A REVIEW OF TANGLED ASHES by MICHELLE PHOENIX

Tangled Ashes is about a man with a troubled past who is sent to France to oversee a castle renovation project. He meets a woman with her own set of problems which brings him to examine his own chosen lifestyle. The history of the castle pushes its way into the forefront through some shadowy activity that takes place during the renovation.

The drama unfolds slowly through the telling of the story. It's actually a couple of stories intertwined in the tale of the renovation of the castle. The idea of a romance between the two leading characters seemingly lies beneath the surface.

I'm a history nut. I like the fact that this novel is built around a real place and true history is woven into the story. I would like to have seen more architectural detail given of the castle. I like the way the history is brought into the story. The history draws you deeper into the novel as it provides the suspense. All through the book I was kept wondering at how the history applies to the overall story. Kudos to the author for keeping it a question right to the end.

I don't normally read much fiction. The history and the real location of this story is what caught my attention. All in all this was a good diversion from my normal reading activity. The ending wasn't what I expected but it is good. Tangled Ashes by Michelle Phoenix is a good read, four out of five stars.

I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

Red Letter Revolution: A Review

You should be familiar with the words written in red in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. They are the words of Jesus Christ. But did Jesus really mean what he said? Best-selling authors Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo believe so. They make their strong case in a new book, Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said.

THE RED LETTERS: AN AUTHENTIC LIFESTYLE

This book is about a discussion between its two authors attempting to present an achievable authentic lifestyle that personifies the teachings of Jesus Christ. Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo share their thoughts concerning a myriad of topics, many quite controversial and hot-bed political issues. They apply the red-letter words of Jesus to issues such as family, abortion, women, racism, immigration, giving, politics, war and violence, even national debt. Hence the title, Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said.

GETTING YANKED OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE

The material is presented as a conversation between Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. At some points the text appears to be conversational and at others it appears to be rather wordy for a normal face-to-face conversation. It reads more like a series of letters the authors wrote to each other. However the style is easy to read and their thoughts are easy to understand. I must offer a word of warning. If these guys are telling the truth then we may be in a bit trouble. It could also explain why we've lost our status as a Christian nation here in America.

Many areas of discussion in Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said disturb me. While I may not totally agree with the theology or the politics of the authors, they present a discussion that will move you out of your comfort zone quickly.

This book will aggravate you, poke and prod you, challenge you, make you think, and maybe even inspire you to move beyond what has become stereotyped as normal Christianity. It can humble you, convict you, and maybe send you to your knees seeking forgiveness for not taking the red-letter words of Jesus for what they might really mean.

DID JESUS REALLY MEAN WHAT HE SAID?

"Lay not up for yourself treasure upon the earth (Matthew 6:19)."

"Take no thought for the morrow (Matthew 6:34)."

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily (Luke 9:23)"

We have savings accounts,stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, all put away in preparation for tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and more. Yet there are people in our own church congregations who could use some help from our laid-up treasures by which we make our plans for the future. Jesus really didn't mean we are supposed to deny our own self and our own desires, did he? He really didn't mean we need to take up our cross daily, did he?

First, read the actual words written in red in the Bible. Then I recommend reading Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said. Finally, go back and read the red-letter words in the Bible again. Then think about making a decision to do them...

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

Grace by Max Lucado, A Book Review

What is grace? More specifically, what is the grace of God? Grace is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, yet it defies clear explanation. Max Lucado adds his voice to a multitude of authors making the attempt to explain grace in his book: Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine.

Grace, So Many Questions

Here are more questions concerning grace:

• Do we really understand it?
• Have we settled for wimpy grace?
• Do you believe in grace?
• Have you been changed by grace?
• Are you softened by grace?
• Has grace snatched you by your neck and shaken you to your senses?

Author Max Lucado, in his unmistakable, methodical style, makes his case answering these and many other questions to assist the reader in understanding grace. Each chapter of Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine begins with an illustration from the Bible and follows with a real-life illustration from Lucado's experience.

A Review of Grace

I enjoy reading the writings of author Max Lucado. He writes in a loose, easy-to-read manner. He presents his thoughts and concepts in words that are understandable. You don't need a doctorate in theology to understand what he is trying to say! Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine is no exception. It is interesting, engaging, and even entertaining.

