The Guardian by Robbie Cheuvront and Erik Reed

 Available September 2011

***

A Mysterious Scroll Holds the Key to Mankind's Destiny

A young woman thrust into a world of power and corruption...
The sold-out follower of Christ who vows to defend her...
And the scroll that links them both together...

Anna Riley has just stumbled across a family secret--her ancestors have been keepers of an ancient scroll that God gave to John the Disciple.  And now it's hers.  But Anna will soon discover that being the keeper of the Scroll comes at a price, for there are those inside the Church who would have the scroll and its secrets at any cost.  Sucked into a world of corruption and deceit, Anna is thrust into a journey that leads her half way around the world.  And the only person she can trust is a stranger named Jason Lang who, she's told, was appointed by God to help her with the task.

As Anna and Jason race against the clock, Anna's own journey of faith may very well be the thing that unlocks the scroll's secrets.  And her decisions will determine whether the man she's grown to love will live or die, as a mystery that's eluded the world since the time of Adam and Eve is finally revealed.

***

 "To him that has ears, let him hear"

Do you hear Him?  When it is quiet and you are alone and still can you hear the voice of God?  Are you even listening?  How many times a day do we pause and ask ourselves if what we are thinking, feeling, doing is God's will?  The Guardian can be read as a fairly straight forward religious thriller not unlike the DaVinci Code and it is a fun read if that is all you are asking from the book.

However, it does have a deeper message.  Where will your journey in faith take you on life's path?   Our purpose here is not simply to provide ourselves and our families with stuff and entertainment.  It is also a journey of the soul.  We need to keep our eyes and hearts open to the purpose that God has for each of us.  Like the characters in The Guardian we must all 'play our part' faithfully in God's plan.  If you read The Guardian as more than just another suspenseful mystery then you will find yourself asking some pretty tough questions.  

How often do you listen to the voice of God?

 Read The First Chapter Here.

 

About the Authors

Robbie Cheuvront
Robbie is the worship pastor of The Journey Church in Lebanon, Tennessee, and cofounder of C&R Ministries with Erik.  He is also a songwriter and formerly toured with BNA recording artists, Lonestar.  Robbie is married to Tiffany and has two children, Cason and Hadyn, and is currently pursuing a theology degree.

Erik Reed
Erik is the lead pastor and an elder of The Journey Church in Lebanon, Tennessee.  He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a B.A. in Religious Studies.  He also graduated with his MDiv from Southern Seminary.  Erik is married to Katrina, with two children, Kaleb and Kaleigh.  Follow Erik on his blog at www.journeypastor.com/blogspot.com.

* I received an advance copy from the publisher for purposes of review. I was in no way obligated to write a review much less a favorable one. The opinions stated herein are all my own.

Your 100 Day Prayer by John Snyder

PURCHASE

Your 100 Day Prayer The Transforming Power of Actively Waiting on God

By John Snyde
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book Description

Readers are guided through 100 days of intentional prayer and biblical truth that transform their spiritual lives and reveal God's provision for their needs.

Anything worth having in this life is worth waiting for and worth striving for. Unlike the world, though, Christians are called to a much different kind of pursuit when they survey their dreams, desires, and needs. Instead of an indulgent wish list, Christians are called to live a transformed life where they become more like Christ through the journey of striving after God’s will. In a time when both the world and even some Christians preach instant gratification, Your 100 Day Prayer offers another path—one of transformation while asking, seeking, and knocking for deep desires and desperate needs.

There is nothing guaranteed about 100 days, but as author John Synder says, “This sustained, stubborn, never-give-up spirit of prayer is not so much to persuade God to give us what we want, but rather to transform us in the process.” Your 100 Day Prayer helps readers combine their need with God’s will in a measured, structured, and instructional experience that results in greater spiritual maturity, clarity about God's provision, and real answers to their very real needs. Because our “Father in heaven gives good gifts to those who ask him." (Matthew 7:11).

***

Author John Snyder takes the reader through 100 days of consistently seeking God for an answer to a specific issue in your life. The reading for each day includes a bible verse, short meditation, a leading prayer and journal space to put down thoughts regarding the day's progress in receiving an answer from God. The book ends by asking the reader to record how God answered his or her prayer.

We've all felt that God does not hear us sometimes.  I know that I have been face down before God many times praying for hope, solace and resolution.  I often feel that I am lost.  My little girl asked me this morning why God doesn't answer all of our prayers.  I told her that when it seems like God doesn't hear us it us, it is actually us not listening to Him.  Sometimes we don't like what God's plan is for us.  Sometimes we can't see the wisdom of God's plan for us.  It is our walk of Faith that leads us to peace. It is up to us to have faith that God is good, to have faith that God will not abandon us, to have faith that God will provide.  We must believe and trust in our Lord or else we will find ourselves without hope, without reason.  I don't have all the answers.  I do know one thing however, and that is that the Lord has blessed me beyond measure.  I am willing to accept his plan for me, it is up to me to have the courage to follow him faithfully.  It takes courage and perseverance but with the Lord with me I know that I do not endeavor upon this path alone.  

