Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 27

Miller’s Creek Collection on Sale for 99-cents

Just wanted to let you all know about the limited-time 99-cent sale on the MILLER’S CREEK COLLECTION (only available for Kindle).

About the MILLER’S CREEK COLLECTION

This collection of the first three faith-based stories in the Miller’s Creek novels by Christian author Cathy Bryant shares the messages of finding true home, walking by faith, and the gift of God’s grace.

It includes the following Miller’s Creek novels:

Texas Roads

“One secret kept, another uncovered… ”

Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With quirky residents, quaint country charm, and loads of business potential, Miller’s Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over…except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Dani secretly finances renovations to downtown Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed. Then a devastating discovery propels her down a road she never expected to travel. Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani recognize the true meaning of home?

“…one of those stories that sticks in your heart.” -Amazon Reviewer

A Path Less Traveled

“A widow, her traumatized son, and the man who loves them both…”

Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband’s life, she’s determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart? Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller’s Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he’s not prepared for falling in love–especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path of faith–a path less traveled?

“…a story of faith, healing, and love.” -Amazon Reviewer

The Way of Grace

“In pursuit of justice, in need of grace…”

A justice-seeking perfectionist pursues her dream of a perfect life in her hometown of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then a disheveled free spirit turns Grace Soldano’s perfectly ordered world upside down, challenging the concept of personal goodness. A fall from perfection leaves her teetering between vengeance and grace, caught in a deadly crossfire that leaves her dreams in a heap of ashes. Can she learn to joyfully accept the life God has given her–far from perfect–but completely immersed in His grace?

“…much more than just a story.” -Amazon Reviewer

Also Includes a Sneak-Peek Chapter From PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE, the fourth book in the Miller’s Creek novels
Don’t Miss These Other Upcoming Deals From Miller’s Creek

And don’t forget that there are several other deals coming up between now and Christmas, including a 99-cent sale for the latest Miller’s Creek novel, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (May 2014) and the corresponding Bible study on forgiveness, THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS: FORGIVING THE INEXCUSABLE will be free.

The post Miller’s Creek Collection on Sale for 99-cents appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Waiting For Christmas

I remember as a child the intense ache of waiting for Christmas to arrive. Not only was there the anticipation of opening gifts, but also of time off from school, time with family, and time with extended family we only saw on occasion. And who wouldn’t look forward to all the sweet treats that accompanied the holiday?

Later, as a grown woman with two little boys, I also looked forward with eager anticipation to joyous faces and squeals of delight on Christmas morning. In fact, I loved it so much that I usually awakened in the wee hours of the morning so I could rouse them from bed with the happy words: “It’s Christmas!”

Now journey with me back a few thousand years. Christmas was promised. The following list is but a sampling of these promises:

One who would crush Satan (Genesis 3:15)
the descendant of Abraham who would bless all the world (Genesis 12:3)
the star of Jacob and scepter of Israel (Numbers 24:17)
the Prophet promised by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15)
the descendant of David who would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:16)
the Redeemer and the victorious last one standing (Job 19:25)
the husband who would bring His bride to the banquet table with a banner of love (Song of Solomon 2:4)
One born of a virgin and named Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)
the promised light (Isaiah 9:2)
the child who would establish a government of endless peace, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7)
the Suffering Servant and Righteous One who would bear our griefs, carry our sorrows, and pay the penalty for our sins (Isaiah 53)
the Anointed One, sent to bring good news, bind up the broken, free the captives, and comfort the mourners (Isaiah 61:1-3)
the baby ruler from Bethlehem, whose beginnings began with eternity (Micah 5:1-9)
the King of Jerusalem who would enter Jerusalem on a donkey colt rather than a war horse (Zechariah 9:9)
the sun of righteousness with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2)

Then the unthinkable happened. Four hundred years of darkness and silence. Four hundred years of waiting and wondering if God still cared. Four hundred years of yearning hope in something that seemed, well, hopeless.

They were waiting for Christmas.

And at long last Christmas came, proclaimed by angels and announced by shepherds. The Light of the World arrived and fulfilled every one of the myriads of prophecies concerning Him.

I understand how the Israelites felt before Jesus, God with us, arrived. Sometimes this old world seems to grow darker by the millisecond. Sometimes I struggle to hear Him with the thousands of voices screaming in my ears. Sometimes I wonder if God still cares. A lifetime of yearning hope.

My heart is still waiting for Christmas.

