Last week, we played QUESS WHAT THE CHARACTER WILL SAY NEXT. I tried to make it really easy for you because the last time we played this nearly everyone got it wrong. This time, EVERYONE got it right! So I guess I made it too easy. The Answer was B.
Last week's winner is Kirsten Powell.. Congratulations Kirsten!!
Don't despair, you have one more chance to win the book. But if you simply can't wait, it looks like it has been released early. You can order it here at
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD
Spiritual Warfare and Romance!
Do the two go together? I say YES, of course! But some readers will probably not agree. Your normal Inspirational Historical Romance contains very little spiritual warfare. In fact, most contain very little spiritual anything at all! A prayer here or there, an appeal to God, but that's about it. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I'm just saying that's the norm. But like my husband tells me quite often, I'm not normal. I have never followed the norm in much of anything I do. Not food, clothing, hair style, music. you name it! Have you ever heard of a middle-aged grandmother obsessed with pirates? Case in point.
Abandoned Memories is a love story. It's a romance between two unlikely people wounded by life and looking for a second chance. It's also an historical based on real history in which thousands of Southerners fled the United States after the Civil War to Brazil looking to recreate a Southern Utopia in the new land. But it is also a lesson in Spiritual Warfare. I find so many Christians react in one of three ways when I mention Spiritual Warfare
1. The topic frightens them and they don't want to discuss it
2. They have no interest in it
3. They are completely unaware of the battle we are engaged in all around us
This is why I felt compelled to incorporate the spiritual into this story. For one thing, it seemed the perfect setting -- a dark, deep mysterious jungle in a foreign land where natives used to worship other gods. For another thing, the colonists are trapped in a place not easy to leave. Before you click off this post, mumbling that you aren't interested in spooky stories, let me say that Abandoned Memories is not spooky. It is funny and quirky and exciting and powerful and adventurous and romantic. Hopefully there are some tense moments when you are biting your nails but it is NOT my intention to frighten anyone. In fact, quite the opposite.
You see my husband and I have had several encounters with the spirit realm. I'm not sure why except to say that both he and I were not Christians for most of our lives. In fact, we both dabbled in things we shouldn't have and probably picked up a few demons along the way. I know we did, actually because we were forced to command them to leave after we turned to God. I know some Christians don't believe in Satan and demons ( 40% according to Barna), yet Jesus spent more time casting out demons and talking of Hell than healing and talking about Heaven. Truly.
Yes, there is a spirit realm. Though it exists all around us, we can't see it with the five physical senses God gave us. However because it is a spirit realm, we can sense it in our own spirits. Beings who exist in the spirit realm can see us, however. Angels and demons alike. Both good and evil. That's not meant to spook you., Just to make you aware that quite possibly and highly probably you are being watched by some beings who want to destroy you and others sent to protect you.. In my book, Abandoned Memories, demons take the form of visions of people the colonists once knew. Even though I don't believe demons can actually do that, I wanted to show that they know us really well. Some have followed us since childhood. They know our pasts and they know the things that will cause us to worry, to fear, to be tempted to do wrong, to lose hope. And their tasks are as follows:
1. Keep you from knowing God
2. Keep you from growing in your faith
3. Keep you from telling others about God
4. Keep you from your God-given purpose
5. Tempt you to sin
6. Make you give up on God and turn away from the faith
The closer you get to God, the more Christlike you become, the more they will attack you. Sorry, but that's the way War is. The people on the front line will get shot at the most. So, my poor colonists have been sent to Brazil by God for a certain purpose. And these demons know it. Their job is to get the colonists to go crazy, kill each other, leave, or give up. And they use all their power to do just that. The more the demons fail and the closer to God my colonists become, the attacks grow stronger, more powerful until the colonists finally catch onto what is happening and use their God-given authority to conquer the enemy. You see, those of us who have the Spirit of God living within us have NOTHING to fear from the enemy. We have been given all authority over our defeated foe. But we must learn to recognize his tactics and deal with him by using the all-powerful name of Jesus. My hope is that you enjoy the journey of the colonists as they come to this realization, and that you also learn something about your own walk with God in the process.
Leave your thoughts on Spiritual warfare along with your email address for a final chance to win a copy of Abandoned Memories!!
Thanks so much for joining me in this pre-release party! It's been fun!
.