As my walk with the Lord has grown and matured I do not pray the same prayers that I once did.  I only pray for what I need...Give us this day our daily bread.  I pray that my life honor Him...Thy Kingdom come thine will be done.  I pray that I will always remember that I am His.  I pray for the safety and well being of my daughter.  I pray just to be nearer to God.  I used to pray the prayers of youth; "Dear Lord please let me get a spot on the cheerleading squad.  I promise to go to church if you do.  Thank you!"  I used to pray the prayers of the irresponsible;  "Dear Lord please just give me 300 dollars and I promise to never use my credit card again.  Thank you!"  I used to, but that was a long time ago.  It wasn't until I began praying the prayers of the faithful;  "Dear Lord, eternal source of all that is good, keep me faithful in serving You.  Help me walk in Christ's Truth, and fill my heart with His Love so that I may serve You in faith and love",  that I began to understand that the Lord answers our prayers, whether we pray them or not, every single day, every single moment, with every heartbeat and breath God is listening and responding.

How do I fell about this book then?  If it brings more people to their knees then I am all for it.  If it leads more people to the Lord then I can think of nothing better.

This book helps one to focus, not just on your need, but on how God meets needs in ways we may not realize or allow ourselves to see. I think the book is especially appropriate for those new in their walk with the Lord, or just beginning on the road to seeking God in prayer. The author's writing style is very personable and not preachy. He gives insight as a person who has walked the walk and now is assisting others to walk theirs.

***

John I. Snyder

Dr. John I. Snyder is a pastor, author, and conference speaker. He has taught New Testament Studies at New College Berkeley, California, and has pastored and planted churches in California, New York, and Switzerland.
John received his Bachelor of Arts from Vanguard University (Costa Mesa, California); his Master of Theology and Master of Divinity degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary; and his Doctor of Theology from the University of Basel, Switzerland.
He has contributed articles to Theology Today, Dialog, Theologische Zeitschrift, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, The Washington Times, and others. John has also served on the adjunct faculty of New College Berkeley as well as the World Journalism Institute. He is the founder of Community321.com, an online faith community.
Currently, John is organizing church planting in Europe with his wife, Shirin, and two daughters, Sarah and Stephanie.

* I received an advance copy from the publisher for purposes of review. I was in no way obligated to write a review much less a favorable one. The opinions stated herein are all my own.

The Monster in the Hollows (Wingfeather Saga) - Andrew Peterson

"It is an ancient need to be told stories. But the story needs a great storyteller."

Purchase Here

 

 Book Three of The Wingfeather Saga

Janner Wingfeather's father was the High King of Anniera. But his father is gone. The kingdom has fallen. The royal family is on the run, and the Fang armies of Gnag the Nameless are close behind.

Janner and his family hope to find refuge in the last safe place in the world: the Green Hollows--a land of warriors feared even by Fangs of Dang. But there's a big problem. Janner's little brother-heir to the throne of Anniera-has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows he looks like a monster.

But Janner knows better. His brother isn't as scary as he looks. He's perfectly harmless.

Or is he?

Join the Wingfeathers on an adventure filled with mystery, betrayal, and sneakery in a land of tasty fruits. There's a monster on the loose and the truth lurks in the shadows. 

***

Andrew Peterson is a master wordsmith.  A storyteller extraordinaire.  His books make all of us that read his words better people.  He spins a yarn effortlessly, brilliantly but that is not what he does best.  What he does best is remind us that there is more to us than us.  He reminds us that our Lord and Maker is our one true gift, he never leaves or deviates from that one primary, central truth.  

Lest one think that this is simply just another Christian fantasy novel please hear me when I say that 'The Wingfeather Saga' is no more a trite trio of books than the 'The Lord of the Rings' was simply another tale of elves and wizards.  Andrew Peterson deserves his place among the great authors that came before...Tolkien, Lewis.  If you have ever lamented the fact that you were too young to have witnessed first hand the birth of a classic novel then I suggest you begin reading Andrew Peterson post haste, for here in this collected work we have true artistry, a classic tale destined to be read and reread for generations to come.  How blessed we are to have a writer like Peterson among our midst.

'The Monster in the Hollows' is a book you will want to read with your children if you have them.  If not, then it is a book that you will simply want to read.  I feel compelled to warn you before hand that once you pick up this book you will have a very hard time putting it down.  Expect long nights, missed appointments and for your answering machine to fill up.  Feed your pets ahead of time and fill your coffee cup because you are in for a fantastic journey.