This book didn't wow me. It didn't open any new revelation for me on the subject of grace. But then maybe that is the point of this book. Is the grace I have personally experienced wimpy? Have I been changed by grace? Am I softer in action and reaction because of grace? Have I been awakened by grace? The more I study about grace the more I am convinced that only I can answer these questions for myself.

In Conclusion

It's my conclusion that understanding grace comes with having knowledge of who and what God is. The more we know of God the more we will understand his grace. The more we understand grace, the more we will love God for who and what he is. Books by Max Lucado are always good reading and thus I can recommend Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine for a personal library.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com review program. I'm not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express 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 Journey by Jason Anderson; A Review

It is said that living the Christian life is a journey. It is said that the Christian life can be a roller coaster ride with ups and downs, highs and lows.

The title, The Journey, intrigued me as I pulled this book from the shelf at my local public library. I read the description of the author, Jason Anderson, and decided to check out the book.

I like to go straight to the introduction, or preface, of a book when I start reading a book. This one makes a huge promise. It says it's not just a book about embracing positive change but it's a book about direction and a destination, a journey. Not any journey mind you, but my journey.

Anyone offering to enlighten me about the direction and destination of my life is making a huge promise. Does The Journey live up to it?

LET'S TAKE A TRIP TO THE PROMISED LAND

The Journey is about exodus, breaking free from the captivity of sin and embarking on a trip to a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey. It's about crossing a wilderness of education, coming to know who God is.

Jason Anderson takes the biblical encounter of the exodus of Israel from Egypt and does an excellent job of paralleling it to our journey from sin to the promise of rest. He expounds on the trip through the wilderness and the traps one will face. He gets you into the promised land and what is expected of you to dwell there. And lastly, the author deals with the much-desired rest.

WHAT DO I THINK ABOUT THE JOURNEY?

This is a fascinating book about a fascinating subject. Jason Anderson goes into tremendous detail describing each phase of the journey which is the Christian life. Many books dealing with Christian living can be "cut and dry." This one is full of humor! Because each concept builds upon the previous one it could be said that this book is a journey in itself.

I found The Journey enjoyable to read. The author presents a lot of information in a language and a tone which is easy to understand. I appreciate the author stating the views he presents are his views and he calls them his opinions. I found the parallels the author makes to be interesting and thought provoking. I was pleased that Jason Anderson takes and makes a solid case for feasting on the Word.

DOES THE JOURNEY KEEP ITS PROMISE?

It's my opinion this book does keep its promise to help me to understand my journey from sin to salvation, from earth to glory. While I don't agree with everything in the book, it does open the door of thought as to where I am and where I want to go. It also opens the door of thought as to what may have gone wrong, a wrong turn, a hill to high, and how to find the way back to the right path and conquer the mountains. I don't want to rate it 4 out of 5 but it is better than 3.5 stars, so let's call it 3.95 stars.

I Want To Become A Man Alive

"I'd estimate that 90 percent of Christian men lead lukewarm, stagnant, defeated lives... And they hate it."

"No man should have to settle for half alive. You can become the man God created you to be. I'll show you how (Patrick Morley)."

These are the words of the author, (Patrick Morley), from the back cover of his book, Man Alive, Transforming Your 7 Primal needs Into a Powerful Spiritual Life.

The Primal Needs of Men

Man Alive is built around the premise of seven primal needs of a man. The author gives us a listing of them as:

1. To feel like you don't have to do life alone
2. To believe that God loves and cares about you personally
3. To understand how your life has a purpose, that your life isn't random
4. To break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging you down
5. To satisfy your soul's thirst for transcendence, awe, and communion
6. To love and be loved without reservation
7. To make a contribution and leave the world a better place

Author Patrick Morley devotes one chapter per primal need in living up to his promise, "I'll show you how," from the back cover of Man Alive. The book digs deep into the heart to address the primal needs of men. The how-to answers are provided through an abundance of stories and real-life examples.

