Angels by Jack Graham - my review

Angels : Who They Are, What They Do, and Why It Matters by Jack Graham is an interesting book on the topic of Angels.  I always loved the TV show - Touched By An Angel starring Roma Downey, which showed guardian angels always helping people. Roma Downey writes a beautiful forward to this book as well.

The author uses scripture as well as true life stories to explain Angels and who they are and what their purpose is in this book. Broken up in four parts,
1. The Wisdom of Angels as You Start the Journey
2. The Protection of Angels as You Sustain Life's Blows
3. The Encouragement of Angels as You Soar on Eagle's Wings
4. The Presence of Angels as You Stay the Course With Christ

No we shouldn't idolize them, but LEARN from them. As they watch over us, protect us, and teach us to worship God! I loved this book and highly recommend it to others who also would like to learn more about Angels.

I received a FREE copy from Bethany House in exchange for my HONEST review, rather it be bad or good.

Eternity: Understanding Life After Death by Tony Evans

Eternity: Understanding Life After Death by Tony Evans is a short, although very informative book based on biblical scripture on what we have to look forward to after death. Depending on rather we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior or not. I've found myself drawn to so many of these type books lately, after sitting by Mother's bedside, and watching her suffer, as she was dying from cancer.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is...
"we are in the land of the dying on our way to the living" page 7
I love that and it is so true!

Pastor Tony Evans has used biblical scripture to describe both Heaven and hell. He also explains how to know that you are on your way to Heaven. This is a quick read and easy to understand, for anyone.

This is something we can't afford to get wrong, eternity is a long time! I have both family and friends that believe I am nuts for my believes. But if I am wrong about God, I have only wasted my life, if the non-believers are wrong they have wasted ETERNITY! It is each person's right to choose for themselves their path and where they want to spend eternity.

Another quote from this book that I loved regarding this topic says...
"Forever is too long to miss Christ. Eternity is a long time to suffer torment and the pain of regret. For Christians, this life is the only hell they will ever know. But for non-Christians, this life is the only Heaven they will ever know." page 12
Gives you something to think about doesn't it?

PLEASE I ask all of my family, friends, and even people I don't know, give this some thought on where and how you want to spend eternity.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, for like it or not, we all are going to spend eternity somewhere. It is up to each of us to decide where that will be.
I received a FREE copy from Moody Publishers in exchange for honest review on this book

Heaven and the Afterlife by Erwin W. Lutzer - my review

 
Heaven and the Afterlife: The Truth about Tomorrow and What it Means for Today by Erwin W. Lutzer caught my attention as I  sat at my Mother's bedside while she was fighting her battle with cancer.

There are three books combined into this one book...
1. One Minute After You Die
2. How You Can Be Sure You Will Spend Eternity with God
3. Your Eternal Rewards

The author uses scripture to let us know what Jesus has to say on these subjects. This book is a very LOUD wake-up call for everyone. Full of information on what the BIBLE and JESUS tell us waits on the other side. We can't change our mind after having arrived, we must do that here. The author lets us know, by using scripture, how to KNOW where we will spend eternity.

This can be both an encouraging book for Christians, or scary for non-believers when you get a glimpse of what awaits.
I highly recommend this book to everyone as I want to see everyone in Heaven someday.

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Moody Publishers & NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.

The Counselor by A.W. Tozer - my review

The Counselor by A.W. Tozer is a straight-forward book talking about the Holy Spirit.

You will find no sugar-coating here, only straight talk on what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. The author uses Bible scripture to show you what the Lord has to say about the Holy Spirit. We all need this closeness with the Holy Spirit that God wants us to have.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book...