MaryLu, I have the book, so I don't need to be in a drawing. I totally believe in spiritual warfare. Completely. Been in it, seen it happen. So I love reading about it in your books. You're right about the Christian fiction books mentioning God. I just finished one that maybe had the word 'God' in it twice and neither time was it used to denote worship. I don't know why it was marketed at Christian fiction; probably because it was clean; although the author did push the envelope a bit. Each time I read one of her books, I say I won't again. This time I mean it. LOVE your books; Keep shining!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! What's the sense of writing Christian Fiction if you don't glorify God? I may not sell a gadzillion copies because of it, but that's not what I'm about.
DeleteI definitely believe in spiritual warfare. How can anyone look at the news these days and not realize that something truly evil is behind people killing innocents in schools, malls, movie theaters, etc.? I recently read the Kiss Trilogy books by Debbie Viguie - vampires and Christianity (talk about not the norm!) and it was riveting to read about these creatures of the dark and the blood of Christ that is truly more powerful than any being (human or spirit). She's also written a book entitled "Battlefield Victory: Winning the War Against Satan" and tells her own personal story of being under attack by demons.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Christian authors (like yourself) who are not afraid to write about this daunting subject. Is it difficult to fully understand things we don't see? Of course, but we as Christians need to be prepared no matter what shape or form the enemy takes. Good news.....check the end of the Bible, Jesus' WINS! And if were on His side so do we.
aimmesser@yahoo.com
Completely agree, Amy! I'll have to check out Debbie's books. They sound fascinating. And yes, we are on the winning side! How wonderful to know that. :-)
DeleteSpiritual warfare is a topic that has been coming to my mind a lot lately, so stumbling upon this post was one of those "God-moments" (thanks, God!). I absolutely believe that it exists and that we are constantly engaged in spiritual warfare whether we are aware of it or not. To combat the evil in the world, we must daily not only take up our cross but also put on the full armor of God as we enter into battle, knowing that with the Lord on our side, we will have victory. You are right; we have nothing to fear so long as we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, for He fights for us and has already won the ultimate victory! Your books sound incredible, and I love the Colonial and early American period, so it would be amazing to win a copy of "Abandoned Memories"! Thanks for the giveaway and for a very thought-provoking post!
ReplyDeletelitteraegaudium(at)aol(dot)com
Hi Sarah, Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm praying the church starts to wake up to the reality of what we are up against here on earth. Satan would like us to think he doesn't exist, but he's hard at work against us. Jesus warned us to be aware and ready. He, himself, was attacked by Satan often. Anyway, I could go on.. thanks again. :-)
DeleteOur preacher was just teaching on spiritual warfare last Sunday. He made the comment that he knew a lot of people in the room didn't want to hear him say it, but that demons do watch us and look for ways to trap us into situations that pull us away from God, making us not useful in His kingdom.
ReplyDeletePersonally, my husband and I witnessed a spiritual warfare situation when we were on a trip with our two year old many years ago. He and I were totally enjoying the trip, but our normally easy going toddler was upset, irritable, and by the middle of the night, she was terrified and crying that "they" were watching her and were scary. We finally made it through the rough night, comforting her, and in the morning discovered that there was a convention of Wicken witches all weekend that had come in to town the evening before. Goes without saying that we cancelled the rest of the weekend vacation and headed back home for peace and quiet!
Brittany McEuen
kbmceuen(at)yahoo(dot)com
Wow Brittany. That's an amazing story. I have a similar one that happened to hubby and I in Jamaica that I won't go into here. Let's just say we could tell we were close to something very evil. Those evil spirits couldn't come after you, so they went after your innocent child. Makes me mad! Glad you got out of there!
DeleteI am in shock that 40% of Christians do not believe in Satan and demons?! Have they ever read their Bible? My mouth seriously dropped when I read that. I guess a lot of so called Christians don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God, which you think would also be something that no Christian would ever debate over, so this really shouldn't shock me. But it does! I have the first book in this series, but I haven't read it yet. This post has intrigued me though. I will definitely be looking into reading it soon and buying the second book...and hopefully winning the third...hehehe. Thanks for offering this giveaway, MaryLu!
