Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Judas Goat by Perry Stone

This is my first time reading any of Perry Stone's material and I must say that I quite impressed! Perry Stone seems to have a gift for Bible teaching and sharing it in a way that is easy to digest! This particular book is about "How to deal with false friendships, betrayals, and the temptation not to forgive." When you first begin to read the introduction of this book you will be referred to Chapter 4 "Who is Sitting in Your Third Chair." Reading this chapter helped me to understand what Perry was referring to when he mentioned first, second or third chair persons. He shares that people in our lives will fit on one of three places and how to be careful not to allow people in where they do not belong. He gives a perfect example through an experience his wife went through to help you understand better. Perry shares testimonies his father experienced in the ministry regarding "Judas Goats" within his congregations. On the back cover Perry writes, "A Judas goat is an actual goat that is raised with the sheep in the field--eating with them, sleeping with them, and generally gaining their trust. When the time comes to lead the sheep into the slaughterhouse, the sheep will follow the Judas goat into specially marked pens, the back of trucks, and in some instances into the slaughterhouse itself. The Judas Goat makes a strong correlation between this goal and the people in your life who are operating with ulterior motives, helping you understand." This book gave me a warning or a heads up to the possibility of this happening for future ministry but also gave me an understanding of what has already taken place in what I thought was a true friendship from my past. I was also convicted personally. This book was written with excellence and true anointing of our Lord! I recommend this book to you! Especially for those in the ministry. I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from Charisma House publishing through the www.thebookteria.com book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

All Heaven Will Break Loose by Joy Dawson

The first thing I would like to tell you about is the front and back cover of this book. It is strikingly beautiful in a simple and yet profound way and reflects the beauty of the words written inside of the book as well. It hit me again and again as I read this book how much the cover "fit" what was inside. I had not heard of this author before and am so glad I decided to give her writings a whirl. There is a depth and perception contained in her words that I feel could only come from our Lord. Joy is not a novice and the wisdom of her life experiences bleeds through her words. It touched me that she dedicated this book to her son who is also involved in the ministry. Joy also mentions her late husband, Jim, who she says released her to prioritize her time in the project of writing this book meaning he would have to take on a heavier load in other areas and all the while not complaining. Jim passed away before the book was published and I imagine the pain of his loss went into the writing of this book. If I were to tell you what the main jest of this book is I would say it would be about UNITY and FORGIVENESS. The author shares brilliant ways in which unity and forgiveness can be achieved. Some I have already tried and I can tell you it has worked for me. Something she suggests is, " We need to ask God to give us His supernatural ability to love and forgive everyone who has wronged us, and then receive it by faith." Joy offers practical ways of getting free and keeping free from all resentment. Who of us could not use such advice? Not me. I know I need this and will implement her ideas further. I like how Joy shares a nugget about what the upcoming chapter or even paragraph holds which alerts as to what to pay attention to. For example: "The next chapter illustrates the greatest team work in dynamic action that I have found anywhere in the Bible." Strong points she has made is that we are not meant to be so independent of one another and I quote," ...no one is meant to have it all. God evenly distributes it out to others so that we may be interdependent on Him through one another." This makes a whole lot of sense to me. I cannot even begin to tell you all that this book holds for if I were to do so it would spoil your joy in reading it for yourself. I have meditated upon much that I have read and highlighted it all over the place. I intend to keep this copy for my own personal library to refer back to. I recommend this book highly! I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from Chosen Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

When Will The Heaven Begin? by Ally Breedlove

I came across this book while straightening shelves in the library where I work. It grabbed a hold of my attention and went home with me that night. Once I got started reading this book I could not put it down! The words written and the story told in this book spoke to me so clearly and so personally it was as if the Lord Himself had tossed this book onto my lap and said, "Here, read this!" It is quite the story. A story of a young man who fought the good fight of faith and won victoriously! A story of a young man who had a special assignment for his life which was fulfilled. Really...it's a whole lot more then that. The author is an excellent writer...and easy to read. I was quite shocked for such a young person to be such a good writer and I've no doubt that there will come further titles flowing from her pen. I can't help but think that part of the reason for Ben's life and death and all of the in between was to launch Alley out into writing. God works like that! I loved reading everything in this book. I feel close to the family and close to Ben and know that one day in heaven we will all meet. This book is for everyone! Reading it has changed my life and caused me to re-think my priorities. I will never be the same again. I wholly recommend you read this one as well and also do know that Ben Breedlove has his story on youtube so you may want to give that a look as well. Lord bless!!!