Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 26

Relentless Love in Swaddling Clothes

Have you noticed how some words paint a vivid picture?

Relentless is that kind of word for me.

It’s a word that reveals a constant pursuit–an all-consuming chase that never concludes.

This word comes to mind when I think of God’s love. Relentless love. A love that pursues us forever.

Relentless – God is Love

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. ~1 John 4:16

I pray these words sink in deep for each of us. I pray we come to know and believe the love God has for us. I pray we comprehend that when we profess faith in Jesus as God’s Son, God takes up residence in us, giving us the supernatural ability to abide in love. In other words, we abide in God, who is love.

One of my earliest memories is of sitting next to my paternal grandmother in church with her dime-store letter-writing pad and a pen. To keep me occupied during the sermon, she wrote in all capital letters:

GOD IS LOVE

Throughout the remainder of that service, I painstakingly forced my untrained pre-school fingers to trace those letters.

How I thank God for that precious memory! It should come as no surprise that my heart was eventually wooed to Jesus through this profound truth: He loves me.

Relentless – Hesed

God has always been love and always will be, because He is eternal (Psalm 102:12), and He does not change (Malachi 3:6). Even from the wilderness wanderings of the young nation of Israel, after commanding them not to worship idols, God describes Himself in this way:

“I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” ~Exodus 20:5b-6

The word translated as ‘lovingkindness’ is the Hebrew word hesed. As is usually the case, the word is so rich in meaning that we don’t have just one word in the English language to adequately express it.

But here are several that help fill in the cracks: love, loyalty, faithfulness, mercy, kindness, goodness, steadfast. In short, this is a covenant love God has for us. God can’t deny His love, because He can’t deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).

Do you see how love is so much more than our limited English definition? Do you understand how this demonstrates the idea of relentless pursuit? If you’re still struggling to grasp this essential truth, here are more verses for your consideration and meditation: Numbers 14:18-19; Deuteronomy 7:12-13; 1 Kings 8:22-24; Nehemiah 1:5; Psalm 23:6; Psalm 25:6; Psalm 31:16; Psalm 32:10; Psalm 33:5; Psalm 33:18-19; Psalm 36:5; Psalm 36:7; Psalm 51:1; Psalm 57:10; Psalm 63:3; Psalm 85:7; Psalm 86:13; Psalm 89:1-2; Psalm 94:18; Psalm 100:5; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 103:11-12… (Have enough yet? These aren’t all, and I’m not even halfway through the Bible.

Relentless – Love In Swaddling Clothes

This Love, which encapsulates who God is, is so relentless that it took on human flesh, even the frail flesh of infancy. As if that weren’t miraculous enough, Love left the splendor of heaven, a place so over-flowing with glory that there aren’t words to adequately describe it. Even more, Love did this, fully knowing the Baby in the manger would become the Savior on the cross, spilling lifeblood to cleanse and free us from sin and death.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~John 15:13

Relentless – Open the Gift

Throughout the ages, from the beginning of time, to the manger, on to the cross, to our Lord’s coming again, and every place in between, God’s never-ending love continues its relentless pursuit.

Do you feel it–this love that will not let you go?

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

Next question. What will you do with this priceless gift of God’s never-ending love? As with any gift, we must choose whether to accept or reject it. But why would you not unwrap this gift of God’s relentless, faithful, kind, good, loyal, merciful, and steadfast love?

OTHER ADVENT DEVOTIONALS:

Hope: “Waiting For Christmas”

Joy: “Insurmountable Joy”

Peace: “How to Get Double Peace”

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Who Are Your Favorite Swoon-Worthy Heroes?

I love the word ‘swoon!’ And even more than that, I like swoon-worthy heroes.

My Swoon-Worthy Heroes

Interestingly enough, my swoony guys run along the lines of Matt Tyler (The Way of Grace), Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird), Michael Hosea (Redeeming Love) and Gilbert (Anne of Green Gables)…some that probably aren’t that high on most people’s list.

I don’t know why, but I always go for the guys that might be less handsome or even flawed, but in the end, they prove themselves worthy of my swooning, usually through a kind heart or gentleness or a forgiving spirit motivated by love.

