Strongholds

by Vanessa Davis Griggs

  The congregation began to shout, “Yes!” “Amen!” and various praises to God.

  A slimmer Desiree and a changed Edwin Houston were both shouting with praise.

  “And during those times you find yourself witnessing to or around bad fruit, you don’t have to worry about getting infected because of Him, who is able to keep you from falling. The Him who came into your life when you invited Jesus in as your Savior. Him, the third person of the Trinity, called the Holy Spirit, who resides in you, walks with you as your comforter and your guide if you’ll listen to His voice. Him, who will restrain you with a feeling down here”—Pastor Landris pressed his fist against his stomach and turned it as he frowned to show the discomfort one might feel—“warning you not to do something or when it’s time for you to leave a place, ordering your steps daily in the way of the Lord. Oh, somebody’s getting this today! Somebody is being totally set free! And as the Word of God says, and I keep telling you: Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!”

  Many in the congregation were crying while others lifted their hands to heaven.

  “None of us should ever get so arrogant as to believe that because our fruit is good that that alone is enough to keep us from being affected by fruit that’s infected. That is the very reason why any good parent will tell his or her child not to hang around certain people. Parents understand how other people’s negative ways can rub off on or affect another. I’m sure many of you have heard, ‘One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.’”

  Darius Connors reached over and grabbed his wife’s hand as he continued to squirm, unsuccessfully trying to get comfortable.

  “So in this spiritual battle…” Pastor Landris said, “and church, this is spiritual warfare. Ephesians six-ten tells us, ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ It’s not people we’re fighting against. It’s spiritual wickedness. So when it comes to good fruit versus bad, good is great.” Pastor Landris smiled as he shook his head.

  “But when you are preserved, you can withstand so much more. Just make sure that God is always with you. And He said He would be. He said He would never leave you nor forsake you. So that means wherever you go, whatever you’re doing, God is there. When you go to places you know you don’t have any business being, you’re taking God with you. Stop hanging out and around bacteria-laced fruit—sin—for so long that you end up infected. Understand that the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. God’s Word will cut off the bad parts in your life as well as in the lives of others. But when it comes to being preserved, I want you to know this with all assurance—Jesus saves! The question now is: Are you saved? Is your soul preserved?” He paused.

  “If not, then you can be saved today. Why not come now? Now is your appointed time. Don’t wait for tomorrow, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Today is your day. Today. Let’s give God the praise today! Oh, He’s worthy, He’s worthy, He’s worthy of all our praise! We need the Lord in our lives. And for anyone who might be questioning or doubting God’s ability to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all, please allow me to set you straight right here, right now, today. There is nothing too hard for God. Nothing!” Pastor Landris looked over and smiled at his pregnant wife.

  “If you need a Savior, come. If you’re in need of prayer right now for whatever reason, then come. Come to Jesus, now. Not tomorrow—now. Won’t you come?”

  The people were on their feet, some hurrying to the altar while others were shouting “Hallelujah!” and other praises to an awesome and almighty God.

  There’s nothing too hard for God!

  A READING GROUP GUIDE

  STRONGHOLDS

  Vanessa Davis Griggs

  The following questions are intended to enhance your group’s discussion of this book.

  Discussion Questions

  Which character(s) did you identify and/or empathize with the most? Why?

  Fatima Adams seemed to have a difficult time overcoming how she felt about Darius Connors. Do you think things could have been easier than she made them to be? What should she have done to get past her strong feelings for him?

  Gambling can be a hot-button topic. What do you feel about gambling? If you feel it’s a sin or a problem, why? If it’s not a problem, why do you say that?

  What are your views about pornography in general? What are your thoughts specifically regarding men and pornography?

  Was Bentley Strong wrong in what he said to his wife about the books she read as well as the television shows she watched? Was he even justified in bringing it up?

  Is there a difference in what Bentley was doing as opposed to what Marcella was doing? Why or why not?

  In your opinion, do you feel overeating should be included as a stronghold? Why or why not?

  What are your views regarding a person who works as much as Dr. Holden was? In your opinion, should working too much be considered a stronghold?

  Arletha Brown was said to be extremely religious. Is there such a thing as being too religious or overly religiously? Discuss.

  Sins of the heart came up a few times during the course of the story. How and why is that relevant to a Christian’s walk?

  If you had to choose a sin or a stronghold from this book as the biggest sin or stronghold, which one would you choose and why?

  Do you believe any of the characters should have continued to struggle with their strongholds considering they came to the altar and were prayed for by a man of God? Why or why not?

  What are your feelings regarding Memory (Elaine Robertson)?

  Was Pastor Landris wrong for not counseling each person in his congregation no matter how long it took him to get to them? Explain.

  What are your thoughts when it comes to Pastor Landris and Johnnie Mae’s relationship?

  Discuss Darius Connors and his various actions. Do you believe he was sincere in his feelings toward Fatima? Do you feel bad for him at all?

  What do you think is going on with Trinity (Faith, Hope, and Charity)? Do you believe people can truly have multiple personalities or do you believe it’s merely something they’re just making up?

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  Copyright © 2008 by Vanessa Davis Griggs

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

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  ISBN: 978-0-7582-6008-6