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Counterfeit Comforts: Freedom from the Imposters That Keep You from True Peace, Purpose and Passion
How do we overcome what we are being overcome by--whether depression, anxiety, overeating, a negative view of ourselves or any other stronghold--in order to experience the freedom that is available to us in Christ?
When the pressures of life become overwhelming, we often find ourselves turning to food, shopping, alcohol, television or whatever our "counterfeit" might be in search of the relief, release and peace we are longing for. These choices are not necessarily bad, but the satisfaction is merely temporary. Before we know it, we can find ourselves enslaved by addictive and destructive behaviors, but there is a way out.
With grace and warmth, author Robia Scott shows how true healing and lasting satisfaction can be found only as we learn to transfer our dependence from counterfeit comforts onto our one true the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the experience of battling her own counterfeits--primarily her tumultuous relationship with food and obsession with dieting, weight and body image--Robia leads you step by step through the process of transformation. It is through learning how to experience and connect with the Person, the presence and the power of God that we discover who we truly are, and acquire freedom to live the life of purpose that we were created for.
When the pressures of life become overwhelming, we often find ourselves turning to food, shopping, alcohol, television or whatever our "counterfeit" might be in search of the relief, release and peace we are longing for. These choices are not necessarily bad, but the satisfaction is merely temporary. Before we know it, we can find ourselves enslaved by addictive and destructive behaviors, but there is a way out.
With grace and warmth, author Robia Scott shows how true healing and lasting satisfaction can be found only as we learn to transfer our dependence from counterfeit comforts onto our one true the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the experience of battling her own counterfeits--primarily her tumultuous relationship with food and obsession with dieting, weight and body image--Robia leads you step by step through the process of transformation. It is through learning how to experience and connect with the Person, the presence and the power of God that we discover who we truly are, and acquire freedom to live the life of purpose that we were created for.
- GenresFaithNonfictionChristian
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2016
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 19, 2016
Why I Choose this Book:
It’s a subject I’ve thought about for a while. Even though I haven’t had to deal with a lot of the stuff the book talks about, I do know I have the habit of turning to the wrong things for comfort.
What I Thought about this Book:
Wow. There were some really amazing chapters in this book. The author writes in an easy to understand way while being open, practical, and willing to draw upon her own life for stories without bogging the book down. I appreciated seeing how her life was transformed through God and His Word, and then reading the hope that she’s passing on to others. I can only imagine how many people have been blessed through this book.
There was one point where I thought “Oh, well I wish she would have added this to what she’s saying” and sure enough, the next paragraph added it. The book was well thought-out, encouraging, based on Scripture, and extremely practical. (If you haven’t noticed, I’m big when it comes to practicality.)
Along with all the great stuff there were some things I didn’t agree with 100%, but it was mostly that she stated those things more strongly than I would agree with, not that I utterly disagreed with her.
Conclusion
I’m pretty sure I’ll be re-reading at least some of these chapters from time to time because they were incredibly helpful, spot-on, and full of God’s truth. I recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves turning to counterfeit comforts.
Rating
I’m giving Counterfeit Comforts 4 out of 5 stars, and 8 out of 10.
*I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers*
It’s a subject I’ve thought about for a while. Even though I haven’t had to deal with a lot of the stuff the book talks about, I do know I have the habit of turning to the wrong things for comfort.
What I Thought about this Book:
Wow. There were some really amazing chapters in this book. The author writes in an easy to understand way while being open, practical, and willing to draw upon her own life for stories without bogging the book down. I appreciated seeing how her life was transformed through God and His Word, and then reading the hope that she’s passing on to others. I can only imagine how many people have been blessed through this book.
There was one point where I thought “Oh, well I wish she would have added this to what she’s saying” and sure enough, the next paragraph added it. The book was well thought-out, encouraging, based on Scripture, and extremely practical. (If you haven’t noticed, I’m big when it comes to practicality.)
Along with all the great stuff there were some things I didn’t agree with 100%, but it was mostly that she stated those things more strongly than I would agree with, not that I utterly disagreed with her.
Conclusion
I’m pretty sure I’ll be re-reading at least some of these chapters from time to time because they were incredibly helpful, spot-on, and full of God’s truth. I recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves turning to counterfeit comforts.
Rating
I’m giving Counterfeit Comforts 4 out of 5 stars, and 8 out of 10.