Swoon-Worthy Heroes Contest At Goodreads

If you’ve read A Bridge Unbroken, and consider Chance worthy of a swoon or two, please head on over to Goodreads and vote for the book in their 2014 Swoony Award! The book is #425 on the entry list and is located on page 5. (And no worries, if you find a book with a hero who is more swoon-worthy than Chance, I won’t hold it against you for voting for him. Although, come to think of it, Chance might!) If you don’t believe me, check out this post where I interviewed him and Dakota they threw me under the bus.

Speaking of Swoon-Worthy

I finally finished up the book page for more of the Miller’s Creek Novels. (As of this post, I still need to add the Miller’s Creek Collection page and work on The Fragrance of Crushed Violets page. Hopefully I’ll knock those out before Christmas!)

While technically not swooning over the pages, I am pleased with the way they turned out. I might still tweak them a bit, but only after I recuperate from this tweaking episode!

Here’s the link to the page for A Bridge Unbroken. You can find the video, book blurb, sample chapter, reviews, etc. about the book all in one spot! Hope you enjoy browsing the page as much as I enjoyed creating it!

So tell me, who are your favorite swoon-worthy heroes? I’d love to hear your choices! Spill the beans in the comments!

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Free Kindle eBook December 18-20, 2014

Hi again, everyone! I almost forgot to send out a quick post about the free Kindle eBook days for THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS. But I remembered, so all is well!

The free Kindle eBook days last from today (December 18) until Saturday (December 20), so nab it while it’s still free. Please share these freebie days with friends and family as you have time.

Free Kindle eBook: The Fragrance of Crushed Violets

Here’s a bit about the book, which I wrote to go along with the spiritual theme of forgiveness for A BRIDGE UNBROKEN. The book is designed for group or individual Bible study.

What do we do when a loved one, boss, co-worker, friend, or enemy seem determined to bring us down through an attack? How do we handle it when their assault is personal, public, deep, unjust, unfair, and unfounded? Take it one step further. How do we deal with meaningless acts of destruction and death, say in something similar to the Twin Towers incident or a school shooting, especially when the offender shows no remorse?

In short, how do we move past the hurt and anger to a place of forgiveness?

Join us as we examine relevant scriptures about forgiveness and come away with a scriptural understanding of:

what forgiveness is and what it isn’t
God’s role in the process of forgiveness
what Jesus did at the cross for each of us
our mandate to forgive as we’ve been forgiven
what gets in the way of forgiving others
how to truly forgive

I have some exciting news about the book. After just one day, FRAGRANCE hit #1 on Amazon in two different categories. And as of the writing of this post, the book was at #255 in the entire Kindle store. I took a screen shot to commemorate the momentous event.

Though I am a bit giddy about how well the book is doing, I’m prayerful that God will use the book to bring about miracles of forgiveness in the lives of many. The message is one so many need to hear. Please join me in praying along those lines.

Much love,

Cathy

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A Merry Christmas Gift For You (And Some Fun…)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hi reader friends!

I’ve been racking my brain to find a way to adequately express my gratitude for each of you. I’m blessed not only to have you as readers of the Miller’s Creek books, but also as my friends. You are a constant source of prayer support, encouragement, and friendship, all things that I don’t take lightly. I couldn’t do what I do without you!

Finally, I came up with an idea to use an online calendar creator to  create calendar/planners for your new year. (I did these a few weeks ago and haven’t looked at them since, so I hope I didn’t make too many goof-ups!) They’re nothing fancy, but I hope that the gift is at least useful to you in some small way as my way of saying “thank you” for all you’ve done for me.

I created different color schemes so you would have your choice, and you also have the choice of a Microsoft Word doc or PDF file. The Word files will allow you to type into them if you choose to do your planning on computer. PDF files will have to printed out if you want to write on them.

All you have to do is click the file or files links below (yes, you can have as many as you like–and feel free to nab one for friends), and then save them to your computer. NOTE: the photos are just there for a reference and are not for the actual calendars. Feel free to e-mail me at catbry1 (at) yahoo (dot) com with “2015 Calendar” in the subject line if you have any difficulties with downloading.