"I believe that it might be well for us if we just stopped all of our business and got quiet and worshiped God and waited on him." page 72

"All He wants is for us to yield, obey, open our hearts and He rushes in and our lives are transformed and changed!" page 76

"honor Christ and the Holy Spirit will honor you" page 139


I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is one that I will find myself returning to I am sure.
I received a FREE copy from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

21 Seconds To Change Your World by Mark Rutland - my review

21 Seconds To Change Your World : Finding God's Healing and Abundance Through Prayer by Mark Rutland  is a powerful book showing a new way to look at The Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm. The author shows how using the two of these daily can restore your soul.

Examining both and who they came from as well, Jesus and David and how they relate to each other. He goes in to an in depth study of both, I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to give it a try in my own life. For I know that prayers are answered, miracles can and still do happen. What better way to pray then how Jesus taught us?

I highly recommend this book
I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer - my review

Discerning the Voice of  God: How to Recognize When God is Speaking by Priscilla Shirer is a fantastic book that shows ways that God does still speak to us today if we will only take time to listen.

Ms Shirer does an absolutely amazing job in explaining how we can hear God through his word, how God may use others to confirm what He is trying to tell you.

There are interesting chapter challenges at the end of each chapter for us to try that will bring us closer to God and recognizing when He is speaking to us.

I personally remember a time when I thought a person was crazy that said that they had heard from God, but He does still speak to us His word his very much alive!

I enjoyed this book from start to finish, as it confirmed for me what I was already experiencing. Can't wait to share this book with others who want to learn how to tell when God is speaking.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is...
"He speaks. God speaks. Your Lord and Savior speaks. To you. So wake up expecting. Arrive expecting. Come expecting. Live expecting. Never stop...Expecting."  

I received a free copy from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

How To Enjoy Reading Your Bible by Keith Ferrin - my review

How To Enjoy Reading Your Bible by Keith Ferrin is full of tips to help you understand and enjoy reading the Bible. Instead of just reading a few verses or a chapter or two a day, he suggests reading it as you would with any other book, reading it straight through. Lets know God and have a relationship with him instead of just trying to learn about him!

One of my favorite quotes from this book is....
"After all, isn’t that the point? Isn’t our time in God’s Word primarily about spending time with Him? Being with Him. Knowing Him. Sitting with Him. Learning from Him. Laughing with Him. Hanging out with Him." page 5

He has several tips for different books of the Bible for you to start reading along with family or friends, someone you can discuss it with. I have read through his book, and now I am ready to go back and try out some of his tips. This is an easy to read book, which the author suggests that if you follow his tips you will memorize parts of the Bible without even trying! How cool is that? I am anxious to go back and start with some of his suggested tips for reading the Bible.

I will update this review after I have tried some of these tips out and let you know if I have memorized parts without trying.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to get more from reading their Bible.
I received an ARC (advanced reader's copy) from Bethany House for my honest review be it good or bad.

Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas - my review

Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas is an awesome read, set in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia , in the 70's. The author takes us back to the town of Wise, where everyone knows everything about everyone else, or thinks that they do. Until the Harvest is part of the Appalachian Blessings series, but can also be read as a stand-alone book.

 Margaret takes care of her younger sister, Mayfair, taking her with her to work.  Margaret works as a helper for an elderly lady named Emily, who has a grandson named Henry. When Margaret and Henry meet at his grandmother's house, she is not so sure if she likes him, although he and Mayfair strike up an immediate friendship.  Mayfair, a diabetic, with a heart of gold, and a unique gift that makes her a big interest to others. Henry, a young man who loves to play the fiddle, gets himself mixed up with the wrong kind of people when his father passes away.  Margaret and Henry soon find themselves depending on each other though as troubles arise for both. This book has a bit of action, mystery, love, farming, and enough prayers to be called spiritual. One of my favorite parts is when Henry takes Margaret to see his father's tombstone, absolutely LOVED what is inscribed on it! I won't tell you what it says, I will let you read that for yourselves as it is truly a blessing.

The author has done a beautiful job of setting the scene to take the reader back in time to when things were different, and although had it's own share of troubles, was still a bit simpler.  I enjoyed this visit to Wise, West Virginia and all the characters that I met along the way.