I Will Become A Man Alive

My introduction to the writing of Patrick Morley was when I picked up a copy of his book Man In the Mirror. His passion for men's ministry poured from every word of the book. Man Alive resounds in the same easy-to-read style and the author's passion for men flows freely throughout. Each chapter is followed by questions that will make you think.

I look intently at the primal needs this book addresses because each one of them applies directly to me. Often I feel as if I am living life alone. I do believe God cares about me personally and loves me. I am sometimes concerned that life is random and purpose is evasive. I do feel bound and desire to break free from destructive behavior. I do thirst to go beyond my limitations, to be amazed, to enjoy intimate communion with God. I want to love and be loved. I want to make a mark on this world.

I like the manner in which each need is discussed and the how-to is answered with Scripture. I like how the author continually points the reader to the Word. Reading the words of Man Alive will do nothing to help if the words aren't put into action, just as we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22).

Primal Needs, God's Gifts to Men

I must conclude with a quote from the end of the book:

"So here's your challenge. Instead of ignoring your primal needs, or letting them drag you into a wasted life, claim them as God's gifts to you."

I love it! Patrick Morley does not disappoint in his promise "I'll show you how." This is a great book for any man searching for answers to many of the questions he must deal with.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I wasn't required to write a positive review. 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."

Book Review: The Open Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers

I'm a connoisseur of Bibles. I'm also a firm believer that rightly dividing the word of truth requires diligent study. Though I prefer my Bibles to be plain, no center or margin references, no additional notations at the bottom of the pages, no glitz or "eye candy", a quality study Bible is a necessity for the serious student.

THE OPEN BIBLE SIGNATURE SERIES

The name of this study Bible, The Open Bible, is an excellent description of what it's about. This Bible is a part of the Signature Series of Thomas Nelson Bibles and is available in hardcover and bonded leather. It's 1800 pages of Bible text with a generous wealth of features and study helps.

Some of the major features are:

• The Biblical Cyclopedic Index, a detailed index of subjects with categories, subcategories, definitions, and references.
• Book Introductions and Outlines detailing the author of the book, the era of time covered by the book, the keys to the book, the key verses of the book, and a survey of the book. The outlines are very detailed.
• The Christian's Guide to the New Life giving explanations to underlined verse text.
• A Visual Survey of the Bible sandwiched between the two testaments loaded with charts, maps, and time lines.

I MIGHT BE A NITPICK!

I don't like paperback Bibles! I didn't think I could be a fan of a hardcover Bible either. I like my leather-covered Bibles but I do like how this hardcover version of The Open Bible lies flat on the desk without having to use another object to keep the pages from flipping on their own (a nitpick)!

I like my Bibles plain in the text area because I write my own references and notes within the text area of the Bibles I use to preach and teach from (another nitpick). This Bible places the references are at the end of the individual verses, which helps to make the scripture text more cohesive (I can't stand center references, another nitpick!).

I put some of the features to the test starting with a search of the word worship in the Biblical Cyclopedic Index. I soon found myself in the Christian's Guide to the New Life when I read the scripture text under Worship Commanded from the Index. The Guide bears the title, The Meaning of Worship. Then I found myself following the chain to The Expressions of Worship. I was surprised at how seamless this was and how I was drawn to follow the subject deeper (very nice!).

MY RECOMMENDATION

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11 NKJV)."

You can't hide the Word in your heart if you don't read it. You must understand the Word to use it as a protection against sin. You must study the Word to understand it. The Open Bible will assist in opening your understanding of the Scriptures through diligent study under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I can easily recommend this version of a study Bible to the new student of the Word as a first Bible. I can recommend it as a reference tool to the intermediate and advanced student of the Bible.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

Rules of Engagement by Derek Prince: A Review

Our battle is not with flesh and blood. We wrestle against powers and rulers of darkness. We must take on the whole armor of God to endure the battle.

Rules of Engagement, Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle is a textbook to be used in the classroom to prepare for battle. It's a battlefield manual providing information at hand in the heat of the battle. This is an updated and expanded version from the late Derek Prince.

THE RULES OF CHARACTER AND PREPARATION

Spiritual warfare is about character. Rules of Engagement, Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle is a book about character. It begins with building character and finishes with living character.

