Truth Dare by Laura Ross Greiner

Truth Dare is a collection of real life stories of people who faced life challenges and how they dealt with them. Laura Ross Greiner has woven her own thoughts and experiences into each chapter inspiring the reader to add their own as they walk through the pages of this book. At the end of each chapter are reflection questions along with spaces for journaling.

I am impressed with the various stories shared in this book. Laura Ross Greiner has done an excellent of job of covering various life challenges/subjects, yet keeping the book short and to the point.  The questions posed at the end of each chapter are inspiring and thought provoking, challenging the reader to stop and think before moving on to the next story. I believe this book would be a great tool for a bible study group, as it encourages growth in the Lord – opening the door to the fruits of the Spirit in the reader’s life. Bravo!

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible – NKJV by Max Lucado

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible is an awesome experience in the love of God. This bible is loaded with features sure to bless the reader in any given subject.  There are Life Lessons which help the reader apply the Word of God to daily living.  There are Devotional Bible Studies.  There are articles that show Jesus throughout the Word. There are articles to aid the reader in understanding salvation and walking with the Lord. There is a reading plan. There is a wonderful index for locating verses that address questions and situations in a person’s daily life. There is even an article that teaches how to study the bible.

Upon opening this bible, I was immediately aware of the love of God. Max Lucado has threaded the love of Jesus throughout all of his articles, notes, and study guides in this bible. Prior to receiving this bible, I had heard of Max Lucado, but hadn’t read any of his books. This bible has shown me Mr. Lucado’s walk with the Lord Jesus is a walk of love and I find myself unable to put the bible down! As I turn each page I experience a fresh revelation in the Lord. I am amazed and fortunate to possess this book, and have made this bible part of my daily study. Mr. Lucado says of Jesus on page 1720, “But most of all, He’s been to the grave. Not as a visitor, but as a corpse. Buried amidst the cadavers. Numbered among the dead. Heart silent and lungs vacant. Body wrapped and grave sealed. The cemetery. He’s been buried there. You haven’t yet. But you will be. And since you will, don’t you need someone who knows the way out? (From 3:16 by Max Lucado)” This sums up Christianity in a nutshell. I was awed when I read this, and continue to be awed as I turn each page. I believe everyone who is interested in knowing and experiencing the love of God should have this bible. It is a treasure!

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.”

Start! The Bible For New Believers - NKJV by Greg Laurie

The Start Bible is designed for the new believer. It is full of wonderful articles and helps that enable the new believer to begin the journey with Jesus on a clear path.  This bible has features such as “grow entries” which reveal key disciplines of the Christian life, “know articles” which teach the core beliefs of Christians and “learn notes” which provide commentaries on key passages. Greg Laurie’s “Secrets to Spiritual Success” is included in this bible which is a wealth of Christianity basics that are a “must know” for all Christians.

I read the bible every day. I have read many versions of the bible, and many different study bible notes. This bible is a “must have” for all new believers! The study notes and articles are right on with scripture. I was pleased to find notes strategically placed throughout the text, which encourages the reader to stop and think about what they just read. I believe Greg Laurie is anointed of God, as I can sense the Lord’s anointing when I read Greg’s notes. I was also please to see the introductions for each book of the bible. In my own personal bible study, I find these introductions to be beneficial in stepping into the word to see what the Lord is saying. I recommend this bible to anyone who is looking for a fresh anointing, a renewed experience in the word of God and His presence.

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.”

Elk’s Resolve by Elaine Littau

Set in the mountains in the 1800’s, Elk’s Resolve is a Christian novel about the trials and experiences of a man called Elk.  The story intertwines with many characters leaving the reader with a fresh resolve about life and walking with God.

I do not normally read novels, yet found myself unable to put this book down once I read the first paragraph.  I read this book in one afternoon, as it is a fast read - expertly written as to keep the reader’s attention.  This wonderful story gave me renewed faith in my own walk with God, as well as a few nuggets of wisdom that are now etched upon my heart.  I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a wonderful afternoon of escape into a world where the hand of God is prevalent.  I followed God’s hand through the story, and experienced His anointing and love as He reached out and touched my heart through this story.  God bless you, Elaine Littau, for writing a story that extends the hand of God into the heart of the believer.

I received a copy of the book through Goodreads in exchange for a review. I received no additional compensation and was not required to write a positive review.

Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

In this book the author writes about growing through her struggles as she experiences the natural occurrences that most of us experience as we begin our journey in adulthood. Shauna Niequist speaks openly about her experiences and thoughts as she shares her journey as a young adult.

The book is easy to read, many short chapters.  For me, I found myself remembering the earlier years of adulthood – the struggles, the confusion, the uncertainty and the moments of bliss. I recommend this book to younger women who are considering marriage and motherhood, or young women who are currently living in this stage of life.

I received this book as a give-away through Librarything.com and am not required to write a review, positive or negative. You can read more about this book through this link: http://zndr.vn/dl4aEt

A Leader’s Heart – John Maxwell

A Leader’s Heart by John Maxwell is a 365 day devotional journal designed to inspire the leader to grow in all avenues of leadership. This journal is designed to connect the reader to God, provide daily encouragement that inspires growth, and help keep the reader focused upon leadership while following God’s guidance in the Bible. John Maxwell teaches the reader that while respecting God’s position as our ultimate leader, those of us who are in leadership positions will grow in the Lord and help others to grow too.

