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1 Corinthians 6:18: Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

Before we dig into today’s inspirational moment, I want to stop and look at the word purity. Dictionary.com gave these definitions of purity:

1.    The condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes

2.    freedom from any admixture or modifying addition.

3.    ceremonial or ritual cleanness.

4.    freedom from guilt or evil; innocence.

5.    physical chastity; virginity.

6.    freedom from foreign or inappropriate elements; careful correctness

Purity can take on different meanings depending on what the object of the subject is. Yet whether you are speaking about the purity of an object such as water or gold or the purity of one’s heart or body you are always describing the absence of any contaminate, filth or sin. Something with purity is whole, clean, innocent, and free from guilt and shame.

The concept of purity in the sexual sense is brought up many times throughout the Colorado Cowboys series by Jody Hedlund. Just a couple days ago I shared an inspirational moment from her book the Heart of Cowboy emphasizing the need to wait on love.

In other words, don’t put yourself in a situation where the flames of lust and desire can burn out of control and lead to sexual sin. Put barriers up that keep you from falling into this trap. For example, don’t plan to be alone with your boyfriend or girlfriend for any significant amount of time. Plan dates where you are around other people. Lay down guidelines from the start of the relationship. Keep your kisses short and sweet. These are all things that will help you remain pure until marriage.

In the novel To Tame a Cowboy Savannah is reflecting on her mother’s words of wisdom.

Her momma had always said a woman couldn't give away her favors so easily. A man wouldn't learn to cherish what he got freely but would prize what he worked hard to earn. (p. 162 To Tame a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund)

Another way I’ve heard this is why would he buy the cow when he’s getting the milk for free. For some these words of wisdom sting because they go against what the world has taught them. They’ve fallen for satan’s lie that sex isn’t a big deal. It’s just a pleasurable recreational activity that you can have with anyone at any time. He cheapens this beautiful gift from God, that when kept within the bounds of marriage it becomes something beyond your wildest dreams.

What I love about this quote from Jody Hedlund’s book To Tame a Cowboy, is that it points out that a man doesn’t cherish, and I am going to add love or respect a woman who satisfies his desires in bed without a commitment. Yet he will love, honor, and respect the woman who puts up the boundaries and refuses to go to the bedroom without a ring and an I do.

Until we get that ring and I do ladies we are in control. We determine whether we will give sex away freely or demand love and commitment. Putting these boundaries in place and living according God’s precepts protects you from the wrong men and keeps you from physical and emotional harm.

I also like to reiterate that our God is the God of second chances. If you’re listening to this podcast and you’ve already been sleeping with men outside of marriage you have a hope in Jesus to make you new. When you trust in Jesus as your savior and you turn from your sin, He can and will make you new and give you a fresh start. With his help you can heal from past relationships and start anew with firm boundaries that honor Him and His precepts.

If you’re in this situation I recommend listening to episode 20 where we interviewed award winning author Julie Lessman. Her testimony is powerful and an amazing example of how God can pull you from sexual sin and make you new in Him.

I hope you found this message inspiring. I would like to leave you with this final thought. Sex without the commitment of love and marriage is cheap. Don't sell yourself short. Honor God with your commitment to purity.

If you would like to dig deeper and journal on these inspirational topics, consider purchasing our 25 Day reading companion for Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series.Click herefor more information.

Hope’s Highest Mountain is the first book in Misty M. Beller’s Hearts of Montana series. This novel will run you through the wringer! Misty is not afraid to pack her story with several punches as she takes her readers on an incredible adventure that few could survive.

            Micah Bradley is the hero of this novel, and he is a true picture of a mountain man. Quiet yet strong, Micah’s physical strength and endurance will surprise you. While his inner struggle with the loss of loved ones shows his softer side and side of him that is in need of repair. And the only one who can restore Micah is God.

            Ingrid Chastain is one tenacious heroine. She suffers severe wounds from her accident both physically and emotionally, yet she does it with such grace. Ingrid’s firm foundation in Christ keeps her grounded and focused on her mission to save the residents of Settler’s Fort from the outbreak of smallpox. Her faith and Micah’s physical strength make quite the pair on this perilous journey they find themselves in.

            You’ll fall in love with the secondary characters Misty brings into Micah and Ingrid’s lives. Joanna Watson and her son Samuel are a dynamic duo who help both Micah and Ingrid in their journey of physical and spiritual healing. Plus, it’s hard not to fall in love with an adorable little boy who loves his mule!

            Enjoy our discussion of Hope’s Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller on your favorite podcast platform or on Rumble. Just look up LiteraryScape and you’ll find us. Be sure to follow us so you can stay up to date with our latest book club discussions.