Christians are at war and the enemy fights for total destruction. The outcome of the war is eternal. Preparation is the message of this book. Author Derek Prince gives excellent instruction and advice to the warrior preparing to take his or her place on the battlefield of the Lord.

THE REVIEW

Rules of Engagement, Preparing for your Role in the Spiritual Battle is divided into four parts:

• Building A Soldier's Character
• Holy Spirit Training
• Battle in the Heavenlies
• Enduring to the End

and each chapter concludes with questions which provoke you to think about your answers. The book is abundant with illustrations from Scripture.

This is the first book I have read by Derek Prince. I've heard him quoted often but have never read anything written by him. This book provides a fresh look at an old subject. The author does an outstanding job in offering clean insights which helps to bring clear understanding about the battle Christians are engaged in. The writing is engaging and easy to read.

MY CONCLUSION

Stay in the Word. Again, Rules of Engagement, Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle starts with building character and concludes with living character. This is character transformed by the Holy Spirit into the character of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 speaks of looking at the things we cannot see and how they are eternal. It is character which allows us to see the unseen. I quote Derek Prince from the book: "Those things are the things that are eternal. They do not change. They are in the Word."

Stay in the Word. I recommend this book highly for any seeking to understand and to be equipped to take his or her place on the spiritual battlefield.

I received this book from Chosen Books. I was not required to write a positive review. 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 POWER OF PROPHETIC BLESSING by JOHN HAGEE

Can you have the prophetic blessing? What is the prophetic blessing? Can it be passed from generation to generation? Is the prophetic blessing only for the Jews and Israel? If you can have it then how do you get it?

John Hagee answers these questions and many more in his book The Power of the Prophetic Blessing, An Astonishing revelation For A New Generation.

THEN GOD BLESSED THEM

The Power of the Prophetic Blessing starts with the first blessing given to humanity recorded in the Bible. It then proceeds to the blessing given by God to Abram. Then comes the blessing given by Isaac to Jacob. The book then leads us to the command of God to Moses concerning the priestly blessing, "This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel."

It is the three promises of this priestly blessing which lay the foundation of the prophetic blessing and its application to you and I. Author John Hagee clearly details the power of the prophetic blessing and how we can apply it to our lives and to the generations to come.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE POWER OF THE PROPHETIC BLESSING

This is my first review of a John Hagee book. I am thrilled at the opportunity to do so. John Hagee writes with a fluid style, each concept flowing clearly and cleanly into the next. This makes The Power of the Prophetic Blessing easy to read.

The author goes into great detail in presenting the prophetic blessings of Jesus given in the sermon on the mount. We know them as the beatitudes. John Hagee titles these eight prophetic blessings of Jesus as The Secrets of the Good Life. The case in made soundly for the scriptural basis for the prophetic blessing and the command we have to pass it on.

I must say this book has touched my life and it will touch the lives of my children and my grandchildren. It is one thing to be a hearer of the Word, and another to do the Word. The Power of the Prophetic Blessing is biblically based and in order for the blessing to transform our lives, we must believe it, receive it, and do it.

RECOMMENDATION

The Power of the Prophetic Blessing is real. John Hagee does an excellent job explaining it and detailing the need of humanity to receive it and pass it to the next generation.

I highly recommend The Power of the Prophetic Blessing to anyone desiring to know more about it and how to apply it to life.

I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

Garden of Eden, Place of Protected Pleasure

Courtesy stock.xchng/thesaint

I've been doing a lot of studying lately on various topics. Somehow I keep getting drawn to Genesis and the Garden of Eden. The events which took place in the garden still affect mankind today. Good and evil, believe it, or don't believe it, are still affecting us. We will feel the effects of what took place in Eden tomorrow, next week, next year, till we take our last breath.

Back to the Garden of Eden

It's not so much what took place there that leads me to write this article. It's the biblical meaning of the words garden and Eden and how these meanings can be applied to us today.

• garden: from the Hebrew gan meaning garden (as fenced). The word comes from a primitive Hebrew root meaning to hedge about or protect.
• Eden: the name Eden is from a Hebrew word which means pleasure or delight.

