Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 32

7 Steps To Dealing With Life’s Difficulties

I’ve often heard it said that there are no guarantees in life other than death and taxes. But I beg to differ. Death is optional for mankind based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. For the believer, death is nothing but a doorway to a better place.

As for taxes? Well, in our current world they are a necessary evil and a system that is open for abuse. But one day even taxes will go away.

I’d also like to add a another guaranteed earthly event. Difficulties. Trouble is guaranteed in this earthly life, and the words come straight from Jesus.

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33b

So how should we respond when trouble knocks at our door?

1. Don’t try to figure things out.

I’m an over-analyzer. When trouble comes my way, I want to know ‘why.’ After all, if I know why the trouble is there, maybe I can do something to fix it. Right?

Dead wrong. All that over-analysis leads to is what I call circular thinking. My thoughts go round and round for hours, days, weeks, months, and even years. At the end, I’m no closer to a solution and have wasted precious time trying to figure things out.

As followers of Christ, our job isn’t to figure things out. Our job is to remain in Him and let Him handle it.

2. Don’t take matters in your own hands.

I’m a horrible waiter. When I sense God making a promise to me, I want the promise fulfilled, like now. If it doesn’t come in what I consider a reasonable time, I start looking for ways to make the promise happen on my timetable.

Sound familiar?

Abraham and Sarah did the same thing. God had promised them a child, but year after year slipped by with no heir. They were getting older, the time for bearing children rushing past. Maybe they’d misunderstood. Or maybe God had forgotten His promise. Maybe they needed to do something to help God out.

The result of taking matters into their own hands was strife in their household that continues to this day between Arabs and Jews. Thankfully, God’s plan wasn’t at all thwarted in their attempt to take over. He still accomplished His promise without any help from Abraham and Sarah.

3. Don’t be afraid…trust!

Any fear other than the fear of God is a tool of the enemy. He is and was public enemy number one, a liar and a terrorist, who woos us into his schemes then seeks to destroy. All throughout the Bible we hear God say: “Don’t be afraid,” “Fear not,” “Be of good courage.”

As mentioned in the earlier post on “How To Get Double Peace,” fear and faith cannot co-habitate. When one moves in the other moves out. If fear shows up at your door, counteract it with faith and fear disappears.

4. Pray.

The Bible has so much to say about prayer that this one step alone could easily fill a book or multiple volumes. Prayer is our instantaneous communication with the divine. Christ ripped down the curtain that kept us from God and now we have access 24/7. Prayer changes things. Prayer changes us. In short, prayer works. Give God your troubles. He’ll take care of it.

5. Keep your focus.

Remember the story of Peter wanting to walk on water? The storm raged around him and the rolling sea waves threatened. As long as he kept his focus on Jesus, the stiller of storms, he safely walked in the midst of storm-swollen waves and accomplished the humanly impossible. Once his focus shifted to his troubles, he sank. We must keep our mind stayed on who our God is.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. ~Philippians 4:8 (AMP)

(Psst. Did you notice that all these adjectives describe Jesus? Yeah. Keep your mind focused on Him.)

6. Accept…with joy!

I confess. This step is difficult for me. I mean, there’s a reason they call it trouble. So first off, how can I accept it?

By realizing that God has a reason for allowing it in your life. It could be that He wants to draw you closer to Him. Or maybe, there’s something you need to learn. Or perhaps He’s permitting this test to refine you.

But I have to accept it with joy? Yep.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! ~Philippians 4:4 (NASB)

But how can we be joyful even in the midst of our troubles? By realizing that God’s plan for you is perfect and good. He can use the worst of times for our good and His glory.

7. Wait…with praise!

A popular saying at the time is: “When God closes a door, praise Him in the hallway!”

Great advice.

When we wait for God, we demonstrate trust. But in the meantime, we praise Him, which further demonstrates our faith in Him to accomplish His good and perfect will.

Paul was in prison yet again. Silas was with him on this particular visit, and they were in chains. But they weren’t moping around, whining, or complaining about their sad lot.

