Having known TC Avey via Social Media (@TCAvey1 on Twitter) for several years now, reading her blog and interacting with her socially, I was very excited to find out she was writing a book.  I was gifted a copy of The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends in exchange for an honest review.

I read the book in ONE sitting. Easy to keep up with,expertly written and I have to say, each scenario is completely possible in this day and age.

While this book is a work of fiction, TC has done her homework with these three short stories and honestly the things in her book could become reality for many.

These stories easily get your attention as specific freedoms are challenged. 

I would suggest using the Reality Check section at the end of each story in this book in a Bible study settings to prompt discussions about the events she covers as well as family time discussions.

As you read her book, search your own heart and think of what you would do should everything as you know it….change.

Here is an interview TC has graciously given me.  

1.  What prompted you to write this book? 

I’ve always been passionate about Current Events, History, and the Word of God. A few years ago God began tying these together so that each news story or history lesson I read, I saw God at work.

I was troubled when I began to see the path America, and the world, is on.

I found comfort in 2 Chronicles 7:14 but I felt compelled to do more.

But what was I to do?

After church one day, God gave me this message. It took months of prayer, research, and seeking God before this book became a reality. More than once I tried tabling this book and saying it wasn’t the “right time”, but I had no peace when I did this.

Continually God brought me back to Jeremiah 20:8-9. I can’t keep this message inside. It must be spoken. How it is received isn’t up to me. I must do my part and trust God to finish what He began. God is speaking to His people…are we listening?

2.  Each person has gifts given to them by God to aide in their calling. How did you know you were called to write?

I’m not sure. Some people hear a voice from God. Some people know from a young age. There are countless books/resources out there to help you discover your gifts. Each Member in the Body of Christ has gifts and those gifts are meant to bring glory to God.

For me, I can’t NOT write. I love writing. I love reading. I love learning. Those are things God placed inside me. But I’ve not always used them for His glory.

I wrote for years, but it’s only been since 2011 that I’ve been courageous enough to share my writings with the world through my blog, Wisdom of a Fool.

I guess my answer to those seeking to know their gifts and calling is ask yourself, what passions has He placed inside me? What do I enjoy doing?

When I began my blog, I had no idea God would lead me to write this book. But this book takes all my passions (reading, writing, research, God) and brings them together, hopefully all for His glory and not my own.

3.  Explain how your book encourages people to be more active in their faith. 

When we accept Christ as our Savior we are a New Creation. That New Creation longs to please God, to do good works, to bring Him glory.

We can never earn our Salvation, but when we begin to grasp all that God has done for us, we can’t help but share that Good News with the world.

Our flesh wars with our spirits and this world does a wonderful job of distracting us from the Great Commission we are each given.

It’s my prayer that people will read my book and be inspired to KNOW God more. To follow Him. To dedicate their lives, energies, talents, time and so on to the One who gave Himself for us (John 3:16-17).

Truth is, our lives aren’t about us. They are about the One who purchased us, who redeemed us from our fleshly desires.

It’s time we wake up and stop living our lives for ourselves and begin being a City on a Hill.

I hope my book helps people analyze where they place their trust. Anything other than the solid foundation of Christ won’t stand.

4.  If people take one thing away from your book, what do you hope it is? 

Not to fear the trials and pains of this world, but cling to the Word of God. For God’s Word to be ALIVE in them. Jesus says that in this world we will have tribulation, but we can have hope and joy because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

This type of hope and joy can only be found in a RELATIONSHIP with Christ, not a religion. 

5.  How can people maintain their joy when there are so many troubling things in the world? 

By NOT focusing on what is transpiring in the world. Focus on the Word of God.

This seems contrary to much of my book highlighting Modern Events.

However, it’s true. God’s Word must be our source and foundation. That being said, I think it’s imperative people also know what is going on in the world.

How can we know how to pray? How can we see the signs described to us in Matt 24, if we don’t pay attention to the birth pangs transpiring around us?

How can we encourage others, if we don’t know what it is they are burdened with?

God’s Word must permeate our minds and souls, but we can’t neglect to stay informed if only so we can help others who are burdened down with the cares of this world.

Also, one must never operate their lives from a position of fear. Fear is satans tool to immobilize us. But God, who is perfect love, casts out fear. Cling to that Love. Stay in the Vine.

