Introduction

Deep in the swamps of southern Louisiana, Mariutza’s beloved grandfather whispers his ominous last request--and dies in her arms. All her life he's looked after her. He's trained her in the old Gypsy ways and kept her hidden away in the swamp. But now… The Badness has found her. Mari’s only hope? Journey to the city to find Jaazaniah the Prophet, the legendary hero of grandfather’s bedtime stories. But how can a girl who has never left the swamp survive the terrifying world of men long enough to find a savior who may not even exist? In the heart of New Orleans, musician Jazz Rechabson runs for his life. Everyone is out to get him. Soldiers, government agents, mysterious hooded men. What do they want? And who is the beautiful young woman who haunts his waking dreams? Can strangers from different worlds come together in time to unmask their common enemy? And even if they could understand what is happening, will they be able to stand?

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Excerpt

Chapter 1
Mariutza

Smooth moonlight, soft and timid as a sleeping babe’s breath, seeped through the forest canopy, painting Old Man Oak’s mossy beard with twisting ribbons of silver and shadow. The swamp folks were full awake now. All stoked up with joy, singing hallelujah for the tolerable coolness of another summer night. Bachelor bullfrogs barking out their steady bass against a piercing cicada threnody. Crickets and peepers and creepers hollering their praise full on top of one another, singing out to the Lord for the blessings He hath made. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-- Jeremiah 29:11


1. Imagine that you suddenly had the ability to see into the future. How would that ability change your attitudes and actions in the following situations?
a. Watching your favorite television show.
b. Investing your money.
c. Talking to a hostile coworker about your faith.
d. Choosing new friends.
e. Deciding who to marry.
f. Raising kids.

2. God knows your future and has plans to prosper your life. If you were to live your life in the light of this reality, how would it change your attitudes and actions in your relationship with your:
a. spouse.
b. children.
c. work
d. finances

3. Based on a reading of Luke 12:11-34, what do you think Jesus would say our attitudes and actions should be in the following situations?
a. Watching your favorite television show.
b. Investing your money.
c. Talking to a hostile coworker about your faith.
d. Choosing new friends.
e. Deciding who to marry.
f. Raising kids.

4. At the end of Powers Mariutza finally understands the significance of all the instruction and training she received from her grandfather. Who in your own life has been a teacher or mentor, especially in your faith? What’s the most valuable thing you learned from that person?

5. How is Mari’s situation similar to your situation as a believer?

6. How was Mariutza’s training related to Jaazaniah’s visions? Which would you rather have, Jaazaniah’s gift or Mariutza’s training? Why?

7. How was Mariutza’s attitude toward people different from Jaazaniah’s attitude? How does you attitude toward people compare to theirs?

8. Where do you think the differences in their attitudes came from? What has contributed the most to your attitude toward others.

9. All through Scripture we’re instructed to love others. How well do you think you are doing on that command? What one thing can you change to improve your attitude toward others?

10. At the end of Powers Jaazaniah’s perspective suddenly shifts and he becomes extraordinarily confident. Where do you think that confidence came from?

11. Do you have a sense of confidence in yourself? In your faith? What does Ephesians 6:10-18 have to say about the source of our confidence?

12. Why do you think Mari’s and Jazz’s enemy wants to kill them? Do you have an enemy? What does your enemy want to do to you?

13. Read Psalm 57. What does this say to you about dealing with enemies?

14. Do you believe we have supernatural enemies? Read 1 Peter 5: 6-11. What is our greatest defense against such enemies?

15. Jaazaniah and Mariutza were both called to fulfill God’s purposes. Share a time you felt called to a specific purpose. How has God used that in your life? In the lives of those around you?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Author John B. Olson's web site

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