***

Andrew Peterson

Hey, folks. If you're just discovering me or any of my work, it can be a little confusing because there are several facets to it. Here's the rundown:
* I write songs. I also record them to these cool things called CDs and put on concerts around the country. (And beyond! To my great delight, I get to play in Europe every year or so.)
* I write books. Right now I'm three books into a fantasy series for young readers. It's called the Wingfeather Saga. I just published book three (of four), in May of 2011. I also illustrated some of the pictures. (WingfeatherSaga.com)
* I'm the proprietor of the Rabbit Room., a community of songwriters, authors, and artists interested in storytelling, faith, and fellowship. We have a yearly conference called Hutchmoot, which is as awesome as it sounds. (Hutchmoot.com)
* I'm a proud member of the Square Peg Alliance, a happy band of singer/songwriters who write together, tour together, and eat together. (SquarePegAlliance.com)
* I've been married for fifteen years to Jamie, and we have three sweet children: Aedan (12), Asher (11), and Skye (8). We live in a magical place we call the Warren, just south of Nashville.
The common thread in all this is my love for Christ and his Kingdom, my belief in the power of story and art, and my need for family and community. If I had to boil it all down, I'd say this: I want to use my gifts to tell the truth, and to tell it as beautifully as I can.


* I received an advance copy from the publisher for purposes of review. I was in no way obligated to write a review much less a favorable one. The opinions stated herein are all my own.

Saving Savvy by Kelly Hancock

ISBN 978-1936034-536

List Price: $16.99

 

Smart and easy ways to CUT YOUR SPENDING IN HALF and raise your standard of living...and giving!

You can cut your spending in half—before you clip the first coupon—and raise your standard of living! Then you can become a better steward of all God has blessed you with. Free with purchase: a free issue of ALL YOU magazine that includes up to $100 of coupons.

Everybody wants to save money, but sometimes it’s just too difficult and overwhelming. Kelly Hancock, popular blogger and media personality, has done the hard work for those who want to save big! Her saving secrets will help readers cut their spending half — even before they clip the first coupon. Kelly was a successful business professional who abruptly changed her mind to stay home after the birth of her first child. But it didn’t make financial sense on paper. So Kelly figured out a way to cut family’s overall spending substantially and their grocery budget by 80%. They not only discovered how to make ends meet, they were able to give more generously to others. She reassures readers that God will faithfully provide for those who seek to honor.

***

I received this book just yesterday and I read it straight through.  It's a fairly slim volume but it's packed with practical advice on how to trim your family's budget.  If you are just like the millions of the rest of us who are looking for ways to make your money go farther and do more then Ms. Hancock's book could be a valuable guide.  I, personally, was so inspired I started right away and have already reaped benefits and rewards...you can too. 


She shows the reader how to search for sales, clip coupons, organize your kitchen, plan meals, and cook from a meal plan.  Much of this information can be found on the web (and none of the information in the book was news for me) but I found that after reading Saving Savvy for a while I realized that there is another perspective at work here--one more inspiring than trimming your grocery budget.  Ms. Hancock is passionate about reminding the reader to pass on their blessings to those less fortunate.  The point isn't just abut saving money but treating that windfall as a windfall for God's Kingdom and redistributing your new found riches to serve His greater plan.  I think, for me anyway, by putting my desire to save money into this perspective, Ms. Hancock has succeeded in convincing me that clipping coupons and shopping sales needs to be a habit in my life rather than something we do to save few pennies here and there.  Following this plan not only will my family benefit but we will always have something to give away.

***

About the Author

Kelly Hancock has one of the most popular money-savings blogs on the Internet, faithfulprovisions.com. She has also appeared on many radio and television programs to share her amazing savings secrets. She and her husband, Bradford, have 2 children and live in Nashville, TN.








* I received an advance copy from the publisher for purposes of review. I was in no way obligated to write a review much less a favorable one. The opinions stated herein are all my own.

Creed - Rain

Can you help me out?
Can you lend me a hand?
It's safe to say that
I'm stuck again

Trapped between this life and the light
I just can't figure out
How to make it right

A thousand times before
I've wondered if there's something more
Something more...

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
So let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
With every tomorrow comes another life

I feel it's gonna rain
For days and days
I feel it's gonna rain

I tried to figure out
I can understand
What it means to live on again

Trapped between the truth and the consequence
Nothings real
Nothings making sense

A thousand times before
I've wondered if there's something more

Something more...

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
So let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
I feel it's gonna rain like this
Rain like this
Rain like this

Fall down
Wash away my yesterdays
Fall down

So let the rain fall down on me

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
Let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
I feel it's gonna rain like this
Rain like this
Rain like this

I feel it's gonna rain like this
Rain like this

I feel it's gonna rain like this
I feel it's gonna rain...

My First Hands-On Bible

My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.

From the Back Cover

The Bible young children can really get their hands on!

Go from just reading the Bible with your kids to experiencing it! My First Hands-On Bible does what no other Bible can—it brings the Bible to life with fun activities and games that tie directly to the Bible stories.
My First Hands-On Bible features

• 85 exciting Bible stories from the clear and easy-to-understand New Living Translation
• “Jesus Connections” to help kids see Jesus throughout the Bible
• Colorful, original illustrations
• Exciting activities and top-notch games created by the people who brought you the award-winning Hands-On Bible curriculum

With My First Hands-On Bible, kids will get into the Bible, and the Bible will get into their hearts, giving them a priceless foundation of faith in God.