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            You can learn more about Misty M. Beller by visiting her website here.

Psalm 66:10-12: For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

I was once told that God pursues you and you can either go willingly and gracefully or kicking and screaming while he slowly peals your fingers away from the grasp you have on this world. This really painted a picture for me. Did you go gracefully or kicking and screaming?

I can say I ran into God’s arms willingly, but there have been times in my life where I have gone astray and He has had to pull me back, sometimes kicking and screaming. Isn’t it through our trials that we run and fall into His strong and capable hands.

In the novel To Tame a Cowboy Savannah is reflecting on how God pursues us.

As wild as they were, they had incredible potential if tamed by the right hands. Wasn't that how it was with God? When others gave up, He kept going, kept pursuing, always seeing the potential of a person tamed by His hands. (p. 67 To Tame a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund)

The trials we face are never enjoyable, but I am thankful He uses them to draw us to Him and refine us for His will. As many times as I have strayed, I am thankful God pursues me and sees my redemptive potential.

I will leave you with this thought: God sees your potential and guides you to live to your fullest redemptive potential, because he loves you!

Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

Ahh forgiveness. Something we eagerly accept yet struggle to give. It’s natural that when someone hurts us, we put up a wall to protect ourselves. The problem is that wall keeps us from being able to forgive the person who wronged us.

In the novel The Heart of a Cowboy Flynn has to work through forgiving his brother Wyatt.

Flynn pushed aside the bitterness toward his older brother as he'd done earlier when he'd been praying. Maybe it was time to let bygones be bygones. (p. 196 The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund)

Remember in Matthew 18 Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive those who have sinned against us. Jesus replied by saying, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Ouch, that seems like a tall order especially when the same person continues to hurt you.

Forgiving someone does not mean you give them your trust again. Rather forgiving them frees you from harboring ill will toward them and allows you to move on. Whereas being unwilling to forgive holds you hostage. Once you forgive someone, you can be wise in how you interact with them in the future.

I will leave you with this thought: Holding on to bitterness hurts you and does nothing to the one who wronged you. Yet forgiveness sets you free and blesses the one who hurt you.

Did you know the Secret Service cases in Crystal’s book are real? We loved connecting with author Crystal Caudill! She has such a passion for her writing and the research she completed for her Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. In this episode you will get the behind the scenes look at this book series that will have you hooked, and hog tied!

Crystal’s debut novel series will release its final installment in September of 2023. Be sure to visit https://crystalcaudill.com to sign up for her newsletter and stay up to date on her releases.

We plan to have Crystal back on the show in the near future so stay tuned as we expect many more exhilarating novels from her creative mind!

In the meantime, be sure to get you copies of her Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age books today. Check out our links to purchase here!

Song of Songs 8:4: Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

Waiting to have sex until you are married is a topic that is near and dear to my heart for two reasons. One I have watched so many family and friends suffer the consequences of having sex outside of marriage, because it does not align with God’s precepts therefore it blocks his blessings. Two, because I waited to have sex until I was married and I can say the blessings he has bestowed upon our marriage, was worth the wait and I want others to experience this too!

In the novel The Heart of a Cowboy Flynn reflects on a past relationship.

After stirring up physical longings with Helen, now it was all the harder for him to control his desires. He reckoned that was one of the reasons the Good Book said not to stir up love before the time was right for it.

(p. 145 The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund)

In a culture that is riddled with the lie from the pit of hell, that sex is just sex, and you can and should participate whenever you want with whoever you want, it is refreshing to read a romance novel that shines the light of truth on this lie. God’s word is the standard for truth. You will never find verses in the bible that condone sex outside of marriage. You will however find many verses that warn you against it and tell you that death and destruction follow those who are slaves to their fleshly desires. 1 Corinthians 6:18 – Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits out outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Flee being the key word in that verse. Flee means to run away as if the devil himself were chasing you!

You will find many verses on how those who wait until marriage are showered in God’s many blessings because sex is a gift from God to man and wife. This is because those who obey God’s commands are blessed by Him. I strongly encourage you to read 1 John as it is full of encouragement as speaks to following God’s commands and measuring everything to God’s word. If it doesn’t align with God’s word, it’s a lie.

Song of Songs paints a beautiful picture of the kind of love and passion God blesses a man and wife with. All you have to do is obey His commands.

When talking about this topic I must remind everyone that our God is a God of second chances. If you’re like Flynn and had sex outside of marriage, but now desire to live for God, He will make you new. When you enter a new relationship, He will give you the strength to do things His way and if you obey, He will bless your marriage beyond your imagination!