*I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers*
September 7, 2016
I could not put this book down! I first heard about this book in the church I attend! I heard how I needed to read it as it would be life-changing. I saw the cover and thought, "I am a confident man who can read a book with make up on the cover!" ok I did not think that but wasn't going to let that stop me from reading a book that would change my life. All the hype was true...this book has helped me so much! I am a new Christian and had so many questions that were unanswered until I read it. Not only that, I had a lot of counterfeit comforts in my life that I was unaware of and how they were keeping me in my own prison. I felt like I was dead, but now I am alive and excited to start the the next chapter in my life! It was easy reading and I literally could not put it down. So....the moral of the story? Life-changing for sure!
Cheers! To the next chapter
Cheers! To the next chapter
February 23, 2018
Anything we use to try to replace God for comfort in our lives will lead to a very dark place. Ms. Scott has lived this out and so have I. I wish I had applied this message when I was a lot younger, but it's never too late to identify what we are turning to for comfort, and ask God to rewire us to turn to Him instead. I gave this book 5 stars because I thought Ms. Scott did such a great job of laying out a path for healing in easy-to-understand language. I sometimes have a hard time finishing books on Christian living, maybe because it requires more focus that novels, but I pushed through on this one and I'm so glad I did. The last couple chapters brought some really clarity to the big picture of how we get from who we know ourselves to be in our human weakness, to who we are meant to be in Christ.
August 23, 2016
This is a very relevant book, I feel, to everyone that has struggled with finding fulfillment in life. It isn't a "How to be Happy" book, but rather something that I find more useful : a "How to work through your emotions as a Christian." It is packed with practical advice, and has many quote-worthy statements. I recommend this book for everyone, especially those ready to take a deeply personal journey of faith and self-discovery with God.
"We have exchanged our future and our peace for temporary relief and fleeting, counterfeit comfort. We hate ourselves for it, but we cannot seem to break free."
A worthwhile read.
"We have exchanged our future and our peace for temporary relief and fleeting, counterfeit comfort. We hate ourselves for it, but we cannot seem to break free."
A worthwhile read.
June 4, 2023
Robia Scott brings up some very valid points regarding tools for healing, transformation and recovery.
This book has given me the tools that I need to fight spiritual battles and I also like how she backs up her points with scripture. I highly recommend this book!
This book has given me the tools that I need to fight spiritual battles and I also like how she backs up her points with scripture. I highly recommend this book!
February 22, 2019
This book is packed full of wisdom and powerful truth for the Christian life. I really appreciated the author’s vulnerability and honesty in sharing her journey and process.
December 11, 2019
This was a birthday gift from Bob because Robia Scott was on our very favorite TV show of the 90's Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But this book was more than just a good read from fellow Christian. This was a book telling her story of how she worked through her own struggle with food and allowed Jesus to be her comforter instead of the counterfeit comforts like food that promise to fill you up and never deliver. She shares her real struggles and the tools and practices that helped her let go and allow God to work powerfully in her life to change her heart, her mind and the trajectory of her life. Really great book for Christians continuing to struggle with addiction or compulsive behaviors. Certainly NOT an accident that Bob found this for me!
April 26, 2025
Loved this book! It was a short, quick read, but packed with so much information, Scripture, and tools to help us when we're in a low place and need to seek God instead of worldly comforts. There's lots of Bible verses and references to stories in the Bible that support what the author is writing which I found for be helpful. She talks a lot about the enemy and tactics the enemy uses, misconceptions of God and correcting them, as well as what to do when you're down and turning to things in the world to comfort you instead of turning to God. I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks these topics can be helpful or apply to them/their situation!
February 23, 2020
The title is surely attractive and timely. However it is a difficult read since it's been a while since I lived in SoCal; I'm no longer able to absorb the breezy, scattered patterns of speech and writing so much extant in this part of California. The author's heart is in the right place but this work is a real slog. Despite this heartfelt criticism, I do applaud the author's plentiful and appropriate quotation of Scripture.
Here are two suggested books that make the case more convincingly: (1) "On the Acquisition of the Holy Spirit" by Saint Seraphim of Sarov and (2) "Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life" by Dr. Nicole Roccas. I can't recommend these two books highly enough!
Here are two suggested books that make the case more convincingly: (1) "On the Acquisition of the Holy Spirit" by Saint Seraphim of Sarov and (2) "Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life" by Dr. Nicole Roccas. I can't recommend these two books highly enough!
