as “ILoveKitties”), please include your name in your comment so I will know who to give extra entries.

Facebook – Contest Outpost One

This is the official photo for the Facebook portion of the contest. I will pin it to the top of my Facebook author page with instructions on how you can get extra contest entries via Facebook.

Remember: If you decide to take the extra entry via Facebook, you will still need to make a trip back here to home base to let me know in the comments what you did to get extra entries. (This is so I can keep up with all entries in one central location.)

Blog Post Comment Example: “I liked and commented on the Facebook post.”

Please ‘LIKE’ the page while you’re there (not an entry).

Twitter – Contest Outpost Two

On Twitter, please tweet, re-tweet, and/or favorite any tweets regarding the contest. You must include the hashtag ‘#MillersCreek’ and include the link to this post if you are creating your own tweets. You can get an extra entry via Twitter each day of the contest by replying, re-tweeting, or favoriting a tweet each day (for an additional 13 entries). I’ve included several samples below for your convenience (Just click to share).

Remember: Come back here to leave a comment after you reply, retweet, or favorite a tweet for an extra entry in the contest.

I ♥ #MillersCreek Contest. Click here for more details: http://t.co/3nTTar8cfh #prizes pic.twitter.com/iIESrdbdkb

— Cathy Bryant (@Cathy_Bryant) February 2, 2015

I ♥ #MillersCreek Contest: http://t.co/CvtZJjUCBo via @YouTube — Cathy Bryant (@Cathy_Bryant) February 2, 2015

I ♥ #MillersCreek Contest runs from Feb 2-14. #prizes pic.twitter.com/iIESrdbdkb Details here:
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Pinterest – Contest Outpost Three

To gain extra entries into the I ♥ Miller’s Creek Contest via Pinterest, follow these instructions:

Follow Cathy at pinterest.com/cathyjbryant.
Launch a new Pinterest board and name it “I ♥ #MillersCreek.”
Pin at least 10 pins to the new board which you think represent Miller’s Creek, 5 of which must come from CatBryant.com. (For ideas and inspiration, you can check out my Miller’s Creek Pinterest board.)
Tag all pins with #MillersCreek.
Link to your board in the comments section below.

NOTE: Since this is a little more involved than Facebook and Twitter, those who complete these items will receive 5 extra entries into the contest.

While sharing the contest won’t give you entries (against Pinterest policy), it does help more people join the contest which adds to the number of prizes given away. Here’s the link to the contest pin: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/73394668903549473/ and another link to the video pin: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/73394668903548267/.

Contest – Rafflecopter

Please enter the contest via the Rafflecopter below. Remember: all that is required to enter the contest is your e-mail address (kept safe and confidential); everything else is for extra entries and is solely left to the contestant’s discretion (potential of five total entries from the Rafflecopter).

If a contestant completes all the opportunities available (5 for Rafflecopter, 1 for Facebook, 13 for Twitter–1 for each day of the contest, and 5 for for Pinterest), they will net a total of 24 entries. Please remember to log all your entries–other than the Rafflecopter entries–in the comments. To keep it fair for all contestants, the entries listed in the comments will be verified. #MillersCreek hashtag is required for verification purposes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free For Amazon Kindle

Just wanted to let you all know that the recently-released MILLER’S CREEK FORGIVENESS COLLECTION consisting of A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (the fifth Miller’s Creek novel) and THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS (the companion Bible study on the theme of forgiveness) is free for Amazon Kindle January 27-31. (The Amazon Kindle buy button at the bottom of the page will take you directly to the freebie days.)

Free For Amazon Kindle – Miller’s Creek Forgiveness Collection
Christian Romantic Suspense & Companion Bible Study

Now bundled in this digital collection, the fifth Miller’s Creek novel A BRIDGE UNBROKEN and its companion Bible study THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS both explore the difficult topic of forgiving the inexcusable.

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN

Not all scars are visible…

Frightened and on the run, Dakota Kelly just wants to erase the painful past. But her plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with her high school sweetheart–the one responsible for the scars on her heart. Unfortunately, he’s not the only ghost from the past. Someone else is on her trail and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside old wounds and a harbored secret to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempts to forgive?

THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS

A Bible study on forgiveness…

What do we do when someone seems determined to bring us down through an attack that is personal, public, and unfounded? How do we deal with meaningless acts of destruction especially when the offender shows no remorse? In short, how do we move past the emotional pain to a place of forgiveness?

This forgiveness Bible study examines relevant scriptures for the purpose of building a Biblical understanding of:

• what forgiveness is and what it isn’t

• God’s role in the process of forgiveness

• what Jesus accomplished at the cross for each of us

• our mandate to forgive as we’ve been forgiven

• what gets in the way of forgiving others

• and how to truly forgive the unforgivable

Please Share the Amazon Kindle Free Days

#Free for #Kindle Jan27-31 MILLER’S CREEK FORGIVENESS COLLECTION Christian novel + Bible study…
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Faithful

Faithful Dog

Meet Maggie.

Our German Shepherd is a rescue we adopted from the animal shelter. We gave her a home and place to belong, and she has been a faithful friend in return.

She travels with me as a friend and protector, and I know of at least one time that she has saved our lives (though there could be other times of which I’m not aware).

Maggie does these things because she loves us and sees it as her job to protect and watch over us.

But guess what?

There are times when Maggie is not so faithful. Times when she does what she wants to do, even if I tell her otherwise. Times when I question her loyalty and faithfulness.

Our faithful friend is sometimes a fickle friend.

Faithful God

I never have to question God’s loyalty and faithfulness to me, although sometimes trying circumstances cloud my vision and leave me wondering if He’s forgotten me.

I’m sure Joseph must have felt the same way. Sold into slavery by his brothers. Thrown in a dungeon because of false accusations. Forgotten by those he had helped.

But time and time again we see evidence that God was with Joseph in even these trying circumstances, providing for him, granting him favor and success, and growing his character for the special task God had in store for him.

God has made it His business to protect and watch over those who belong to Him. His aim is to grow us into the image of His Son. He has promised to provide and care for us. He does these things because He loves us.

He travels with us wherever we go as our divine Friend and Shepherd. He saves us, not just physically, but spiritually. And there are times when we’re not even aware of the ways in which He saves us.

He has adopted us into His family and given us a place to belong. He is our home.

Most importantly, God never changes. He is always the same regardless of our circumstances or our actions. He’ll never fail us because He alone is worthy of our trust.

Simply put, God is faithful.

Lord God, we praise and thank You for Your faithfulness and unchanging nature, regardless of trying circumstances or the times we fail You. From age to age for all eternity, You are the same. Thank You for watching over us, for protecting us, for using the trials of this earthly life to make us who You want us to be. Help us be ever mindful of Your promises, goodness, and love. May we cooperate with You in Your plan for our lives, no matter how hard and painful. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Faithful – Digging Deeper

For the background of Joseph’s story and God’s faithfulness to him, read Genesis 37, 39-50.

For other verses on God’s unchanging nature and faithfulness, read these verses: Deuteronomy 7:9; Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 10:23; Psalm 77:8.

 

Why I Believe in the Sanctity of Life

My purpose in writing this post isn’t to be controversial. My purpose is to hopefully help folks realize the shameful and frightening truth. I woke up early this morning with the message of the sanctity of human life pressing against my skull and heart.

Maybe it’s because I read an article yesterday on how the GOP dropped a plan to ban abortions past a certain time in a woman’s pregnancy.

But really, I think it was God speaking to my heart. Here’s why.

As I googled the sanctity of human life this morning, I was surprised to learn that today is the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, and that President Reagan instituted the Sunday closest to this anniversary as Sanctity of Life Day.

I don’t think my discovery was coincidence, but God-ordained.

Why I Believe in the Sanctity of Life

My arguments against abortion are nothing new, surprising, or earth-shattering, but they are truth. Because I believe in an Almighty God who created us and the universe, I also believe His Word, the Bible. The following verses point me to the sacredness of life.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. ~Genesis 1:27

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” ~Jeremiah 1:5

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. ~Genesis 9:6

“You shall not murder.” ~Exodus 20:13

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. ~Psalm 127:3

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. ~Psalm 139:13-16

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~Ephesians 2:10

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. ~Luke 12:6-7

Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? ~Job 31:15

Listen to me, O coastlands,  and give attention, you peoples  from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name… ~Isaiah 49:1

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace. ~Galatians 1:15

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they? ~Matthew 6:26

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. ~1 Corinthians 3:16-17

It’s Time For a Wake-Up Call

I’m sure the verses above only scratch the surface when it comes to scriptural support of the fact that God created man and breathed His Life-giving Spirit into us.

