Book Review: Fearless by FAITH

 

                                   Chosen Books

by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen

Fearless by Faith is a devotional book. It contains 60 faith building devotions written by Brother Andrew.

Brother Andrew spent his life smuggling Bibles into countries whose government did not allow Bibles or any mention of Christianity. He became known as “God’s Smuggler” He teamed up with Al Janssen to write of his travels.

The Book

This book is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on how we listen for God’s instructions. Part two concentrates on the Spiritual battle.

In each section, the warriors present six Bible heroes. In a section entitled: Meet Your Instructors, the authors give us a thumbnail synopsis of each of five Old Testament heroes who are the focus of this work. The authors have included, for most of them, scripture references for us to read and study in our Bibles: David, Elijah, Jonah, Moses, and Gideon. Brother Andrew uses these six heroes to focus on how we can listen for God’s instructions to us. In the second section, he shows us how God guided each of those six Biblical heroes through their spiritual battles.

I enjoyed this book, although I was unfamiliar with these authors and their previous works. My enjoyment was due to the fact that I was able to read the Biblical stories and understand better what the devotions were telling me.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading devotional books and would want to understand better how to deal with certain conditions we encounter in life.

I received this book, free of charge, from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All they asked of me was to give an unbiased review.

Book Review: Authentic Worship by A. W. Tozer

 

A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) wrote numerous books during his lifetime. He was a self-taught theologian and pastor.(1) This particular work has been edited by James L Snyder.

While Mr. Tozer wrote during the 20^th Century, his thoughts speak of concerns of present-day evangelical Christians.

The book has rather short chapters, each beginning with a verse or a passage of scripture. At the end of each chapter, the words to a Christian hymn follows.

The author and the editor have broken down the act of worship into various morsels that we need to consider as we evaluate our worship experience.

I enjoy reading Tozer’s writings. I especially liked this book because, in it Mr. Tozer gave me a few things to think on as I prepare to worship. One point Mr. Tozer made that stood out to me is that we have to experience God before we can know Him. I enjoyed the hymns chosen for the end of each chapter. Most of them were familiar to me and I knew their tunes.

I would recommend this book to anyone who feels the lack of “something” in their worship of God.

This book would make a good group study book.

I received this book free from Bethany House, division of Baker Publishing Group.

All they asked of me was that I give a truthful, honest review.

(1) From the bio in the book.

Book Review: Faith, Doubt, and God’s Mysterious Timing

 

Bethany House Publishers

30 Biblical Insights About the Way God Works

written by Laurie Polich Short

Ms. Polich Short has written a very special book. She explores faith in a very deep way. She points out that sometimes we need to act in certain circumstances trusting God to take us through to a better place.  We all have times when we wonder what God is doing, why He is putting us through difficult times. In the passages she has chosen, each Biblical character grows in faith because of what the face.

I liked this book because it opened my eyes to certain facts that I had not considered in the outcome of certain Biblical heroes and heroines I have always wondered about.  Why did God allow them to go through that happening or why did God look highly on certain people when we know he or she greatly sinned.

I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with their faith. I believe this would be an excellent resource for a Bible study leader to supplement studies on faith and God’s workings in life.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. All they asked of me was that I give an unbiased review.

Book Review: Going Higher with God In Prayer

 

Christianbooks.com

By A. W. Tozer

Edited by James L. Snyder

Mr. Tozer taught me how to pray in a new way. He wrote that we should seek to know God and His way of looking at the conditions that we would normally request and ask Him to act on. In other words, the dynamics of our prayer lives have to change. He tells me we need to have the eyes of God in order to understand His ways.

We need to realize that prayer should be “in harmony with ascending into the presence of God in such a way that separates us from the world.” (p.17) As we pray this should be our aim.

I received a new way of praying for the needs of those on my prayer list and for those hurt by disease or by careless words spoken in haste by others.

I would recommend this book to anyone who believes they need to find a closer connection to God through prayer.

I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House, division of Baker Publishing. All they ask of me is that I give an honest and impartial review.

This book is available at .christianbook.com in paperback and e-Book form.

Book Review: Kingdom Values by Tony Evans

 

Books a Million

 

Doctor Tony Evans has written a book that is needed for our time. He explores the words of Jesus He spoke in the Sermon on the mount. The Bible calls them the Beatitudes. Dr. Evans calls them Kingdom Values.

