Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 47

BOOK REVIEW: Forgiveness - Unleashing a Transformational Process

I don't do near as many book reviews as I used to, but every once in a while I come across a book that I feel compelled to pass on.



Forgiveness - Unleashing a Transformational Process by Larry D. Ellis is such a book.



There will be times in this earthly life for each of us, where forgiveness seems impossible. Unfortunately, we often have a skewed view of what forgiveness truly is, and this only serves to further hinder our ability to forgive.



In this book the author uses scripture to reveal what forgiveness is and what it isn't. In a culture focused on self, the current popular reason for forgiveness is for the purpose of releasing the offended from the chains of resentment and bitterness.



While this is most definitely a result of forgiveness, for the Christian it is also a very self-absorbed reason for forgiveness and not biblical. The scriptural model of forgiveness is out of obedience to Christ, whose very nature and work centers around forgiveness. And God's Word is very clear: if we don't forgive, we won't be forgiven.



My purpose in reading this book was to research the topic of forgiveness for my upcoming novel, A Bridge Unbroken. I had no idea how this book would challenge and stretch my concept of not only forgiveness, but also worship, confession, repentance, reconciliation, and transformation.



In my humble opinion, this book is a must-read for every believer. You won't exit the book the same as when you entered, especially when you realize what God has forgiven you and that any grudges we grip with white knuckles stand as a barricade to truly worshiping our Lord and Savior. I can honestly say that applying the biblical principles offered in this book has brought transformation in my life.



I highly recommend Forgiveness - Unleashing a Transformational Process.

Careful What We Pray For

A very wise woman once told me "Be careful what you pray for. You might get it."



I've never forgotten those words.



In preparation for writing book five in the Miller's Creek novels, I've been studying the concept of forgiveness. During the course of this study and in reading a book entitled, Forgiveness: Unleashing a Transformational Process (book review to come soon!), those words took on fresh meaning.



How many times have I casually recited the Lord's Prayer, not realizing that I needed to be careful of what I prayed for?



And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. ~Matthew 6:12 (KJV) 



Ouch! Do I really want the Lord to forgive me the way I forgive others? 'Cause I just gotta say sometimes I don't do so well at it. Sometimes I hold on to those feelings of betrayal and hurt a little too long. Sometimes I distance myself from the perpetrator(s). Sometimes I give excuses for my own behavior while judging them for theirs.



Something has to be done. Either I need to change my prayer or change my heart and behavior.



Father God, I stand before You convicted that I need to do a better job of forgiving others. Not because of me, but because of You. There is nothing I need to forgive that is greater than what You've forgiven me. Enable me, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, to release the debts of others with the same grace and love You've lavished on me. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

"A Path Less Traveled" Free For Kindle November 8-12, 2013

Mark your calendars, and feel free to spread the news: A Path Less Traveled (Book 2 in the Miller's Creek novels) will be free for Kindle November 8-12, 2013!



Here's the book blurb: 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 less traveled?

Christian Kindle Freebies for October 18, 2013

Want a way to read all these great Christian Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!







The Reluctant Prophet 

by Nancy Rue



Fiction:

At age forty-two, Allison Chamberlain is still making a
half-hearted attempt to figure out what she wants to be when she grows
up. Although she has been a pew-sitting member of a church for seven
years, “prophet” has never been on the short list of possible careers.

Then
one Sunday Allison senses a divine nudge to buy a Harley motorcycle and
go wherever it takes her. Soon she is wondering if she is called to
present the reality of Christ to one of society’s darkest corners—and
challenge her own church to look beyond their fears.



The first in a brave trilogy from seasoned author Nancy Rue, The Reluctant Prophet shows how one person’s response to God’s call can change a community forever.



Click HERE to download.





Forsaken Dreams 

by MaryLu Tyndall



Fiction: Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall....They left everything behind to build a new Southern utopia. . ..After
witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel
Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for
the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new utopian
community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship
harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But
once the voyage begins, troubles abound. Dangers at sea and enemies from
within threaten to keep Blake and Eliza from the new life—and love—they
long for.



Click HERE to download.





The Victorious Christian Life 

by Eddie Snipes



Nonfiction: The victorious Christian life is not based on what you do for God, but what Christ has done for you.

In
Christ, you were ordained to conquer weaknesses, rise above failures,
and inherit all of God’s promises. Jesus said, it is the Father’s good
pleasure to give you His kingdom. God wants you to inherit everything
reserved for the believer. In fact, the Bible says that we have been
given everything that pertains to life and godliness. This means that a
life lived in Christ cannot fail.

While Jesus promised freedom,
many feel bound to their past, the requirements of religion, and the
limitations of their abilities. This is because the promise isn’t given
to those who walk according to the flesh, but only to those who walk in
the Spirit.