Oh, and let me know in the comments which color scheme is your favorite! (Mine is a toss up between the brown, aqua, and orange and the pink and green.)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Aqua-Brown-Orange (Word doc)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Aqua-Brown-Orange (PDF)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant B&W (Word doc)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant B&W (PDF)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Blue (Word Doc)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Blue (PDF)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Pink-Green-Brown (Word doc)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Pink-Green-Brown (PDF)

 

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Purple-Green (Word doc)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Purple-Green (PDF)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Red (Word doc)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Red (PDF)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Red-White-Blue (Word doc)

2015 Calendar from Cathy Bryant Red-White-Blue (PDF)

Fun Stuff!

You know how when you have a million things to do, there’s always that one distraction that you just can’t resist? Yeah, I had one of those yesterday. Goodreads sent me a link to check out two new program they have with “Ask The Author” and quizzes. Yep. I got distracted by the “ooh-shinies” again, but if you have a few minutes to spare and are so inclined…

Here’s the link to Ask The Author (but be nice or I will report you…) https://www.goodreads.com/author/2666708.Cathy_Bryant/questions

And the quiz should )test your knowledge of the Miller’s Creek books (and let me know who the real fans are)…LOL. The name of the quiz is “Which Miller’s Creek Hero/Heroine Are You?” It was really a blast to create it, didn’t really take all that long, and I even took a few secs to take my own quiz. I’m relieved to be able to tell you that I made a 100. (And so did my awesome mom, who is one of my first readers…)

Anyway, here’s tje qioz (which translated means, the quiz, when my fingers are actually on the right keys). Just right below–see it? Be sure to let me know in the comments how you fared!

Goodreads Quiz
Which Miller’s Creek Hero/Heroine Are You?
taken

4 times
10 questions
take quiz

Other Stuff In General

I’m in the process of beginning the annual update process for my website to make it shiny and clean for 2015. (I’m a poet and I don’t care…) (Sorry, sleepy sillies set in without much sleep…)

Anyway, I’ve completely re-done the book page for TEXAS ROADS, with plans to do the same for all the other books. This page took me for-e-ver, but creating graphics takes a HUGE chunk of time. Thankfully, the others should go faster with that all out of the way.

I’m also creating (and re-creating–thank you crashed computer) book trailer videos for each book. The new video for TEXAS ROADS is up on the new page, but I’ll also post it here for your convenience. Take a look, and let me know what you think about the new page and the new video. Always LOVE your input!

Be on the lookout for changes here in 2015. I’ve very much been in a “what-needs-to-go-and-what-needs-to-stay” frame of mind here of late, and I’m prayerfully seeking the Lord’s leading. So stay tuned!

Wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmases and the most blessed of New Years,

Cathy

P.S. Don’t forget! The PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE Kindle copy giveaway goes through December 30, 2014. If you haven’t entered, there’s still time to do so, and you can enter either HERE at my blog or THERE at my Facebook author page. (Open internationally; prize is transferrable.)

AND…the Bible study I wrote on the topic of forgiveness–THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS–will be free for Kindle beginning Thursday of this week. (I’ll try to get another post out while it’s at freebie status, but decided to post it here just in case.)

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Insurmountable Joy

Just think of the joy brought into the world at the advent of our Savior’s birth!

Joy – Who?

Mary surely rejoiced, as mothers do when they first hold their babies in their arms. But her rejoicing must have been at least doubled, knowing that the child she’d delivered was her Deliverer and the Deliverer for the whole world.

Had I been a shepherd I would have rejoiced. As some of the lowest-class members of society, the fact that Almighty God chose to announce Jesus’ birth to them first–and through a heavenly army of angels!

But let’s take a step back for just a moment.

Joy – Why?

We can easily tell who rejoiced, but let’s not forget the catalyst of their joy was the proclamation of the Word. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1-3). He was the good news, the gospel in God-man form. So the announcement and advent of Jesus to the world was and is cause for great joy!

We live two thousand years plus on this side of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. We’ve lived our earthly lives under the covenant of extravagant grace. We of all people should have reason to rejoice!

But do we? And if we don’t, why not?

Joy – Why Not?

I think it boils down to two main things: busy lives and a broken connection.