We can thus say the Garden of Eden was a protected place of pleasure. The inhabitants of the garden lived in perfection in a place of perfect, protected pleasure. Sounds idyllic doesn't it?

From the Garden of Eden to Unprotected Displeasure

I won't recount the story of the fall in the Garden of Eden. I won't get into the how and the why of it. The fall happened and we must deal with its effects every day of our lives. We experience pain, sorrow, anxiety, stress, fear. We are surrounded by violence, terror, natural disaster, and evil.

The idea of a protected place of pleasure seems far-fetched at best. We think of it. We dream of it. Yet our personal Eden seems to slip further away with each moment. It doesn't have to. Really.

No, all of the problems of this life will not go away. Yes, we will still experience anxious moments, bow under the weight of stress, and fear for our tomorrows. But what if I tell you there is a way to get back into that perfect protected place of pleasure? Are you interested?

Back to the Garden of Eden, the Place of Protected Pleasure

The ancient prophet of Israel, Isaiah says it like this: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3)."

Matthew Henry defines the perfect peace of Isaiah 26:3 as "inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, peace at all times, under all events."

Are you starting to get a picture of the Garden of Eden, a place of protected pleasure? We may not achieve such a physical place in this life yet, at the same time, it is still attainable. How?

Jesus says: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you (John 4:27)." Jesus Christ, through his death on the cross of Calvary (see Colossians 1:20), gives us the place of protected pleasure. He fulfills Isaiah 26:3 perfectly.

Jesus speaks of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 4:16) who would come in the name of Jesus (John 4:26). Do you ever wonder why Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter?

It is this Comforter by taking up residence in you which gives you access to the peace given by Christ Jesus. Anybody wish to question the concept of comfort bringing peace? You do have access to the place of perfect protected pleasure, your personal Garden of Eden, through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

You can access your place of protected pleasure as much as you want, whenever you want. Repent. Make a conscious decision you wish to change your life by turning away from sin. Be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of, the washing away of your sin. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the source of everlasting access to your personal Garden of Eden.

One Big Thing by Phil Cooke

Is there a purpose for your life? A specific goal you wish to accomplish? Are you a fresh college graduate looking for purpose? Maybe you're like me, middle-aged, beaten and tired from chasing illusion after illusion.

It's the title of this book, One Big Thing, Discovering What You Were Born to Do which catches my attention. Author Phil Cooke offers wisdom and practical guidance to those seeking the answer to the questions, "Why am I here?" and "What am I supposed to be doing?"

The Message Behind One Big Thing

There is a nagging sensation within each of us leading us to question why we are here and to what we are to be doing with our time here. What One Big Thing, Discovering What You Were Born to Do will not do is answer those questions! You and only you can answer them.

What author Phil Cooke does do in this book is point you, the reader in the direction you need to go to discover the answers. He closes the introduction to the book with some questions:

• What is it that makes you come alive?
• What excites and empowers you?
• What were you born to do?
• How can you get that message out there?

And, in the final sentence of the introduction, "Let's go find some answers."

Discovering the Answers to Your One Big Thing

What! I thought we were finding answers! We are. You will. I love the format Phil Cooke uses throughout the book. He asks questions, lots of questions. Chapter 8 lays out the map for your future. How? With more questions!

• What comes easy to you?
• Do other people confirm it?
• What do you love?
• What are you willing to risk?
• What drives you crazy?
• What do you want to leave behind?

The author laces the book with quotes which reinforce the questions pointing you to think about your answers. You will begin to visualize your one big thing as you begin to seriously think about and answer the questions.

Again, I love the format of question upon probing question the author uses in One Big Thing, Discovering What You Were Born to Do. Phil Cooke shares from his wealth of experience in asking you, the reader the right questions to provoke you to think and think deep.

This was a book I read in two sittings. Each chapter, each question led me to the next question, to the next chapter. I was led to reflect on my past experiences, my present situations, all of it through the questions asked of me in this book.

You're Not Crazy

You're Not Crazy is the title of the epilogue of One Big Thing, Discovering What You Were Born to Do. The sensation that I am crazy for following my one big thing is indeed real. Yours may be too. But how will you ever know if you don't follow your one big thing?