October 13, 2019
This book was a little slow for me at the beginning but Robia wrote beautifully and toward the end i could relate to a lot that was said. Will definitely be ordering this from book depository!
November 5, 2022
So good! One of my favorite books to read this year.
February 25, 2017
This book will help to clear your thinking when going through tough, confusing times. I keep it in my purse as reference to remind me what the word of God says, and what to do when those negative thoughts coming rushing in. I can relate a lot to what she's saying about trying to run away from yourself, instead of letting God walk you through your healing. This book helps keep things in perspective.
September 7, 2016
As a 6 year old, I accepted Jesus as my personal savior. In that moment, an inner knowing, far beyond the wisdom one would have at that age, that this was good and right, settled in my spirit. It was a beautiful day.
As I grew up, I found myself struggling with nightmares, anxiety, depression, fear, suicidal thoughts and many other maladies that seemed out of place for a Christian. Through my young adult life I fought to determine my position and felt I could barely keep my head above water. Certainly there were moments of fun and I enjoyed learning about and living in the love of Christ, but parts of me seemed walled in by negative stressors I could not escape.
Since I was reading the Word, attending church, teaching Sunday school, going to Bible study, tithing, offering, evangelizing, outreaching, etc etc etc., I assumed all the mental torment was something I'd have to endure - ie the thorn in my flesh perhaps. :)
Reading Counterfeit Comforts and applying the tools and principles found within, opened up the Word and power of God to me in a new way. I now recognize the voice of the enemy in contrast to the voice of God and am able to push the anxiety aside, to sleep through the night and, most of all, have hope for the good plans God has for me.
For those who have been subject to similar torment of mind, imagine a world where 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given you a spirit of timidity, but of love, and of power and of a sound mind" is alive and true for you!
Reading this book has discipled and encouraged me NOT simply accept the accusations and judgments of the enemy. And I'd encourage everyone young and old to read Counterfeit Comforts, to embrace the practical tools found inside it, and wield that sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and see that we can overcome what the world is overcome by. (And then, confidently take this great hope to the world.)
As I grew up, I found myself struggling with nightmares, anxiety, depression, fear, suicidal thoughts and many other maladies that seemed out of place for a Christian. Through my young adult life I fought to determine my position and felt I could barely keep my head above water. Certainly there were moments of fun and I enjoyed learning about and living in the love of Christ, but parts of me seemed walled in by negative stressors I could not escape.
Since I was reading the Word, attending church, teaching Sunday school, going to Bible study, tithing, offering, evangelizing, outreaching, etc etc etc., I assumed all the mental torment was something I'd have to endure - ie the thorn in my flesh perhaps. :)
Reading Counterfeit Comforts and applying the tools and principles found within, opened up the Word and power of God to me in a new way. I now recognize the voice of the enemy in contrast to the voice of God and am able to push the anxiety aside, to sleep through the night and, most of all, have hope for the good plans God has for me.
For those who have been subject to similar torment of mind, imagine a world where 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given you a spirit of timidity, but of love, and of power and of a sound mind" is alive and true for you!
Reading this book has discipled and encouraged me NOT simply accept the accusations and judgments of the enemy. And I'd encourage everyone young and old to read Counterfeit Comforts, to embrace the practical tools found inside it, and wield that sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and see that we can overcome what the world is overcome by. (And then, confidently take this great hope to the world.)
January 1, 2017
Counterfeit Comforts by Robia Scott is a candid exploration of the worldly ways in which people seek comfort and purpose in their lives. While it starts out focusing mostly on comfort foods (ice cream when you're down, chips when you're bored, etc.), it moves on to reveal the much deeper problems that are the root of most of our cravings for temporary relief - stress, depression, anxiety, shame, grief, etc. Robia intertwines stories from her own journey with Bible passages and her personal insights from the Holy Spirit in order to increase your understanding and awareness of God's messages for your life and the purpose of it all. She shares her own methods of quieting her mind and body from the hustle of everyday life in order to be more open to receiving God's wisdom, counsel, and comfort.
