Awakening Faith

In simple, updated language, Awakening Faith by James Stuart Bell provides a year of inspiring readings drawn from the earliest teachers and writers of the church—the Church Fathers. In every reflection you will be refreshed by deep wells of wisdom and spiritual insight.

This is an amazing tool for everyone.  What a great way to start off your day than with some thought provoking devotionals.    I like the set up,  you are given  a title and the scripture, then you are given a reading, written by an author from the early church; which helps you ponder on the scripture.   In the back there is a list of the church fathers and a short biography.

A very attractive hardcover which I prefer for constant reading.

I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.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.”

Cross Focused Media, LLC

Under the Rainbow

As a young nurse, Catherine witnessed the reality of infant loss and the tragedy of broken lives. She didn’t think that God would allow it to happen to her or her unborn baby though. But when her first, and then second, daughter was born with a rare genetic condition, she was forced to question this belief.
Catherine and her husband nursed the girls until they died at the ages of ten and thirteen, respectively, never having had the ability to even recognize their parents. This is the story of Catherine’s journey with God through this incredible heartache and loss. She honestly shares her disappointment, devastation, and even anger as she deals with the daily demands of her daughters.
In time, though, she came to see her situation differently. We stand “under the rainbow” with her as she experiences the reality of the promises of God, which eventually led to acceptance and freedom. More than an autobiography, the book considers issues such as friendship, helping children grieve, and turning pain over to God. It will make you laugh, and it may make you cry, but ultimately it will reveal to you a God who always keeps His promises.

This is an amazing story written by a mother who has experienced life in it's fullest.  To even think of what God has brought to their lives is amazing.   This book is hard to put down, it is an amazing read.  You are brought into the family and you celebrate and feel all the emotions with them.

This is honestly one of the best books I have read so far.  It touches you to your core being and lets you see God in His finest.
I received this book free from the publisher  http://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.”

Memoirs of the Way Home

In his introduction, author Gerald Bilkes explains, “Few people realize that the magnificent New Testament narrative of repentance and forgiveness is etched into the fabric of the whole Bible, and not least of all into those books that concern Israel’s return from exile.” In this winsome Bible study, with questions for individual or group reflection at the end of each chapter, the author introduces readers to the little-known Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah and demonstrates that they are an expanded version of the story of the prodigal son, preaching the same message of conversion. With pastoral warmth, Bilkes guides his readers home through the memoirs of a prodigal people returning to their God.

What a wonderful study on the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.  Mr. Bilkes has done an in depth study of these books; An excellent tool that can be used individually or in a group.  complete with study questions after each reading.  I would not hesitate to use this book as a main study tool in teaching my Bible studies.  I like that he has chosen two books that many people skip over.  

This book should be a must have on anyone's book shelf.

I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.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.”

Cross Focused Media, LLC

Our God Comes CD

The worship music and lyrics on OUR GOD COMES expresses the heart cry, prayers and joy of the worship team, songwriters and musicians from Antioch, led by James Mark Gulley. From the opening strains of audience approval, joyous praise and worship floods the listeners’ ears and ageless unchanging truths find a new sound for today! The savvy musical arrangements and gifted song writing flow from “Come” to “Our God Comes”, and the glorious experience is documented from the choruses of “Wonderful Counselor”, “How Much More” and “Savior Forever”.

The 72-minute, live recording was produced by James Mark Gulley and assistant Owen Wible, recorded by Randy Adams and mastered at Marcussen Mastering in Hollywood, CA by Stephen Marcussen. Featuring songwriters James Mark Gulley, Stephen Gulley, Brandon Seibert, Thomas Wilson and Johanna Six, OUR GOD COMES also features worship leaders James Mark Gulley, Stephen Gulley, Johanna Six and Clare Berlinsky.

The full track listing forOUR GOD COMES is as follows: ComeT God And King Wonderful Counselor God Who Saves How Much More I Will Raise …Response Light Me Up Awaken Us One Hundred Three …Return Savior Forever …Selah Our God Comes

This is one of the first music CD's I have reviewed.  I truly love worship music, and enjoyed the musical part of this CD.    I found the words and the lyrics to be just a little "lacking".  There could be a little more theology in the lyrics, but the CD was fun to listen to and had very upbeat music.