When we get so busy that we fail to pray and spend time with the Lord–when we place everything else above our relationship with the Lord–we will lose our joy. (And let’s not forget that stealing our joy is one scheme of our adversary.)

Joy is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24). So if our JOY has gone MIA, it’s time for a spiritual heart-check.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not talking a pie-in-the-sky, Pollyanna sort of giddiness here. I’m referring to something much better!

Joy–unlike earthly happiness that so many of us pursue–isn’t rooted in circumstance. It’s rooted in the gospel, in the very person of Jesus Christ. It’s like God’s peace, in the sense that sometimes it’s beyond our understanding. Ever been in one of those situations where you could’ve been sobbing and wringing your hands, but instead something beyond explanation bubbled inside? That’s joy, my friend! The Word of God! The great good news!

Jesus On earth for You (and me). Reason for JOY! #JoyToTheWorld
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Joy – Extra Benefits

And joy has some side benefits as well. Feeling a little weak? You need joy according to this verse: “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

David, the shepherd who would be king and on the run from King Saul, could have easily given in to despair, but he didn’t. The Bible says he “…strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). In other words he experienced joy–even while hunted down and forced to dwell in dark caves!

And guess what else? Joy is contagious. I truly believe that if every follower of Christ stayed closer to God rather than wandering away from the Shepherd of our souls, the joy that flowed from us would be irresistible to unbelievers. How many lost sheep have ignored the call of God because of the lack of joy among His followers?

Joy – Commanded

No wonder joy isn’t portrayed as an option in the Bible. It’s commanded! 1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to be joyful always. Why? Because it’s God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. We have no reason for anything else but joy!

Joy – Mutual

I could list verse after verse that refer to joy, but I will conclude with a passage less familiar than most. Though lesser known, it’s one that catches the excitement and joy of what Jesus accomplished by coming as Immanuel, “God with us.” What I especially love about these verses is the fact that our joy isn’t only on our side of the equation. Not only do we rejoice, but God rejoices over us! Keep that visual in your mind! You can’t NOT (yes, I know, double negative–but it proves my point twice as well) be joyful with the thought of God dancing and singing and shouting over you with joy.

Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion!

Shout in triumph, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,

O daughter of Jerusalem!

The Lord has taken away His judgments against you,

He has cleared away your enemies.

The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;

You will fear disaster no more.

In that day it will be said to Jerusalem:

“Do not be afraid, O Zion;

Do not let your hands fall limp.

“The Lord your God is in your midst,

A victorious warrior.

He will exult over you with joy,

He will be quiet in His love,

He will rejoice over you with shouts of ~Zephaniah 3:14-17 (NASB)

On this side of eternity, our joy–while full because God is within us–still anticipates our greatest joy ever. But on that day when we see face-to-face the Word of God, Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, the gospel proclaimed by His incarnation, we will rejoice as never before. And our rejoicing will be mutual as revealed in the passage above.

That’s gonna be some party… One I’m not gonna miss because of the joyful proclamation of the great good news of Jesus Christ and His work of grace in my life. Great joy!!!

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Don’t Forget! Book Sale, Giveaway & Update

Just a friendly reminder about a few things you definitely don’t want to miss!

Don’t Forget: 99-cent Book Sale for A BRIDGE UNBROKEN

This is the first time A BRIDGE UNBROKEN has been on sale since it released in May of this year. It will only be for sale through Saturday evening, so please this deal on to your friends and family.

It would also make a great gift for your reading friends at this price. Amazon makes the gifting of e-books super easy.

1. Click on the ‘Give as a Gift’ button on the right side of the Amazon book page.

2. Enter the e-mail address and name of the recipient, as well as a personal message.

3. Preview the e-mail message and schedule when you want it delivered.

Easy peasy!

Need an easy gift idea? A BRIDGE UNBROKEN 99c sale #ChristianFiction
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And I have some exciting news! After just one day on sale, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN hit #1 in its category!!! (An ultra big thanks to everyone who helped get the word out!)

If you’d like more info on the book, this link will take you to book’s page here on my website, where you can read the book description and reader reviews.

Here’s the link for you to read the first chapter of the story to see if it strikes your fancy.

Here’s the link that will take you directly to Amazon so you can grab it while it’s on sale.

