Red Like Grace: A Review

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; words penned by John Newton so long ago. Yet everyone is still trying to define the word grace. Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington step beyond defining grace by showing what grace looks like. Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace is aptly titled.


AMAZING GRACE; TWO PERSPECTIVES


Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace is a book about grace from the perspective of two very different men. One man is a pastor and the other man is not unlike all of us, a sinner.


Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington each share their view of grace from stories of their own personal lives and from stories of many people they have encountered. These stories combine to form a message that true grace will confront brokenness, heartache, and despair.


WHAT IT DOES FOR ME


Maybe the best way to understand true grace is to see it in action. The manner and perspectives presented in Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace do precisely that. Seeing grace in action through the words of two men from very different life experiences is inspiring. The material is presented in a conversation-like manner and is very readable and easy to understand. Seeing grace confront brokenness in their words makes the meaning of grace easier to grasp.


I found myself relating to many of the stories shared by authors Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington. I have been in the position time and again to confront brokenness and sin with grace. Many times I had to put the book down and ask God to forgive me for blowing it when I had opportunities to extend grace. Grace should be a natural extension from me for being one who has received so much grace.


I RECOMMEND IT


Red Like Blood, Confrontations With Grace is raw and sometimes brutal, but it's real. It's real-life situations where only true grace could prevail to overcome what may have turned into disastrous endings. If you are ready to have a confrontation with grace, then read this book. I recommend it. Then do it, extend grace.


I received this book free from Cross Focus Media,LLC. 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."

Did The Devil Make Me Do It Review

Did the devil make me do it? Where did the devil come from? What is he like and what does he do? What about demons? What did Jesus do? What should we do?

These are some of the questions asked in the book Did The Devil make Me Do It by Mike McKinley, the pastor of Guilford Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia.

WHAT'S THIS DEVIL STUFF ALL ABOUT?

Who exactly is the devil and what exactly is he up to in the world in which we live? Did The Devil Make Me Do It addresses many questions and concerns about the existence of the devil and the demons.

Author Mike McKinley packs a large amount of information about the devil into the 78 pages of the book. A specific question heads each of the five chapters and within the chapters are more questions pertaining to the topic.

MY THOUGHTS

I like the question-answer format of the book. It helps in making this a very easy book to read. The information presented is easy to understand. The author answers each question from Scripture rather than giving just an opinion.

Did The Devil Make Me Do It is packed with biblical information concerning the devil. The information the author presents is basic and to the mature Christian would be common knowledge. To a new babe in Christ this information is absolutely vital, not to scare but to prepare and equip them for their walk with Christ.

CONCLUSION

The title Did The Devil Make Me Do It is catchy. Mike McKinley concludes the book with an answer to that very question. I won't spoil it with the answer here.

We should be fully equipped as witnesses for Jesus Christ. This includes being able to answer questions about the devil and the realm of evil influence. This booklet could be useful as a tool for sharing the gospel.

I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews as part of their book review program. 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 SIN OF FORGIVENESS by Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr.: A Book Review

Can forgiveness be placed in the category of being sin? Really? If so, how can it become sin? When can it become sin? Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. provides answers to these questions in his book The Sin of Forgiveness.

WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT?

The Sin of Forgiveness is about conditional and unconditional forgiveness. It is about forgiveness as the world understands it and forgiveness as the Bible commands and demands it.

Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. makes a strong case for forgiveness falling into the realm of becoming sin. He ties forgiveness directly to another biblical term and command, the command of repentance. The author gives extensive scripture to make the case against secular forgiveness and for true biblical forgiveness.

THE SCANDALIZING TRUTH ABOUT FORGIVENESS

The title of this book is scandalizing immediately compelling one to question how anyone can consider the act of forgiveness being a sin. The introduction opens with a separation between divine forgiveness and secular forgiveness. Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. methodically steps from chapter to chapter, from context to the lies about forgiveness, to "I'm sorry" not being being good enough, to unconditional forgiveness, to the if, the when, and the how of forgiveness. He makes a very compelling case for forgiveness becoming something God did not intend it to be.

The title of this book, The Sin of Forgiveness, grabs my attention instantly. I would never conceive the thought of forgiveness being sinful, or wrong, until reading this book.

Edward F Mrkvicka, Jr. says the book is not asking one to believe something "new", but something old and true. He makes a compelling and thought-provoking case of unconditional forgiveness without true repentance being sinful. He does an outstanding job of backing every concept he presents with scripture placed in its rightful context.