Because God’s Word says that He will not hold guiltless those who take lives, we need to wake up from our slumber and realize that to date 2.5 million babies have been killed worldwide in the first 22 days of January 2015 alone.

That is simply not acceptable.

Man doesn’t determine what qualifies as life. God does. And we mustn’t fall into believing that He won’t someday call us to account.

My Daily Prayer Requests

As mentioned in a previous blog post about making prayer a priority, I’ve made changes to my approach to prayer in 2015 by writing down in a prayer journal my adoration and praise to God for His attributes, my confession and repentance of known sin, my gratitude for various blessings He’s placed in my life, my supplication (petitions), and what I sense Him saying to me for that day and time.

This approach has greatly improved my prayer life, mainly because it keeps me focused.

One thing I’ve noticed is that there are daily repeats in my prayers. So as I contemplated what to blog about, I decided to share these daily prayer requests with you.

My Daily Prayer Requests

God’s will: I know that I’m capable of getting off-track in my prayers because of my own desires and the enemy’s schemes, so praying for God’s will in everything keeps my focus on Him. I’ve heard this prayer–demonstrated perfectly by Jesus in the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:10) and again in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42)–referred to as the prayer that never fails. I want that for my life.
God’s timing: There are specific promises I believe God has given me, but being the finite and impatient creature I am, I succumb to the temptation to want those things in my timing, not His. So daily I pray, not just for His will, but His perfect timing. “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand…” ~Psalm 31:14-15 (NASB)
Keep us from evil, the evil one, and temptation: Again, reiterating a phrase from the Lord’s Prayer (also known as the model prayer), I make a daily request that God will deliver me and mine from evil and temptation (Matthew 6:13). Why? Because I know the evil that lurks inside my natural man. I understand I can be easily swayed by the evil in the world. I also realize, like Eve, I’m capable of giving in to the temptations of the evil one. Like Judas, I can be used for the devil’s schemes.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me: Deceitfulness is in direct opposition to the Truth. Like Jacob, I’ve been on both the giving and receiving end of lies and falsehood, and have become convinced that deception is one of the biggest tools of Satan. There is no place for it in the lives and actions of believers. Jesus said that those who lie are children of the evil one, who is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). So with Agur, who is attributed for writing Proverbs 30:8, I say: “..keep falsehood and lies far from me.”
For the welfare of the place in which I live: A few years ago, in reading through my Bible, I came across a verse that spoke to me in a way it never had before. The verse is found in Jeremiah 29:7 and says this: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.” I extend this prayer to not only where I live, but where my family lives, as well as for America. Heaven forbid that we fail to ‘stand in the gap’ for our country (Ezekiel 22:30)–more on this below.
Intercession for others: It’s easy to pray for ‘our four and no more,’ but nowhere in the Bible is that sentiment condoned. Yes, we’re to pray for our families–and I do as you’ll see in another point–but we are also to pray for others. Here’s scriptural proof to back it up.

Samuel spoke these words to the people of Israel in his farewell address to the nation. “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you…” ~1 Samuel 12:23 (NASB) To not intercede on behalf of those God’s Spirit lays on our hearts is to sin against God!
Throughout the Bible there are multiple references about people interceding for others: Deuteronomy 9:18-20; Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 21:7; Acts 8:24; Genesis 20:17; Exodus 8:8; Numbers 11:2 (and this is just a sampling).
1 Timothy 2:1, Ephesians 6:18, and James 5:16 direct us to intercede for all people.
1 Timothy 2:2 tells us to to pray for those in authority so that we might live godly and holy lives. I pray for godly leaders for our country, but I also pray for those that are currently ungodly, that they will come to know Him and seek His will in their decisions. I firmly believe that if we spent as much time praying for our leaders as we do complaining about them that we could impact this country for generations to come! In addition to praying for government officials, I also pray for church leaders and their families as well as missionaries and their families. Our pastors and missionaries need our prayers!
Though it’s not easy, I also pray for those that persecute, abuse, use, and oppose me and my loved ones (Matthew 5:44). I pray for changed hearts. I pray that their eyes are opened to the truth of their actions.


