SEVEN SECRETS OF THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

He has done it again. Jack Levison's new book, SEVEN SECRETS OF THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE is a wonderful study of the Holy Spirit. In this spendid book he reveals seven secrets that will lead to daily renewal, purpose and joy when you partner with the Holy Spirit. The seven secrets are Secret 1 Anticipate Infinitely more, Secret 2 Saturate yourself with Scripture, Secret 3 Commit to community, Secret 4 Find the heart of the Spirit, Secret 5 Go where the going gets tough, Secret 6 Break out of the familiar, Secret 7 Leave a spiritual legacy. Each secret has seven brief chapters.

Having read and loved two of Levison's books: FRESH AIR and AN UNCONVENTIONAL GOD, I could hardly wait to get my hands on this new book. I was not disappointed. Having spent years of his life studing the Holy Spirt, Levison who is a renowned theologian and acclaimed author shares the seven secrets to a fuller, deeper and more powerful relationship with the Spirit. 

This is a book you will want to read, study and pray through. I promise that you will be refreshed and gain new insight into the Scriptures. This is not a book to be read and put away. You will "live" with it every day and be refreshed.

PERSEVERE WITH POWER

Friday, November 19, 2021

PERSEVERE WITH POWER

What Heaven Starts, Hell

Cannot Stop

By Samuel Rodriguez

OVERVIEW: Persevere With Power explores the power of persevering with hope amid the dark times in which we live. If painful circumstances or losses have left you weary and discouraged, then grab hold of God's promises and get ready to complete your assignment! Standing on the truth of God's Word, Samuel Rodriguez helps you to *remain faithful to God and experience His power and provision *discover God's guidance for the time and season you are in *learn the plow of perseverance always leads to a mantle of promotion *get your family back, your spiritual hunger back, your dream back.

AUTHOR: Samuel Rodriguez is a pastor, speaker, bestselling author, movie producer and civil rights activist whose career in the public square and international ministry have made him one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world. CNN and Fox News have named him "the leader of the Hispanic Evangelical movement," and Time magazine nominated him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Pastor Sam resides with his family in Sacramento, California, where he leads New Season Church. Learn more at www.pastorsam.com.

MY REVIEW: I agree with Pastor Jentezen Franklin who said, "At a time when the world is in crisis, Persevere With Power is the encouragement we all need." Samuel Rodriguez shares the fascinating insights he has of Elijah and Elisha. In ten power packed chapters he takes you on an uplifting study of the Biblical heroes of the past so that you can better understand the life you are now living and move with boldness into the future.

Samuel Rodriguez refuses to be overcome by the world. And although we live in desperate times he proves in this book that we are not without hope. Readers are challenged to take hold of the Holy Spirit's power and march forward in deep faith. 

This is a book you will want to share with others. It will encourage them to take on anything the enemy throws at them. These ten chapters tells us how to be a light in these dark times.

(I received this book from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group for a fair and honest review.)

100 PRAYERS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW

Tuesday, November 09, 2021

100 PRAYERS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW

Build Your Faith With The Prayers That Shaped History

OVERVIEW: 100 Prayers Every Christian Should know offers a glimpse at some of history's most inspired words of prayer. The book will walk you through the words of centuries' worth of the "great cloud of witnesses," whose offerings of praise and petitions still ring with importance even now. Each prayer is accompanied by a glimpse at the compelling life of each woman or man who prayed it, as well as a motivating devotional thought to show how the words of yesterday can shape and mold us today. The prayers cover everything from words for daily faithfulness to offerings of confession, hymns of praise and prayers to help guide you through life's darkest days. 100 Prayers Every Christian Should know reinforces trust in a timeless God whom believers have been humbled to pray to centuries ago, today, and into the future. (Edited from the back of the book.)

MY REVIEW: This is not just a book about prayer. It is a book of prayers. Prayers by others. Prayers from their hearts. We can learn a lot by reading and meditating on these prayers. We are busy people. But none of us is too busy for things that we regard as priorities. If we are not careful we will find ourselves too busy for prayer. We must make it a priority!

When a doctoral student at Princeton asked, "What is there left in the world for original dissertation research?" Albert Einstein replied, "Find out about prayer. Somebody must find out about prayer." These 100 people found out something important about prayer. It was a major part of their lives. It was as important as their heart beat. You sense this and "feel" it when you read their prayers. 

100 Prayers Every Christian Should Know contains prayers by Fanny Crosby, William Wilberforce, Martin Luther, John Knox, St. Augustine, Fred Rogers,  John Wesley, Abraham Lincoln, John Calvin,

Ronald Reagan and others. Some you will know. Others you may never have heard of before. But all of the prayers are offered to the God you love and pray to. 

I like the words of hymn writer James Montgomery and close with them:

                             O Thou by whom we come to God

                             The life, the truth, the way,

                             The path of prayer Thyself hast trod:

                             Lord, teach us how to pray.

(I received this book from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group for a fair and honest review.)