And here’s the book trailer for your viewing enjoyment.

Don’t Forget: PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE Giveaway

You also don’t want to forget about the giveaway of PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE. Rated at 4.9 stars on Amazon, it’s not only a reader favorite, but my favorite of the Miller’s Creek novels. (It tells the story of Mama Beth, the matriarch of Miller’s Creek.)

To find out more info about the book, check out the PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE page here on my website, where you can read the book description as well as reader reviews.

Here’s the link to the book’s Amazon page, and here’s the link to the giveaway here on my website and on my Facebook author page. You can enter at either place.

Don’t forget about the #Giveaway of PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE #ChristianFiction
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Don’t Forget: Update on CROSSROADS

I’m nearing the end of the rough draft of CROSSROADS, the next Miller’s Creek book! My goal is to have it finished by December 15, 2014. I’ll then take off to get ready for Christmas, get caught up on some things I’ve let slide during the writing of the book, and then celebrate the holidays with my family. I’ll hit edits and rewrites in January of 2015.

Here’s the link to read the book description. As the book nears its launch date, I’ll be adding more info to this page, such as the book cover, trailer, and early reviews. So stay tuned!

CROSSROADS, the next Miller’s Creek novel by @Cathy_Bryant to release in 2015!
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If you’re not already signed up for my monthly newsletter, FROM MY FRONT PORCH, where I give my reader friends exclusive offers and first news about new book releases, now would be a good time to do so! I’ll be sending out a newsletter next week with the next book giveaway exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. All new subscribers receive a free Miller’s Creek Cookbook. (And I also have some other surprises up my sleeve!)

Subscribe to our mailing list

MY PROMISE TO YOU: I promise to take your privacy as seriously as I take my own. I won’t share your email address with others, and I won’t spam your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Sign up for FROM MY FRONT PORCH, @Cathy_Bryant’s newsletter for her reader friends/family….
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5 Encouraging Words for Believers

The enemy of our souls deals in fear, confusion, and darkness.

One look at world happenings–economic collapse, war, pestilence, moral decay, the worship of self (idolatry), natural disasters, and more–and it’s easy to give way to raw fear, the kind that squeezes your heart in a death grip, the kind that brings on the chains of discouragement.

But as believers in Christ Jesus our Lord, we don’t have to live in fear. In fact, we’re called to the opposite: a life of hope and faith.

Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thess. 4:18
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In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, we’re given encouraging words which we’re to use to encourage and comfort others. The word ‘encourage’ actually means ‘to put courage in,’ so when we encourage others, we’re giving them courage and relief from fear. Let’s take a closer look at these encouraging words.

1. Encouraging Words: Hope in Death

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Because we serve a living Lord, we are not like those who have no hope. Even in death, we believe and know that there is more–much more–awaiting us on the other side of the door. Yes, we grieve our losses, but it is not the hopeless grief that those without Jesus suffer.

2. Encouraging Words: Hope in Resurrection

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)

Believers have hope of either resurrection or rapture because of the resurrection of Jesus and His coming return. Our hope in resurrection or rapture is more than just wishful thinking. It’s a done deal–a ‘take it to the bank’ kind of deal. Our hope is a confident assurance of what will one day take place with great certainty.

3. Encouraging Words: Hope in Light/Spiritual Readiness

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)

We have a different viewpoint and lifestyle than those in the world, and it’s a difference of sharp contrasts, as opposite from one another as east is from the west. Because of God’s Word to us, we are to live alert and ready, self-controlled, with faith and love as a breastplate to protect our hearts, and salvation as a helmet to protect our minds.

4. Encouraging Words: Hope in Escape from God’s Wrath

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

From start to finish, the Bible is clear about a coming wrath and day of the Lord. But as those who put their hope in Christ and His atoning sacrifice, we no longer have to live in fear of God’s wrath. For us, His wrath was satisfied on the cross of Calvary (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Don’t get me wrong. This doesn’t mean we won’t experience persecution, tribulation, and trouble in this earthly life. In fact, these things are promised to believers. That’s why we need to encourage one another. It’s why we strengthen our faith constantly, so when persecution comes, we stand up underneath it, even if our faith in Christ costs us our very lives.