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. ~Acts 16:25-26

God dwells in the midst of the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). In other words, when we praise Him, He shows up! Like prayer, prayer affects change.

Dealing With Difficulties – Conclusion

Difficulties in life in guaranteed, but how we respond makes all the difference in the world. Rather than spending countless hours trying to figure it out, taking matters in our own hands, and allowing the enemy to terrorize us, let’s counteract all these things with solutions that really work: prayer, focusing our attention on our Almighty God, accept the current circumstances with joy, and wait on Him with an attitude of praise for all that He is accomplishing in us and through us.

The post 7 Steps To Dealing With Life’s Difficulties appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

The Result of Turning Away From God

They should have known better.

After all, they’d seen the result of their fellow countrymen going the wrong way.

But instead they turned a blind eye, certain they were different. Certain they’d get different results. Besides, they were God’s chosen people. His Holy Presence resided in their midst. Right?

* * *

The message of national disaster wasn’t popular in Jeremiah’s day, and I’m sure it’s equally unpopular today. Nevertheless, it’s a message we need to heed.

God didn’t spare Israel or Judah, and if our nation doesn’t turn back to Him, He won’t spare America either. The punishment Israel experienced at God’s hand–disciplinary action designed to bring His children back to Him in repentance–should have been a warning for Judah. Instead they continued in their idolatry/false worship. And because they had the advantage of Israel as an example, Judah would be judged more severely. That certainly doesn’t bode well for us.

“I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. Because Israel’s immortality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD. The LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.” ~Jeremiah 3:8-11 (NIV)

Turning Away – The Prophecy

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God prophesied what was about to happen to Judah at the hand of the Babylonians.

“Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. I will pronounce My judgments on My people because of their wickedness in forsaking Me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made.” ~Jeremiah 1:15b-16 (NIV)

Turning Away – The Charges Against Them

“They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.” ~Jeremiah 2:5b (NIV)

“But My people have exchanged My Glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the LORD. “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” ~Jeremiah 2:11b-13 (NIV)

“Now why go to Egypt to drink water from the Shihor? And why go to Assyria to drink water from the Euphrates? Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe (fear, reverence) of Me,” declares the LORD Almighty. ~Jeremiah 2:18-19 (NIV)

“Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame. Have you not just called to Me: ‘My Father, my friend from my youth, will You always be angry? Will Your wrath continue forever?’ This is how you talk, but you do all the evil you can.” ~Jeremiah 3:3-5 (NIV)

Turning Away – My Thoughts

What we trust in, we worship. What we worship, we serve and become like. Anything that replaces God as the center and whole object of our worship is an idol–emptiness, futility, vanity, of no profit. In other words, the worship of nothing. I wonder sometimes if we’ve deceived ourselves into thinking we’re serving God, when in all actuality we’re serving ourselves.

Have we exchanged the Glory of the Living God–our source of Living Water–by creating broken cisterns that hold no water? Those broken cisterns are the things we put our trust in. Talents and abilities. Jobs. Houses. Land. Power. Bank accounts. Other people. Military might. Government. The list is endless.

To make matters worse, they were prideful and took no shame in their rebellion against God. They prayed for His mercy, but continued in their sin.

When a nation forsakes God (especially when His Name and Word are on national monuments, courtrooms, and money)–when we have no awe, fear, and reverence of Him–the result will be evil and bitter.

I was shocked and appalled as I watched the twin towers incident play out on the television screen, but nothing was more shocking and appalling to me than this:

Don’t get me wrong. I know there were godly men and women in that crowd of Congressional members. But I also believe with all my heart that this was an example of people drawing near to God with their lips while their hearts were far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). The years since that fateful day have proved it. Abortion, homosexuality, and other forms of immorality and idolatry have been elevated, while God continues to slip down the chain in our national estimation. When I see this video, I don’t see repentant people. I see national pride. And God hates pride.

Our God is not dead, as a recent movie proclaimed. That is so true. He reigns and lives forever! He’s eternal! But God will not accept words of repentance not accompanied by a heart of repentance and resulting actions. If there is to be any hope for the return of our country to a godly nation, we must see a whole-hearted returning to God displayed in the actions of her people. We cannot relegate God to the fringes of our national or personal life and expect Him to rescue us.