All songs are available with CCLI.

More information on OUR GOD COMES can be found on

iTunes and www.Cleardaymediagroup.com

The Reichenbach Problem

Arthur Conan Doyle is on the run from his own fame. Taking a much-needed holiday, Doyle escapes to a picturesque village in Switzerland nestled beneath the imposing Reichenbach Falls. There he hopes to find anonymity, but even in this beautiful rural setting, peace eludes him when he finds himself immediately recognized and involved in the investigation of a mysterious death of a fellow traveler.

All too soon, Doyle s somewhat unwilling, gentle probing into the case causes the finger of suspicion to turn towards him. But can the creator of the famous detective actually do the sleuthing himself? As Doyle learns more and more about the famous character he penned, he finds he is less like Sherlock and more like his sidekick, Watson. Can the sidekick see enough of the picture to solve the case for once?

This is a great mystery for anyone to read!  Martin Allison Booth has taken a fictional twist on the author of Sherlock Holmes, and made a wonderful murder mystery.   It is easy to read, and hard to put down.  A novel full of suspense and keeps you guessing from one minute to another what is going on.

I recommend this book for any mystery lovers out there.

I received this book free from the publisher  http://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.”

Don't Miss the Boat

From the back of the book:
Don't Miss the boat provides various perspectives on the biblical account of the Great Flood that speak to both the technical and scientific evidence we see around the world today.  This book contains information for the layman who wants to know the basics, as well as the solid evidence that can be shared with anyone.  Theological considerations, historical essays, and scientific implications are included, as well as fictional representations that convey the emotional power of God's judgement on a wicked pre-Flood world, rounding out this unique resource

Paul Taylor has written a book to help clear up the facts about the flood.  This is an easy to read, easy to understand book written for the everyday person to clearly understand why we had the flood, what happened during and after the flood.   He also discussed fossils, the design of the ark, and the ice age.  

Mr. Taylor has done an extensive research on this topic, and although there is great detail, we must remember that this is the word of one man, and one interpretation.   I was confused as to why in the Chapter "The World Before the Flood" he would use books from the aprocrypha for reference.


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.” 
   nlpg.com.  “this book is published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.”

NIV Integrated Study Bible

Synopsis:

Read the Bible in “real time” with this Bible set in an innovative, new, chronologically-based format. This hardcover Bible aligns similar accounts of the events of the Bible, as well as presenting them in chronological order, to give you a complete, insightful view of the narrative of Scripture. Read the psalms of David right next to the events that prompted his writings. Read the parallel accounts of Jesus’ parables and miracles, and take away unique insights from each Gospel writer.

This is a NIV version Chronological approach Study Bible.  What I really like about this Bible is that it has the cross references side by side for you to compare, this is especially noticeable in the Gospels.  You will find Matthew, Mark and Luke all together side by side on one page.  I also liked the time lines that were printed at the bottom of the pages.

This Bible is a great study tool, it's easy to read, and helps the reader by having all the references on the same page.

The Bible I received was hard cover, which allows for durability for lots of use.   The print was a good size font, that was easy to read, and it was easy to flip through the pages, and find passages quickly.
I would definitely recommend this Bible to anyone that studies the scriptures!

I received this book free from booksneeze.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.”

My Name is Erin Series

From the Publisher:

Do you often wonder why? Why am I here? Do I serve a purpose? God says yes. No matter your age or your circumstances - you have a powerful purpose.

Do you have a passion for something? The poor? A country? Justice?  Because you are in school doesn't mean you can't do something about it now.

Your purpose and your passion intersect. For a reason.

Read My Name is Erin: One Girl's Mission to Make a Difference and:

• Discover and replace your fake purpose with your real purpose.
• Learn how to stop waiting and live as a mission-minded girl NOW.
• Be inspired by stories of girls like you that said "Yes, Lord."

Part of a four-book series called My Name is Erin.

       My Name is Erin: One Girl's Journey to Discover Truth

      My name is Erin: One Girl's Journey to Discover Who She Is

      My Name is Erin: One Girl's Plan for Radical Faith

P.S. You can read them in any order - because you are a girl with a mission.

These are amazing little quick reads for young girls and teens.   They are well written, very knowledgeable, and easy to read.  These books are small, but they are packed with great information for young girls and teens.