I have found this book to be an incredible wealth of information. Having held leadership positions for years, I wish I would have had this book 30 years ago. Each page is a fresh experience in the presence of God and His divine direction for leaders. I am inspired to chart out a ‘growth map’ for myself and those whom I lead as a result of the information contained in this book. Looking back over the years as I read through the pages of this book, I can see so many places where I was in error, so many places where I was right on, and so many places where growth was necessary. I have always believed in inspiring my subordinates to be the best they can be, but sometimes lacked the proper tools to properly inspire others. This book offers those tools, and is a complete and well rounded volume of life lessons for leaders. I encourage anyone who is in a leadership position, or aspiring to hold a leadership position to obtain a copy of this book. This book is to be read daily, and I suggest it accompany your Bible as a daily “first read” along with prayer.

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.”

Power Thoughts – 12 Strategies To Win The Battle Of The Mind by Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer has put together a program using twelve steps to win the battle of the mind. Each step is described and explained, then followed up with questions to aid the reader in applying the principles taught. Joyce uses principles taught in scripture as a basis for her concepts and to aid the reader in using faith in the word of God to stand firm on winning the war that wages in one’s mind.

I found the book easy to read, and well written.  The book’s format took me through each step in a progressive manner that was easy to adapt.  I enjoyed the thought provoking questions proposed after each principle.  I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a system to apply in an effort to gain control of their thinking process.

I received a copy of the book through Goodreads in exchange for a review. I received no additional compensation and was not required to write a positive review.

Miracles Every Day by Maura Poston Zagrans

Miracles Every Day is a chronicle of Dr. Issam Nemeh, a devout Catholic and physician, and many of the lives he touches.  Dr. Nemeh is used of God for the healing of others, healings in both the spiritual realm as well as the physical realm.  Dr. Nemeh’s medical practice and ministry is based in Ohio where thousands gather in anticipation of a touch and a prayer from this wonderfully anointed man of God.

Maura Poston Zagrans has done an excellent job in describing Dr. Nemeh’s ministry and chronicling the move of God in the lives of the people who go to Dr. Nemeh in search of healing.  While reading this book, I was ushered into the presence of the Holy Spirit, and blessed with the privilege of experiencing the excitement and awe of patients who received a healing touch from God through Dr. Nemeh’s ministry.  I was so blessed to find confirmation within the pages of this book, confirmation for several things the Lord has taught me.  This book inspired to me to take a step of faith in believing for the deeper things of God, and blessed me with a fresh revelation of the love of our Lord.  The best part? The last chapter. All I can say is, wow!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Good Reads in exchange for writing a review.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Sarah Young has recorded words of comfort from our Lord Jesus given to her during her quiet time with Him. She has taken these words and formatted them into a daily devotional book, spread out over 365 days. Each day is complete with scripture references. I have the leather bound deluxe edition which feels like a treasure in my hands.

For the purpose of this review, I read the book through in its entirety.  I am so comforted after reading this book to have confirmation that what I have believed is the voice of our Lord speaking to my heart, is indeed true. Jesus has such a wonderfully gentle and loving way of speaking, and Sarah Young has captured His essence in this book.  I felt His presence while experiencing His words from one page to the next.  I found myself receiving revelation knowledge as I read, and my interest was sparked to pursue further study on different Bible topics.  I highly recommend this daily devotional to anyone who desires to know our Lord Jesus more intimately.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”

Walking In The Father’s Riches by Fred & Sherry White

The Whites have taken the hundreds of policies and principles taught in the Bible regarding Jesus’ promise that He wants us to live an abundant life and summarized it into basic language which enables the reader to have a fully rounded perspective of how to walk in all the blessings our Father is offering us. Each chapter gives revelation to the reader for receiving from the Lord in all areas of our lives.

This is a book that I will go back through and read again, taking notes of the principles shared in those areas where I need correction in my own life. While reading this book, I was given revelation that has blessed me immensely.  I am looking forward to seeing what God does in my life when I apply the principles and corrections revealed to me through this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Fred & Sherry White in exchange for writing a review.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

Richard Stearns shares his journey in service to the Kingdom of God and encourages the reader to join him in plugging the hole in our gospel.  He displays our service to Jesus Christ in realistic manner, effectively removing all doubts as to God’s ability to use us to bless others.  He encourages the reader to ‘take up his cross, and follow’ in a manner that is inviting and non-threatening.

This book has opened my eyes to the reality of the world we live in, and my own neglect of my service to the Kingdom of God.  I knew we were spoiled living in the USA, but I had no idea just HOW spoiled we truly are.  Richard Stearns has made many of the scriptures that used to be just ‘reading material’ a fresh new reality in my life and my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. I know it is no accident that the Lord put this book in my hands and His timing is always perfect.  I am excited to see what the Lord has planned, how I am going to be used to bless others in this world we live in! Thank you Richard Stearns, for inspiring me, and opening my eyes – I once was blind, and now I see!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”