 

With each Kingdom value, God gives a blessing. As usual, Dr. Evans speaks to our hearts. He shows us that we can overcome the difficulties of life by modeling the Kingdom Values before those in our circle of friends, our neighbors, and those with whom we do business as well as to those with whom we worship.

 

I learned a lot from this book. One thing was that we can exhibit these values in our daily lives to those who may be trying to ‘try our patience.’

 

I would recommend this book to all those who are dealing with issues in their families, their neighborhoods, their work places, and their churches. I believe it would make a wonderful study for a group.

 

This book can be purchased at:

Books a Million: here

Christian book: here

 

I received a copy of this book for free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Books. All they asked of me was that I give an unbiased review.                      

 

 

 

 

 

                       

The Path to Peace By Ann Swindell

 

Amazon.com

 

Ann Swindell has written an excellent book about finding peace in our hearts. It is a combination of a devotional and a Bible study. I find the book lives up to it's tag line: Experiencing God's Comfort when you are overwhelmed.

 

She has chosen five heroes of the Bible, four individuals and the disciples, and explored how they found peace in their lives. She chose to include Sarah, Moses, Ruth, Hannah, Mary, the Disciples, Mary Magdalene, and Paul.

 

In each section, she examines what is going on as each person lives out their lives and how that person was able to find peace through Jesus Christ.Ann Swindell shares some of the times in her life that she needed to find peace to heal from deep hurts.

 

I like that she showed transparency and, in her writing, could say, “I have been there, I know what it is to be hurt by friends and life’s circumstances. And I was able to find peace through Christ.”

 

I am impressed with the make-up of her book.

Each day’s reading is short, but powerful. When she makes a valid point on the daily topic, she backs it up with a scripture reference.

 

This is an interactive book. At the end of each of the 40 daily readings, she asks a relevant question of her readers and includes space for the reader to record an answer.

 

I would recommend this book to any woman or group of women who feel overwhelmed by life’s stresses. This book would also be beneficial for Christian counselors to include in their libraries.

 

This book is available on: Amazon here and Christianbook and here..

 

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All they asked of me was that I give an unbiased review.

  

Book Review: AWAKE

 

amazon.com

By Anjuli Paschall

 

Anjuli Paschall, in this her second book, shows transparency about herself, her deepest thoughts, and her understanding of Jesus.

 

In fifteen chapters, she takes her thoughts and feelings about life and examines them under a microscope and looks at what she finds from different angles, much like a jeweler inspects precious stones.

 

She has learned lessons and taught me about life that we all need to learn. Lessons about how to live, how to love, and how to understand circumstances that enter our lives.

 

One thing I have relearned from her book is that I need to strive to be always in contact with God, no matter how I feel about things going on in my life.

 

In the back of the book, she includes discussion questions for individual and for group studies.  On the cover of her book, Anjuli Paschall poses holding a rooster. She speaks of her aversion to animals in her book and how she had to overcome it.

 

I would recommend this book to any woman searching for purpose or meaning in their lives. It would be a good study for a women’s group.

 

This book is available on Amazon.com AWAKE, Christianbook.com -Paying-Attention-Matters.

 

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Company. All they ask of me was that I give an unbiased review.

Book Review: Prepare Him Room

 

Bethany House Publishers

Written by Susie Larson

 

Susie Larson has created a journey for her readers, a journey through the life of Jesus Christ. This pilgrimage takes us from the visit of the angel of God and his announcement to Mary of her role in the birth of Jesus.

 

The author takes us through the Advent season with a devotion each day. She includes a chapter from the book of Luke and two other scripture passages along with an applicable quote for each day’s reading. At the end of each chapter, she includes a prayer and a daily fast for the readers to attempt.

 

I profited from reading this devotional and will use it in depth during the upcoming Advent season. She cleared up some things I had on my heart.

 

I recommend this seasonal devotional for anyone who gets ‘hung up’ in the rush of the Advent season in trying to do so much extra to commemorate the season of Jesus’ birth.

 

I received this book, free of charge, from Bethany House Publishers. All they asked of me was to give an unbiased review.

 

Copies of this devotional can be found on: Amazon.com 

Book Review: Lead like Christ By A. W. Tozer

Amazon.com

This book is edited by James L. Snyder.

Dr. Snyder has compiled a series of sermons based on the New Testament book of Titus by A.W. Tozer.