  
Reading level: Ages 4-8
***

Perfection.  Such a relative thing really.  What is perfect for one, another sees only flaws.  A Bible is highly personal and people have opinions.  This particular Bible is written for little ones..."Jesus said to them, `Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'" ~Mark 10: 14 & 15~  Mind you..."do not hinder them...".  The Hands-On Bible" is an easily accessible ( read that as non-hindering) Bible for children. This is key, for our smallest children, have equally small attention spans and if you ever find a Bible (or nearly anything else for that matter) that can capture their attention for any length of time and that "thing" is beneficial (no, Spongebob does not count) then ye had best hold onto it and encourage it.  A lifelong relationship with Jesus is a gift.  The greatest gift that any parent can give.  Far and beyond anything else, it is a duty, that I think every parent should take with the highest regard.  Well, now, Tyndale has made that goal so much easier and dare I say...fun? Yup, fun and scriptural.  That's right this Bible is scripture,  not stories.  Perfection?  Mayhaps.  I know that if you, as a parent or caregiver can present God to a child in a beautiful and friendly way then that child has a better chance of finding his or her 'way' through the narrow gate.  Show them, lead them, love them.

 

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

Forbidden -Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee

Click to Purchase

Category:  FICTION, SUSPENSE & THRILLERS

Publish Date:  13 Sept 2011

ISBN:  9781455509850

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

A terrible truth has been revealed to one man: the entire human race has been drained of every emotion except one-- fear. To bring life back to the world, Rom must embark on a journey that will end either in his own demise or a reawakening of humanity. But to bring love and passion back into existence will also threaten the powers of the world with the revolution and anarchy that had nearly destroyed them previously.

After happening upon a journal through strange circumstance, Rom's world is shattered. He learns that humanity long ago ceased to "live," that it exists today in a living death of emotions. In a terrible risk, Rom exposes himself to the vial of blood folded into the old leather of the journal. His change is fearful and fraught with mind-bending emotion. A once-pious observer of the Order's passionless statues, he is filled with uncontrollable impulses. He is filled with love.

He is undone, terrified, and alone in the desolate world.

***

This was a fairly entertaining read.  I enjoyed the plot, the story and the characters.  Having recently finished a most fabulous book I often feel that it isn't quite fair to the tale that follows.  It is something akin to Miss runner up.  'Tis hard to compare say...burger and fries to steak and lobster.  Each has it's charm and place.  Certainly I would not necessarily care to dine on Steak and lobster every meal.  Sometimes one simply feels like indulging in the perfectly plain and everyday. Nothing quite satisfies like a good old fashioned guilty pleasure.  "Forbidden" falls firmly into the category of light summer reading-I finished it within a couple of days.  A guilty pleasure to be sure.  Within the pages of "Forbidden" the reader will find, heroism, love, deceit, mystery, nefarious plots and a sword flight.  Oh, how I love a good nefarious plot or two. "Forbidden" is set in a far off dystopian future and it is up to the heroes to right some pretty devious, ancient wrongs.  Just be advised that the book ends with a bit of a cliff hangar so if you are adverse to open ends I would at least wait for book two to be released:)

About The Authors

TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels with a total of more than 5 million books in print. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil.

TOSCA LEE is the critically-acclaimed author of Demon Memoir, a Christy Award finalist and a Publisher's Weekly Editor's Choice. Her novel, Havah received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and 4.5 stars from Romantic Times.

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door By Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler

Buy Book Now

 Author:  McDowell and Hostetler
Publisher:  Tommy Nelson

“Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30—both evangelical and mainline—who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research.” (USA Today)

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it’s important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.

I am about to write a not so favorable review.  Let me begin by stating that I had very high hopes for this book.  I had hoped that it would be a valuable resource for my little one someday.  However, even at the tender age of eight, I have to say that her reading level already far exceeds the scope of this book.  The introduction to this book states that it is the authors intention to equip its reader with the tools necessary to defend their faith with fact and reason to those who would malign it.  The authors then proceed to work their way through the top "myths" about the Bible...attempting along the way to provide the reader with solid irrefutable evidence to the contrary.  It is my opinion, that if someone finds fault with the Bible and you seek to defend it, probably it's best not to use the Bible to do so.  The criticizer has already decided that the Bible itself is faulty.  Therefore citing from it isn't going to change their mind.  It's like saying the Bible is true because the Bible says so. It won't sway anyone.

There are far more effective ways for the faithful to defend their faith in a world that is increasingly more dubious.  “I’m rubber and you’re glue . . .”  Would be a more convincing argument.  Well it would be if we were say... four years old.  Unfortunately, utilizing such and argument (while no less convincing than the ones posited by the authors of "Don't check your brains..") against those seeking to attack Christianity will not win you any debate.  Eventually there will come a time when you have to come up with better arguments, especially when defending your faith in Jesus Christ.  So truly, ultimately, we must each look deep inside and first ask ourselves our reasons for believing.  Not the reasons we've been taught but the reasons deep within our souls. If our faith is true then that truth shines through our words and actions and that is by far the most convincing argument.  Besides, it isn't for us to change others...only God changes minds and hearts.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy.