ReplyDeleteI was shocked too, Emma. It's amazing how far the Western church has fallen. I fear we are the church Jesus spits out of his mouth. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteHi MaryLu. I love your posts. Glad you are always glad to talk about GOD and HIS glory. I have said many times to myself at one point in my life that I allowed Satan to get his foot in the door. Very bad to do. Finally got out of the situation but not before causing hurt to myself and others. Glad our GOD is a forgiving Father. I do believe Satan's demons take over some people's lives. Need to think more on my computer time. Could be Stan is using that like of mine to keep me from spending more time in studying my Bible. For I know it shouldn't be that way. I have said I am addicted to it. It is awful that our churches aren't more involved in working harder to try to rid our society of so many ungodly things creeping is as a normal thing when we know they are against GOD's will. I would love a chance to win your book. Maxie
ReplyDelete> mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Maxie, I, too, allowed Satan a foothold in my life long ago, and like you, the results were disastrous. It left me with a taste for how much he hates us. But God's love is stronger. Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteMaryLu, thank you so much for your post today! It's amazing and scary to think there are that many Christians who think the way they do about spiritual warfare. They've been lulled to sleep by the enemy, and that's exactly where he wants them. The church is in desperate need of revival. Thank you for not beating around the bush when it comes to this topic. You need not enter me since I have my copy. Give someone else an opportunity to read your fabulous books. Have a great weekend, dear MaryLu! :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Angi, that the church needs revival! I fear that persecution may be the only thing that wakes it up and sifts the true believers from the pretenders.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you, Jessica. Yes, absolutely, negative thoughts can be directly from the enemy. The battlefield is often in the mind. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI do believe in spiritual warfare and know it to be real. I experienced it in college and would never want to experience it again. But from that experience I was reminded that I was a child of God and Satan had no place with me (actually those were the words I said in my mind during that time). I haven't run into any Christians who didn't believe in Satan or demons but they're afraid to talk/think about it. Thanks for this post and for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletegarfsgirl@hotmail.com
Great words to remember, Lis! Our enemy is already defeated and he can't harm us if we are walking in the light. :-)
DeleteWhat a powerful truth you touched on today. I never felt this as powerful as when we became missionaries. Waking up in the night and knowing to quote scriptures to clear my dreams. Can't wait to read this!
ReplyDeletemissionwife@hotmail.com
God Bless you missionaries!! Out there on the front lines! You touched on a good point.. it's so important to know Scripture when being attacked. That's what Jesus did!
DeleteThanks for your wonderful post, MaryLu!! Such an accurate exposition of the spirit world - it's disheartening to know that so many Christians don't believe it exists or the possibility that it is robbing them of their effectiveness as witnesses for God.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of (and probably because of, also) battling cancer for the second time, this past year has been one in which I have probably had one of my closest relationship periods with God - ever!! It's interesting to note that the diagnosis of both cancers came at a time when I was the closest in my relationship with God and the most ardent in following my God-given purpose. In the past year I have truly tried very hard in my God-given purpose of reaching out to others, inspiring, and encouraging - in His name. I have become a friend and prayer partner with numerous Christians who are just as determined to live for God as me - friendships with brothers and sisters-in-Christ are one of God's many blessings to help us in our Christian walk.
Satan definitely does not like the person I have become and late one night last Fall - I found myself embroiled in an attack of spiritual warfare. The fact that I had been under added stress for a number of months as a result of caring for the elderly ill members of my family and not getting enough rest - added fuel to the fire. Anyone who doesn't believe in spiritual warfare need only to experience what I did that night in order to become a believer. The cold, dark, ominous presence in the room had me in tears, shaking, and feeling as if I was losing control of my thoughts. Satan is cunning and knows exactly when we are least resistant to his attacks. The closer we are to God, the easier it is to recognize these attacks. Through listening to praise and worship music, praying, reading scripture, and commanding the spirits to leave in the name of Jesus - all night long - I experienced a return of peace and the comforting presence of God.
I experienced that same cold, dark, ominous presence a number of years ago when I was working third shift as a house parent in a children's home for abused and neglected children. Some of these children had been through unbelievably horrific experiences and brought demons in with them when coming to live in the children's home. The demonic presence was so strong in one child's room one night when I made rounds that I awoke the day shift houseparent (who was a minister) and had him pray over the child and anoint the door frames and windows of the room with me.
Praying for you, MaryLu!! Love and hugs to you!!
Bonnie, I've felt that cold dark presence too. It's terrifying! And I agree that the closer we get to God, the more Satan attacks. He can't stand it that we belong to the Father and we might influence others toward the light. I'm so sorry about your cancer. We've spoken before about it and you know I'm praying for you! Hugs!
