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.)

THE BIBLE RECAP―A One-Year Guide To Reading And Understanding The Entire Bible

Friday, January 15, 2021

The Bible Recap is a Bible reading plan that will help you understand what you are reading. Reading Scripture can be confusing or even boring at times. We need help. This book is a one year guide that will take you through the entire Bible in chronological order. 

The author is Tara-Leigh cobble. She is the creator and host of The Bible Recap podcast and the founder of D-Group, an international network of weekly discipleship and accountability groups. She also hosts a daily radio show called The God Shot.

This Bible reading plan explains and connects the story of Scripture, section by section. You don't have to go to seminary or need a special Bible. Just start reading this book alongside your Bible. It starts with Day 1 - Genesis 1-3 and continues to Day 365 - Revelation 19-22. This is a big book! 

After you read the day's Bible chapters, you come back to the book to get a summary and highlight reel along with some explanations of the more confusing parts of the text. This will provide on overview of what you have read. I was a Senior Minister for forty-seven years. I have a Master's Degree from a Christian University. I have studied the Scriptures for many years and have a huge library. I am finding The Bible Recap to be interesting and helpful. I think you will too. Tara-Leigh Cobble did not go to seminary but she is a serious student of the Scriptures. She has insights that I had not seen or thought of.  If you have always wanted to read through the Bible this book will help you. 

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

WHY AM I NOT HEALED?

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

WHY AM I NOT HEALED?
(When God Promised)
By Glen Berteau

OVERVIEW: When it comes to answering the question of why people are not healed, Glen Berteau has written an incredible book that thoroughly unpacks the subject of healing. He delves into all aspects of healing—spiritual, emotional and physical. He also explains many reasons healing can be hindered and provides solutions to overcome them. (Taken from the foreword)

AUTHOR: Glen Berteau is an evangelist, teacher, author and senior pastor of The House Modesto, which has more than 11,000 members and was highlighted by Outreach magazine as the second-fastest-growing church in America. Glen and his wife, Deborah, have three children and seven grandchildren and live in Modesto, California. Learn more at www.glenberteau.com.

MY REVIEW: Why am I not healed is a question asked by many. Usually by Christians who are familiar with the Bible. Believing the Scriptures to teach that God has promised to heal, they wonder why He doesn't do it? Or why doesn't He do it for them. Or why not now.

Glen Berteau believes that God still does miracles. He shares a powerful story of how God resurrected him miraculously. Now, you may or may not believe his story. But if you are interested in the subject of healing you owe it to yourself to give this book serious consideration. It is filled with Scriptures indicating God's mind on the subject, and testimonies of those who testify to being healed. Berteau offers every believer a compelling and insightful look into the roadblocks to healing.

Of the thirteen informative chapters I found the following to be the most interesting and challenging: Is Healing God's Will?, Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?, Am I Worthy of Being Healed?, Do Miracles Still Happen?, Seventeen Hindrances to Your Healing.

An Afterword: My Resurrection story, is Berteau's account of his death and resurrection. Others, who were there at the time, also share their feeling about it. This is the most difficult part of the book for me. However, I do not quarrel with others experiences. I encourage you to investigate this for yourself. I promise you that you will not be bored and hopefully you will be blessed.

(I received this book from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

3 WORDS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Friday, March 20, 2020

3 WORDS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
The Secret to Experiencing the Joy of God's Presence
By Mike Novotny

OVERVIEW: This book will help you shake off the guilt and shame of sin and see yourself as God sees you. GOD IS HERE. That tiny little sentence can change everything. Truly understanding God's presence is the key to more happiness, less boredom, more rest, less rush, more love, less drama, more peace, less fear. Find the joy he has been waiting to give you as you discover how three little words can revolutionize your relationship with God.

AUTHOR: Mike Novotny is a copastor at The CORE, is the lead speaker for the media ministry Time of Grace, and serves as the chairman of Conquerors Through Christ. Mike lives with his wife and children in Appleton, Wisconsin.

MY REVIEW: 3 Words That Will Change Your Life arrived on my desk at just the right time. I was just starting to read this splendid book when the Coronavirus arrived full force. If I ever needed anything to help me feel the joy of God's presence—it was then and now.

This is not one of those self-help books that promises more than it can deliver. This powerful little book will help you realize that God is here—really here! He is presence. So whatever you are going through, whatever you have lost, God is right here with you.

3 Words That Will Change Your Life is filled with Scripture. Scriptures that you already know but probably need to be reminded of. Scriptures that will open your eyes to what it means to have God Here. Right here. Right where we are. All of the time. He never leaves us.

I don't need to tell you—these are troubling times. We need to know that God is here and we need to share this good word with others. Get this book.

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