More Than Just A Book

”Prayers that Bring Healing & Activate Blessing” by John Eckhardt is more than just a book you will read and put on your shelf.  This book is more of a reference guide for full time ministers or laypersons with ministry responsibilities.  The book is divided into to two sections.  The first is Prayers that Bring Healing and the second section is Prayers that Activate Blessings.  Some of the topics the author discusses is:  Exercising Faith for Your Healing, Drawing From the Well, Blessing by Asking, Blessing by Obedience, Blessing by Giving.  This book is very user friendly, the layout of the book makes the references and scriptures easy to find.  After each chapter, there is a list of scriptures/confessions to support the topic discussed.  I highly recommend this book.  If this book isn’t on your book shelf, it should be! 

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Charisma Bloggers book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

360-Degree Leader Book Review by John Maxwell Book Review

John Maxwell is a world-renowned speaker, author, and leadership guru.  He is known throughout many different countries.  The 360 Degree Leader was written for the middle leaders.  On a macro scale every leader is a middle leaders.  Even if you are on the executive level you are a “middle manager”.  Middle leaders are leaders who have to answer to someone above them and lead someone below them. John addresses the myths of middle leaders, the challenges middle leaders face, and principles that middle leader must practice to lead up, across, and down.  He finishes up with identifying the value of middle leaders, and insight for creating and environment that unleashing middle leaders. 

The 360 Degree Leader is a great book for everyone.  This book is designed to help everyone in the organization grow and expand his or her leadership capabilities.  We live in a culture that recognizes and rewards outstanding individuals who possess more than base line skills (average).  If you are aspiring toward leadership, this book will give you a better understanding and foundation for expanding your leadership capabilities.  I highly recommend this book, if you are in leadership or desire to be in leadership, this book should be on your bookshelf!

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Life Application Study Bible Devotional

 

This devotional resource is great for those exploring faith, new believers, or those seeking a better understanding or deeper relationship with God.  This devotional explores the life of Jesus by delving into the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The author highlights some of the catalytic moments in Jesus life, providing commentary, context, and thought provoking concepts giving the reader ideas to “chew” on throughout their day.  The devotional is broken down into four sections:  reading of the word, setting the scene, getting personal, and talking to God.  As you can see, it is very engaging and interactive giving the reader a clear format to follow making the devotional time simple but yet very powerful.

I found the devotional to be very inspiring, most of the stories highlighted in the devotional were stories that I am familiar with, however, the authors took each story, parable and revealed thought provoking ideas for me to ponder and apply to my life.  If you are follower of Christ, we all desire to be like Him.  Oftentimes, we failed to pursue His example because we are unsure of what “being” like Christ entails.  This devotional lays out exactly what Christ –likeness entails, giving the reader and blueprint to follow.  This is a great devotional I highly recommend it!

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley Book Review

Andy Stanley does a masterful job of revealing the Grace of God in the old and new testaments.  I have counseled many people who have struggled with understanding the God of the Old Testament in contrast with the God of the New Testament.  Any amateur bible reader can quickly discover the differences in what appears to be a harsh, mean, impatient God of the old testament to the loving, kind, patient God of the new testament.  While I have seen this disparity, I have been very careful not to attempt to understand the God of the universe with my limited mental capacity.  This is where I think many people attempt to bring God on their level, attempting to understand him better.

Andy shows the Grace (unmerited favor) of God in the Old Testament, even though to our natural mind it appears that God is being unfair, to harsh, unloving.  Andy takes Old Testament biblical stories and provides commentary and context that reveals the “big picture” of God’s love.  God’s heart was and is to redeem his people to himself.  Just as any earthly father disciplines his son or daughter, at the time it may seem harsh, unfair, overprotective, etc.  As a dad, we are doing it because we have our child best interest at hand.  Andy does a great job of painting the picture of Grace.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been shaken in the their faith.  Often times, circumstances happen and we don’t quite understand why God would allow such horrible circumstances to happen.  This book will give you a perspective to help you understand God better.  Bad things happen because we live in a broken world, contaminated by sin, as Andy so eloquently states.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

George Washington Carver by John Perry Book Review

As an African American male in my early thirties, I must say I thought I knew all there was to know about George Washington Carver (GWC), boy was I wrong.  GWC is a staple in African American history, known for his inventions, intelligence, and affiliation with Tuskegee.  Author John Perry's insight into the life of GWC gives the reader a behind the scene look into the life of GWC.  As I read this book, I had this overwhelming appreciation for Mr. Carver and his trust and dependence on God to direct his paths and order his steps.  It was amazing to read and visually see God's hand on his life.  It was obvious that God had an awesome plan for his life, from his peculiar upbringing, natural talents and interests in science, and his loyalty and commitment to give back and help "his" people move forward.

This book is for casual readers, students, or historians.  This is a very well written book, easily understood and very engaging.  I highly recommend this book. 