I will leave you with this thought: Don’t trade love for fleeting lust. Love is worth the wait.

Job 12:10: In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

What peace that verse brings. For there are no more capable hands than God’s. It is such a blessing to know he holds us and the ones we love in our hands. Yet at the same time we struggle to relinquish complete control as we try to do everything we can, to protect the ones we love.

In the novel The Heart of a Cowboy Flynn struggles to release control to God.

He released a tight breath. If only he could be in all places at all times. Then maybe he'd be able to keep everyone safe. "You're not God." Linnea's comment came back to taunt him.

(p. 127 The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund)

Have you ever felt like Flynn. Overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility of the safety and provision of those under your care? Ever need someone like Linnea to remind that you’re not God? That God is in complete control. All we have to do is lay our needs and requests at his feet. For he knows what we need before we even ask!

Psalm 23 is a beautiful picture of how David wholly relied on God for his provision and protection. I would also encourage you to read Joseph’s story starting in Genesis 37. God is sovereign and work all things out for our good!

I will leave you with this thought: There is freedom and security in giving God complete control.

Crystal Caudill takes her readers on a nail-biting adventure with her newest addition to the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series, Counterfeit Hope.

If you enjoy books filled with danger, adventure, nail biting scenes, and romance you’ll get it all in Counterfeit Hope! Not to mention you’ll be rooting for the underdog up to the very end!

Remember that infuriating and unlikable Secret Service agent, from Counterfeit Love, Andrew Darlington? Yeah him! I hate to tell you, but you’ll be in love with him by the end of this story. Andrew is the picture-perfect knight in shining armor as he faces his past and rescues a damsel who has been in distress since childhood. His tender and protective side will throw you for a loop at first, but it fits him well!

Lu Thorne has been bought, sold, used, and abused. She’s smart, cunning, and has learned to do what she must to survive and ensure the safety of her son. Lu has lived her life without hope or love until she meets Andrew and God.

Going against odds that only God can surmount, Andrew and Lu fight for truth, justice, and love!

Be sure to visit Crystal Caudill’s website and check out her amazing book club kits! You’ll want to sign-up for her email list and keep up with her new releases, especially with the third book to her Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age releasing in May!

Want to find more great reads in the historical Christian romance genre? Check out our book buying guide for books you’re sure to love!

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Matthew 6:30: If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

What peace this verse brings during tough times. The Bible is filled with story upon story of God’s provision for his people. Think back on your times of need. How did God come through for you? I can remember being just married and in college. Money was tracked to the penny. I’m sure everyone has gone through that at some point in their life. We shouldn’t have been able to pay all our bills and still have money for food, yet somehow God made it happen month after month.

In the novel The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund,

the heroine Linnea repeatedly quotes Matthew 6:30.

The verse brings her comfort during her trials.

For God is a good father who knows how to give good gifts and care for His children. He has every resource at his fingertips and eagerly awaits to provide for you, all we must do is ask. Don’t let fear hold you back, for our God can do all things!

I will leave you with this thought. Fear is an attack on your faith, fight it with the word of God.

1 Peter 4:13: But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

What is your initial reaction to this verse? If you’re like me, you did a double take and said, what? No one likes to suffer, so how are we supposed to rejoice in our suffering? Where is that joy and peace at, right?

Believe it or not it comes in the suffering, and it is beyond anything on this earth. It has taken me a few years to get this concept and I hope this helps you get to the point where you can rejoice in your suffering. For I have found that it is in our suffering that we draw near to God and His glory shines through when we rejoice bringing glory to Him who sustains us!

Paul gives us a great picture of this in 2 Corinthians 12: 1-19. I am going to zero in on verses 7-10. To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In the novel A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund, the

hero Wyatt suffers another blow. Judd speaks wisdom and truth to him.

“Been hanging my hat something my ma taught me

from the Good Book,” Judd continued, jawing more now

than he had in a month. “She always said, we ain’t

supposed to be surprised when we come against fiery

trials. If the Lord suffered, then we gotta expect the

suffering too.” (p. 229 Jody Hedlund, A Cowboy for

Keeps 2021)

For we can do nothing apart from God. Someone is always watching the way you live your life and respond to obstacles and crisis. When we lean into God and allow His strength to shine through our weakness, we point others to Him. Isn’t that we are all striving to do?

Let me leave you with this thought. When you choose to live for Christ, you are opposed by His

enemy. Expect to suffer for your faith, but also expect the Lord your God to protect and sustain you!