When Wives Walk in Grace

Author Steve Mcvey in this book writes about women whose husbands either don’t know Christ, or have walked away from the faith, and gives them counsel on how to live day to day.

He makes mention to NOT take a legalistic approach, to bring husbands to Christ.  This we know must be done with grace and patience.  He also stressed, that one must not try and change their husband.   He tells them to let go of the idea there is something they can do, as this can risk interfering with what the Holy Spirit may be doing in their husband’s life.  He also indicates when it is appropriate to take a stand against destructive behavior in a relationship, and how to take that stand.

Chapter 8 deals with emotional abuse, what it is and how to deal with the situation, although I tend to disagree somewhat with what he says here, I don’t think he truly understands what it is like to be emotionally abused by someone, time and time again.  He then talks about the physical abuse in chapter 20, and once again I don’t think he truly understands what a woman endures in these situations.  

I do think that this book does merit value, and is a good read for a wife who is experiencing some difficulties in her marriage.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

No Small Change

I read the introduction and then the first story. I was absolutely confused. As I scanned through the whole book, reading one story at a time, I was dually disappointed in the content.

This book is a collection of short stories that  was more like reading a go on about his life and his stories and his thoughts.    These are stories  that show you the world through a different set of eyes, turning the ordinary into something deeper. The author has a way of making you feel as though you are right there with him. Not all of the stories stuck with me, but a lot of them did. The ones that did, struck a deep cord which will not easily be forgotten.

If a reader wants an personal look inside the mind of a Methodist preacher, then this book is well recommended. If the reader wants an personal look inside the minds of people about God (as the blurb insinuated), this is not the book to read.

I was surprised that the book's outline did not match the book's content. I'm overwhelmingly disappointed by the author.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Angel Guard

 ^“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

This verse came to mind when I was reading the book Angel guard.  Mr. Acheson takes us into a world filled with spiritual warfare.  We are told many times in the Bible that we are constantly in a battle; well this book is a good example of this.
  
A very well written, fast paced book looks into the lives of 3 key characters, that are found in the UK, Australia, the USA, and Europe;  how the lives of the key characters intertwine.  The story evolves from one bombing, and how they live their lives in the midst of a spiritual battle that goes on around them.   

Mr. Acheson does an excellent job of describing a spiritual battle.  It is very clear from the beginning that  this battle is and will continue to be ongoing.  This is an excellent first book from an author I'll be watching for in the future.  Maybe a sequel in the future?

I enjoyed the theme, the story line, but I was uncomfortable with the cover illustration.  For those who like a fast paced mystery this one is for you!

Here is a trailer for you to watch:Angel Guard Trailer, or for further information you can visit the author : Ian Acheson

I received this book free from the publisher. (www. Kregel.com)  I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Second Chances

Pastor and author Max Lucado brings his gift for connecting traditional Bible stories to present situations in the inspirational volume, "Second Chances: More Stories of Grace." With the ease of a practiced narrator, he brings such characters as the Samaritan woman at the well, Jonah and The Prodigal Son into our world and uses them to remind us that we serve The God of Second Chances.

His easy-going manner avoids sermonizing even as he exhorts the reader to claim the new beginning available through God's grace.

Second Chances is a book of how God gives us second chances all the time. You are reminded on every page of the endless Grace, Love & Mercy God gives us every day, and we are so undeserving of that kind of love, but God gives it to us.

I received this book for free from NetGalley.com and Thomas Nelson Publishing.

There Is More

I want to write an honest opinion of this book written by Randy Clark.   For starters, I do not believe in the Charismatic/Pentecostal  movement.    Mr. Clark writes about impartation, which  is not something I can personally endorse.  

I believe in Eph 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”  

I would not recommend this book to evangelical Christians.  This book as I stated is more for the Charismatic or Pentecostal, Holiness movement.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

The Quiet Place

This is an amazing little devotional by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  It is a devotional that will take you through all 365 days of the year from January 1 to December 31.

Each day contains a verse,  and application questions are the highlight of this great devotional.  They are very specific and designed to bring out a response from the reader. These questions can help you as you mature in your spiritual journey and walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

This devotional is so beautiful,with its imitation leather cover, a size that is easy to handle and take anywhere, and would make a wonderful gift to any woman.  This is something that I will read, re-read and keep by me always.