About the Authors

J. Mcdowell

Josh McDowell has been reaching the spiritually skeptical for almost five decades. Since beginning ministry in 1961, Josh has delivered more than 24,000 talks to over 10 million young people in 118 countries. He is the author or co-author of 120 books, with over 51 million copies distributed worldwide; including More Than a Carpenter (over 15 million copies printed in 85 languages), and The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, recognized by World magazine as one of the twentieth century's top 40 books. Josh continues to travel throughout the United States and countries around the world, helping young people and adults strengthen their faith and understanding of Scripture. Josh will tell you that his family is his ministry. He and his wife, Dottie, have been married for 39 years and have four children and four grandchildren.

This biography was provided by the author or their representative.


B. Hostetler

Bob Hostetler is a writer, editor, and speaker from southeastern Ohio. His 20 books, which include "They Call Me A.W.O.L." and "Holy Moses (and Other Adventures in Vertical Living)," have sold over 2 million copies. He has coauthored eight books with Josh McDowell, including the best-selling "Right from Wrong: What You Need to Know to Help Youth Make Right Choices" and the award-winning "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door." He has won two Gold Medallion awards, three Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation award.
Bob is a frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and retreats. He has been a disk jockey, pastor, magazine editor, freelance book editor, and, with his wife, Robin, a foster parent to 10 boys (though not all at once).
Bob and Robin have two adult children, Aubrey and Aaron.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative

David Crowder Band

In anticipation of the Harvest Festival...

How He Loves

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

That he loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

He loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

[Whispered]: Well, I thought about You the day Stephen died and You met me between my breaking
I know that I still love You, God, despite the agony
...they want to tell me You're cruel
But if Stephen could sing, he'd say it's not true, cause...[voice breaks]...

Cause He loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

Today's Inspiration

Whatever You Do Will Prosper

Today’s Scripture:

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers”
(Psalm 1:3, NIV)

Today’s Word:

God’s plan is for you to prosper and be successful in every area of your life. Some people might say, “I don’t see how you can say that with the economy like it is. All the experts are saying it’s going to get worse before it gets better.” That may be true in general, but it doesn’t have to be true for believers in Jesus. We are connected to a supply line that will never run dry. Don’t be talked in to having a bad year. The economy is not your source. God is your source. And God wants to bless you beyond your salary. He wants to bless you beyond your normal income. He likes to do unusual things. He can bless you with what I call an explosive blessing! That means, all of the sudden, unexpectedly, something happens that takes you to a new level. Old limitations are broken, and suddenly, you find yourself further than you ever dreamed!

The key is found in Psalm 1:1-2. We have to separate ourselves from the system of the world and set our heart and mind on the Word of God. When you meditate on His promises and follow His commands, you will experience these explosive blessings. When you put Him first, you will be strong and stable, and whatever you do will prosper!

Prayer for Today:

Father God, thank You for Your Word which lights my path and directs my heart. I submit every area of my life to You and put You first in everything I do. Teach me Your ways so I can walk with You and experience everything You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Joel and Victoria Osteen

Lightening the Load-Weekly Devotional from Pastor Bayless Conley

When we get into the storms of life, it is often difficult to know what to do.  It can feel like the noise of our troubles drowns out everything else.

In Acts 27 we find the apostle Paul caught in the midst of a horrible storm.  The ship was being tossed all over the place, and the situation was becoming quite serious.

Embedded in this story is a spiritual truth that can guide you and me when we get caught in the storms of life.  It is found in verses 18-19,

And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship.  On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.

Notice that when the storm got bad and threatened to capsize the ship, they lightened the load.

Sometimes in a storm you need to throw some things overboard.  In fact, it is a great time to evaluate any baggage that you are carrying in your life.  There are some things that may not be a sin to you, but they are a weight to you.
          
One of the things you need to carefully evaluate is your relationships.  There are some relationships you need to cut loose because they are hanging you up, holding you back, and they are hindering you from getting to where God wants you to go.

Or maybe it’s something as simple as too much TV.  Watching TV may not be a sin, but it can sure be a weight!  It can sure be a hindrance to you hearing from God, especially when you are in a time of crisis.

If you really want to hear from God and get yourself unstuck, lighten your ship.

Answers with Bayless Conley

Am I Really a Christian?-By Mike McKinley

 

About Am I Really a Christian?

Jesus divided the world into two groups—those who follow him and those who don’t. But what happens when someone thinks he or she is a Christian, but isn’t? With his witty, engaging style, Mike McKinley takes readers on a journey of what it means to be a Christian. He asserts that “manipulative evangelism techniques and a poor understanding of the gospel have resulted in an abundance of professing Christians who have no idea what it means to follow Christ.” 
Each chapter title begins with “You’re not a Christian [if/when/just because you]…” As he surveys what it means to be Christian, McKinley offers criteria for evaluating one’s standing before God. Readers are guided through a series of challenges to reflect, repent, remember, and report to another person. Am I Really a Christian? ends with chapters on salvation and the local church. This unique book is written for nominal or new Christians and can be used in personal or small-group study.