THE END OF THE MATTER

This is a book well worth reading. Forgiveness is a subject the Christian, the Christ-follower, at every level, newborn or mature in Christ, must understand and implement. Not only are we to forgive, but our own forgiveness hangs in the balance. Eternity hangs in the balance.

The Sin of Forgiveness presents important aspects which one should consider when studying true biblical forgiveness, even though they may be viewed controversial by many. I recommend this book to anyone serious about understanding one of the most fundamental doctrines of Christianity.

I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews as part of their book review program. 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 Romance of Grace; A Gift of Eternal Love

ANOTHER BOOK ABOUT GRACE?

Grace seems simple in definition yet difficult to wrap the human brain around. Many attempt to explain grace and how it should work. The Romance of Grace goes beyond defining grace. Jim McNeely explores the subject of grace from its root. The point is for us to realize and embrace the fact that God is romancing us from a position of unconditional love in which grace becomes the ultimate cost of God giving his all.

TREASURE AND PEARLS; THE KINGDOM OF DESIRE

Desire, good, coercion, breathing grace, living under grace, do we want grace, temptation, desire again, giving gifts, gratitude, all wrapped up in hidden treasure and pearls. This is grace. This is The Romance of Grace.

Jim McNeely weaves meticulously through a deep exploration of grace to the point of putting in this amazing context: "He (God) has such overwhelming desire that He (God) impoverishes Himself (God) in order to gain us (pg. 135, The Romance of Grace)."

GRACE; GIVING IT ALL AWAY

I must confess that this book started rather slowly for me. The depth to which the author probes required a time of processing in my brain. However once I began thinking about what I was reading, I had to read on. Each chapter builds progressively on the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. The ultimate climax for me was the section "The Love of God and the Suffering of God" in the final chapter. Then I "got it." God made Himself poor because He loves me. God paid it all for me. This is grace. This is the romance of grace.

Author Jim McNeely laces The Romance of Grace with scripture. Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection. I readily admit that I was doing plenty of reflecting before I reached the end of each chapter! The chapter dealing with the gift culture absolutely puts the subject of grace into another realm of light. I cannot help but ask myself what would my life and the lives of those around me be like if I were to embrace this gift culture.

MY RECOMMENDATION

I would not recommend this book to a brand new Christian convert. The depth to which the author explores grace verses the law could become confusing. After a foundation is laid however, I can highly recommend The Romance of Grace to anyone looking to move their Christian walk to another level. This book will also make for an excellent group study. I give it four out of five stars.

I received this book free from crossfocusedreviews.com. 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."

A Review of Greater by Steven Furtick

Tired of the ho-hum of everyday life? Dream bigger.

Where do I start? Smaller.

How? Ignite God's vision for your life.

So we begin with three lofty ideals, right? Sounds great doesn't it? Steven Furtick goes beyond the pumping and priming to motivate us with another self-help book. He issues a direct challenge in his book simply entitled Greater.

BURNING YOUR PLOW

The author develops the entire thesis of Greater around the story of the life of the ancient Israelite prophet, Elisha. Elisha is the lesser known ancient prophet. Everyone knows Elijah. Yet Elisha does twice the miracles of Elijah, some of them simply mind-blowing and it all starts with burning a plow.

Steven Furtick begins with the calling of Elisha, the everyday plowboy. He concludes with a life being restored when it touches this plowboy's dead bones. He points out how many of the miracles of this transformed plowboy began with the lesser, the small and sometimes strange reasoning. God turns them into the greater not only in the life of Elisha but in the lives he affected. And you have access to this God of the greater.

IGNITING GREATER

Greater is well-written by Steven Furtick. It's light and easy to read. It's easy to grasp the message the author intends as he traces the transformation of the plowboy into the powerful, blessed with the double portion prophet. The author goes deeper than the make-you-feel-good cliches offering the reader a challenge to step into a life of greater, not lesser, not more of the same.

Jesus makes the statement in John 14:12 that not only would we do the works that he did, but we would do greater works. This statement has always intrigued me. It is this promise, as I take it from the scriptures, that drew me to the book Greater by Steven Furtick when I saw the title and the dream bigger, start smaller, and ignite God's vision for your life on its cover.

The book lives up to its title. It inspires me to dream bigger though I must start at small and what seems to be the boring normal. I am challenged to seek God even deeper for the vision he has for the greater in my life. This is one of those books I will read more than once. I recommend it highly.

I received this book free from Multinomah Books as part of their BloggingForBooks.org book review program. 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."

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."