So what does it mean to walk in the Spirit? How do
you live according to the new creation and put the deeds of the old
creation to death? Understanding these fundamental truths are essential
for walking in victory. Victory has been given, but we must learn to
live in the Spirit.

Living by faith isn’t complicated, but
unless we know what has been given to us through Christ, the truth
cannot set us free. Lay aside guilt, fear, and frustration. Take the
hand of grace and enjoy your fellowship with God as you journey through a
life of victory!



Click HERE to download.

One of My Favorite Stories of All Time

Is there anything more touching than the demonstration of a parent's love for their children?



I think that is why the parable of the prodigal son will always be one of my personal favorites.



“There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate." ~Luke 15:11-24 (NIV)



Here is the true beauty of this story: We've all had times when we travel away from God and squander the gifts He has given us. This is my story, and I suspect it could be yours as well.



But thank God, the story doesn't end there. The Father is waiting. He's watching out the window, and even though we may still be a long way off in our journey back to Him, He runs to us with open arms, buries us in His loving embrace, and welcomes us home with a heavenly celebration.



If that's not a perfect picture of a Father's love, I don't know what is.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: You're Invited!

Isn't it exciting to get an invitation to a wonderful banquet complete with tables bulging from the weight of the food? Ah, the tempting aromas floating up to our nostrils...Those types of banquet invitations are made even sweeter when the one doing the inviting is someone important.



Imagine if you will, the Prince and Princess of Great Britain inviting you to a feast. In addition they will pay all of the expenses incurred to get you to the location of the banquet. Now imagine yourself making an excuse not to go...



WHAT????



Who in their right mind would turn down that type of invitation, especially if all your expenses were paid?



Now consider this: Someone of even more importance than the Prince and Princess of Great Britain has issued you the greatest invitation ever to the greatest banquet ever and all your expenses have already been paid. Would you make an excuse not to go? Maybe the question should be: Have you made an excuse not to go?



You see, the King of all kings, the Prince of Peace, has paid all the expenses necessary for you to attend His banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven. He really wants you there, but the choice is yours.



But be careful about making excuses.



When one of those who reclined [at the table] with Him heard this, he said to Him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God! But Jesus said to him, A man was once giving a great supper and invited many; And at the hour for the supper he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, Come, for all is now ready. But they all alike began to make excuses and to beg off. The first said to him, I have bought a piece of land, and I have to go out and see it; I beg you, have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to examine and put my approval on them; I beg you, have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and because of this I am unable to come. So the servant came and reported these [answers] to his master. Then the master of the house said in wrath to his servant, Go quickly into the great streets and the small streets of the city and bring in here the poor and the disabled and the blind and the lame. And the servant [returning] said, Sir, what you have commanded me to do has been done, and yet there is room. Then the master said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges and urge and constrain [them] to yield and come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall taste my supper. ~Luke 14:15-24 (AMP)



If you would like to know more about how to accept this great invitation, please click the LIFE button in the sidebar.

Settling Out Of Court

Just a few verses earlier in Luke 12, Jesus told His disciples and others listening in that he had come to bring fire to the earth. Though He had also come to offer peace (Luke 2:14), because man has the option of either accepting or rejecting His peace, the result would be division and the fires of judgment.



Jesus immediately follows this with a message of warning to the crowd.



"When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot, and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?" ~Luke 12:54-56 (NIV)



God has given us all the revelation we need through His Holy Word, but the decision on what to do with His Word, which is Christ (John 1), is up to us.



As of now, there is still time to settle out of court and get our lives right, but with each passing moment we are one step closer to the courtroom of all courtrooms and the fires of judgment.



Follow His Living Word and settle matters once and for all.




* * * * *




If you'd like to know Jesus personally and get your life right with the Righteous Judge, all you have to do is accept Him in faith and follow Him in obedience. Please click the LIFE button in the sidebar or HERE to learn more. Also please feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Rejected

Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. ~Luke 8:37 (NIV)



Luke 8:22-39 tells the story of a demon-possessed man whom Jesus restored to wholeness. The tale takes place in the region of the Gerasenes or Gadarenes, across the lake from Galilee.



The man's demon possession was so severe that he ran around without clothing and lived among the tombs. As soon as Jesus set foot on the ground, the demons (yes, there was more than one) began to shriek at Him, because they knew who Jesus was. The demons also pleaded that Jesus not torture them or send them to the Abyss, where all satanic beings will one day be confined (Revelation 9:1; 20:1, 3).



Instead they begged Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs. He obliged, and the herd subsequently read headlong into the lake and drowned. The tenders of the pigs ran off to report what had happened to the townspeople, immediately drawing a crowd to where Jesus was to see what had happened.



When they arrived, they found the once demon-possessed man in his right mind and clothed, sitting at Jesus' feet.



You would think they would be glad that the crazed man had been restored, but they weren't.



