God, Faith and Reason

"What you will see in this book are snapshots of God, not a complete film. This book is presented in an omnibus style and does not have to be read in precise, sequential order. What you will see is one man's glimpses of God - images along the road of life. It is a scrapbook of the highest power through dreams, memories and stories, much like the ancient texts. I know a lot of people who are not religious but say, "You know, it's terrible. We were once a great Christian nation, and the churches are empty and the mosques are filling up. They always wanted someone else to go to church. People who don't go to church don't' really believe in God. They want someone to believe for them. They cry, "Oh, why are the churches empty?" To which I reply, "Well, why don't you go?" They aren't religious, but they wish other people were. Well, you are the other people."

As I have said many years ago, we've gone from St. Christopher medals to dream catchers in one generation. When I was a kid, it seemed as though every other car had a Catholic owner. They had little St. Christopher's statues on the dashboard. Myself, I didn't have one, but I liked that there were people who believed in God. And one day, I woke up, it was post-Obama and there were dream catchers hanging off mirrors. There are so many things hanging off mirrors, I don't know how people can see through their windshields. Mirrors and beads and voodoo. There is voodoo paraphernalia hanging off automobile mirrors and the country is melting down. It's total anarchy." (God, Faith and Family Preface).

God, Faith and Reason is a hard hitting book from Michael Savage, who doesn't hold back blunt honesty. If you are looking for a candy-coated rainbow colored book on what has happened to this once great nation that was founded on Christian principles, you might want to find another book. Michael Savage is about taking the hard hits and giving readers the blatant truth of his own opinion on where he believes this country was headed and how we might hope to get back the same foundation it was once built on. But it is going to take people to stand up for what is right, regardless of the costs. We need to stop building more laws and put the old laws back into place. Our country was built on the Constitution the way our founding fathers wrote it, not reinterpreting it to please our latest mood at the moment. When did people start becoming so offended anyway? Do we all have to agree? Can we not all have differences of opinion any longer? Must we all be forced to get along even when we don't agree with the way things are going?

I received God, Faith and Reason by Michael Savage, compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. I LOVE his books because he doesn't hold back the punches that need to be addressed. For the last 8 years, we have had leaders in this once great nation, completely rewrite and reinterpret what our Constitution has meant. Almost reading between the lines as it was. Now bakeries are being sued because a gay couple wanted a cake baked to their standards even if it didn't agree with this particular bakeries standards and beliefs. In fact, they had turned down other orders for the same reason, but now, it seems like everyone is lawsuit crazy instead of merely taking their business to another baker, they sued based on what? Their feelings being hurt. Seriously, that is what is wrong with this country and it is time to take back the country from the children who were running it based on what certain people felt. In my own lifetime I never thought I would see it coming apart at the seams but thank God in His mercy, He has allowed us a chance to possibly get this country back on its feet and earn the respect it once had. Something people could be proud of. We just need to get rid of those in office that are making that difficult. Hopefully some of the things Michael talks about in this book might help us do just that. All it takes is one person at a time, doing the right thing. For me, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Check it out for yourself and I hope you LOVE what you find tucked inside.

For more information about God, Faith and Reason , Michael Savage or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

God, Faith and Reason by Michael Savage

You can find Michael Savage on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books and projects.

To read more reviews on God, Faith and Reason, please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

The Crooked Christmas Tree

Christmas is undoubtedly my favorite holiday that I began anticipating when I was a child and now as an adult, for different reasons. It has a different purpose for me now than as a child and as a believer in Christ, perhaps even more so. Besides the time to indulge in family honored timeless traditions, and celebrations, it gives more pause to me as I realize how quickly time passes away and often times there is a sense of loneliness and peace that can also follow.