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review, be it good or bad. Thank you.

Everyday Grace by Jessica Thompson - my review

Everyday Grace: Infusing All Your Relationships with the Love of Jesus by Jessica Thompson is a great read that reminds you that the Holy Spirit is in control!  She starts by telling us that Everyday Grace is anything but another Christian self-help book. This book doesn't tell us what we should and shouldn't do, but instead reminds us of what Christ has done for us. Everyday Grace is a book of hope that keeps us focused on Jesus.

Karma - you do for me and I will do for you. Living with this type of attitude, as most of us do is exhausting.
"The truth is we don’t want ka me, ka thee or karma, even though we think we do. The gospel refutes this idea completely. It is anti-karma and pro-grace. The gospel says that even though you aren’t good enough now and actually never will be good enough in your own good works, I am going to give to you anyway. The gospel tells us that all we have earned has been given to the Son and all the Son has earned has been given undeservingly to us. If we try to rely on karma to see us through, it will be an endless life of working never to obtain. If we rest our souls in the gospel, our lives will be full of receiving, even though we could never work hard enough to receive the gift we have been given." page 4

Each chapter is awesome, the chapter on our children, reminds us of the love of God for ALL of his children. The chapter on friendships reminds us that Jesus is our friend that we can always turn too, a friend that will never let us down. The chapter about our husbands/marriages reminds us of Christ's love for his Church. The chapter on loving difficult people shares how the Holy Spirit is always with us to help and guide us. I enjoyed the entire book but this particular chapter is my favorite, it is a great reminder in letting the Holy Spirit do what he is sent to do.  

Everyday Grace has been added to my favorites books to be reread. I think it will be a number one Christianity book for 2015. One I highly recommend to everyone, as we all have relationships of some type.


I received an ARC (advanced reader's copy) from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

The Sons of Isaac by Roberta Kells Dorr - my review

The Sons of Isaac by Roberta Kells Dorr takes you back to another time and place. It is an old story that can be found in the Bible (found in Genesis, starting book 24), one the author has brought to life with her telling of it. Starting with how Isaac and Rebekah met , with her traveling miles to marry a man she had never met. Then on to the birth of twin sons, Jacob and  Esau. Through the lives of these two boys and into Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel. Even though the story is an old one it could very well have taken place in today's world. With a family that has love, jealousy, greed, hope, manipulation, stubbornness, and faith in God. Roberta Dorr has done a remarkable job of bringing all of the characters back to life in her telling of their story and the way things might have been.

I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Jesus, Jihad, and Peace by Michael Youssef - my review

In Jesus, Jihad, and Peace by Michael Youssef , he explains the difference in beliefs of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Dr. Michael Youssef uses Biblical scripture to show how things that are happening in the world today, line up with the prophecies in the Bible. I personally gleaned a lot from this book.

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from NetGallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Authority in Prayer by Dutch Sheets - my review

Authority in Prayer: Praying With Power and Purpose by Dutch Sheets is an awesome book filled with faith, humor, testimonies and so much more. The author shows Biblical reasons for taking authority in our prayers. A real faith-builder as you read of answered prayers and know that God does answer our prayers. Prayer is powerful! This book helped me to see that it is important to use the power we are given, by God, in our prayers.

I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson - my review

I enjoyed the friendship between Lenore and Abrianna in Steadfast Heart (Brides of Seattle, #1) by Tracie Peterson. Together they made a beautiful team. Abrianna with a lovely heart that wants to help all the less fortunate and Lenore who has the means to do so.

I loved the ladies that run the Bridal School! Everything about them makes me want to meet them.

With the lawyer Kolbein, coming to Seattle, looking for his sister Greta, who he thinks is at the Bridal School, and falling for the beautiful Lenore. Wade always looking out for Abrianna, I expected him to also announce that he was in love with her.