What an amazing book for new believers, "casual" Christians looking to ratchet up their faith and I might add many people who would count themselves as having a strong and abiding faith in God.  It is a book that has the possibility of making the reader a little bit uncomfortable.  You may just find yourself wondering how deep your walk with the lord really is.  Have you faltered without even realizing it? McKinley writes from his heart in an engaging and friendly tone.  He openly admits that to write such a book could invite criticism on alot of fronts. For example, McKinley addresses the often tossed about "once saved, always saved" catch-phrase and the concept of "losing" salvation when a Christian doesn't persevere in his faith.  I applaud him for tackling this task.  Many will benefit.  This is simply an essential read that is packed with (and backed by) solid scripture.

Find out more about the book here.

About the author:

MIKE MCKINLEY received his MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary and is the author of several articles and reviews. He served on the pastoral staff of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC, and in 2005 was called to revitalize Guilford Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia.

Praise for Am I Really A Christian? :

“This is a truly important book in the most urgent sense—a book that serves the cause of Christ by raising the most important question human beings face, and helping to answer it, no less. I am thankful to McKinley for his faithfulness and for the pastoral concern that prompted him to write such an important work.”
-R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“There can be no more important question than ‘Am I really a Christian?’ and Mike McKinley helps us answer it with great skill. He manages to challenge nominal Christians while comforting genuine believers. McKinley’s writing is accessible, engaging, and simple without ever being simplistic. I particularly appreciate the way he encourages us to explore this crucial question in the context of a Christian community. If you’re not sure where you stand before God, or you know someone who’s not sure, then this is the book for you.”
-Tim Chester, Director, The Porterbrook Institute; author, You Can Change and A Meal With Jesus

Buy the Book HERE.

NOTE: I requested and received a copy of this title via NetGalley.com but made no commitment to review it.
 

PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline-Janet Holm McHenry

Prayerwalking Basics

“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 11:11) Prayerwalking or “praying on site with insight” is about intercession. Those who practice it believe that God answers prayer and that prayer is one of the most powerful tools of evangelism that God has given us. Those who have participated in prayerwalks can share some incredible stories of how God moved before, during, and after their prayerwalks. God honors prayer because it focuses on Him and not on us. Prayerwalking is not a program, a process, nor a prayer event. It is intercession that transforms the intercessor and his/her praying. Let me encourage you to begin where you are.

God is at work. Prayerwalking is just another way of joining Him in what He is doing. It is praying that enlightens and educates us so that we may intercede with internationality and a heart for the people of our target area. The primary reason for Prayerwalking is God. We are being obedient to His command to pray for one another. 

McHenry has written an inspiring and helpful guide to the practice of prayerwalking.  If you have a difficult time finding the time and/or inspiration for deep personal prayer I absolutely suggest that you try prayerwalking.  McHenry has wrtten a thorough guide that will guide you on a path that you will not regret having chosen.  I have been prayerwalking for the last year and I can say that it has born fruit that sustains me. Prayerwalking has opened my eyes and heart to the will of God.


McHenry's book should be a quick read that will (hopefully) get you up on your feet and walking with God and for God.  If you are unaccustomed to prayer or are not sure how to pray or what to pray McHeny also guides you in that direction as well.  Not only will you find yourself becoming more physically fit you will find that spiritually you will be stronger and stronger in your faith with each step.  


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

40 Days Without food - Russ Masterson

Russ Masterson had read and heard about purpose, but didn't have a clue what his own purpose was to be.  And there was emptiness where there should have been value.  As he puts it, "I kept hoping a step would arrive when it was time to lift my foot."  Disillusioned with his life, as well as with God, he heard this advice: fast from food for 40 days.  Faithless and frazzled, Russ accepted the challenge, hoping for direction, reflecting on the past, and wrestling with issues like purpose, faith, and love. In this book, readers will find a fresh literary voice -- an insightful thinker who meets people in their humanity while helping them to see they can be rescued from it.  The journey of these forty days without food will help you explore what really matters in life. 

40 Days Without Food is a very honest account of one man's journey through faith.  So many Christian books take faith as an absolute ideal, skirting around the issue of doubt and uncertainty.   Yet all of us struggle with belief and faith at the intersection of worldly things and the spiritual.

Earlier this year I myself fasted for 21 days and 41 days respectively.  I am always curious about other people's experience during a spiritual fast.  Did they meet God somewhere along the way?  Were their most fervent prayers answered in some grand and mystical way?  I personally didn't experience any particularly religious epiphanies.  Nor did I have any of my more pressing questions of faith resolved.  What I did receive was a deeper and more settled faith in God.