BIO-

TC Avey is a Christian devoted to God, family and friends. She is passionate about encouraging Christians to live a life dedicated to Christ as well as helping them understand the importance of preserving our national freedoms through knowledge and love. She blogs at Wisdom of a Fool (tcavey.blogspot.com). You can also follow her on Twitter (TCAvey1). Her book, The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends, is available on Amazon.  You can also check out her book on GoodReads.

I highly recommend this book. I hope you’ll read it, spend some time in thought with regards to the events listed in the book and then share it.

Thanks TC for this opportunity to share The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends.

*No compensation was received in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to give a positive review. 

 You can purchase a copy via Amazon here. 

What will you do when your basic Christian Freedoms are challenged? Get the book, think about it.

The post The Precipice first appeared on CHRISTIAN REP.

God Fashioned by Author and Biblical Life Coach Bridget Haymond 

Is a remarkable daily devotional divided into 10 weeks that covers various topics to help you clearly see that you were fashioned by God for more than you could have ever imagined.

In this crazy world we live in you are easily reminded of your faults, your issues, your troubles but THIS devotional has been written to help you see the best in yourself so that you can focus your energy on what God wants you to be and His desires for your life.

I’ve said it a million times and I’ll keep saying it, the negative is so easy to see! Author Bridget Haymond has written this devotional in such a way that each day you’ll be able to see beyond the negative as you look deeper into what God truly created you for.

She has crafted daily devotions that are easy to read with thought provoking questions at the end that are for men, women and even teens.  Your pre-teen looking for their purpose, for direction? Get this book for them and take time daily to read and discuss it with them.

She has laid it out with topics that flow from day to day in such a thoughtful way so that you are not overcome, yet you are looking into the positive, the talents and good that God has created you for.

I love that she ends each week with a weekly reflection.  This is awesome for the group discussions, or parent/teen discussion that you can have.

Your youth group will benefit from it, your Sunday school, small group or even your personal daily devotional time.

This study can easily be broken down into a 4 week study by reading 2 pages a day. Many feel that they cannot maintain a long 10 week study, but this book will not leave you feeling that way.  You can easily modify this to fit your study group’s need.

What are your needs? Do you feel that you are looking for more from God? Do you feel that He has fashioned you for more and you just don’t know what it is? Then you should get this book and dig in! 

I’ve know Bridget for years and have had the privilege of sharing many cups of coffee, laughs and the warmest hugs with her! Her coaching skills are amazing, her love for helping people to draw closer to the Lord makes my heart smile and I KNOW that you and your group will love her devotional!

YOU Were Created for more! God Fashioned you for such a time as this!

You will want to Get your copy today from Amazon here. Paperback copy or Kindle Version 

I’m giving away a copy of her book! All you have to do to be entered to win is leave a comment. Winner will be drawn August 24th 2015. That’s right…nothing to fill out, nothing to click, nothing to extra other than say hello in the comments below. I just love easy! Brings me great JOY.

Some of my favorite quotes: 

• Rather than merely seeking gifts from the Lord, make it your goal to enjoy a vibrant relationship with Him first and foremost.
• God offers us real life with the added benefit of friendship with Him.
• Ultimately, choices reflect heart attitudes and values.
• Daily renewing your mind with the word of God will help you recognize those things that aren’t His best for your life
• obedience to Him is not an imposition, but a joyful expression of your love, trust and respect for Him
• Your life is intended to be a light that points the way to Jesus
• While growing up in Christ requires self-control, faith and endurance, it also involves learning to rest in His grace.
• When you make room for God to work in and through your life, He can give you unique strategies and the strength to overcome obstacles and bring good out of bad situations

Here are some ways to get to Know Bridget Better, and honestly, I hope you do.  You’ll be glad you did. 

Website: http://bridgethaymond.com/

Twitter: @Bridgethaymond

Facebook: Bridget Haymond Christian Life Coach

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We’ve come a long way through our Bible! I’ve enjoyed getting to know old characters again, being reminded that even though many failed and failed BIG that they were still mightly used by the Lord because they were willing to be used.  I’ve enjoyed hearing many, many times – do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.  I hope that you are enjoying the journey so far as well!