 

Tozer aims his writings to “those with an incurable hunger and thirst for the deep things of God.”  [1]

 

This should be considered a workbook to raise up men and women to become the Christian leaders needed in our world today.

 

I found myself caught up by the concept of purpose. Some of today’s believers follow Christ but do not realize they have a purpose for following him. It can be a challenge for some Christ-followers to discover their purpose. I know it was mine. I found out just recently that our purpose can change as we advance in age and deterioration of our state of health.

 

I would recommend this book to anyone who is seriously searching for a closer walk with the LORD. Because of the shortness of each chapter, I believe it would make a good study book for a small group made up of such Christians. I would also recommend this to be in any pastor’s personal library. 

 

(1.) Lead like Christ, by A.W. Tozer and James Snyder, Bethany House, © (James Snyder), 2021, page 7.

 

 

 

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[1]

Book Review: Flooded

 

By Nicki Korziarz

                            (The 5 Best Decisions to Make When Life is Hard and Doubt is Rising)

 

Ms. Nicki Korziarz has written a book dealing with the tough issues of life. She divides her book into what she calls five decisions, each of which has three chapters.

In each section, she shares with the reader some of the times she felt swamped and even inundated by the events that touched her life. She also relates these decisions to the life of Noah.

 

Each of us have had times of uncertainty as we try to deal with difficulties that life throws our way. We see that Noah displayed obedience and followed God’s directions.

 

I would recommend this book to anyone who seems to be ‘hemmed in’ by stresses that seem unbearable. I would also recommend this book to those who are Christian counselors or pastors.

 

I received this book from Bethany House, free of charge. All they asked of me was that I give an unbiased review.

 

Book Review: The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul

 

Written by Carla Gasser, Illustrated by Vivian Kammel

 

Carla Gasser has done outstanding work on this book. She guides the reader through a devotional study of the Fruit of the Spirit. She does this by making this more than a devotional; she makes this book a Bible study as well.

 

Ms. Gasser draws on several scriptures for each Fruit of the Spirit. She also cites several other author’s works to bring the reader to a better understanding.

Vivian Kammel has created a masterpiece on almost every page of the book. She used watercolor illustrations of florals. At one point she placed succulents on the pages. On another, she painted peaches.

 

I would recommend this to anyone who is serious about their walk with God. I believe it could be studied in a group study as well as an individual study. Ms. Gasser suggests this be a nine-week study. She has given us a lot to digest about each quality we call the Fruit.

 

This book is available online at Amazon.com in the hardback and Kindle forms.

            (Click on the ‘look inside’ link to see the beauty of the illustrator’s work.)

 

It is also available at Christianbook.com in hardback and eBook forms.

Book Review: Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable By Dr. William H. Marty

amazon.com

Dr. William Marty has created remarkably interesting Bible studies on the parables of Jesus and includes two from the Old Testament. These studies will cause those who study these cryptic stories to ponder questions that we usually do not consider about the ramifications of the effect of these stories upon those that heard them and even those who read them today.

 After Dr. Marty introduces each parable, he includes reflections and some optional reflections that explore different scriptures that highlight the lessons Jesus taught to His disciples. Those reflections following the Old Testament parables lead to sections of the Old Testament that enhance the stories. 

 After each of the reflections, Dr. Marty challenges those who study the parable with a memory verse.

 I would recommend this book to anyone who leads Bible studies and for those who prefer to do personal Bible studies.

 I started my reading of this book by answering the reflection questions as I finished each of the studies at the beginning of the book. Because of my studying this book, I learned a lot about myself and my outlook on life. 

 I received this book free from Bethany House Publishing. All they asked of me is that I give an unbiased review.

 This book is available at Amazon.com Here

Book Review: True Worshipers by Marja Verschoor Meijers

Amazon.com

 

 

Marja Verschoor Meijers has written the eighth installment of her series about the Ten Commandments. Her latest installment is instructive, interactive, and full of scriptural guidance.

 

She instructs her readers in ways to bring glory to God. She researched the Old Covenant ways and more fully explained the LORD’S plan for us through the New Covenant. In each chapter, she includes scriptures to bring out her points.

 

At the end of each chapter, she has a page for journal thoughts. She asks two questions related to the topic. She has given space for the reader to respond to the questions.

 

I needed something to lift my spirits after a different and difficult spring. This small book (121 pages) helped me see what I needed to see and will help me do what I must do to worship, witness, and live more fully for Jesus.