This book will not tell you your one big thing. But if you are desiring to find it, then I recommend reading this book by Phil Cooke highly. Now, I am off to work on my one big thing!

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

What! Is God Too Safe?

What is it you and I say of the Lord God? "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust (Psalms 91:2)?" We are safe in God, but how safe is our God? Is your God too safe? Think about it for a minute or two, then read on.

Pastor, freelance writer and author, Mark Buchanan provides a look into the answer of this question in his book Your God Is Too Safe, Rediscovering the Wonder of a God You Can't Control.

WHAT! HOW CAN GOD BE TOO SAFE?

Your God Is Too Safe opens with a chapter entitled The Refuge of the Stuck. It's about Borderland, the place between two borders and why we may choose to be stuck there. Borderland is familiar. It's safe.

Mark Buchanan wastes no time in going after this concept of a God who is too safe. Over and over he exposes our comfortable ideas and concepts of who and what God is in the light of Scripture.

The writing of Your God Is Too Safe is engaging and easy to read. The material the author presents is designed to make you think and react to who and what you believe God is and desires for you.

ARE YOU LIVING IN BORDERLAND?

"Who is the god of borderland?" Mark Buchanan asks. He answers with, "the god who is too safe." It didn't take me long into the book to realize I have spent a large part of my life living in borderland. Chapter after chapter, case after case, the author lays out clearly how we get stuck in borderland and often why we choose to remain there.

Part Two of Your God Is Too Safe opens with a chapter called The Place of Holy Habits. The case is made for the absolute necessity of prayer becoming a holy habit. I found myself under conviction for my own lack of a holy habit of prayer.

Your God Is Too Safe was a little slow getting into, though once into it, the intensity increased dramatically. I read all of Part Two, Life In the Holy Wild, without putting the book down!

I found myself challenged to seek God for who He is and for what He is. I found myself hungry to step out beyond borderland into the holy wild. One quote from Your God Is Too Safe I will always remember is this: "Consumption is killing us. Go fast and live." Again, think about it.

GETTING OUT OF BORDERLAND

If you're stuck in a rut, bored with your life in Christ, Your God Is Too Safe is a good book to jog and jab you out of your comfort zone. I recommend this book to any desiring the expectancy of walking with Christ, looking to escape from borderland.

Word Spirit Power: What Happens When They Are Married?

On one side stand the routine, the boring, the old-fashioned. On the other side stand the sign-seekers, the flash of lights, the smoke, always pushing for a new experience, a new high. What would happen if the two sides were to meet?

Word Spirit Power, What Happens When You Seek All God Has to Offer brings this meeting of the two sides to forefront. The book is a composite work of three authors, R.T. Kendall, Charles Carrin, and Jack Taylor.

WORD PLUS SPIRIT EQUALS POWER

Word Spirit Power, What Happens When You Seek All God Has to Offer is written in three parts, each author presenting his part. Each author begins his part sharing his personal testimony then moving into their chosen topic. All three of the authors have tremendous experience in the Word.

R.T. Kendall introduces the concept of a remarriage of the Word and the Spirit. He concludes his portion of the book with an exciting revisit to the coming of Isaac.

Jack Taylor brings to the book both insight and experience in the second part, Spirit. He laces his testimony throughout his portion of the work.

Charles Carrin brings to us the result of the remarriage of the Word and the Spirit in his part of the book, Power. He opens with his testimony of being transformed by the power of the Spirit. He weaves his testimony throughout his portion of the book.

WHAT WORD SPIRIT POWER DOES FOR ME

Though I do have doctrinal differences as an Apostolic Pentecostal, I must agree it is time for a remarriage of the Word and the Spirit. I really like R.T. Kendall's work in Isaac Is Coming. There is truly going to be an outpouring of the Spirit. The second coming of Christ is the promise. But before Christ returns, he will make ready a bride prepared to meet him. This requires the moving of the Spirit. If we are the generation to see the return of Christ, we are the generation which will see the outpouring of the Spirit.