I was left wanting to know more at the end of the book though, like what happened with Priam Welby? A very unlikable man from the beginning. And who committed the murders of the three men close to the Bridal School? Perhaps there will be another follow-up book with the answer to these questions in it. I would just like to know if I have figured it out right.


I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt - my review

I finished reading Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt last night and was completely lost in the telling of this old story. I'm a big fan of Biblical fiction and this will now be on my list of favorites as such.

I have read the Biblical story of Esther and studied it at different times, but after reading this book I will never look at it quite the same again! Angela Hunt brings this old story back to life by letting two characters, Esther (Hadassah) and a eunuch by the name of Harbonah tell the story. I tremendously enjoyed reading this age old story from this perspective. Even though I knew this story, it was still a real page-turner as I read from the view point of Hadassah and Harbonah. It was so easy to love these two, as I read along, crying and laughing with them.


One of my favorite quotes from this book, about this time long since past, so easily fits the Christian life that I walk, today as well.

 We walked in it, traded in it, communicated in it, and did acts of kindness for it. To the casual observer, we might have looked like ordinary people, but we were not. About that, at least, Haman was right. 
 We were children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and we served and invisible God, who remained close to us no matter where we lived. But our hearts did not -- should not -- belong to this world. 


I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes Biblical fiction.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Longing for More by Timothy Willard - my review

Longing for More: Daily Reflections on Finding God in the Rhythms of Life by Timothy Willard is a fabulous devotional. With 52 chapters and a daily reading to lead to a closer walk with Jesus. Each day begins with a scripture, follows with an inspirational reading, and a daily prayer.
This would be a great book to start your day off with along with your morning coffee. I read through the entire book and loved it! Now I will go back and re-read it as a morning devotional. With chapters inculding Love, Hope, Courage, Work, Anxiety, Family, Pain, Disappointment, Shame, Calling, and so many more, all focused on scripture. Timothy Willard helps to take different situations and shows how to find God in each of them.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is...

Perhaps today you need to walk out into the fields, or the woods, or the mountains. Perhaps today you need to feel, to sense, some otherness--the otherness of "my Holy One." Take the the time and walk. Get off your phone. Close your laptop. Shut down the tablet. The Everlasting awaits.  

This is so true we need to shut down things of the world and listen for the voice of God.
 
I highly recommend this book to everyone who like me, is longing for more, it will help you to slow down, pause, reflect, and feel God's loving grace.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

My Breaking Point, God's Turning Point by Ricky Texada - my review

In My Breaking Point, God's Turning Point: Experience God's Amazing Power to Restore,  Pastor Ricky Texada, tells the heartbreaking story of loosing his wife in a tragic accident. How God brought him through this devastating loss and showed him that he still had plans for his future. God revealed to him that Debra (his wife) had a choice to come back or remain with Jesus, and she chose to stay with Jesus. His story tells how God gives us beauty in the place of the ashes. The author lost his wife but God restored him with a love that he thought would never again happen, as well as the children that he wanted. Sometimes God's plan isn't the same as our plan for our lives but he loves us all and is always here for us.

I highly recommend this book. This is a great book for anyone who has faced a heartbreaking loss, to help remind you that God does love you and does see the pain you are going through. He isn't finished with you yet.  Keep God first and let him show you his plans for the future.


I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.  

365 Moments of Peace for a Woman's Heart by Baker Publishing Group - my review

365 Moments of Peace for a Woman's Heart: Reflections on God's Gifts of Love, Hope, and Comfort by Baker Publishing Group is a beautiful book, one that feels nice in your hands. Looks and feels so soft, pretty and feminine also having a ribbon for bookmarking.

Filled with a year full of daily devotionals to calm and comfort. They are absolutely beautiful, with scripture, inspirations, and a prayer for each day. No I haven't read the complete book yet but have read a few of the devotionals and I love the peaceful filling they leave me with.