Masterson's personal account was inspiring, inspirational and brutally honest. He details his struggles with greed and vanity...his thoughts on contentment and love.  He tackles the very big question on what it means to be saved and yet still human.  How can we as very broken, sinful by nature people, succeed in honoring our Lord and Saviour?  Each and every decision we make hinges on this one central question.  How do we know if what we desire, think and strive to achieve is in line with our Great Maker's purpose?  It is in the questioning of this that we find the answer.  The very fact that we question our motives and measure our actions against our beliefs leads us (hopefully) in the right direction.  God guides us gently and faithfully and if we simple surrender our lives and selves up to Him we are never truly alone and without purpose.  Our purpose is simply this...Bring Glory to our Lord.

"Life is about more that stuff.  Stuff corrodes.  One hundred years from now, Bill Gates will be as poor as you.  Money can't bring contentment or purpose.  Money can only propel purpose that already exists." 

This book is so much more than a book about fasting-although it can be helpful in that regard.  It is a solid and truthful portrait of every Christian's journey through faith.  If you've ever experienced spiritual doubt, know that you are not alone.  If you've ever felt that God has forgotten you, know that you are deeply loved by Him.  If you ever wanted to know how to walk this path of faith, read Russ Masterson's words and find camaraderie and comfort. 

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

The Blessing Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance By John Trent & Gary Smalley

Book Description

Every human needs the gift of "the blessing"—the unconditional love and approval that comes from a healthy relationship with one's parents. In this update to the best-selling classic The Blessing, coauthors John Trent and Gary Smalley offer a fresh perspective on this life-changing gift with solid, practical advice on how to lay a secure base of in each child's life.
The Blessing powerfully communicates biblical truths on how to instill self-worth and emotional well-being into others based on these five essential elements: meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment.
No matter the age, the approval of our parents affects how we view ourselves and how we relate to others. So what if we've missed it? The final chapters include help and hope for those who grew up without their own parent's blessing, the blessing and grandparents, ways to live out the blessing, and ideas for blessing events.

The Blessing is the book that every new parent needs to read.  It is essentially the only guide on parenting that adults should really need.  I would love to see it handed out in the maternity ward and be required reading for all new parents.  Our cherished children would benefit immeasurably.  It however is not too late to at any stage of life to benefit from this book.  Adult children, grandparents, caregivers...really anyone that has loved ones can utilize the wisdom found in the pages of The Blessing to lift up those they love the most.
The "Blessing"  involves five simple elements: meaningful and appropriate touch, a spoken message, attaching high value to the one being blessed, picturing a special future for them and an active commitment to fulfill the blessing.
This updated and revised edition contains practical ideas and exercises, questions for consideration, and utilizes the internet with links to web video. The book also contains a challenge to individuals and churches to be an involved part of a worldwide movement to spread the blessing to children and others.
I highly recommend that everyone read this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cure for the Common Life By Max Lucado

Book Description

"Sweet spot." Golfers understand the term. So do tennis players. Ever swung a baseball bat or paddled a Ping-Pong ball? If so, you know the oh-so-nice feel of the sweet spot. Life in the sweet spot rolls like the downhill side of a downwind bike ride. But you don't have to swing a bat or a club to know this. What engineers give sports equipment, God gave you.A zone, a region, a life precinct in which you were made to dwell. He tailored the curves of your life to fit an empty space in his jigsaw puzzle. And life makes sweet sense when you find your spot.
But if you're like 87 percent of workers, you haven't found it. You don't find meaning in your work--or you're one of the 80 percent who don't believe their talents are used. What can you do? You're suffering from the common life, and you desperately need a cure.
Best-selling author Max Lucado has found it. In Cure for the Common Life he offers practical tools for exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, motivation to put your strengths to work, and the perfect prescription for finding and living in your sweet spot for the rest of your life.

I really enjoyed reading "Cure for the Common Life".  It is packed full of advice, resources and anecdotes to assist the reader in his or her personal journey through life.  If you  need a cure for your common life and feel that you are not leading the life that God had planned for them then I highly suggest that this book be the next on  your reading list.  It's a quick read that will have you on your way to finding you personal "sweet spot" in no time.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Desert Gift by Sally John

What does a nationally known marriage expert do when her own marriage falls apart? Just as Jillian Galloway sets out for a publicity tour to promote her new book, her husband drops a bombshell: He wants a divorce. Jill flees to her parents’ home in the California desert, wondering whether everything she’s built her career on—indeed, everything she’s built her life around—is a sham. Navigating this “side road” of life is an uphill climb that leads to new understandings about herself, her marriage, and her relationship with the One who created marriage.

I just couldn't finish this book. The characters were flat and uninteresting.  The plot dull...it was for me a very boring read.  Sorry, but the book has been moldering on my bookshelf for too long and this review is several months overdue.  I wanted to at least have a positive word for this but the best I can do is to say that the grammar is correct and the story wasn't offensive.  Other than that I just wasn't interested.  Enough said.