This is a great starter book for anyone looking to find insight as to how to gain freedom from earthly substitutes for things only God can provide. It doesn't matter if you are a new Christian (or considering it) or if you believe in God but feel that somehow you aren't as close to Him as you'd like to be - either way, the suggestions presented will help strengthen your bond with God and help you feel more confident of your ability to find and follow His plan for your life. Whether you are battling eating disorders, alcohol, depression, insecurity, shame, identity issues, chronic busyness, or even relationship problems, this book offers great insight and encouragement for the long journey ahead. It is not a workbook, and it's also not a difficult read; this means that for everyone who feels they need to start "somewhere" but has no idea where or how to do this, this book would be a wonderful tool and asset. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.*
This is a great starter book for anyone looking to find insight as to how to gain freedom from earthly substitutes for things only God can provide. It doesn't matter if you are a new Christian (or considering it) or if you believe in God but feel that somehow you aren't as close to Him as you'd like to be - either way, the suggestions presented will help strengthen your bond with God and help you feel more confident of your ability to find and follow His plan for your life. Whether you are battling eating disorders, alcohol, depression, insecurity, shame, identity issues, chronic busyness, or even relationship problems, this book offers great insight and encouragement for the long journey ahead. It is not a workbook, and it's also not a difficult read; this means that for everyone who feels they need to start "somewhere" but has no idea where or how to do this, this book would be a wonderful tool and asset. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.*
September 24, 2016
Scott thought “having it all” would lead to a fulfilling life. But successful dancing and acting careers left her feeling unfilled. She even tried New Age spirituality and self-help books. Nothing took away that need for Someone bigger than herself. Then she became a Christian.
Scott shares her own experience of still struggling with bulimia, a remnant from her teenage dancing days. Crying out to God, she sensed Him telling her she had too many counterfeit comforts. When she experienced disappointment or discomfort, she did not run to the Holy Spirit for comfort but something else, usually food.
Scott shares with us how we can be set free from those things that deceive and control us. She writes about choices, the Holy Spirit giving us opportunities to decide. She realized God was not going to make the decisions for her but He would be right along side her. She recommends journaling and being transparent with God. She shares her “on the floor” times when she is open to God, asking Him to show her the roots of her behavior. She includes teaching on spiritual warfare, the process of spiritual growth and the tools we have been given.
I really liked this book. Scott is very practical with her suggestions for spiritual growth and healing. She shares many of her own experiences so we have an idea of how the process works. I highly recommend this book to those who want to know how to recognize counterfeit comforts and deal with them. You'll find great encouragement and good strategy here.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Scott shares her own experience of still struggling with bulimia, a remnant from her teenage dancing days. Crying out to God, she sensed Him telling her she had too many counterfeit comforts. When she experienced disappointment or discomfort, she did not run to the Holy Spirit for comfort but something else, usually food.
Scott shares with us how we can be set free from those things that deceive and control us. She writes about choices, the Holy Spirit giving us opportunities to decide. She realized God was not going to make the decisions for her but He would be right along side her. She recommends journaling and being transparent with God. She shares her “on the floor” times when she is open to God, asking Him to show her the roots of her behavior. She includes teaching on spiritual warfare, the process of spiritual growth and the tools we have been given.
I really liked this book. Scott is very practical with her suggestions for spiritual growth and healing. She shares many of her own experiences so we have an idea of how the process works. I highly recommend this book to those who want to know how to recognize counterfeit comforts and deal with them. You'll find great encouragement and good strategy here.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
November 30, 2016
`Counterfeit Comforts` is a Woman's Christian living book written by author Robia Scott. Robia Scott began her career as a dancer and actress. She became a Christian while acting on the t.v. show `Buffy and the Vampier Slayer.`
The title of this book suggests comforts we use in place of what comforts we really need: true peace, purpose, and passion. Robia Scott seemed to have it all, a successful career as an actress and a dancer and she was still unhappy. She knew she was missing something or Someone and Robia was open to finding the answer. A friend invited her to church and there she became a Christian. The author's style is informal and suitable for older teens and adult women.
As the author states, there are many possible counterfeit comforts, but a few are overeating, binging, drugs, and cigarettes. First, we must deal with our feelings. As it states on page 38, `We must be willing to face our feelings head on by purposely going right into the middle of them.
The concluding chapter, `Don't Give Up` is convincing in that it sums up the whole book. How do we find true peace, purpose, and passion? Stay connected to God, He is there to help us. He walks through the fire alongside us (see pg# 195).
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
The title of this book suggests comforts we use in place of what comforts we really need: true peace, purpose, and passion. Robia Scott seemed to have it all, a successful career as an actress and a dancer and she was still unhappy. She knew she was missing something or Someone and Robia was open to finding the answer. A friend invited her to church and there she became a Christian. The author's style is informal and suitable for older teens and adult women.