These books will also introduce girls to the idea of keeping a journal.  I love the concept and how Erin Davis can relate to the intended audience of the books.   I would suggest that these books could be used as a study tool in groups, or Sunday School classes for girls, or even as an individual study.

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 Seven Kingdoms, Darkening Lands

Book Description:  "For the first time in over a thousand years the Seven Kingdoms of Justava are at peace with each other. As age old tensions melt away, the people are able to rest easily in their homes, safe in the knowledge that war will trouble them no longer. But a new power is growing in the heart of Justava, an unseen malice that threatens to destroy the fragile peace and throw Justava back into chaos and war.
With the evil Necromancer Empire spreading to every corner of the Seven Kingdoms, it falls upon two young elves who lost everything to this new evil to make a stand. Together, Brenik and Nalia must overcome age old prejudices and travel deep into the wilds of Justava in order to raise their banner and ignite the fires of rebellion."

For those that love fantasy, with lots of elves, demons, vampires etc... this is the book for you!  Very well written, it keeps your attention and draws you into a land that battles good against evil.   

This book would be enjoyed by all age groups, and especially those who enjoy the fantasy type novel.   I do see the beginnings of a series here!

You can read more about Harry at Harry G Sherwin

I received this book free from the Author . 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.”

Daybreak

From the back of the book:

"Sometimes the sun is more than just the sun and night is more than just night." The sun rose on Jacob after his wrestling match with God. A new day dawned and he had a new name to match his new life. A similar call for daybreak is made for Christians today: come out of the darkness and into God's marvelous light (1 Pet 2.9). As Christians, we must not live in the night. We have experienced our own daybreak and should walk in the light-but far too often, we find the darkness alluring. DAYBREAK examines the call to overcome temptation, a closer look at the enemy, and some practical principles for winning the battle with sin.

I really enjoyed this book, it's important to remember that we are to be shining lights, reflecting Him, the one who made us.   The darkness is where evil and sin hides, when God shines His light the sin is exposed.  This book is aptly titled.   Nathan Ward, in this book discusses what holiness is, who our enemy is (both Satan and ourselves).  Mr. Ward also covers the topic of temptation.

I feel this book is a good tool for new believers, or if you are discipling someone, or maybe someone who is having trouble defeating temptations.

I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.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.”

Cross Focused Media, LLC

40 days of Grace

From the Publisher:

Rich Miller has spent his ministry trying to help people accept,and then keep accepting, God’s perfect grace. As president of Freedom in Christ Ministries he helped develop the Grace Course which teaches this concept. In 40 Days of Grace, he has gathered his lifetime of reflections into devotional readings that thoroughly explore what it means to live a grace-filled life.

Rich has seen, time and time again, that so many of us start out excited and grateful for God’s saving, rescuing grace, and yet somehow we take a wrong turn. It’s as if we gradually get tricked into believing that somewhere God changed the rules and it’s actually up to us to make the Christian life work. We are drawn into self-effort and forget what it is to live by grace.

40 Days of Grace is a powerful reminder of the Father who loves us and runs to meet His wayward children—a chance to rest in His grace.

Grace is such an important topic to discuss.   First we must think of what God did for us, how much grace He has shown toward each individual.   Now, if we want to be like Him and reflect Him in our lives, what better way than to show grace?    In his book Rich Miller has given a 40 day step on how to get us to think about grace and how to apply grace.   

This would be an excellent study book for groups, or on your own.  In any situation I think that it is a book that all Christians should read.

I received this book free from the publisher  http://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.”

Bake Through the Bible

From the back of the book:

Bake through he Bible helps parents with young children to explore the Bible with their child while having lots of fun cooking together.  

This book contains 20 Bible stories, told in a simple engaging style, that take your child through the whole story line of the Bible.  Each story is supported by a cooking activity that reinforces the main teaching, along with questions to discuss while cooking, and a simple recap to use when enjoying what they've cooked.

This is an amazing book!  It really opens up the stories and helps bring them alive.  It is good for children to have illustrations to help with their teaching.  This is a great way for them to learn.  It would be a great asset to Sunday school teachers or to parents and even grandparents.  

The recipes are delicious, easy to make and with simple ingredients.  In my eyes this book is a winner!

I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.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.”

Cross Focused Media, LLC