DeleteHi Mary Lu,
ReplyDeleteHope your week is going well for you. I wanted to tell you that you are my favorite writer! I really do mean it. I love how you make the Caricatures come to life in each of your books that you write. When I read your books I can see them in my head as I am reading. I like that when I read.
Please keep up the hard work!Your doing a wonderful wonderful job at it too.
I'm going to go and put in my order for your book right now.
Thanks for all that you do my friend. Hugs
Hi Danie!! Bless your heart! Thank you for your kind words and for ordering my book! Thanks for dropping by. :-)
DeleteMary Lu, I love your blog posts! And your books but that goes with out saying. :) I love it that you are not afraid to bring up topics that others might be afraid to address. I agree with you 100% about spiritual warfare. I have dealt with it in my life and my 2 teens lives. I think it is sad and shocking that 40% of Christians don't believe in satan and demons. I firmly believe as Christians we need to be aware of demons and spiritual warfare.
ReplyDeleteIngrid Ames :)
Ingridames@yahoo.com
Thank you, Ingrid! How refreshing to find so many people who believe in spiritual warfare! I thought I would get some negative comments on this post, but God is good to encourage me with all you lovely Christians! Thanks so much!
DeleteMaryLu, I would have to wholeheartedly agree with you! As Christians, if we believe the word of God (the Bible) to be true, then we better believe it in its entirety, right? If Christ said there are demons, and that the enemy was like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, then I believe it! But knowing we can rebuke, and defeat these attacks is So important!!! An important message you share, thank you! Oh, and the book sounds great!
ReplyDeleteTracey, agreed. We have the power through God's Spirit, the Word, and the name of Jesus. Demons MUST flee. And I've seen it work first hand. Thanks for coming by!
Deletenot something I want to read about in a book
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
That's okay. The book isn't for everyone. Just curious why you entered to win it? :-)
DeleteI'm a strong believer in spiritual warfare. The good news is that, if we allow it, God always wins. Sometimes I put off witnessing to people because I lack in so many areas. What I need to do is trust that the Lord will see me through.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win a copy of Abandoned Memories.
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Cindi, throughout the Bible God always used people who were lacking... the little people, the poor, the unworthy, so just the fact that you feel you lack means you're a perfect candidate to be used greatly!
DeleteHi MaryLu! I believe spiritual warfare is going on all around us and while it's not my favorite topic, it's not something I'm scared of anymore! Someone recently told me that I'm a warrior and I've got all the tools and knowledge I need to fight...and win any battles I might need to fight because "No weapons formed against me shall prosper."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win Abandoned Memories. I have the first two in the Escape to Paradise series but I haven't read them yet because I hate starting a series and not having every book available and in my hands!
kam110476 at gmail dot com
I love that.. yes we are warriors!! God gave us armor and weapons and His Spirit. What else do we need? Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteThat is why you are one of my favorite authors! Because you actually write about God and the things of God and the spirit realm which is indeed very real. I had an experience with the spirit realm when I was with my YWAM team many years ago in Morocco. Once I spoke the name of Jesus it fled! There is power in the name of Jesus. You are so right, the closer we are to Christ the more the enemy ups his game. We are in a war until we get to heaven, but praise God that He has the victory and we have the victory through Him!
ReplyDeleteNever change MaryLu! The fact that you touch on these subjects and make your books about God makes you one of the very best writers out there!
Thank you for another opportunity to win a book.
estephen81 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Hi Eva! Thank you for your kind words. I told the Lord when He first got me published that my books would all honor Him and lift Him up.. not me. I'm praying I can stay that course. :-) I, too, have used the name of Jesus and felt demons flee. My husband had several demons in him when he first got saved.. a story for another time. But the name of Jesus is so much more powerful than we even know. Thanks so much!
DeleteI love your books MaryLu, you do the work of the Lord even when it seems hard subject wise.
ReplyDeleteLinda Finn
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Hi MaryLu. Very interesting post. I love your blog. Yes, I do believe in the battle of Satan constantly tempting any and everyone to do things that are. To get a toe in the door to try to lead us down the right way. We have to be strong in our faith to shut the door tight and listen to the small quite voice of the Holy Spirit telling us the right path th choose. Time is running out I'm thinking. I would so love to win your book. GOD bless you. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteI totally believe in spiritual warfare, and really appreciate you incorporating it into your books. Thanks for all these chances to win your book!
ReplyDeleteCallie
genuinegagirl (at)gmail(dot) com