Turning Away – The Way Back

1. Repent (turn back to God and away from sin): “Return, faithless Israel,” declares the LORD, “I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful,” declares the LORD, “I will not be angry forever.” ~Jeremiah 3:12 (NIV)

2. Acknowledge (confess) rebellion (sin): “Only acknowledge your guilt–you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed Me,” declares the LORD. ~Jeremiah 3:13 (NIV)

God created us and loves us. In fact, He loves us too much to let us stay the way we are. If we–individually and as a nation–won’t return to Him in repentance and confession, He will do whatever it takes to get our attention. And our hearts.

But the question is this: Is that a price we really want to pay?

* * *

We should know better.

After all, we’ve seen the result of our fellow man going the wrong way.

But instead, we turn a blind eye, certain we’re different. Certain we’ll get different results. Besides, we’re God’s chosen people. His Holy Presence resides in our midst. Right?

The post The Result of Turning Away From God appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Goodreads Giveaway

Hi friends! Just wanted to let you all know about the Goodreads giveaway (three print copies for three winners) going on for The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable, the mini Bible study I wrote to go along with the theme of forgiveness in the fifth Miller’s Creek novel, A Bridge Unbroken.

The book has done well and is currently rated at 4.9 stars on Amazon. Our LifeSword group on Facebook studied the topic of forgiveness using this book. We finished up on August 1 and had a productive study. The book can be used individually or with a small group.

Though I wish I could afford to open up this giveaway internationally, due to the high cost of postage the giveaway is for US readers only.

To enter the Goodreads giveaway, click HERE.

To purchase a Kindle copy for $2.99, click HERE.

To purchase a print copy, currently on sale at Amazon for $6.73, click HERE.

To purchase a digital copy other than Kindle for $2.99, click HERE.

Goodreads #Giveaway THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS #BibleStudy #forgiveness by @Cathy_Bryant
Click To Tweet - Powered By CoSchedule

Goodreads Giveaway – Book Description:

A Bible study about forgiveness…

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? Do we file it in our brains and rack it up to “one more senseless act” and chance to think that God somehow messed up?

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

Join us as we examine relevant scriptures 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 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

• how to truly forgive

Goodreads Giveaway – What Readers Are Saying:

“…this book is a must for every Christian home.” ~Amazon reviewer

“I would say this is a must read book for all Christians, even if you think you have forgiven. There is a bundle of truth, insight and food for thought in this small book.” ~Amazon reviewer

“I really enjoyed this Bible study. Cathy has a way of writing that makes sense. I have read her fiction work and I was pleasantly surprised by her study. I thought this book was very strong in holding true to the Bible and what it says. I liked how easy the book is to read while still holding depth. Sometimes Bible studies get a bit dry and this one had the right balance. I found myself asking a lot of personal questions and it really made me actually think, not just gloss over.” ~Amazon reviewer

“I thought this easy-to-read 70-page Bible study booklet on forgiveness was wonderful. Not only is forgiveness discussed with a practical, Christian worldview, Bible study passages and application questions are provided, as well as space to write thoughts. While some books on forgiveness can get bogged down with detailed information, this book reads simple enough that it cuts to the heart of the matter, quickly and effectively providing helpful material for the reader to apply to his or her life.” ~Amazon reviewer

“My copy is so highlighted because there was so much great information about forgiveness! The first chapter goes into what forgiveness is and what it isn’t. This was especially helpful to me because, like others, I have allowed the world’s definition of Christian forgiveness to creep into my belief system. It was so helpful to know exactly what God expects from us regarding forgiveness and how we should handle things. I highly recommend this Bible study! It would be perfect for a small group, a Women’s Ministry or just to do it on your own, as I did. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.” ~Amazon reviewer

“What a wonderful book on forgiveness. I read this book in an online bible study with the author and it was wonderful! I learned so much about forgiveness.” ~Goodreads reviewer