JUST GETTING STARTED

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

JUST GETTING STARTED

Stepping with courage into God's Call for the NEXT STAGE OF LIFE

By Wendy Peter

OVERVIEW: Writing for those who have a dream but feel too old, too young, too invisible, too unqualified or as if they missed their opportunity somewhere along the way, Wendy Peter provides both the inspiration and the blueprint to: *Move past your false finish line and reimagine the next season of your life. *Identify and awaken your true purpose and step with courage into your calling. *Create a road map to get your dreams off the ground. (From the back of the book)

AUTHOR: WENDY PETER is the director of Women on the Frontlines Global and a pastor in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She and her husband, Murray, have three children. Learn more at www.wendypeter.com

MY REVIEW: Wendy Peter says, "We all want to do something that matters, and there are moments when we ask, 'Is my life really making a difference?' Could there be more, and what if now is the perfect time to get started?" Well, I think now is the time! And Wendy Peter will help you get started. Get this book. You will be glad you did.

The book has ten easy to read chapters. The one I found most helpful was chapter four: Defining Your Dream. It may be a different chapter for you. But they all help to build your courage for stepping with courage into God's call for the next stage of your life.

I agree with international speaker, Brandi Belt. She wrote: "Just Getting Started will help you unlock a greater vision of what is possible with God while challenging you to step into all God has for you." 

God can and will use you for such a time as this. You are uniquely qualified for  something God wants done. Wendy's book will give you the courage to activate your dormant dreams and glorify God by pursuing what HE is calling you to.

(I received this book from CHOSEN, a division of Baker Publishing Group for a fair and honest review.)

THE ONLY ANSWER IS PRAYER—An Intimate Walk With God Into The Miraculous

Monday, February 01, 2021

OVERVIEW: Using practical teaching and moving testimonies, these pastors will help you
*hunger to partner with God and discover greater intimacy with Christ
*boost your strength to pray till you see results 
*position yourself to be part of the greatest outpouring of the Spirit the world has ever seen.
*agree with heave to see God's plans and purposes become reality on the earth.
(From the back of the book)

AUTHORS: William McDowell is an author, gifted teacher and world-renowned, Grammy-nominated, Dove and Stellar Award-winning worship leader who has ministered in more than fifty nations. He is lead pastor of Deeper Fellowship Church, a growing congregation
in Orlando, Florida. Jason McMullen is a prophetic voice, seasoned strategist and executive pastor of Deeper Fellowship Church. Caleb Grant is associate pastor of Deeper Fellowship Church and ministers to people around the world.

MY REVIEW: Today the world is in a mess. People all over are looking for answers. These pastors say prayer is the only answer. They say we have to do more than just want God to move in our lives, our families, our nation and our world. We must actively seek Him in prayer! They say that when we call out to God, He hears and helps us. And that prayer is never an interruption to God, but an invitation to go deeper in communion with Him.

There are nine excellent chapters in this book. All of them are informative and helpful. Two standout: Chapter 4. Ten Hindrances to Answered Prayer and Chapter 5. Ten Benefits of Prayer. The pastors say a  lot about miracles, signs and wonders. I was a Senior Minister for forty-seven years. I am retired now but I continue to study the Bible and read and study theology. I have many questions about miracles, signs and wonders. So at this time I may not agree with all these men have to say on these important topics. BUT, I read and study with an open mind and I encourage you to do the same. So I recommend this book as one that will bless you if you are truly seeking a closer walk with God.

(I received this book from Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group for a fair and honest review.) 

THE BEAUTY OF AN UNCLUTTERED SOUL

OVERVIEW: Using the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as a guide, this nine-week devotional will help you cleanse yourself from the inside out by allowing God's Spirit to come and produce the soul qualities you're longing for: Purge your past. Shake out worry. Open your heart. Cleanse your mind. Declutter your attitudes. (From the back of the book).

AUTHOR: CARLA GASSER is a speaker, teacher, blogger, and writer. Carla is passionate about communicating truth and grace, connecting passion and purpose, and championing others to share their stories. She is the proud mother of four young adults and lives in Hudson, Ohio, with her husband, Michael. You can learn more about her and join her on the journey by visiting www.carlagasser.com

ILLUSTRATOR: VIVIAN KAMMEL  is an artist and graphic designer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When not designing or creating, she spends her time exploring the city with her husband, Caleb. View more of her work and story at www.viviankammel.com or on Instagram @viviankammel.

MY REVIEW: The world today seems chaotic and out of control. Looking for a way to control the mess we find there are suggestions galore on how to transform just about everything---accept your soul. So how do we care for the soul. Carla Gasser has written this beautiful, nine-week devotional that will point you in the right direction. You can find more love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control by allowing God's Spirit to transform you from the inside out.

This is indeed a beautiful book. There are lovely illustrations on every page. It is a book you will want to leave out on display. But more than just looking at it, you will want to pick it up and read it. You will want to share it with others. It will make the perfect gift. Many are looking for order and simplicity in their personal lives. They are hoping for a sense of peace and purpose.

The are three main divisions of the devotional: Checking Your Attitudes: How Do You respond To God?; Connecting Your Actions: How Do You Relate To Others? and Choosing Your Habits: How Do You Renew Your Soul? Gasser writes in an easy to read, encouraging style that makes you wishing for more when you come to the end. You will want to return to peruse this beautiful book again and again.

(I received this book Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group for a fair and honest review.)