As the author states, there are many possible counterfeit comforts, but a few are overeating, binging, drugs, and cigarettes. First, we must deal with our feelings. As it states on page 38, `We must be willing to face our feelings head on by purposely going right into the middle of them.
The concluding chapter, `Don't Give Up` is convincing in that it sums up the whole book. How do we find true peace, purpose, and passion? Stay connected to God, He is there to help us. He walks through the fire alongside us (see pg# 195).
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
September 7, 2016
Counterfeit Comforts is a must read for EVERYONE! I cannot think of one person that would not benefit from this amazing book! Robia Scott not only wrote this book to help people find FREEDOM and their TRUE DESTINY because she truly has a heart of gold and a desire to help people live in freedom, but she walked through it herself in her own life with Jesus helping her every step of the way! Her true desire for writing this book is to help others find the path to freedom from all the chains that hold them prisoner. The scripture that Jesus came to set the captives free...."He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners"-Is 61:1, is true but what does that mean? What does that look like? How? What is my part in it? Does God just do it? I don't know how to be set free? Are these questions you are asking? I know they were questions I was asking and nobody was giving me the answers. Well THE ANSWERS ARE IN THIS BOOK! I am so thankful for this amazing book with answers I've been searching for and actual tools on HOW TO APPLY THEM!
This book is LIFE-CHANGING!!! My prayer for you is that it blesses your life as much as it did mine and that you share the LOVE with others!
Blessings!
Leslie M
This book is LIFE-CHANGING!!! My prayer for you is that it blesses your life as much as it did mine and that you share the LOVE with others!
Blessings!
Leslie M
October 14, 2016
"Counterfeit Comforts" by Robia Scott is about getting your focus off of things that soothe your soul and put your focus back onto Jesus. This was a very interesting book it was a blessing that a self help book wasn't trying to sell you on the latest technique. However it did start to hint at one area that really bugs me which is the area of being positive all the time. I will be positive but not always and that is a good thing. Sometimes being negative is a good thing for our spiritual health and its truthfully. If that bugs you then you need to review your scriptures as Jesus, Paul and many other were not always positive. So please don't tell me I have to speak positive as that is not biblical truth. With that exception it was not a bad book but not one I will keep or reference.
I was given this book Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.
I was given this book Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.
June 20, 2017
The Book is about finding your comforts in God verses finding comfort in other ways. Discover the healing and freedom you long for when how to transfer dependence onto the one true comforter- the holy spirit.
Specific, creative and practical incites that will help anyone struggling to get on the path toward healing and recovery of their god given journey.
I love the biblical tools this book shares to break free from the destructive mindset and counterfeit comforts in your life. We all have our go to stress relievers a pint of ice cream, trip to the mall, exercise, television a glass of but it shares about how these outlets only provide temporary relief none of them offer the lasting satisfaction we long for. It shows a way out another choice besides addictive and harmful behaviors and how to turn to God for comfort.
I suggest this book to any of my Christian friends to read
5 out of 5 I couldn't put this book down.
Specific, creative and practical incites that will help anyone struggling to get on the path toward healing and recovery of their god given journey.
I love the biblical tools this book shares to break free from the destructive mindset and counterfeit comforts in your life. We all have our go to stress relievers a pint of ice cream, trip to the mall, exercise, television a glass of but it shares about how these outlets only provide temporary relief none of them offer the lasting satisfaction we long for. It shows a way out another choice besides addictive and harmful behaviors and how to turn to God for comfort.
I suggest this book to any of my Christian friends to read
5 out of 5 I couldn't put this book down.
October 29, 2016
“Counterfeit Comforts” by Robia Scott was a very encouraging read. Robia Scott writes in a way that feels as if she is sitting right beside you! This book is very encouraging and easy to read.
Robia Scott addresses the different things that we turn to for our comfort. We all have our “vices” that we hope will fill our void when we’re going through tough times. She shows us how to turn from these “comforts” and turn to God instead. She shows a step-by-step process to overcome this.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! This is a book that I will keep on my shelves and refer back to often.
I received this book from Chosen for my honest opinion.
Robia Scott addresses the different things that we turn to for our comfort. We all have our “vices” that we hope will fill our void when we’re going through tough times. She shows us how to turn from these “comforts” and turn to God instead. She shows a step-by-step process to overcome this.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! This is a book that I will keep on my shelves and refer back to often.
I received this book from Chosen for my honest opinion.
April 12, 2017
This was just what I needed after the week I've been having
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