Because after the darkness, light. After the pain, healing. After the silence, joyous laughter and singing. After the earthly lifetime of waiting for Christmas, He will come and take me home for unwrapping gift upon gift of grace and love, a banquet party that puts all others to shame, time with family members who have passed from this earth, and especially eternity with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who I have yet to see face-to-face.

Christmas is coming. Our eager anticipation and waiting will one day be over, but for now it is enough to know that the day will arrive when Jesus stirs us from our slumber with joyous words: “It’s Christmas!!!”

The post Waiting For Christmas appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

[image error]

Giveaway of My Favorite Book

One question that seems to pop up frequently is: Of all the books you’ve written, which is your personal favorite? And though I must admit that the question is akin to asking if I have a favorite child, I confess to having a favorite.

My Favorite Book?

As my firstborn book, TEXAS ROADS will always hold a special place in my heart, but in that story I first met a character by the name of Mama Beth. Most readers of the Miller’s Creek novels pick Mama Beth as their favorite character. And ever since I wrote TEXAS ROADS, Mama Beth begged for me to tell her story.

That’s how PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE was born. Among my stories, PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE is very unique. First off, it’s more of a love story than a romance. Secondly, since it doesn’t really fit the romance genre like the rest of the Miller’s Creek novels, it lands more in the realm of women’s fiction. Another difference is the fact that it is part contemporary and part historical, jumping back and forth between the 1960s and the present day, almost two parallel stories that intersect near the end of the book. The book is also the most highly-rated of any of the books I’ve written, and I’ve had several readers mention that it’s their favorite.

Why Is PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE My Favorite Book?

So why is the book my personal favorite?

Maybe it’s because it was the book that practically wrote itself, which is highly unusual. Maybe it’s because Mama Beth and I had several years and two other books to get to know each other. But most likely, it’s because of my own pilgrimage of promise. During a very difficult and frightening time of my life, God proved over and over again that He always keeps His promises. He is ever faithful to provide for our needs. That spiritual nugget of truth embedded itself in my soul and blossomed into a full-grown tree during the writing of the story.

Details About My Favorite Book

Reader-nominated for the 2013 Grace Award
Women’s Fiction
4.9 stars on Amazon
Book Four in the Miller’s Creek novels

Broken promises, enduring love…

A dusty stack of unopened love letters forces Bo and Mona Beth Miller to revisit a part of their past they’d rather leave buried –especially in the face of death . Only as they retrace history will they learn the truth about the shattered promise that threatens to come between them. But can their relationship endure the deception and sabotage they unearth, or will the experience compel them to trust more fully in the promises that never fail? 

Giveaway of My Favorite Book

Anyway, you’ll be happy to learn that I’m giving away a Kindle copy of PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE during December 2014. You can enter via the Rafflecopter below or at my Facebook author page. The contest is open internationally, and the prize is transferable. The giveaway concludes on December 30, 2014. The winner will be chosen randomly via Rafflecopter and contacted via e-mail. Can’t wait to see who wins!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Giveaway of My Favorite Book appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Progress on CROSSROADS, the Next Miller’s Creek Novel

Just wanted to send out a quick weekly update on the progress of the new Miller’s Creek novel, CROSSROADS. I managed to get my 50,000 words in for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), and I’m nearing the 60,000 word mark.

I’ve also added a COMING SOON: CROSSROADS page under the Miller’s Creek novels tab. You can find it HERE.

In addition, I’ve created a long book description to give you a taste of what the story is all about.

CROSSROADS

Contemporary Romance

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?

Carter Callahan, 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?

Coming Spring 2015: CROSSROADS @Cathy_Bryant An atheist re-thinks her beliefs in the face of death.
Click To Tweet

A big “THANK YOU!” to all who have encouraged and prayed for me. You are a huge blessing!!! I hope to finish up the rough draft during December. I’ll probably take at least a brief break from the story during the Christmas holidays, but will hit edits and rewrites for earnest in January.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

The post Progress on CROSSROADS, the Next Miller’s Creek Novel appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

PROOF: Persecution

As I continue to write the rough draft of CROSSROADS, the next Miller’s Creek novel, which tells the story of a woman who has walked away from her faith, my eyes quickly hone in on anything that deals with proof of why we believe in Christ. Here of late, there seems to be a rash of incidents that could only be described as persecution (some very subtle), which I see as further proof that Jesus is who He claimed to be–the Son of God sent by God the Father to save humanity from evil/sin.