 

I would recommend this book to anyone who feels that something is lacking in their relationship with God and wants to work on getting closer to the LORD.

 

I purchased this book from the author. All she asked of me was to give an honest, impartial review.  

 

You can find True Worshipers in paperback or Kindle at Amazon.com. Here

 

 

Book Review: The Pursuit of God By A. W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer originally penned this book in 1948. I find his words relevant in 2020. It is edited by James L. Snyder. It consists of 10 chapters.

Mr. Snyder writes in the introduction about his relationship with this book and with A. W. Tozer, even to writing a biography about him.

Toward the end of the introduction, the reader receives good advice on how to read this book. One chapter a day and after he or she has read God’s Word.

Tozer speaks of “prevenient” grace. “Before a man can seek God, God must have first sought the man.” (Chapter 1)

The chapter that spoke to my heart carries the title, “The Speaking Voice.” (Chapter 6) God spoke the world into being. (Genesis 1) God’s word is powerful. God spoke to many of the Old Testament people and He can speak to us today, provided we listen.

At the end of the book, James L Snyder includes an adaption of the biography, The Life of A. W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God, written by him

This book is small, but it says a lot of mighty thoughts. I would recommend this book to clergymen and women and to members of the laity who desire to get closer to God. 

A copy of this book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers. All I was asked to do was read it and give an impartial and honest review.

 

Book Review: Warfare Prayers for Women

Bethany House Publishers

Securing God’s Victory in Your Life

                                             

By Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock

The authors have given their readers a collection of prayers that cover every aspect of life. I found one section-Praying for My Community and Nation- very timely, given the state of our nation as we try to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

Each prayer has two scripture verses or passages that shed more light on that prayer. At the end of the book, they include The Sinner’s Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. The authors also include a list of worship starters- a neat compilation of terms that apply to Jesus Christ to help a reader to prepare to worship Him. Also, they give us scriptures of intercession and warfare to use when we face the enemy.

I would recommend this volume to any Christian woman who finds herself wanting to pray more earnestly to God.

I received this book from the publisher, Baker Publishing Group. All they asked of me was to give an honest review. 

Book Review: Fight Your Fears

Bethany House Publishers.

Trusting God’s Character and Promises When You Are Afraid.

By- Kristen Wetherell

Kristen Wetherell explores fears and the anxiety that accompanies them. In ten chapters, she guides her readers through several instances of the fears that can beset even the most devout Christian believer. She shows us that we can overcome our negative fears by learning to trust God more. She examines each type of fear we can encounter like a jeweler inspects a diamond.

At the end of each chapter, Ms. Wetherell gives the reader ways to put into practice what he or she has learned. She calls these pages “Learning To Trust” Each page has scripture to memorize, a couple of questions to think on, ways to prepare for new growth in the LORD, and a prayer.

Ms. Wetherell has included scriptures throughout each chapter and has thoroughly researched this topic of fear. In the appendices, she includes a list of recommended books the reader may want to use to continue study on certain topics touched on in this volume and some scripture memorization cards of the passages she used as foci in each chapter.

The topics include: the attributes of God, holiness, the Bible, and fear.

I would recommend this book to those seek to break free from fear and worry. This would be an excellent addition to the library of one who has a counseling ministry.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. All they asked of me was that I give a good review.

Book Review: Exhale

Subtitle: Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well

230 pages

 

Authors: Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory

Authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory share from their hearts about how they learned to love themselves as they learned of Jesus. This new-found love came about as they learned that they did not have to be controlled by their to-do lists or their day planners. Their book explores different scriptural passages that they have experienced as they walked along with Jesus.

At the end of the book, the include a glossary containing terms appearing in their work that were new to me. I appreciated that feature. Also, at the end of this book, they include a personality quiz. This quiz also can be accessed online along with other items that may be of help to those who study this book. Among those items is a format for a group study.

I would recommend this book for any Christian woman who wants to learn how to love and respect herself and for those who should learn how to be more relaxed in their lives. This would also be a valuable study tool for groups who desire to minister to those who struggle with not knowing who they are in the sight of God.

I received this book free from the publisher Bethany House. All they asked that I do was give an unbiased review.

Exhale: Lose Who You’re Not, Love who You Are, Live Your One Life Well is available on Amazon

Book Review: 40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith By Laurie Polich Short

Publisher: Bethany House

Price: $13.99

Number of pages: 173

Laurie Polich Short explores 40 lesser known or glossed over Bible verses to nurture our faith. She concisely presents her interpretations of each of these verses.

