Today I have a treat for you. Cathy Bryant is a recent author who I was able to do some book reviews for. Her second novel, A Path Less Traveled just released the end of last year and I have to tell you, I love her books! Both novels in this series are wonderful! You would never know she is a new author. Her style is full, rich and the characters make you feel like you know them. So, when I emailed her and asked about her joining my Event, she was gracious, as always, and offered to do a devotional and a book giveaway. You will absolutely fall in love with this book! And then of course, you will have to purchase the first one in the series:) Anyways, read through this devotional and let it speak to you, then enter the giveaway at the bottom.
You Want Me To Do What?
By Cathy Bryant ©2010
By Cathy Bryant ©2010
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6
Following doesn’t come easy for me. My independence exerts itself on a regular basis. Maybe I know a faster way or a short cut. Or maybe I just get tired of the view and seek out a more scenic route. Some days I just don’t feel like following.
As I bounce off the mid-century mark of my life, I wonder if I’ll always struggle with following. In my prayers I’m quick to plead for God’s guidance and direction. But sadly, no sooner than I voice the word “Amen,” I’m setting down my agenda for the day with no concern for God’s direction at all.
The older I get the more I understand why we’re so often referred to as sheep in God’s Word. Sheep are stupid and dim-witted animals, and will wander away from the flock at a moment’s notice, led astray by other wandering sheep or the lure of greener pastures.
Often following is not so much a problem of hearing as it is a problem of obedience.
God speaks to His sheep. We hear His voice. Then we glance down the road He wants to take us down. It looks dangerous. Or boring. Unpleasant. We cock one eyebrow at God and ask: “You want me to do what?”
Here’s a scriptural look at following, based on the verse above:
Trust Him
Trust is more than just a platitude. Trust is an action. As the word is used in this verse, it actually means to “lean on.” We can say we trust a chair to hold us up, but until we actually put our weight on the chair, our words are meaningless.
We can tell God and others that we trust Him, but unless we’re willing to back our words with action, we’re just adding to the clamor.
With All Your Heart
A half-hearted trust won’t get us very far. Why? Because it leads to hesitancy, where we waver between trust and distrust. God, in His wisdom, wants your undivided heart.
Don’t Lean On Your Understanding
It’s human and natural for us to depend on our understanding, but we need to realize that neither our senses nor our feelings are an accurate guide. We are finite and limited creatures, and our thoughts and ways are infinitesimal compared to God. Because He’s unlimited by time and space, He sees all and knows all. Why would we ever want to depend on our understanding rather than His?
Acknowledge Him In All Your Ways
Because we belong to Him who is bigger than and greater than, we need to acknowledge Him—not just to ourselves, but to the whole world. Admit that He’s in control. Announce that you follow Him in trust. Blitz the world with your proclamation and praise.
He WILL Direct Your Paths
If we trust Him with all our hearts, seek His way instead of our own, and acknowledge Him as God, He WILL direct our paths. No worry. No fuss. No wondering if we’re on the right road.
Thank You, God, that You are worthy of our trust. Forgive our sheep-like ways. Teach us to follow you without hesitation, knowing that as our Good Shepherd, You love us and will provide for us. Thank You for directing our paths. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Cathy Bryant is a former public school teacher who handed in her chalk for a private music studio and writing career. Her passion is to write heart-stirring stories that show God’s life-changing grace. Cathy is the owner of the popular blog, WordVessel, and has written devotions for The Upper Room magazine, two devotional books, and online devotional sites. She’s the wife of a music minister, the mother of two grown sons and a beautiful daughter-in-love, and the Nana of Harrisen. A Texas gal since birth, she lives in a century-old Texas farmhouse with her husband and a phobia-ridden cat.
Texas Roads (her debut novel and a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist) released in March 2010. The second Miller’s Creek novel, A Path Less Traveled, was launched in November 2010. The Way of Grace (book 3 in the series) will be available in 2011.
Visit her website at HYPERLINK "http://www.CatBryant.com" www.CatBryant.com .
Readers, you will be entered to win a copy of A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant.
MANDATORY ENTRY-Tell me your favorite state. This MUST be done or the extra entries do not count. Please leave an email in your first entry so I can email you if you are the winner.
USA ONLY!
EXTRA ENTRIES-Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
1.Become a follower of Cathy's blog and let me know your username.
2.Leave an encouraging comment on Cathys Blog.
3.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done 3 times a day.
4.Blog about this giveaway or post about it on Facebook. Get 3 entries for each so leave 3 comments.
5.Follow my blog, subscribe via RSS Feed or follow me on Twitter. Get one entry for each you do.
6.Enter any of my other currently running giveaways. Leave a comment for each.
7.Leave a comment on my review posts. Let me know which ones.
This giveaway will end on 1/21. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
106 comments:
Maine is my favorite state.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
We live in such a beautiful Country...I have been to most states and this is hard, but probably I'll choose Rhode Island. I have very fond childhood memories of this State. My Dad was from there and always wanted to move back...it never happened.
alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com
I haven't traveled to many states, but I think Texas will always be my favorite state! In Texas you can travel to the coast, go to the dry dry west, hit the hill country, the panhandle, the east texas forests...we have it all!
mamalemons@sbcglobal.net
California always
marce underscore hall @ yahoo dot com
I follow you giveaway lady on twitter
I follow Cathy's blog...alekee02
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I left a comment for Cathy
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Timmy1966
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Blogged this giveaway on my Facebook Profile
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Blogged this giveaway on my Facebook Profile
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I follow you blog on GFC
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I follow your RSS Feed
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I follow you on Twitter...Timmy1966
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I left a comment on The Daughter's Walk giveaway
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Favorite state? Whyoming!!!!! :-D Beautiful country!!!
Please enter me!
Katy
legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com
I just wanted to thank Cathy for sharing such a wonderful devotional.
Cathy is such a gifted author and an encourager. God's blessings to you, Cathy!
Penny Zeller
My favorite state is Georgia.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I am an old follower of Cathys Blog and love her posts. She has beautiful devotionals that make you feel the emotions from the heart of the Bible.
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I left comment on Cathy's blog post regarding light.
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Left a comment on your Book Blast Day 8 Wayne Brillhart Review. Beautiful Book!!
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Well, my favorite state is North Carolina. It's beautiful! We have the mountains, the beach, golf, good universities, hospitals, zoo, etc. You name it!
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California
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pennsylvania :)
karenk
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left a comment on BBE Paul McCusker
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Left a comment on your Ottilie and Lulu post. So very cute!
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Kentucky is my favorite state.
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Timmy1966
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fave state: Utah
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xoxoxo
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Timmy1966
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Ohio is my favorite state. cwitherstine at zoominternet dot net
I entered the Bed & Breakfast giveaway. cwitherstine at zoominternet dot net
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