I highly recommend this devotional.

http://www.moodypublishers.com/

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Unglued Devotional

Lysa is so real, sharing her life experiences and how God has shown her lessons through them. Many of them I remember reading as emails and it is so nice to have them all in one book. Like her daughter's 'to do list' which included telling people she loves them (Day 48).

There are 60 short devotionals to read - labeled as "60 days of imperfect progress." Each day begins with Scripture and a "thought for the day" followed by the text and a prayer.  The devotional starts with a verse, thought for the day and a personal story by the author which we all will be able to relate to and can be encouraged by knowing that we are not the only ones going through these struggles. It has become a must read for me every morning. It’s a devotional for women of any age and walk of life and a great gift to pass on to your loved ones as a tool of encouragement.

    I would encourage every woman reading this review to purchase both books “Unglued” and “Unglued Devotional.” If you must choose only one, buy “Unglued Devotional.” I personally believe it will change your life.

Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst was an enjoyable and easy read. Each day begins with a verse and a thought for the day, and then followed by a short couple of pages of a related personal story from the author.

I received the book through Booksneeze's blogger review program in exchange for an honest review.

Your Beautiful Purpose

This is what I would call a meditative book. It is a book to be read slowly and thoughtfully. Full of Scripture and scriptural principles, this book takes us straight to the heart of God. Susie also shares her personal experiences openly and honestly.

The book is divided into six sections:

·                     Embrace Your Purpose

·                     Trust God's Timing

·                     Hear God's Voice

·                     Believe God's Word

·                     Walk by Faith

·                     Take New Territory

Susie Larson has a gift for making you feel right at home.   Within these pages holds liberty and peace from much that invades our hearts.  Using personal stories to illustrate each stage of this journey, Susie is able to identify with the struggles which come with moving toward the purpose God had in mind.

"Your Beautiful Purpose", is just that. Susie shares the insights to finding our purpose and what to do with it once we find it. This book is loaded with scripture and quotes that set your mind soaring. Her words are so sincere as if she really knows your pain and situation.   You could read this book in many ways. Read it as a complete book alone, or as a Bible study or even a devotional.  This is a book I will read over and over again.     

 This book is going to help you grow.   It's going to bring you to the place where you convene with the Lord and seek your purpose. These pages are filled with passion and God's promise. .

Included in this book is a six-week study which can be done individually and in a group.  

 I found this book confirmed things that I have been pondering. It is a book which I will turn to again and again, and pass around for friends to read. Beautifully written, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of an honest review.

Pew Sisters

This book was meant to be used for a bible study, I had the idea that it was going to focus on scriptures which talk about the need for the Body of Christ, but  it’s not very straight forward in its approach. Each chapter reads as a devotional, telling of a real life challenge that some one has faced using everyday stories.  Following the story there are a series of discussion questions, words from a hymn to meditate on, and a prayer to pray. Each chapter is given the name of a woman and she the focal point of the devotion.  

I understand what this book is trying to do. It is trying to show us through life situations that we can identify with – from having cancer, to losing loved ones , miscarriages or multiple children – that God is with us, working out the details of our lives  The thing that causes me the most hesitation in this, the author never provided the scriptures she was referring to. There is a passage of scripture given at the head of each chapter but they are rather easily glossed over and not referenced again after their initial mention. The Body of Christ does need to recognize that it is designed to work together, to comfort, encourage and praise one another. In order to learn to do this right and successfully, it’s going to take more than just a “coffee shop conversation” We really need to be digging into Scripture and applying it to our lives.

So, I ask myself if Pew Sisters,is it full of sound doctrine? I think it falls short here, it is not very detailed when it comes to instruction from scripture itself.  It does use Lutheran doctrine, which if I were writing a book, I would make sure that it would nondenominational.  In summary, I don’t think this book is bad necessarily. I just think it’s weak. I probably would not choose it for a devotional with a group of women.  Again, not because I think it’s bad but I’d rather gnaw on steak than eat a thin meat sandwich, so to speak. I think it could be better. And if you can engage with something better, you should.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”