Goodreads Book Giveaway


The Fragrance of Crushed Violets
by Cathy Bryant

Giveaway ends September 06, 2014.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

The post Goodreads Giveaway appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

REVIEW: VeggieTales Celery Night Fever – DVD Giveaway

About the Video: “Celery Night Fever”

Veggie pals Laura Carrot and Junior Asparagus have a big job to do…save their beloved Celery Park from being destroyed! Laura and Junior plan a fundraising concert with the formerly famous Groovy Brothers, but the bandmates refuse to play together because of an old grudge. All hope of saving the park seems lost until the group remembers that God forgives without question, so why can’t they do the same? Will the band reunite to save Celery Park? Find out in this fun, music-filled VeggieTales adventure! Featuring Terry Crews as the voice of “Bruce Onion.”

My Review: “Celery Night Fever”

When offered the chance to review the new Veggie Tales video, Celery Night Fever, I jumped at it. I love wholesome and godly family entertainment, and so do my grandchildren.

I wasn’t disappointed in the least. As a child of the 70′s who could boogie and get funky with the best of them, I loved the theme. As a musician, I found the music extremely well-done and catchy. As a writer/story-teller, I especially enjoyed how this story was woven together. As a believer and recent author of books on the topic of forgiveness (A Bridge Unbrokenand The Fragrance of Crushed Violets), I found the message on the power of forgiveness timely and God-ordained.

Normally in reviews, I try to point out a few things about the product that I didn’t like or particularly enjoy. However, in this case, I have nothing to say. I would highly recommend this for families, children, and even adults. (In my experience as a parent, grandparent, and former teacher, I think children struggle less with forgiving than grown-ups. That makes the message of this VeggieTales video every bit as relevant for adults as it is for kids.)

Giveaway: “Celery Night Fever” DVD

Here’s your chance to win a copy of this excellent DVD for you and your family. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. The giveaway is available to US and Canada only. A winner will be chosen via random.org on August 20, 2014.

#Giveaway! @VeggieTales "CELERY NIGHT FEVER" DVD via @Cathy_Bryant's blog
Click To Tweet - Powered By CoSchedule

“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 is subject to eligibility verification.”

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post REVIEW: VeggieTales Celery Night Fever – DVD Giveaway appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

How To Get Double Peace

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.

 

 

The post How To Get Double Peace appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE Giveaway

Just wanted to let you all know about the giveaway (Kindle or PDF copy) of Pilgrimage of Promise, Book 4 in the Miller’s Creek Novels. Of all the books I’ve written, this is my personal favorite, probably because the main character in the story is Mama Beth, the beloved matriarch of Miller’s Creek. (The book is also the highest-rated by Amazon reviewers at 4.9 stars.)

Giveaway – Book Description

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 – What Readers Are Saying…

“…Karen Kingsbury meets Nicholas Sparks.” ~Amazon reviewer

“…her strongest yet.” ~Amazon reviewer

“An amazing, touching read…” ~Amazon reviewer

“Heartwarming story…” ~Amazon reviewer

“Excellent book!” ~Amazon reviewer

“Best book yet!” ~Amazon reviewer

“Great addition to a great series!” ~Amazon reviewer

 “This was one of those books that was at times, hard to read,yet impossible to put down.”     Faye| 14 reviewers made a similar statement

“Even when life is scary and uncertain, God is unchanging and faithful. He always keeps His Promises!”     Love 2 Read Novels| 9 reviewers made a similar statement

“This structure added depth to the characters and story.”     Sara Ella| 8 reviewers made a similar statement

Giveaway – Please Share!

#Giveaway PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE by @Cathy_Bryant #ChristianFiction http://tinyurl.com/omu7mqp
Click To Tweet - Powered By CoSchedule

To pin the book cover, just past your cursor over the pic above until a “PIN IT” button pops up. Click on the button to share on Pinterest, and please add a link to this post. You can also share this post on Facebook and other social media outlets using the share buttons below.

Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE Giveaway appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Who We Serve

We all serve something.