This Weeks Schedule:

• Day 29 1 Chronicles 1:1 – 1 Chronicles 9:44
• Day 30 1 Chronicles 10:1 – 1 Chronicles 23:32
• Day 31 1 Chronicles 24:1 – 2 Chronicles 7:10
• Day 32 2 Chronicles 7:11 – 2 Chronicles 23:15
• Day 33 2 Chronicles 23:16 – 2 Chronicles 35:15
• Day 34 2 Chronicles 35:16 – Ezra 10:44
• Day 35 Nehemiah 1:1 – Nehemiah 13:14

Books we’ll encounter this week:

1 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 2 Samuel. This book was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended as an encouragement to the returnees. Its emphasis in on the more positive events/aspects of the reigns covered.

2 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 1 & 2 Kings.  Like Chronicles, it was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended to encourage.

Ezra Overview:  When Cyrus became king of Persia, the Lord led him to free teh exiles to return to Jerusalem. Ezra, a teacher “well versed in the Law of Moses” arrives several decades later to discover that many from Judah have been intermarrying with the neighboring peoples.

Nehemiah Overview:  Whereas Ezra is a teacher and scribe, Nehemiah is a leader. The book of Nehemiah celebrates the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls against significant odds. The behavior of the residents when Nehemiah is in residence and when he is not harkens back to the era of the Judges.

Consider:

1.  How does the Lord use the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12?

2.  Does David immediately realize the significance of Nathan’s story about the rich man?

3.  What does David’s response in 2 Samuel 12:13 say about his relationship with God?

4.  What were the consequences of David’s sin?

5.  Has there been an “aha” triggered by your reading this week that you have been able to immediately apply to your life?

Do you know that we are going to be halfway through the Old Testament? *Clapping* GOOD for YOU!!  If you have fallen behind, don’t give up!! Keep reading. Keep at it! You’ll be glad you did!

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

When you finish this week you are 1/3 through this lesson! The best way to maintain an awesome relationship with the Lord is to stay close to Him by staying in His Word!

The post Week 5 Bible in 90 Days first appeared on CHRISTIAN REP.

As we near completing our first month of Bible reading, I’m excited that this goal is actually possible.  I’m still a little behind, but working diligently to catch up.   I hope that you are still on track and are enjoying your journey.  If you are behind, still work on it.  Think about it…how bad its it to have read through your bible in 100 days? hmmm?

You can do this.  I have faith in you.

Bible Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 22 1 Samuel 28:20 – 2 Samuel 12:10
• Day 23 2 Samuel 12:11 – 2 Samuel 22:18
• Day 24 2 Samuel 22:19 – 1 Kings 7:37
• Day 25 1 Kings 7:38 – 1 Kings 16:20
• Day 26 1 Kings 16:21 – 2 Kings 4:37
• Day 27 2 Kings 4:38 – 2 Kings 15:26
• Day 28 2 Kings  15:27 – 2 Kings 25:30

In the early 1990’s H. Jackson Brown wrote Life’s Little Instruction Book. His son was going to college and he watned to share some gems of wisdom that he had gleaned over the years. He collected 511 gems of wisdom that were to guide his son’s life.  For instance – learn to make great chili, never buy a house without a fireplace, overtip breakfast waitresses, be brave – even if you’re not, pretend to be – no one can tell the difference etc etc.

His son responded enthusiastically and the document made its way to a publisher and became a best seller. It’s hard to know whether anyone was transformed by this  – but the Bible…that’s a different story.  Billions of people have been changed by its message of hope and salvation.

Books you’ll Encounter This Week:

1 Kings – The book opens with the region of Solomon, a time when Israel enjoys a great deal of influence, wealth and worldwide recognition.  Yet, even as the world’s wisest man, Solomon is corrupted by worldly matters and the faiths of his wives and concubines. At his death the kingdom becomes divided.

2 Kings – Continues the account of the kings and the divided kingdom through the fall of Jerusalem

Reading Tips:

Many new people and names are introduced that can be hard to distinguish from one another.  Some events are described more than one and the kings of Israel and Judah are handled in rapid-fire succession.  To minimize confusion, slow down, read attentively.  Notice the patterns of behavior by the various kings.

Discussion:

1. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between modern Christians and the Bible?

2.  How is your perception of the Bible changing as you read each day?

3.  What questions evolved from your readings this week?

4.  Our reading shows us many instances when Israel only partially follows God’s commands. What are some examples and the results?