5. Encouraging Words: Hope in Life with Christ

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:10)

Let your hearts be encouraged with this truth. No matter what happens to us in our time on this earth, if we endure and maintain our faith in Christ, we will live together with Him. Help out your Christian brothers and sisters by encouraging and building them up with this promise (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Take heart! Christ is coming! Encourage one another with these words.
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Father God, we praise You for who You are–Almighty and Holy God and heavenly Father–the One who rescues us from the coming wrath. Lord, help us to constantly encourage and edify our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that we’re all spiritually prepared to endure and triumph over the persecution and tribulation we will face as Your children. Fill with Your strength and power our brothers and sisters around the world who daily experience this persecution to death. Help them endure. Thank You for these encouraging words found in Your Word–a hope that is assured because of Jesus. In His name we pray. Amen.

For further study: “Will Christians Go Through the Great Tribulation?”

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5 Biblical Steps: How to Live Free of Discouragement

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, we forget that many around us are suffering from discouragement. And often, when we slow down long enough to realize it, we can add ourselves to that number.

But we don’t have to live enchained to discouragement, especially for those of us who put our faith in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-8 gives us five clear steps on how to free ourselves from discouragement. A great way to share Christ with unbelievers is to share this process of overcoming discouragement, with the hopes that they, too, will put their hope in Him.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 

1. Live Free of Discouragement: Rejoice Always

Nothing like starting with the seemingly impossible in our quest to be free of discouragement, but there is so much truth here. There is always cause to rejoice for the children of God, one which is mentioned in this passage: God is near! (Matthew 1:23)

But we must keep our focus on Him. The minute we take our eyes off our solution and put it on our problem, discouragement will soon return.

We can even rejoice in our struggles, because our God uses the bad to bring about great good in our lives.

It’s also well-worth mentioning that this is a command, not a suggestion.

2. Live Free of Discouragement: Be Gentle With All

We’re all flawed people. While it’s much easier to see the specks in the eyes of others than the beams in our own (Matthew 7:3), we simply must remember that we’re all in the same shape, without hope apart from Christ.

The enemy of our souls wants us to see differences, to make those differences insurmountable. But the love of Christ compels us to love. One way to express the love God has placed in our hearts is by being gentle in our dealings with others. This creates a spirit of love and friendship that dispels discouragement.

3. Live Free of Discouragement: Don’t Worry

Worry is such a huge part of our discouragement, isn’t it? Concerns over relationships, finances, work-related issues, health–the list is literally endless. Perhaps that’s why Jesus commanded His followers not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34), be afraid (Matthew 14:27; Luke 12:32), or be troubled (John 14:1).

Worry and faith cannot co-habitate. When one moves in, the other moves out. And without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Breaking the worry habit will also break the chains of discouragement.

4. Live Free of Discouragement: Seek God.

Though chronologically in fourth position, this step actually tops the list in importance. Not only is it important because of God’s Pre-eminence, but also because if we don’t take the time to seek Him, we lose out on an incomprehensible peace in the midst of our earthly trials and tribulations.

Simply put, He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).

5. Live Free of Discouragement: Be Transformed in Your Thinking

We have a choice over what thoughts we choose to dwell on. If we dwell on the negative, the lies, the dishonorable, the wrong, the impure, and the unlovely, we will reap discouragement. Praise God, the opposite is also true.

When we dwell on the things listed in this passage, those chains of discouragement will disintegrate.

We become what we allow in our thoughts (Proverbs 23:7). That’s why we “take every thought captive in obedience to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Application

Aren’t you glad that we’re not doomed to a life enchained to discouragement? God, in His great wisdom and mercy, has provided the way out from beneath those chains. Though, it might not always be easy, with God’s help, we can overcome discouragement and live a better way.

The post 5 Biblical Steps: How to Live Free of Discouragement appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

RE-POST: How To Get Double Peace

(NOTE: In the season of Advent, the second week is sometimes the concept of peace. Rather than write a new post, I chose to instead re-post a devotional first published on August 5, 2014.)

In our fast-paced and often frightening world, peace seems like a rare commodity. But in all actuality, abundant peace–double peace, if you will–is available.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not for sale. It’s not up for grabs to the highest bidder.