The word service and worship are often used interchangeably in the Bible. In other words, what/who we serve is what/who we worship. It’s imperative in this earthly life, our testing and training ground, that we learn to serve and worship only God. It won’t be easy, because our enemy will tempt us with many other objects of worship/service.

We Serve Ourselves.

Sometimes we serve ourselves and our desires. This can be true when we’re working for a paycheck, personal fame, or our desires/needs rather than for the Lord. Sometimes we even serve ourselves by trusting in worldly messages that sound good and make us feel better about ourselves. We even serve our doubts and fears by listening more to them than we do our God.

We Serve Things.

Sometimes we serve things and the empires we’ve built for ourselves. No matter how big our bank accounts, 401Ks, barns, earthly wealth, or whatever, we cannot serve these idols of wood, metal, and paper. The works of our hands should never take precedence over our worship of God. We must always remember that He is the One who gives us our talents and abilities, our health to do the things we do, and the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

We Serve Other People.

Sometimes we serve people by trying to impress or please them. While the Lord commands us to love others as ourselves and to be His hands and feet, ultimately it is not people we are to serve. Earthly ‘bosses’ may seek to bring us under their power, but it is God we serve, not man (Col. 3:23).

We Serve God.

We cannot and should not serve anyone or anything other than God. He is the One who created us, who loves us, who knows us better than we know ourselves, who has a plan for our lives, who reveals Himself to us, who desires an intimate relationship with us, who has redeemed us, who promises to care for and sustain us, and so much more.

Serving and trusting in anything or anyone other than God, the great “I AM,” is nothing less than foolishness, folly, and emptiness. In fact, serving anything or anyone else is idolatry, and God won’t stand for it (Exodus 20:3).

The post Who We Serve appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Book Review: “Persecuted” by Robin Parrish (Giveaway)

Bit by bloody bit, our religious freedom is being encroached upon. If the scene in America plays out like it has in so many countries around the world, we could one day be forced into an underground, behind-closed-doors-only kind of faith, where the penalty for expressing that faith could mean imprisonment and/or death.

That is the basic premise behind the book Persecuted by Robin Parrish. This book is a departure from Mr. Parrish’s other books in that it is based on a movie. (The movie by the same name releases July 18, 2014. On a side note, I rarely like a movie better than a book. It will be interesting to see if this stays true in this particular instance since the book is based on the movie and not the other way around.)

What I Liked About “Persecuted”

I could actually see the scenes in the book playing out like a movie. I also believe that the scenario is very plausible in our current political climate, where immorality is encouraged and faith in God is not. In my opinion, the characters were very well drawn out and realistic, though I did find the antagonist a little stereotypical. The action scenes were fast-paced and intense. Overall, the story was well-written, and I empathized with the characters.

What I Disliked About “Persecuted”

The characterization of John Luther as a glitzy television evangelist near the beginning of the book left a sour taste in my mouth. That image doesn’t match up with the back-cover book description of a man who simply “wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family.” To me it reeked of selfish ambition and someone who sought the spotlight rather than God.

I also wish the book had gone into more detail about the Faith and Fairness Act, which is really the ticking time bomb behind the whole story. All the book says is that it would require Christians “… to publicly declare your religious beliefs in a way that permits equal time and respect to other faiths.”

But that leaves tons of questions in my head that went unanswered. Is this act a move toward a one world religion? Would this mean that Satanists would get equal footing as Christians in religious freedoms? And I had more questions along these lines. I just felt like the act was a little shadowy and ambiguous, which only served to weaken its potential impact and the story in general.

Book Description:

“The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.” –Reverend Billy Graham

The Question Is Not If Attempts Will Be Made

to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When.

And When That Day Comes, Will You Stay Silent?

A storm is coming.



The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther’s endorsement as critical.

But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option–putting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation’s freedoms.

In Conclusion

Overall, I would recommend this book, and I intend on seeing the movie, mainly because I believe in the underlying message of the book. If Christians don’t take a stand at some point, the religious liberties we enjoy today will be unavailable to our children and grandchildren.

As I read the book, this quote kept coming to my head: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ~Edmund Burke

I pray that I will have the courage to stand in the face of persecution and say: “I will not be silent.”