Recent Examples of Persecution

A few weeks ago, a Christian athlete was told by the NFL to turn his Christian t-shirt wrong-side-out for a television interview.

On the way to my hometown to celebrate Thanksgiving with my Mom, sister, brother, and their families, I heard about a petition going around to remove the Duggar family from TLC.

In a separate incident during the Thanksgiving holidays, a morning TV host wished his guests a “Merry Christmas,” and was quickly corrected by one guest with the reply of “Happy Holidays.”

Around the world, Christian believers are persecuted in a myriad of ways–everything from being disowned by their families to unusually cruel (and often video-taped) death. Though believers in America aren’t persecuted to the point of death, I do believe our civil liberties are slowly, but surely, being stripped away.

In a list of free non-fiction books I received yesterday, there were a couple from LDS, several from New Age and Eastern religions, and even one on how to get started with Wicca, but not one about Christianity (though there were several free Christian non-fiction books available).

In one breath Christians are often accused of intolerance, but in the next breath denied the right to openly declare our faith. To me this begs the question: who is actually being intolerant?

Persecution Promised

In all truth, none of this should come as a surprise to believers. Jesus told us it would be this way.

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’” John 15:18-25 (NASB)

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 10:21-23 (NASB)

Persecution as Proof

As mentioned above, because of persecution against Christians, I see all of it as the fulfillment of Jesus’ words and therefore proof that He is exactly who He claimed to be–the Son of God and God.

Since the subject-matter of this post leans toward the negative, I want to end on a positive note which will hopefully give my brothers and sisters in Christ encouragement. First off, we cannot take any sort of persecution personally. Why? Because it’s really aimed at the One we follow. In addition, we must also remember these words of Jesus, who told us what would come.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 (NASB)

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your words to Your disciples that also ring true around today’s world. May those who so quickly denounce You and Your followers also be quick to examine this evidence as proof that You are not only God’s Son, but God. Lord, we pray for souls to be turned back to You as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Help us to respond to persecution and hate with love and all that is good. May we follow Your example, who in Your final words pleaded forgiveness for those who mocked and crucified You. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

The post PROOF: Persecution appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Counting My Blessings

I started off the month with good intentions of expressing my gratitude to the Lord for His blessings via Facebook posts. Unfortunately, life crowded in, and I sadly fell behind. So I’d like to use this post to collectively express my gratitude.

We all have much to be grateful for, don’t we? But it’s easy to allow the enemy to distract us from gratitude. I can’t help but remember the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, yet only one returned to say “thank you.”

It’s also easy to say “I’m grateful for (fill in the blank),” but failing to remember the source of all blessings. We should be more than just grateful, but grateful to the Lord.

Though I could expound for days the blessings I’ve experienced from our heavenly Father, I’ll do my best to keep it brief for your sake.

Grateful to the Lord For These Blessings

God’s Presence through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is no greater blessing than this. He is my Shelter, my Strength, my Song, my Salvation, my Shepherd, my Guide, my Refuge, my Strong Tower, my Help, my Comforter, my Advocate, my great High Priest, my All in All, my Friend, the Lover of my Soul, the Living Word, my Redeemer, my Hiding Place, my Maker, my Lord, my Savior, my King, and so much more! Oh, Lord God, thank You for Your presence in my life!
People. I’ve always been a loner and introvert, but when it comes to being grateful, it’s always the people God has placed in my life which top of the list right below my gratefulness for the Lord’s presence. Thank You, God, for bringing these wonderful people into my life.

I’m so blessed to have my husband in my life. He is truly my other half (and better half), my sweetheart, my helper, and my best friend. I’m so grateful that he is the one God gave me as we journey through this earthly life.
My mom is such a blessing to me. I love our weekly phone chats. She is full of such common sense, and helps keep me grounded. So much of who I am is because of her influence.
My sons–though I confess to being biased–are simply the best. They’re both such caring, gracious, and altruistic people, and make my mama-heart swell with pride in who they are.
My daughter-in-love is such a treasure. Her walk with the Lord inspires me to live better, and I’m blessed to have her as the mother of my grandchildren. She truly is an answer to a long-spoken prayer.
And of course, I can’t fail to mention my grand-children. They fill my heart with love and joy. They put a spring in my step and a song in my heart.
My siblings will always be special to me. There is a bond there that nothing can sever.
My church family, not only locally, but literally around the globe are such a blessing and source of encouragement to me. Among this number are such prayer warriors, such encouragers, such defenders of the faith! I look forward to spending eternity with you!
My reader friends keep me going in what the Lord has called me to do. You keep me from despair and discouragement. Thank you for your encouragement, your kind words, your help in getting my books ready and helping me spread the word. Thank you for reading the books and for letting me know how much you enjoy them. I went into this whole writing thing with the hope of blessing others, but I’m the one who’s been blessed.