Intercession for our country: America has changed so rapidly in the past few years that it’s frightening. But there is healing in the Lord, so I pray daily for America (2 Chronicles 7:14). I also pray for God to cleanse our land of evil and for spiritual awakening. This might mean tough times for all, but if it brings about good, then bring it on.
His church, the bride of Christ, which is also my spiritual family: I find it appalling that third-world countries, where persecution of God’s people is the norm, have stronger and more dedicated churches than America, where we’ve been blessed with prosperity, security, health, and blessing upon blessing. So I pray for our churches, first that God would give our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world the strength to endure, and secondly, that He will remove the apathy so prevalent in American churches.
Wisdom: I crave His divine wisdom more than food, water, and air. Daily life is loaded with one decision after another, many of which could impact me, my family, and others for years to come. May I never lean upon my frail human understanding but daily seek His wisdom, which He gives for the asking, without finding fault (James 1:5).
Laborers for the harvest, the lost, and awareness of doors of opportunity: If the fields were ripe unto harvest in the days of Jesus, then surely those fields are even more ripe today, when the population has risen to seven billion and counting. The days are growing short. We must make the best of every opportunity to fulfill Jesus’ mission of seeking out the lost (Luke 19:10) fulfilling His Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). One way I do this is through an organization called Operation World. (Here’s my testimony of how praying for the nations changed me.) But I’ve been convicted that I can’t pray for laborers without a willingness to be a laborer. Like Paul, I pray for doors of opportunity (Colossians 4:3) and boldness and clarity of speech (Colossians 4:4-6; Ephesians 6:19), and I believe with all my heart that God gives us those divine encounters with His lost sheep. I pray that He makes me aware of those opportunities, so I can make the most of them (Colossians 4:5). Like Isaiah, I want to willingly say: “Here am I, Lord. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).
My family: God established the family at the beginning of time, and has much to say about family life in His Word. I daily pray for my family, for their protection, relationships, salvation, walk with the Lord, ministries, and specific needs. For now, I want them to walk in truth (3 John 1:4) and live God-pleasing and fulfilling lives. And when I get to heaven, I want them all there with me!
For Him to use me throughout the day according to His will and purposes: I owe Him my life, and I desire to live my life completely submitted to Him. Though it’s easy to get lost in my own agenda and plans, I pray that He’ll move and speak through me to accomplish His purposes.
His honor and glory: This really goes hand in hand with the point directly above. I pray that all I do won’t be for my honor and glory, but for His (1 Corinthians 10:31).
His Word: I’ve discovered that the best way to give our problems a knock-out punch is to pray God’s Word as I read it. If His Spirit catches my attention with something in the Bible, I turn it into a prayer.
His Kingdom to come: Once again, in the Lord’s Prayer, the words spoken by Jesus are also my prayer: “Thy Kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:10). With the apostle John I pray: “Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.” (Revelation 22:20).

In Conclusion

I know my daily prayer requests are probably not exhaustive when it comes to scripture about prayer. So please, if you have some wisdom or insight God’s Spirit has shared with you concerning daily prayer, especially as stated in God’s Word, please share it in the comments.

Have You Seen What Thunderclap Can Do?

A few weeks back I kept running into tweets and status updates about a relatively new site called Thunderclap. This site is “the first crowd-speaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together.”

The way it works is by folks launching a campaign, then rallying supporters. If the campaign reaches the minimum number of supporters, then Thunderclap will blitz the campaign message across social media sites to help the message be heard.

Even the White House and the United Nations are using this platform, as well as various non-profits and businesses.

Anyway, I saw several other authors using it as a way to get the word out about upcoming book promotions, so I decided to give it a go.

Would You Support My Thunderclap Campaign?