True peace can only be found in God, His Son Jesus, and the work of His Spirit within us. Let’s examine the Bible for some clues.

A Mind Stayed On (And Trusting In) God

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You. ~Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

When storm clouds gather around and over us, it’s all too easy to give way to fear and anxiety. Have you ever considered that fear and faith cannot keep house together? If one moves in, the other moves out.

The cure for fear is keeping our mind fixed on God and trusting in Him, no matter what. These are intentional acts, things we must do if we want peace.

And notice that it’s not just peace, but perfect peace. One commentator says that phrase is the equivalent of double peace–peace, peace.

Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled…Believe!

“Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.…Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ~John 14:1, 27 (NASB)

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night before He was arrested and crucified. He knew what His death would bring to these men: sheer terror and fear. So much fear that they fled for their lives.

Notice again that the cure for this kind of crippling fear is belief in God/Jesus. The Biblical definition of belief is more than just a head knowledge that God exists.

Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! ~James 2:19 (TLB)

Instead, belief in God is a life-changing trust that empowers us to hand the reins of our lives over to Him.

Notice also that the peace Jesus offers His followers isn’t the same as the world’s. The earthly definition of peace is absence of conflict. Well, if I’ve learned anything in my over-half-a-century life, there is no such thing as absence of conflict in the world. God’s peace is a stillness and calmness in the midst of conflict, knowing that He is Sovereign and in control–even when there seems to be evidence to the contrary.

In the face of storms so strong they threaten our very existence, we must not allow our hearts to become fearful and troubled. Instead we must reaffirm our faith in Jesus and the peace He promises.

The Connection Between Prayer and Peace

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP)

Have you ever rested beside a mountain lake so tranquil that its glassy surface mirrored the sky? That is the the visual image of God’s peace, and it comes through prayer. When we feel tendrils of anxiety snaking into our hearts and squeezing, drop everything else and pray!

Notice that we need to pray specifically and with thanksgiving, as though God has already granted our request. The result of this prayer will be a tranquil soul at rest in the assurance of our salvation through Christ. Fear will be replaced with contentment.

And I love this next visual. A peace beyond all understanding will set up fort around our hearts and minds, complete with guards! Wow! Thank You, Jesus!

Lord God, thank You for Your incomparable, incomprehensible, life-altering, mind-blowing, heart-guarding peace. In the face of fear, help us to keep our minds stayed on You, our hearts untroubled, and to turn to You in prayer so that we might experience perfect peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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REVIEW: “The Gospel of John” from the Lumo Project

The Gospel of John – About the Film

FOUR GOSPELS. FOUR FILMS. ONE JESUS STORY. FOR EVERYONE.

The Lumo Project is a ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels: redefining the standard of visual Biblical media. The Lumo Project presents four films – one for each Gospel account – that will revolutionize the way we all experience the story of Jesus and the world of First Century Palestine in which he lived.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

The Gospel of John takes the story of Jesus from John’s gospel with its own unique characteristics. For John, Jesus is the Word of God made human. John is clear that that when encounter Jesus, we encounter God.  The gospel writer points to the miracles (the ‘Signs’) and teachings as evidence of Jesus’ special relationship as the divine Son of God.

This full-length feature film about the life of Jesus takes the actual Gospel text as its script, word for word, unedited. Five years in the making, this epic production has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story. Narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (‘Homeland’, ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Merchant of Venice’) it is based on the latest theological, historical and archaeological research. With specially constructed sets and the extraordinarily authentic villages and countryside of rural Morocco, it immerses the viewer in the world of first century Palestine.

The Gospel of John – My Review

I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of reviewing this film from The Lumo Project. It may sound odd, but there is something especially uplifting about having music and visuals added to the Word of God.

The outstanding cinematography and historical, cultural, and geographical realism of this film make it well worth the watch. It would be a great film to devour as a family to help younger family members understand the story of Jesus and the gospel.

The narrator’s voice is also beautiful, as is the sound track, which truly makes viewing this film an unforgettable multi-sensory experience.

I would highly recommend “The Gospel of John” to anyone. As of December 1, 2014, it is available for download from Netflix.

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