The Seraph Seal By Leonard Sweet, Lori Wagner

An epic tale of good and evil based on the four horsemen of the Apocalypse found in Revelation.
Using the four horsemen of the Apocalypse to symbolize the four Gospels, four transcendentals, and four forces of the universe (air, water, earth, and fire), Sweet and Wagner weave a fast-paced, end-times tale of good vs. evil and the promise of a new dawn for humanity.
Set in 2048, when planet Earth is suffering from the damaging effects of years of misuse and abuse, cultural history professor Paul Binder receives a mysterious letter that leads him to examine a lost 2nd-century Diatessaron manuscript. Ancient prophecies, cryptic letters, and strange events set him on a course to uncover the missing clues that could lead humanity into a new age. Layered with forgotten symbolism from the ancient, Jewish, and Christian traditions, the novel is a type of engaged fiction in which the main character's lost journal serves as a guide to the reader in interpreting clues and understanding the novel's conclusion.

 I love end-times fiction and this new novel is a good read.  There is a lot of author commentary that really should be read so the reader has a firm grasp on the two authors viewpoints and thesis...I admit to mostly skipping the forwards in books but this time I'm glad I didn't.  There is a rather lengthy "dictionary" of terms in the back of the book that aids the reader in understanding the terms used in the book and a fictional journal of the main character-Paul Binder.  This book proved to be a nice long read for me, a book-trait that I personally adore.  The longer the book the happier I am.  Unless, of course, it's dead boring.  The Seraph Seal is not boring, however it is not a seat of your pants ride either.  It's mostly thought provoking.  A bit slow, perhaps, and I did get a bit confused as there are quite a few players involved.  Though I suppose the onset of beautiful weather played a significant role in allowing myself to be distracted while I read under sunny skies with soft breezes rustling the leaves and such.  Any how, I received the Seraph Seal as a digital download from Booksneeze's Blogger program and the digital copy is flawless on my kindle...fully formatted and speech to text enabled for those days when you'd prefer the Kindle turn those pesky pages for you;) 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Churched by Matthew Paul Turner

He spent his childhood trapped within the confines of countless bizarre, strict rules. And lived to tell about it.

In this first-hand account, author Matthew Paul Turner shares amusing–sometimes cringe-worthy–and poignant stories about growing up in a fundamentalist household, where even well-intentioned contemporary Christian music was proclaimed to be “of the devil.”

Churched is a collection of stories that detail an American boy’s experiences growing up in a culture where men weren’t allowed let their hair grow to touch their ears (“an abomination!”), women wouldn’t have been caught dead in a pair of pants (unless swimming), and the pastor couldn’t preach a sermon without a healthy dose of hellfire and brimstone. Matthew grapples with the absurdity of a Sunday School Barbie burning, the passionate annual boxing match between the pastor and Satan, and the holiness of being baptized a fifth time–while growing into a young man who, amidst the chaotic mess of religion, falls in love with Jesus. 

I wanted to like this book.  I couldn't wait for it to come.  I dived right into it the minute I received it and...well.  Let me start off by saying that it's a funny book to a lot of people. I know because I've read their reviews.  Other reviewers loved this book. It's been tagged as poignant, hilarious, truthful and refreshing.  Really?  Am I reading the same book?  Because I didn't get any of that out of this book. I got bored.  Maybe because I am a lifelong Californian.  Maybe you need to be from the bible belt to get this book.  I didn't find the author compelling or even engaged in the story he is telling.  AND  it's his story.  His memoir. If he isn't engaged in it then how can a reader get engaged? I may give this book a second chance as I was also reading the superb "Skin Map" simultaneously so maybe one outshone the other.  I don't know.  It's a great premise and has great promise but in this reviewers humble opinion it fell way short of the mark.
“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

The Final Summit - Andy Andrews

Book Description

David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands.

This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history’s best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to discover the answer.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don’t know what to do.

Second in a two book series, the "Final Summit" is a book that is easily read on its own.  I have not read "The Traveler's Gift" and I didn't have any trouble understanding the story.  "The Final Summit" is an enjoyable read that has an interesting and engaging concept.  The hero, David Ponder, plays host to a bevy of historical figures as he tries to save mankind from certain doom.  We're talking Biblical proportion doom.  Oh, and he does so at the request of  the Archangel Gabriel.  This book does cover a bit of philosophical ground on its way to the solution.  However, it is no way a heavy read.  I found "The Final Summit" to be a nice respite from my day to day routine and along the way it gave me something to think about.  Not a bad deal in  my opinion.  If you like action packed, seat of you pants reads this may not be the book for you...mostly the book consists of dialogue and it does get a little tedious.  I didn't realize how much I like a bit action thrown into my reads but then again I guess you can learn something new about oneself from time to time;)  Over all I feel that I can recommend this book to most anyone.  It shouldn't take you very long to read even if the book doesn't beg to be finished before midnight (that only happens with the very best of books though).  So if you're feeling like you crave something a little philosophical, and wouldn't mind a bit of the historical thrown in, go on, give this one a go!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”