Heritage and Legacy of Faith. I’m so grateful for my Christian heritage, for my grandparents, who prayed for me and demonstrated to me what living for Christ looks like. I’m grateful to be born in a country where faith can be practiced and expressed without fear of persecution that so many brothers and sisters around the world experience. Thank You, God, for this treasured blessing. May I never take it for granted.
Health. Though I, like each of us, have my fair share of health issues, my brain functions, I can see, and I can move around. Thank You, Lord, for my health.
Material Blessings. At first glance this might seem a rather shallow and superficial thing to mention, but may I never be guilty of not thanking the Lord for even the smallest of blessings. For a roof (though sometimes a leaky one) over my head, for the clothes on my back and in my closet, for clean water, for electricity and fuel that keep us comfortable, for indoor plumbing, for food in our cupboards and in our stomachs, for all this and more, I’m grateful to You, Lord.

Though there are so many other blessings for which I’m grateful, I’ll pray them to the Lord rather than list them here. My prayer for everyone reading this post is that you and yours will have a blessed day of Thanksgiving to the Lord. And may we all be aware of the needs of others around us, and do what we can to meet those needs.

Live loved and blessed,

Cathy

The post Counting My Blessings appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

All 5 Miller’s Creek Novels For Under $3?

Wow! Can you believe that it’s already time for Thanksgiving? (What that means is that we’ll blink a couple of times, and it will be Christmas!) To help out in keeping your holiday expenses down, all of the Miller’s Creek novels will be discounted over the next few weeks. As in, discounted to the point that if you mark your calendars, you can get all five Miller’s Creek novels for under $3! And to top it off, THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS (Bible study on forgiveness) will be free!

Under $3 Sale for All the Miller’s Creek Books

Here’s a pic to help you mark your calendars. (If you’re on Pinterest, please pin the pic by hovering over the photo with your cursor until the ‘Pin It’ button appears. Also feel free to right-click the pic and save it to your computer to share on places like Facebook and Twitter.)

And here’s a tweet-able about the book deals:

All 5 Miller’s Creek novels by @Cathy_Bryant #ChristianFiction on sale for Christmas for under $3!
Click To Tweet

Under $3 Sale Starts Today With Pilgrimage of Promise

And as you’ve probably noticed if you looked closely, the sale for PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE starts today!

Want to gift the books to someone for Christmas? Amazon makes this soooooo easy! On the right side of the book’s Amazon page is a button that says ‘Give as a Gift.’ Click that button, and it will take you to a new page.

You’ll need the recipient’s e-mail address. Amazon allows you to type a private message and will even let you determine when the gift and message are delivered.

Not sure if the person you’re sending the gift to has a Kindle? No worries. Amazon offers free Kindle reading apps for PCs, tablets, and smart phones! Here’s the link for your convenience: https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/kcp-landing-page/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=cathbrya-20&linkId=JM3Q5ILEU7KZVIJZ

Under $3 Sale – Links:

For your convenience, here are all the links to the Kindle versions of the Miller’s Creek books and the forgiveness Bible Study. (The links to the print versions are in parentheses next to the book titles. NOTE: The print versions are usually also on sale via Amazon, though not as discounted as the Kindle versions.)

TEXAS ROADS (print version) About a hurting seeker’s quest to find home.

A PATH LESS TRAVELED (print version) About a recently-widowed woman’s journey to regaining her faith.

THE WAY OF GRACE (print version) About a legalistic perfectionist who finds herself in need of grace.

MILLER’S CREEK COLLECTION 1 (The first three books in one set collection; no print version of the bundle)

PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE (print version) About a couple’s pilgrimage to maneuver through broken promises.

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (print version) About a frightened runaway’s travels into the concept of forgiveness.

THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS (print version) A Bible study about forgiveness.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

The post All 5 Miller’s Creek Novels For Under $3? appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

REVIEW: “What’s In The Bible?” (Kid’s DVD Giveaway)

About the DVD – What’s In The Bible (Vol. 10)

The Bible Made Easy! Buck Denver and his friends take your children through the WHOLE Bible. Perfect viewing for the entire family – laugh and learn together. In his first new project since VeggieTales, Phil Vischer has set out to teach kids (and parents!) the story of the Bible – God’s great rescue plan! We know the stories of Moses, Noah, David, and Jesus, but in this groundbreaking new series, we learn how they all fit together to tell one big, redemptive story. Vischer’s signature wit shines through with his all-new cast of characters, fast-paced flash animation, and catchy tunes. This is one journey through the Bible you won’t want to miss!

Let VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer and a bunch of hilarious new friends explain the entire Bible to your kids in this groundbreaking, fast-paced and fun-filled DVD series. Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News! takes your family through the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments, and then shares about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ from the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Funny and meaningful, Phil Vischer also shares the Gospel and encourages children (and parents) who don’t know Jesus to do so – and reach out to a friend or Pastor to experience God’s saving grace.

Volume 10 “Jesus Is The Good News!” contains two 25-minute episodes:

Episode 1: “God’s Perfect Timing” Buck Denver and crew learn about the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments and how Jesus arrives at just the perfect time.

Episode 2: “The Messiah has come!” Learn about the life and ministry of Jesus – how he died for us and rose again to launch the kingdom of God in the world and in us!

My Review – What’s In The Bible? (Vol. 10)

Let me begin by saying that the content of What’s In The Bible (Vol. 10) “Jesus Is the Good News!” is theologically sound. There is no argument there whatsoever. The video also goes into great detail about Jesus, the religious groups at the time He lived on the earth, the part they played in His crucifixion, the gospels, and the definition of difficult-to-understand terminology. For this aspect of the DVD, I give them kudos and five stars.

However, I felt like this video was definitely geared toward older kids. And even then, I’m not sure it would hold their attention. The puppets who “told the story” were difficult to understand and rather old-school. To offset this, I would highly recommend that watching the DVD be family viewing for discussion purposes rather than a video that kids watch on their own.

The DVD does come with a family discussion guide, which I think is a must. Overall, I would give this DVD four out of five stars.

 
Giveaway – What’s In the Bible (Vol. 10)

One copy of the DVD, What’s In the Bible? (Vol. 10) “Jesus is the Good News!” is available as a giveaway. Use the Rafllecopter below to enter. The contest will run until December 1, 2014, and is open to US and Canada only. The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via e-mail.

“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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner subject to eligibility verification.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post REVIEW: “What’s In The Bible?” (Kid’s DVD Giveaway) appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

The World’s Way or God’s Way?

That temptation is always there, isn’t it?

The worldly system of doing things seems to always rear its ugly head, tempting us to give in and follow its ways rather than The Way.

And I’m not referring to the temptation to do drugs, view pornography, or embezzle money, though those are certainly huge temptations for some. I’m talking about something much more subtle.

Let me put it in terms of my writing life.

The Lure of Wealth

Supposed gurus and self-made men have come up with programs, costing hundreds if not thousands each, which promise to help me sell more books. While at first glimpse this temptation might seem benign and harmless, it’s really not.

Why? Because it distracts me from my true purpose in writing.

Don’t get me wrong. Selling books is great, and it’s nice to get some remuneration for the hours it takes to conceive, write, edit, re-write, edit some more, re-write some more (several times), put into print and digital format, and publicize a book. But that can’t be my primary motive for writing.

The Lure of Pleasing Man

In addition, as a recovering people-pleaser, the temptation is always there to write books geared more toward entertainment. Again, though I hope readers enjoy my books, that can’t be my primary motive for writing.

Ultimately, neither making money nor entertaining readers is my motivation for writing. My goal with each book is to touch people with the message of who God is and all He’s done for us. If I’m not attempting to impact lives for the Lord with each and every thing I write (including blog posts), then why am I even bothering? If I’m only in the business of writing books to make money, then I’d be better off pursuing a different line of work that pays better. If readers only read my books to be entertained, I’m positive there is a much better use of their entertainment time than reading the books I write.

The Master of Distraction and Temptation

The devil, who is described in God’s Word as the prince of this world, will do everything he can to keep us from reaching the world for Christ. And usually all he has to do is tempt us with something more attractive, something that appeals to us in some shape, form, or fashion. This always involves our pride and fleshly desires.

For Eve the distraction was the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan promised that eating the fruit wouldn’t bring death, but would make her like God.

For me, I could easily be distracted from my primary focus by the lure of selling more books (AKA making more money), pleasing people, and using worldly systems to do both.

