Thursday, December 29, 2011

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley


I have really enjoyed reading this book by Andy Stanley titled, “Enemies of the Heart.” I have not chosen to read it for enjoyment however, but to read it for knowledge and for help with issues I have been personally experiencing. I really like the style of this author. He uses examples of every day life things such as the physical heart to get his point across. I have no doubt it was the Lord who gave him these examples to use as clear as the message becomes because of them. The author not only points out the enemies of our heart but also presents sound, biblical solutions for the problems these enemies present.
I recommend this book for those who have been having relational problems with others and perhaps have even been blaming others for these very problems. Is it the other person??? Or is it something that has come from within your own heart. Read it and find out.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Awakening by Stovall Weems

A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom

First off I want to share that I like the look and feel of the book itself. Then when I opened the book and began to read it…I fell in love with it. This is a perfect time of the year to read a book such as this one for spiritual purposes and growth. It speaks of “ A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom”. It has a section towards the end which goes into more detail about “The Awakening 21- day plan” for those of us who choose to do fasting and praying at the beginning of each year.
The author writes in clarity and is easy to read and to understand which is important to me.
The author invites individuals to join together with millions of other people around the world to participate in the Awakening each year. You can also log on to his website at www.awake21.org to find out more.
Jentezen Franklin (when I see this name I automatically think of prayer and fasting at the beginning of the year) endorses this book.
I love having a book such as this one by my side when I begin my beginning of the year fast and prayer mode as it encourages me. I encourage others to begin their year with prayer and fasting as well. If you are new to this I suggest you have a notebook of paper and a pen handy as the Lord will have much to say to you seeing you have set aside this time in your life for Him…God bless you in all your endeavors in Christ Jesus and I rate this book with 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Water Brook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to post a favorable review

The Encounter by Stephen Arterburn


This is the first fiction book I have read in some time. As a matter of fact, I had sworn off of reading fiction until I “encountered” this book “The Encounter” by Stephen Azterburn. (sorry, couldn’t resist that one lol) I am not only an avid reader of Christian books but am also a librarian and reading this book has caused me to re-think my decision to not read fiction!
This is a wonderful book and I loved it! It is one of those quick reads which captures your attention. I didn’t want to put it down!
I will not go into much detail as do not want to ruin the story for you but the author is very descriptive in his wording which I for one, like very much.
Something interesting and to take note of….as I read practically holding my breath and unable to put the book down…there seemed to be a shift in the dynamics or Spirit. Where there was this depth and embrace the pages then seemed to turn flat and lifeless. This began when Jonathan and Erica left Jonathan’s mother’s burned down house and when they entered Mercy’s house. It was a dramatic shift from what I discerned and I do not know why. I got the impression the God given inspiration left during this part and the author needed to improvise or else someone else gave him things to write. I do not know.
None the less, I loved this book and would rate it with 5 stars and plan to donate it to the library where I work so others can read it as well.
At the end of the book the author explains where the story came from and what it all meant to him as well as a study guide for personal and group study. (* Forgiveness/Past hurts/Bitterness/Healing there of)

I received this book free from Book Sneeze for the purpose of writing this review. I was required to write a favorable review.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

31 Days of Power by Ruth Myers

My first initial response to this book was that I didn’t like the way it felt in my hands. It felt like a cheap book. I also didn’t particularily care for the way the cover of it looked. However, the contents of this book was excellent.
The author shared some of the experiences with spiritual warfare that she and her late husband had while being missionaries in Asia. Also it was shared of there being spiritual warfare during the time her husband had gotten sick until the day of his death. I’d say that is pretty hefty experience.
The main jest of this book appears to be that a person should not have their full attention being on warring with demons but with helping others to be better aligned with God. It goes on to say that some may be called as full time deliverance ministers but not many. That the authors opinion of why some are called to deliverance ministry full time is because many will not do their part so a select few have to step up and do the greater part.
There is a reading for 31 days.
There are prayers based on scripture which I like a lot.
While reading this book I felt so content and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I recommend this book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Take Action Bible, NKJV by Thomas Nelson

The Take Action Bible is printed in NKJV and is published by Thomas Nelson. This isn’t a bible that I myself would personally choose to use as it is a glossy paperback and more of a casual look. However, this would be a good choice for a young adult as the look of it is more digestible to those just starting out reading the bible. This would be a good gift idea for high school graduation or for someone who is  just leaving home for college.

Features of the Take Action Bible, NKJV by Thomas Nelson are:

* NKJV Bible
* 48 Full color pages
* 15 Real life stories
* 52 Take Action Ideas
* Personal Take Action note pages
* Words of Christ in red
* Concordance
* Bible reading plan

All in all this is a nice casual bible and would make a good gift for the youth/young adult on your list.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I review for BookSneeze®