5.  Based on our reading to date, talk about what God tends to do whan a society turns to him for help.

6. List the tragedies and unfortunate events that befall Naomi and Ruth in the Book of Ruth. Does any good come from all of this?

7.  What are some examples of tragedy or hardship from which good has emerged?

8.  Do you have any “life instructions” you’d like to share?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Please print out the Lesson! It will help you so much as you journey through the Bible!

What are your thoughts so far?

How are you doing?

The post Week 4 Bible in 90 Days first appeared on CHRISTIAN REP.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Bible in 90 days.  I hope that you are excited and as we near the end, that you’ll be thrilled to have made your way through the Bible from cover to cover.   I’m so excited! I have a lot of resources for you to get started with, so let’s dive right in!

Here is a pdf version of the schedule that you can print off and use to track your reading.

Here is a free study guide for this week.

Reading Schedule for the Week:  tip: Bible Gateway has Audio. Listen to some of the chapters.

• Day 1 = Genesis 1:1 – Genesis 16:15
• Day 2 = Genesis 17:1 – Genesis 28:19
• Day 3 = Genesis 28:20 – Genesis 40:11
• Day 4 = Genesis 40:12 – Genesis 50:26
• Day 5 = Exodus 1:1 – Exodus 15:18
• Day 6 = Exodus 15:19 – Exodus 28: to end
• Day 7 = Exodus 29:1 – Exodus 40: to end

Please download the Free pdf lessons.  Listening to some of the chapters will help you stay on track each day.  This weekend, I’ll come back here and answer the discussion questions and share with you.  Feel free to add in any suggestions, comments and things that have helped you with your study this week.

Would love to hear any blessings or encouragements that helped you as well!

Story:

A deeply religious man lived in a house by the river, but one day the banks burst and the house was flooded. As the water level rose alarmingly, the man climbed onto the roof of the house. A Boat came by. “Climb aboard.” called the captain.  “No, I shall stay here,” said the man. “God will take care of me.”  Twenty minutes later, the waters sill rising, the man climbed onto the chimney. Another boat came past. “Jump aboard,” said the captain.  “No, I shall stay here,” said the man. “God will take care of me.”  With the water up to the man’s waist, a helicopter suddenly swooped down.  “Quick!” shouted the pilot. “Climb aboard!”

“No, I shall stay here,” said the man. “God will take care of me.” The water level continued to rise,  soon the man was swept away from the chimney and drowned.  Up in heaven, he sought out God. “I thought you said you would take care of me,” he complained. God said, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter. What more do you want?”

Do you have any questions for me? If so, please ask away.

Group discussion questions: 

1. Have you tried to read the Bible in its entirety?  Did you make it? How long did it take?

2.  What challenges did you face? If you didn’t get all the way through, how far did you get?

3.  What is the biggest challenge you are facing in this study (if any)?

4.  What have you found rewarding so far in your attempts to read the Bible regularly?

5.  If you’ve started to read through the entire Bible but have never finished it, what has kept you from finishing your goal?

6.  What excites you most about the prospect of reading the entire Bible in 90 days?

7.  Why do you believe it is important to read the entire Bible? What do you expect to discover in terms of practical living, spiritual growth, knowledge of history or other areas?

Reading Tips:

• You’ll be reading the Bible on your own. Set your schedule and plan to read each day. In 90 days, you’ll have accomplished your goal.
• We’ll meet here on the blog post and discuss anything you need to cover.  I don’t claim to have all the answers, but we will find them together if need be. I’m hoping that as others chime in and discuss what they read, that any questions will be answered that way.
• Try to read at different times to see what works best for you. Most of all, do not give up – even if you fall behind.

Understand what you can while reading, but remember – different things will “jump out” at you at different times.

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Genesis – The adventure begins. Creation of the universe and all things in it.

Exodus – Slavery and the deliverance from Egypt.

If it’s helpful to do so, print out this page, put it in your Bible and check off the schedule as you go along. Jot down some notes highlighting what you’ve read. Any knowledge gained, verses that spoke to you or just favorite passages.

Leave any comments, questions and items you’d like to discuss below. Also, please do take time to answer the discussion questions.  You never know how you’ll encourage someone to keep going after their goal!

If you are replying to someone, please include their name.  If you are on twitter, please leave your twitter name, so others can follow you.  I love getting to know others this way!

Let’s do this!

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Matthew

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Evolution and You

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When Paul Prayed

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