They were concerned that their herd of pigs had been drowned. They were more concerned about their possessions than they were about another human being.



They asked Jesus to leave. And He did.



Every person has a choice to make regarding Jesus. Either we accept Him and His free gift of grace, or we reject Him and ask Him to leave.



Jesus won't force Himself on anyone. He'll leave if that's what you really want Him to do, but I beg you to consider carefully your choice.



My pastor recently gave a quote in a Sunday morning message that stuck in the crevices of my brain. I don't know the quote exactly or even who originally said it, but the gist of the quote is this:



"Sin is man's way of telling God, 'Leave me alone.' Hell is God's way of saying, 'Okay.'"

Christian Kindle Freebies for October 11, 2013

Want a way to read all these great Christian Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!





Home Run 

by Travis Thrasher



Fiction:


Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he’s
spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future
seems as hopeless as his past.

 

Until one
moment—one mistake—changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go
back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local
baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as
possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can’t escape ...
and the love he left behind.

 

Faced with a second
chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith,
transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a
powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God.

 

A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us.


Click HERE to download.





His Eye is on the Sparrow 

by Val Waldeck



Nonfiction/Devotional: “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is an encouraging Christian Devotional with
special meditations written for each day of the year. Thought-provoking,
inspirational and challenging, this daily devotional will encourage you
for years to come.

The devotional focuses on twelve different Biblical themes, one for every month.

January - When the Storms Come (Book of Job).
February - Life's Fat Cats (Psalm 73)
March - Jesus Christ, Lord and Messiah.
April - The Amazing Love of God.
May - The Prayer of Jesus (Learning to pray the way Jesus taught).
June - Faith To Live By (Book of James).
July - Jeremiah, A Man For His Times (Book of Jeremiah).
August - Jonah, the Reluctant Prophet (Book of Jonah).
September - For Such A Time As This (Book of Esther).
October - He's Coming Back Again (2 Peter 3).
November - The "One Another's" Of The Bible.
December - The God Who Is Always There (Psalm 139).

Each
short Christian devotion is complete in itself, though part of the
whole and sets out to encourage, motivate, bless and challenge the
reader. Your heart will be warmed and your faith encouraged to believe
the God of the Bible whatever the circumstances of your life.



Click HERE to download.





Christmas Vows $5.00 Extra 

by Lori Copeland



Fiction: Ex-con Ben O’Keefe is stranded on the road to Poplar Bluff, with three
hungry children in the backseat and less than $300 to his name. With no
hope of making it to Grandma’s for Christmas, Ben seeks mercy from the
first person he finds: Henrietta Humblesmith, owner of the local
marrying parlor. This crusty old woman with a soft heart will surprise
them all with a Christmas they will never forget.



Click HERE to download.

Christian Kindle Freebies for October 10, 2013

Want a way to read all these great Christian Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are
free before you click to buy. Just so you know, I have not read
all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or scriptural accuracy
(though I try to be discerning about which books I share on WordVessel).
Happy reading!





 The Legacy Builder 

by Rod Olson



Nonfiction:


“How can I control the pace of my life rather than having the pace control me?”

Lance
Marshall has reached the peak of success most entrepreneurs only dream
about. He’s the head of a profitable company, the husband to his
beautiful high school sweetheart, and the dad of three terrific kids.

So why is he at odds with his employees and his family? Why does he often feel angry about the pressures of life and work?

In
the tradition of great parable-based leadership books, Rod Olson tells a
story about a man in over his head and the five principles that change
his life forever.

“The Legacy Builder is a story that
illustrates the wise insights Rod Olson has gained in his work with
elite coaches and leaders. The engaging story will remind you of what’s
really important and teach you the things you need to know if you desire
to leave a powerful legacy.”                                                            -Mark Sanborn, New York Times bestselling author of the Fred Factor


Click HERE to download.





Hearing God's Voice 

by Vern Heidibrecht



Nonfiction:


We all know we ought to be listening to the voice of God but how do we hear it? Hearing God's Voice identifies ways in which God speaks to his people.

This
book will introduce you to a simple yet profound way of recording your
walk with God, and how to recognize God's wonders and miracles in your
life.
Eight helpful principles will show you how you can test whether
you are hearing the voice of God or simply responding to thoughts and
circumstances in which you find yourself. And, having heard God's voice,
you'll find yourself entering each day with new radiance and God-given
confidence.

Click HERE to download.





All She Wanted (Letting Go) 

by Nicole Deese



Romance: Choices.

They determine how we live, who we are, and what we want. Some choices are made for us.

Others we must make for ourselves.

Charlie
Lexington is a living consequence of both. Everything about the feisty
redhead represents a second chance—even her name. Though she was rescued
at the age of five, her past is a lingering reminder of what she longs
for most.

And the one thing she has spent a lifetime trying to find.