Today's could have actually been written for me personally.
The Title is - The Dark Before Daylight
directly underneath is scripture from Psalm 30:5
Then an inspirational that talks about being exhausted, and the situation seeming as dark as the night sky. Goes on to tell you to put your trust in God and rest while he handles the situation.
This is followed by another Bible verse - Psalm 30:11-12
There is also a prayer to the left of the page that reads...
"God, please calm my fears and give me rest. I want to trust you, Lord. Please release me from these worries so I can praise your matchless name. Amen"

This has a special meaning for me, after the very recent passing of a family member. Watching more family members that are suffering with cancer as they fight this battle with that terrible disease. I feel so helpless because there is nothing I can do to make it better for them. But this is a much needed reminder to give these problems to the One (God) who can help.


I love this little book of devotionals and look forward to reading each and every days entry. I  highly recommend this book. This would make a great gift for the ladies in your life. The design of the book gives you a peaceful feeling as well as the daily devotionals giving you that peace and comfort.


I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.    

Pain As A Starting Point by Kerry Kerr McAvoy - my review

Just at a time in my life that I needed this, I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of Pain As A Starting Point by Kerry Kerr McAvoy.

Living with chronic pain on a daily basis and having so much emotional pain in my life, I feel almost like an expert on pain, both physical and emotional. The best physician I have found is GOD!

The author uses scripture to show the answers to some of life's tough questions. Such as, Where is God while I'm suffering? How do I trust in God through my difficult trials of life? She has done a fabulous job showing where God is through all of our struggles and how to find him. With daily devotionals. Questions to make you think. Optional reading of Bible verses to go along with each section. A daily discipline exercise and prayer end each section. Also some great play list for some (new for me) awesome music.

There are so many of the painful heartbreaking burdens that life gives us that I have either experienced personally or have watched family members go through. Through it all, as the book will show, God is there for us if we will turn to him and have faith.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is...
"In that moment, pain becomes a starting point and provides us an opportunity to see our desperate state and our need for God."

I highly recommend this book to everyone, for everyone I know suffers from some kind of pain. This is a book that I will be re-reading from time to time.
I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the chance to read and review this book.

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin - my review

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin is book 2 in the Restoration Chronicles, but is a good stand alone book. Bringing the Old Testament to life, as you read about how Haman got King Xerxes to sign a decree to annihilate all of Jews, and Queen Esther getting him to sign another decree.

The little crippled Edomite girl, Amina, who befriends the older Jewish woman, Hodaya, and finds she is has more in common with her than she first thought.

Then Ezra a quiet scholar and teacher of the law, wanting to take his family home, and leading the Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon. This story comes to life as you meet his wife Devorah, their children, family, and friends and see how they live.

I loved my journey through these pages of the Old Testament, Lynn Austin has done a terrific job of making me feel as if I was right there taking part with them with her writing of this story. She has added some characters to help tell the story.  This is the first book I have read by this author but will not be the last, I have found a new favorite author!

At the end of the book she tells you where you can read the stories/verses that she has used in this book in your own Bible.

I  highly recommend this book to anyone who like to read Biblical stories.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

   

The King is Coming by Erwin W. Lutzer - my review

The King is Coming: Preparing to Meet Jesus by Erwin W. Lutzer tells about the end days and the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The author uses biblical scripture to discuss the rapture of the Church, the tribulation, the coming of Jesus, the Antichrist, the end of the world, and Heaven. Erwin Lutzer does a marvelous job of explaining his views on what the Bible tells us will happen in these last days and uses the scripture to back up what he says, so you can read it in the Bible for yourself.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is ...
"If you've been told that you have to donate money to go to heaven, you have not heard the gospel. If you've been told that you must make yourself deserving to go to heaven, that is not the gospel. Nor is it through baptism, your church attendance, or through the sacraments." 

And the last quote he uses in the book is from the Bible...
"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Luke 12:40 ESV

If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, please do so, because our King is coming soon!!

I  highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.