As stated earlier in a post asking for reviews, the newly-released MILLER’S CREEK FORGIVENESS COLLECTION will be offered as free at the end of January as a way of promoting the Miller’s Creek Novels, so I’ve launched a rather late Thunderclap, and have only a week to gain my 100 supporters.

Would you please take a moment to support my Thunderclap campaign?

Simply click the button below that says “Join This Thunderclap.” It will require you to sign up on the site in order to participate, but the site is secure. (This sign-up will also allow you to create your own campaign and support other campaigns that appeal to you.)

Thank you so much for your support. I’ll keep you apprised of how the support is coming along. Please share this post, this link (http://thndr.it/1ABT7E7), and the following tweet and this Facebook status update link with your friends so they can join the campaign as well!

Please support Christian author @Cathy_Bryant’s #ThunderClap campaign: http://thndr.it/1ABT7E7
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Do You Have a Grasshopper Mentality?

Please don’t be offended by the title of this post.

Honestly, it’s just a rhetorical question, but also something I think people have trouble with from time to time.

We’ve probably all heard professional athletes and Olympians share stories of times they couldn’t perform to their ability, times they just couldn’t reach the goal no matter how hard they tried. Usually the problem is traced back to lack of belief. Somehow they inched or fell into a pattern of doubt which undercut everything they attempted.

While stepping into the unknown can be frightening, it’s also exhilarating. While it’s not without it’s dangers and setbacks, it’s also loaded with thrills. Here’s the best part. If God is behind it, we can’t lose.

If we keep our eyes on God, even mountainous problems become molehills. If we fix our gaze on Jesus, those stormy waves lose their power.

But the opposite is also true. If we move our focus to fears, doubts, storms, and problems, we get defeated. We lose courage. We sink.

But don’t take my word for it. Look at this story from God’s Word.

God’s Direction and Moses’ Questions

Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, “Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel”….When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he said to them, “Go up there into the Negev; then go up into the hill country. See what the land is like, and whether the people who live in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many. How is the land in which they live, is it good or bad? And how are the cities in which they live, are they like open camps or with fortifications? How is the land, is it fat or lean? Are there trees in it or not? Make an effort then to get some of the fruit of the land.” ~Numbers 13:1-2; 17-20 (NASB)

The Pros and Cons

When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days, they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. Thus they told him, and said, “We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.” ~Numbers 13:25-29 (NASB)

A Big Thinker With Big Faith

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.” ~Numbers 13:30 (NASB)

‘Nuff said, right? Notice that he didn’t list the pros and cons. He simply stated his belief that they could overcome and take possession.

Not So Fast…Grasshopper Alert

But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.” So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” ~Numbers 13:31-33 (NASB)

These guys had a focus issue. They’d forgotten one tiny detail that Caleb remembered. One tiny detail that came from the very beginning of the story. One tiny detail that made all the difference.

Here it is again in case you missed it the first time: Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, “Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel…” ~Deuteronomy 13:1-2 (NASB)

God wasn’t dangling a carrot in front of their eyes that they couldn’t have. He told them He was giving them the land. The whole spy trip was a test of their faith. God had miraculously delivered them from Egypt, protected them from desert heat with a cloud by day and from dark and cold with a fire by night, provided water from a rock, and fed them with a massive amount of quail and manna. With a God like that, what are a few measly giants?

Sadly, we all know the consequences of their grasshopper mentality. The people threw a big pity party where they once more grumbled and complained. Then God delivered the bad news.

Except for Caleb and Joshua–the two without grasshopper mentality–none of them would see the Promised Land.

Lessons For Us

First off, our God is able. He is faithful to keep His promises. Our faith is of greater value than gold and silver, and He tests it to see if we’re going to focus on the giants or on Him.

Secondly, let’s not be among the naysayers in the crowd. Don’t be the one who says: “It can’t be done. We don’t have the strength, resources, money, or whatever…” So what? We have God, who has unlimited strength, resources, money, and whatever!

And last of all, let’s lose the grasshopper mentality. If God said it, that settles it. No need for fears, doubts, or unbelief.

“We live by faith, not by sight.” ~2 Corinthians 5:7

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” ~Hebrews 11:6

“According to your faith, be it unto you.” ~Jesus, the Son of the Great I AM (Matthew 9:29)