Word Spirit Power, What Happens When You Seek All God Has to Offer is a call to action for me. It goes beyond belief and acceptance. Even the apostle Peter writes of the angels desiring to look into these things (1Peter 1:12). Part Three, Power, by Charles Carrin is an exciting way to end a book! I read his portion from start to finish in one sitting as I could not put it down.

YOU HAVE NOW BEEN EXPOSED

"You have now been exposed" are the first five words of the conclusion of Word Spirit Power, What Happens When You Seek All God Has to Offer by R.T. Kendall. Even though I have doctrinal differences, Word plus Spirit equals power! I recommend this book to any interested in the work and the power of the Holy Spirit of God.

I received this book free from  Chosen Books . I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

GLOBEQUAKE By Wallace Henley: A Review

EARTHQUAKE OR GLOBEQUAKE?

Call it the Great Recession. Wars; Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, now Syria. Rogue nations obtaining nuclear weaponry. A divided America? Record-breaking heat coupled with severe storms. What on earth is going on? Is it the rumbling of a regional earthquake? Could it be a globequake?

Wallace Henley uses these issues and more to make the case that we can live in an unshakeable kingdom in his book Globequake, Living In the Unshakeable Kingdom While the World Falls Apart.

STANDING FIRM IN THE GLOBEQUAKE

Globequake, Living In the Unshakeable Kingdom While the World Falls Apart gets to the heart of the shaking of our world. It provides only one reason for globequake: the centrality of God. The lack of being God-centered is examined along with the blessed hope we possess in being God-centered.

Wallace Henley presents us with the concept of spheres in which we operate. We are to be ambassadors for Christ in each of these spheres in which we function. The spheres are:

• The sphere of person
• The sphere of church
• The sphere of family
• The sphere of education
• The sphere of governance
• The sphere of business-marketplace

Globequake, Living In the Unshakeable Kingdom While the World Falls Apart is not a book of gloom and doom. Wallace Henley offers rays of hope in the midst of darkness. He offers knowledge of stability in the midst of chaos.

WHATEVER CAN BE SHAKEN WILL BE SHAKEN

Wallace Henley presents a tremendous amount of information as to the shaking of our world. He goes into great depth explaining what globequakes are and what causes them. He goes to great lengths detailing how we can obtain stability and strength to stand firm while everything around us shakes. The wealth of information is presented in a progressive manner.

Globequake, Living In the Unshakeable Kingdom While the World Falls Apart is a little difficult to read at times, somewhat like a textbook. Some concepts are readily understood while others require thinking time to fully comprehend them. The book is at times interesting and at times a little boring like a textbook. I do like the underlying theme which runs throughout the entire book. That is the truth of maintaining Jesus Christ at the center or core of everything we are and do.

WHAT NOW?

The bottom line is that we must maintain our focus upon the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be kingdom-minded always. The world around us will shake and it will fall. If all we see is the shaking and the falling we will shake and fall with it.

Though I find Globequake, Living In the Unshakeable Kingdom While the World Falls Apart interesting, I cannot recommend it as a "must read" kind of book.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

WHAT IS GRACE: The Truth About Grace

What is grace? What is the meaning of grace? Why is the grace of God important? What must we do to obtain grace from God? John MacArthur attempts to explain grace in The Truth About Grace.

THE DEFINITION OF GRACE

The Truth About Grace begins with the question, "What is grace?" The author admits in the opening sentence of the book that defining grace succinctly, or concisely is difficult. Many have tried and continue to try defining the grace of God. It is not that the definition of grace is elusive. It is that the human mind has difficulty understanding the concept that a sovereign entity would give all as a gift.

John MacArthur goes into great depth explaining the meaning of grace. He talks about receiving grace, both common grace and sovereign grace. He discusses how the purpose for the grace of God is misunderstood. He speaks to why we should live out grace in our lives.

THE DEEP GRACE OF GOD

I like the format of this book. I like how each point is presented chapter by chapter. The author laces the necessity of grace of God as the underlying concept of the book from the opening definition of grace to our living out grace. The Truth About Grace deals with a difficult subject for the natural human mind to comprehend and John MacArthur generously uses Scripture to convey the truth and the meaning of grace.