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me for review, but no other compensation was provided. The opinion of the book as stated above is my own.

Giveaway

The giveaway of a copy of the book “Persecuted” by Robin Parrish is via the Rafflecopter below. US and Canada only. Ends July 31.

“Disclosure (in accordance with 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 is subject to eligibility verification.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Book Review: “Persecuted” by Robin Parrish (Giveaway) appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

Lord of the Impossible

When we gaze on our circumstances, they often take on monumental proportions. They seem impossible.

But when we start to feel like our hopeless situation will never change, we need to remember that God is Lord of the impossible. In fact, He specializes in the impossible.

And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~Matthew 19:26 (NASB)

Having trouble believing that God can do the impossible? Consider these examples:

A persecuted shepherd-boy-who-would-be-king pursued by the troubled current ruler. Impossible? Not with God.

A deceiver returns with wife and children in tow to his homeland where his brother seeks his life. Impossible? Not with God.

An elderly man and his elderly wife await the promise of a child though their child-bearing years have passed. Impossible? Not with God.

Escaped slaves are trapped between the Red Sea and quickly approaching Egyptian army. Impossible? Not with God.

A wicked queen seeks the life of a prophet of God. Impossible? Not with God.

Three God-fearing men are cast into a fiery furnace. Impossible? Not with God.

A prophet is ordered to marry an adulterous woman. Impossible? Not with God.

A servant of God is told to approach a zealous and devout Jew who persecutes the people of The Way. Impossible? Not with God.

All of humanity separated from God by their sinful condition. Impossible? Not with God.

Whatever your situation–even if it seems impossible–don’t give up hope. Place your trust in God, the One who makes a way when there seems to be no way.

As I wrote this post, I was reminded of a chorus my mom used to sing:

“Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can not tunnel thorough?

God specializes in things thought impossible

And He can do what no other one can do. ”

Click HERE to hear Mahalia Jackson’s version of the song.

Lord God, there are no impossibilities with You. We offer praise and thanksgiving for that truth. No rivers are uncrossable, no mountains insurmountable. You will make a way where there seems to be no way. Amen.

The post Lord of the Impossible appeared first on Cathy Bryant.

99-cent Sale for THE WAY OF GRACE (Kindle version)

THE WAY OF GRACE (Christian romantic suspense; a Miller’s Creek novel; 4.7 stars with 90 reviews at Amazon) is on sale for 99-cents for a limited time. Please share the news with those you think might be interested. You can use the share buttons below this post, or if you’re receiving this post via e-mail you can simply forward the e-mail or this post link URL.

Purchase Links for the Book on Sale:

Click here to purchase the Kindle version, currently on sale for 99-cents.

Click here to purchase the print version.

Book Information:

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. Sidetracked by a desire to be a prosecuting attorney, Grace Soldano launches into uncharted waters, making herself over to please her boss and mentor.

Then a disheveled free spirit turns her perfectly ordered world upside down, challenging the concept of personal goodness. A fall from perfection leaves Grace 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?

What Readers Are Saying…

“…more than just a story.” ~Amazon reviewer

“…very well-written novel.” ~Amazon reviewer

“I finally understand the differences between grace, mercy, and justice.” ~Amazon reviewer

“Suspenseful, inspirational Christian fiction.” ~Amazon reviewer

“Perfection isn’t everything.” ~Amazon reviewer

“Excellent book and series.” ~Amazon reviewer

“God’s amazing grace.” ~Amazon reviewer

“…couldn’t put it down.” ~Amazon reviewer

“This is the third book that I have read from the Miller’s Creek series.” MississippiGirl2013  |  11 reviewers made a similar statement

“The character’s were well written and the storyline was very interesting.” Cathy  |  9 reviewers made a similar statement

“We all need reminders every day of how faithful God can be. When we go through the rough times I pray that God will remind us of his goodness, grace and mercy.”

salsee6| 24 reviewers made a similar statement

The post 99-cent Sale for THE WAY OF GRACE (Kindle version) appeared first on Cathy Bryant.