After
a series of less-than-stellar choices, her Performing Arts Scholarship
now hangs by a thread. Her sudden suspension has not only resulted in
her father’s disappointment, but in the loss of her freedom as well.

She is forced to face the music: four weeks house arrest.

Briggs
is the carefree, charming, yet all-too-mouthy fireman who is asked to
keep an eye on the pretty little spitfire. He quickly learns, however,
that his first assessment of her was off—she’s tougher than she looks.
When her stubborn resolve pushes his sanity and intercepts his heart,
his loyalties are put to the test.

Sometimes the hardest choice we make, is the one we must make for love...



Click HERE to download.





Who's Your Father? 

by Robert Bernecker



Nonfiction: This eye-opening new book challenges readers to reevaluate their
perceptions of God, and it thoughtfully exposes many misconceptions that
are commonly found in the church of our day. Readers are led into a
deeper understanding of the real God of the Bible and shown the path to a
new and immensely satisfying relationship with their loving Father.

This
compelling work is a thought-provoking and inspirational examination of
how today's church views God. As the church struggles to truly
experience the unchanging love of our heavenly Father and to rest
confidently in God's perfect purpose for each of our lives, the cause of
this crucial deficiency is usually overlooked. Who's Your Father?
explains how our concept of God has grown increasingly flawed, and it
reveals how we have been taught to view our sovereign Father as a
benevolent gentleman who won't interfere with human free will. By
fostering this view, we've unknowingly created a weak, unreliable, and
frustrated God who we falsely believe will only occasionally choose to
use his divine power to actively work in our lives in a powerful and
effective manner.

Writing from the down to earth perspective of a
well-versed layperson, Bernecker skillfully shows how we rob ourselves
of incredible blessings when we miss the vital connection between the
unlimited sovereignty and the unbounded love of the true God of the
Bible.



Click HERE to download.





70 Extraordinary Object Lessons For Homeschool & Sunday School 

by Patricia Meyers



Nonfiction: Patricia Meyers (Miss Pat) has been keeping kids' attention for over 30
years -- in Children's Church, in schools, in a Sidewalk Sunday School
format, and at home. She can help you keep their attention, too! And
teach a lesson at the same time.

We all learn best when visuals
are involved - kids especially. What if we used something familiar,
something fun, or something unusual to teach Bible truths? What can you
teach using a kite? A bug? A Christmas tree? A rope? Here's the stuff!
You'll feel successful from the first lesson. And you'll use all 70!

Jesus
taught His parables using things the people could not only relate to,
but things that helped them latch onto the truth being presented. Let’s
do the same. The kids you teach are going to LOVE these lessons. You
will, too.



Click HERE to download.





New Geneva Introduction to the Old Testament 

edited by R.C. Sproul



Nonfiction: The New Geneva Study Bible was one of the finest study Bibles of its
kind—edited by R.C. Sproul and written by well-respected Reformed
authors. Now out of the print, the introductory materials have been
collected, with permission, into two informative and easy-to-read
volumes.

The New Geneva Introduction to the Old Testament
provides clear, concise, and theologically sound information on the
background, history, genres, and themes of the Old Testament, as well as
an introduction to the Intertestamental Period.

This volume will
be valuable as a background text for anyone interested in learning more
about the Bible or as a quick reference for students, preachers or
Christian ministry workers.



Click HERE to download.





The Burden Bearer 

by Paul W. Chappell



Nonfiction: Do you know the Burden Bearer?

He invites us to cast all of our cares on His shoulders, releasing them from our own.

But how exactly is that done? And why do we find ourselves heavy, burdened, weighted, and exhausted?

The
allegory in these pages will captivate your heart, delight your soul,
and profoundly change your life. Follow the main character—Carrier—on
his journey with the Burden Bearer, and discover the Christian life and
relationship with Jesus that you were meant to enjoy!



Click HERE to download.





Anchored 

by Tracey Hoffman



Fiction: Successful business man, David O'Malley thought life would be simpler
moving from Sydney to the picturesque seaside town of Blue Bay, known
for it's stunning beaches and friendly locals. An unexpected brutal hit
and run not only leaves David questioning his decision to move, but
throws the sleepy town into a spin, with suspicions running high.

Mia
Dawson had lived in Blue Bay her whole life and she'd never met anyone
quite like David. Despite his obvious good looks and city charm her
heart was guarded. A series of unexpected events threatens Mia's safety,
but sadly she cannot run to the one man she needs the most - her
father.

Overwhelmed by deceit and lies, Jonathan only has
himself to blame. There's a bitter wedge between him and his only
daughter, Mia, which haunts him day and night. Despite living under the
same roof his family is falling apart.

Mystery, mistrust and
betrayal run deep throughout Anchored. A story where relationships are
important but not always as they seem.



Click HERE to download.