At the end of each study, she includes questions for her reader's reflection. She designed these questions in order that the readers can explore how each aspect of faith, she has discussed, relates to them. Each of these essays gives the reader thoughts to ponder about the scripture and how they can apply them to their lives.

One essay spoke to my heart. God’s Affection in Our Trials told me “When we suffer, it is an opportunity to see that God believes in us enough to move our faith beyond the things He gives us—and to see His favor in what He asks from us instead. “Also, “God ultimately allows Job’s catastrophes because He wants to move Job into a deeper faith. God is wooing Job through his suffering into a deeper understanding of who He is—and that His love stands apart from Job’s circumstances, and Job will discover that in the end. “. . .Job’s suffering may be allowed by God, his suffering is not caused by God,” (pages 78-79, Chapter 17)

I would recommend this book to those who feel the need to enhance their faith.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers free of charge. All they asked of me was that I give an unbiased review.

 

Book Review:The Grace Table: Your Faith Legacy,by Julia Melatis

I won this book at the author’s launch party on Facebook. I can’t say enough about it.

Julia Melatis shares from her heart about the Lord Jesus and how we can model him before those we meet in our daily lives.

At the end of each chapter, Julia has two important sections, ponder and prayer and journaling prompts. She recommends each reader use a journal or a notebook “to answer the questions I pose during the reading and the Ponder and Pray and the Journaling Prompts.” ^1. She shares scripture throughout her work. In the back of this book, she includes a mini-concordance with scriptures on fear, courage, worry, hope, and confidence. Throughout the main part of the book, when she quotes various passages, she relies upon several different translations to help us better understand the message.

Julia writes of women having times of fellowship with one another as a part of a way of ministry and fellowship. She also guides those readers who are in unevenly yoked marriages how to examine their own hearts and attitudes in the process of witnessing to their husbands.

I see how Julia’s book could be utilized in a small group setting. She includes a section on tips for hosting a retreat for small groups or even larger ones. Ideas for gift bags, crafts and some pointers to keep the participants focused on the reason for being on retreat.

I would recommend Julia’s book for Women’s Ministry Leaders, for small study groups, and for those who want to create new and deeper friendships.

For more information about The Grace Table: Your Faith Legacy, go to Grace-Table-Your-Faith-Legacy

Footnotes:

1.Page vii

Book Spotlight: Hello, Beautiful: Seeing Yourself through God’s Eyes of Love

DO YOU...

     Wish you had a different body, face, or personality?

     Feel less than adequate compared to others?

     Wonder why God created you?

     Often criticize your choices and decisions?

     Long to see yourself through God’s eyes of love?

     Want to live confidently in spite of your shortcomings?

     Realize how valuable you are?

In Hello, Beautiful, Jeanette Levellie and Beth Gormong lead women on a hopeful journey to find lasting beauty in the eye of the beholder: God. This inspirational gift book contains 40 stories based on some of the authors’ most vulnerable moments, highlighting how God redeemed the pain and taught them how to love themselves. Each chapter of this 40-day soul makeover begins with a Bible verse describing God’s view of us, His precious creation. Chapters end with a special feature, a journaling prompt giving readers the opportunity to apply the principles.

Hello, Beautiful is designed specifically for women who feel the familiar internal pressure to perform without the satisfaction of hearing “Well done.” We find it too easy to think and speak hurtful words about ourselves while building up other’s self-esteem. Hello, Beautiful strives to point out those lies, and replace them with the Truth. Learn the secrets of seeing yourself through love’s viewpoint and shake off feelings of inadequacy. Finally find the courage to look in the mirror and say, “Hello, Beautiful!”

Beth, a former editor, and recovering perfectionist is learning to speak as kindly to herself as she does to others. Recently fired from her job as a full-time mother by her college-age daughters, Beth is discovering God’s definition of her is broader than her own limited perspective. She wants to share the nuggets of truth God has taught her about His love for her and for other women.

Jeanette is an award-winning author and sought-after speaker who enjoys sharing her funny flaws and hard-earned lessons to encourage people from all walks of life. She’s published hundreds of newspaper columns, articles, greeting card verses, and poems. Jeanette is full of wisdom for discouraged and broken women. Hello, Beautiful is her 5th book.

This book is available at Amazon.com  Hello, Beautiful