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence  on the content of my review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review: The Little Red Book of Wisdom

 

Mark DeMoss has written a masterfully insightful, engaging, practical book for anyone desiring to win in life.  My love for reading has led me to read many books that has left a lasting effect on my  life.  The Little Red Book of Wisdom is one of those books.  Mark’s candid writing style, vivid storytelling, and biblical reference point, made this book easy to read.  Several times while reading this book, I would stop, reflect and if possible apply what I had just read.  For example, the chapter on “Reclaiming the Lost Art of Letter Writing” after reading the stories and the impact that letter writing had upon the author, I was instantly compelled to make letter writing a part of my life.  The next morning I went to my local office supply store and bought stationery.  Later that day, I wrote and mailed my first letter.  The feedback I received was gratifying, at that moment I realized the impact letter writing can have on an individual life.  This book is broken down into two parts:  Part 1 Wisdom For Your Professional Life and  Part 2 Wisdom For Your Personal Life, both including nuggets of wisdom for everyday life.  I can assure you that this book will not be a one-time read, this will be a book that I will refer back to continuously.   I highly recommend you to purchase this book, I foresee this book becoming a classic, the likes of….dare I say it Stephen Covey’s “ 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence  on the content of my review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

The Final Summitt

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews is a sequel to The Traveler's Gift. This time the main character, David Ponder, joins his fellow travelers - some that he met in the previous journey as well as others he meets for the first time. Like all books with Andy, there is an important message and underlying theme. The one presented in book is one of the most utmost importance and a cornerstone of American culture, to live in the now and make something happen. You will get no-where without taking the first step. It is a very relevant theme in today's society and I think that this book is one that everyone can use for a refresher course..

I didn't read the first book, so I have to admit, I was a little lost when I read this book. I caught up to the story in some ways, however, and could grasp some of what may have happened in the first book.  I planned to read Andy Andrews previous writing to fully grasp The Traveler’s Gift.


However, as the story progressed throughout the book, I began to see David for the hero that he is. I also enjoyed the history lesson provided in meeting the travelers. Many were people we are familiar with from times past. We're also introduced to someone who is just as historical as the other characters, yet certainly not as well known. My history teacher sister had never heard of him!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing these things in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

Max on Life "E-Book Review"

Max Lucado takes some of life's most challenging questions and brings clarity and practicality through God's word.  I was raised in church and I have been consistent in my faith over the last 25 years of my life.  A lot of the topics Mr. Lucado highlight throughout this book are questions that I have wrestled with, discussed, thought through, etc.  This is truly a book for anyone.  Maybe you are not a believer in Christ and a little skeptical of God and Church, this is a great book for you to pick up and read.  Some of the questions listed throughout this book deals with topics about Forgiveness, Faith, Jesus, etc.  Its a great way of having your questions answered.  If you are new to the Faith, and you find yourself stuck or in a challenging situation because life and faith doesn't "make sense", before you throw in the towel and walk away from God....pick of this book, read through it, I believe God will speak to you and give you Hope again.  Maybe your a seasoned believer and you find yourself in a leadership or mentor ship role and you've been reluctant because you have wondered what if I'm asked a question that I am unsure of, and I don't have an answer....this book is for you.  This book with help you to think through and have an answer to give if faced with a difficult question.  By reading this book, you are standing on the shoulder of a giant, this will help you get further...faster!  Must Read!

"Jolt" by Phil Cooke Book Review

Wow! What an amazing book!  As an avid book reader, I must say, this book is a must read.  Phil has complied some of the hot topic/challenges of our time and given them relevant practical solutions.  This is much more than a self help book, its more than a leadership/management book, this a game-changing, potentially life changing book.  This book deals with topics such as making better choices, changing habits, creativity, personal confidence, etc.  Phil gives practical solutions to help readers regain their confidence, restore hope, and get back in the game of "Life".

Phil begins the book detailing the time when he was fired from his job for no apparent reason.  He talked about how that one incident changed the trajectory of his life, because it forced him to make a "now" decision.  He picked up the pieces of his life and moved forward toward the dreams he once had but placed on the back burner due to convenience.  In our current economy, there are a lot of people of find themselves in similar situations, maybe they are unable to "see the forest from the trees".  This book helps you to see the trees, and get your life back on track.  This is a great book, I would highly recommend it, this book has the potential to change the trajectory of your life!

Embracing Our Place

 

I believe connection is the catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity.  Proverbs 27:17 says that iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.  I believe that when true personal connection happens there is an empowerment that comes into our lives, which builds and enables us to move forward in strength.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that has attempted to remove the role of men and the importance of a strong male figure in the home and society.  The absence of Godly men has negative effects in the communities in which we live. I believe that it's time for men everywhere to take ownership of their roles and responsibility.

Part of the restoration process of our families, cities, states, and nations is for men to take our rightful place.  In order for that to happen we must take time to invest in ourselves, face our weaknesses, struggles, hurt and pain of the past.  Instead of allowing our past to paralyze us, we must learn to allow that pain to ignite a passion for God and righteousness in our lives.

Let me be clear this is not about posturing, this is about coming to a place of self awareness; accepting our need for God's presence in our lives.  God's presence has the power to change us from the inside out.  2 Cor 5:17 (NIV) says that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  In God, all things are made new.  Men, you have been given a mandate from God to lead your families, churches, and communities in His direction.  Men, let's take our rightful place!

I will be hosting a 6 week small group book study of Tony Dungy's "Quiet Strength". The group will begin February 26th at 10 a.m. at The Life Church of Memphis Collierville Campus 650 Houston Hills Rd. Eads, TN 38028. I would love to see you there!

Age of Uncertainty

I think it's safe to say that we are living in uncertain times.  With the looming economic collapse, high unemployment, gloomy business environment there are many people who are stuck in uncertainty. I have always been one who views current events through the framework of scripture.  I personally believe that it's only through scripture and divine enlightenment that current events can be placed in the proper perspective.  Here are three conclusions I have drown as it relates to the times we live in:

1). Life as we knew it has changed.

2)  God's people are the answer to the uncertainty that we face.

3). The latter will be greater than the past.

Not all change is bad, but if we fight against change we will continue to be reluctant to embrace and take our rightful place in history.  God has a plan for our life and it's only after we have aligned our hearts and motives with the heart and motives of God, will we see lasting and transformative change.

How can you embrace change to seize opportunities?

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