To know the grace of God is to experience the grace of God. The more I come to understand what true grace is, the more I fall in love with Jesus Christ. The more I love Jesus the more I understand about the true meaning of grace. The more I understand about grace of God, the more I will live out his grace in my walk with Christ. This is my take away from the The Truth About Grace.

HUNGRY FOR GRACE

If I have any disappointments with the book it is that I had to read it through twice to really get a mental grip on what the author is trying to say. I had to let it "stew" for awhile and then read it again.

I believe The Truth About Grace is well-written but I do not think it is a book for a brand new believer. I will recommend this book to the ones who are walking with Christ and regularly engage in deep study of Biblical truth.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

Confronting Jezebel: A Book Review

What is the spirit of Jezebel? Is it male or female? Can it Jezebel affect only women or will it also affect men? Author Steve Sampson provides the answers to these questions and many more in his book Confronting Jezebel, Discerning and Defeating the Spirit of Control.

EXPOSING THE SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL

Is Jezebel simply a story in the Bible or is Jezebel a demon? Does the follower of Christ who refuses to crucify his or her flesh subject themselves to the spirit of Jezebel? Confronting Jezebel, Discerning and Defeating the Spirit of Control answers yes and yes to both questions.

Steve Sampson goes all out exposing the spirit of Jezebel. He exposes the strategies of this evil spirit, the activity of this demonic entity, and its characteristics.

DOES THE SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL AFFECT ME?

Confronting Jezebel, Discerning and Defeating the Spirit of Control is written in a manner which will open the eyes of the reader. Each chapter concludes with questions which will provoke deep thought both in the realm of the spirit and in the realm of the flesh. The book begins with the introduction to Queen Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab. A wealth of information unfolds as the true spirit of Jezebel, its activities, and its overall purpose are clearly exposed.

I applaud Steve Sampson for exposing the demonic forces working to affect all humanity who rejoice as they leave in their wake a trail of destruction. I was led to search my flesh as well as my spirit to see if I am being affected by the spirit of Jezebel. Reading and reflecting upon what I read, I understand why the author closes each chapter with prayer. Developing and strengthening the inner life is only done through prayer and meditation on truth in time spent alone with Almighty God. Without it we are powerless to confront the Jezebel spirit.

CONFRONTING THE SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL

The strongest weapon the enemy possesses and uses is the disbelief that the devil and his horde of demons exist. Steve Sampson exposes the truth about the spirit of Jezebel. He presents clear truth when one confronts the spirit of Jezebel. He offers hope that we all can be set free from the effects and the influence of this evil destroyer of souls. I highly recommend Confronting Jezebel, Discerning and Defeating the Spirit of Control to those desiring more knowledge and understanding of the spiritual realm.

I received this book from Chosen Books as a part of their reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Author/Publisher requirements to satisfy FCC.

Book Review: He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado

Why did Jesus Christ die on the cross? Why did he allow himself to endure the torture, the humility, and the horrendous pain? What stories are told by the thorns, the timbers, the nails, the wine and the blood? Max Lucado provides answers to these questions in his own unique style in his book He Chose the Nails, What God Did to Win Your Heart.

Max Lucado takes the biblical account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and weaves it into answers of why and what God did on the cross to win your heart, your love. He utilizes each specific item to tell a joyous, yet heart-wrenching story of the agony Christ experiences on the cross in taking the punishment which should have been ours. He goes into exquisite detail about the stories told by the tools of torture challenging the reader to listen intently to what they are saying to all of humanity.

The message Max Lucado presents in He Chose the Nails, What God Did to Win Your Heart touches my heart deeply. It is written in a manner so anyone can readily understand this message. He closes the book with a challenge to take all of our moments, the bad, the mad, the anxious, and the final moment of life to the foot of the cross and leave them there. This statement had and still has a profound effect on me (I quote from the book):

"You know, Max, if I leave all those moments at the cross, I won't have any moments left but good ones."

If you are looking for inspiration, if you are looking for a reason to continue to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, I recommend reading He Chose the Nails, What God Did to Win Your Heart by Max Lucado highly. Slow down and let the words speak to the depths of your soul and your spirit.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."