For others, it might be the temptation to follow the world’s business practices rather than living a life of faith in the Lord Jesus and trusting Him to provide.

Maybe it’s just our current-day culture, but the temptation to follow worldly systems seems to, more often than not, revolve around money.

You Can’t Have It Both Ways

Jesus knew the reality of that temptation in His time on earth, too. That’s why He warned us in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

He also ran moneychangers out of the temple with these words: “Stop  making my Father’s house a place of business!” (John 2:16, NASB)

In whatever way the prince of the world tempts us to follow worldly systems, I pray for each of us, that our spiritual eyes would be open to the capital-T Truth. Because only by keeping our focus on God’s Way–Jesus–can we honestly serve Him with wholehearted devotion. Everything else is just another one of the enemy’s lies, put in place to distract us from our true purpose.

Father God, every day we’re bombarded with distracting messages put in place by the enemy to keep us from following You. Lord, may our blinded eyes be opened to Your way of life. Help us to wholeheartedly follow You rather than giving into the lies and temptation of Satan. Keep us from worldly ways, no matter how harmless and attractive they appear. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

The post The World’s Way or God’s Way? appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

How Praying For the Nations Changed Me

We all know the power of prayer to affect change.

But more often than not, when I begin to pray for a situation or specific cause, I’m the one who comes away changed. That has certainly been the case in praying for the nations.

After reading the book Radical by David Platt (read my review HERE), I was challenged to begin praying for the nations. While there are many ways to accomplish this, I opted to use the website suggested in the book, Operation World.

I’m now almost 30 days into praying for the nations using the resources on this site. There you’ll find a list of individual nations, specifics about the nations, prayer concerns for the gospel work in that country, and lists of unreached people groups.

I pray that my puny efforts at praying for the nations makes a difference in the lives of those I pray for, but I’m also very much aware and grateful at how this process has changed me.

Praying For the Nations – Not About Me

It’s far too easy for us to focus on ourselves. Those of us in America live in a culture that encourages self-focus and selfishness. But when we live our lives in that way, we tend to make our lives–including our spiritual lives–about us.

Don’t get me wrong. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves me. Jesus died to save us both. Our relationship with Him is very personal. But life is not about us. It’s about Him. It’s about sharing Him with people around us.

Praying for the nations has helped me take the focus off me and put it where it belongs.

Praying For the Nations – Lost and Dying People

Because of our tendency toward self-focused lives, we often go about our daily agendas without one whit of concern for those worldwide who don’t know Jesus.

In praying for the nations, I’ve become aware of the need of so many. It has opened my eyes to the plight of so many–many who have never heard the great good news of what Jesus did for each of us.

Praying For the Nations – If Not Us, Then Who?

Last of all, praying for the nations has made me ultra-aware that our lost and dying world is my responsibility. And if it’s my responsibility, then it is also yours. We’ve been given an incomparable treasure, a cure for the world’s ill, a message that bears repeating over and over again.

I know. I’ve been there. We look at our finite selves and our finite resources and think: “What can I do? I’m a nobody.”

Quite frankly, it’s the wrong question to ask. Why? Because our God has infinite resources and has promised to provide all we need. Instead our question should be: “If not me, then who?” This question, prayerfully asked, will then lead us to say: “Here I am, Lord. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Yeah, it’s scary, isn’t it? That prayer of total surrender leaves us fearful of a trip to Ebola-infested Africa or miles away from those we love most. But we needn’t be afraid. Honestly, there is much we can do right where we are.

We can:

Give. Even the poorest in America are rich according to the world’s standards. We have food in our cupboards, money in the bank, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs. What could we sacrifice to further missionary efforts in places around the world? Giving is one of the best ways to take the focus off ourselves.
Serve. There are opportunities to reach out to the lost all around us. But let me encourage us all to not make it just about meeting physical needs (although that’s important). Instead, our efforts should mimic those of Jesus, who not only met people’s physical needs, but their spiritual needs as well. Hand others that cup of refreshing water, feed them that meal, provide them that shelter, give them a few dollars, but also ask them: “Have you heard the good news?” Be willing to get messy by becoming involved in the lives of others.
Pray. When we bombard heaven with prayers for the nations and for individuals, we unleash the very power of God in their lives. But beware: praying not only changes others, it changes us. I’m proof.

The post How Praying For the Nations Changed Me appeared first on Cathy Bryant.