As we raise our children, we teach them what our parents taught us or perhaps refrained from sharing  based on unmet expectations so we can do them differently with a different outcome. For me, I loved Christmas because it meant bringing joy to a single mom who worked hard to provide not only for us in the way of basic needs but also to try her best to provide what filled our Christmas lists. It meant I could take on the burden to make her life a little bit brighter by cleaning and decorating the house, as a surprise from where she left it to change from one job to the next and head out the door. It was to say, Thank you! I appreciate all you do and I hope this at least brings a smile to your face. This is also what I have taken away from Damian Chandler's book, The Crooked Christmas Tree.

It conveys the story of one families goal to bring home a Christmas Tree and the real meaning behind the perfect "One" and the one their kids would subsequently choose. I felt myself cringe in my own perfectionism to understand this man's plight. To bring home something less than worthy to be set up on display in my house, despite the reason why the kids found true beauty in it. It conveys a parallel perspective that came one Christmas morning to give us the ultimate gift. One we tend to take for granted more days than not. Have you taken a peek at our earth lately? It's a mess. Yet despite that, God's name is still on the title.

David is not simply declaring God's royal reign over this earth. David is declaring that the earth and everything in it is still God's responsibility. Good and bad belong to Him. Its victories and even its failures. And He has no plans on distancing His name from it. Even as we destroy His masterpiece, God still commands that we celebrates His ownership and creative patent every week. Long forgotten, buried under more 'important' topics, is God's call for us to celebrate that He is still the titleholder. He still celebrates that we belong to Him. He celebrates me and reminds me, "My name is still on your title. You are my responsibility. My crooked tree."

I received The Crooked Christmas Tree by Damian Chandler compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups. There is something powerful in this amazing little book. It is a reminder to us all about the world we live in, the people in it and how we need to be reminded of what God's purpose is in all of it, more than just once a year, but 365 days of the year. It is a reminder about holding on to the things that matter and letting go of the ones that don't. To spend the time with our family and friends who will pass away before we know it. To be in the moment instead of worrying about tomorrows. This will be a book I read at the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year in hopes of changing my perspectives to love the crooked trees more than the perfect ones! I easily give this a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Crooked Christmas Tree, Damian Chandler or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Crooked Christmas Tree by Damian Chandler

You can find Damian Chandler on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on The Crooked Christmas Tree, please visit Faith Word's website. 

A Woman Overwhelmed

"So much to do. So little time."

So much can be said in those two statements and most of the moms, wives, sisters, women, and more can attest to how truthful it feels like for us on a daily basis. What about you? Feeling like at times your day can feel overwhelming? How can women handle the day to day stresses without falling apart? How can we hold it all together when it seems like it is all falling apart at the seams some days?  Where is God in all of this and how can He help?

You might want to pick up a copy of Hayley DiMarco's latest book, A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life. It might just provide the encouragement we all need. What overwhelms you? Is it finances, trying to make ends meet when there simply isn't enough to go around? What about a health issue you've been diagnosed and it seems like prayer just isn't working and it's getting worse? What about your marriage that you've been struggling to hold onto knowing God can do all things? Do you ever wonder if the reason you feel overwhelmed is because we are NOT in charge? Tough question but one easily answered. If you were in charge of those situations, would they overwhelm you any longer? Not a chance.

Whatever is out of our control is what is overwhelming us. So often our goal in life is to find the best way to control, well, everything, including those around us. Especially the ones we consider our people, our kids, our spouses, our friends and family. In fact if you take any of the online stress surveys available, if four or more symptoms stress you out, they suggest a bigger problem. A problem with too much to handle. Let's see how you do. Do you struggle with any of the following, and be sure to be honest, at least with yourself.

Emotional eating
Insomnia
Digestive Problems
Ulcers
Anxiety
Tension Headaches
Weight Gain
Quick Irritation

When life is more than we can handle, just looking at it reveals our complete inadequacies, and failures and all we long to do it simply to go back to bed. We know we are overwhelmed and not in a good way. When our bodies are begging us for a straightjacket and a padded cell, and we start to at least consider it, we know its time to reassess our priorities and to look for the flaws in our logic and planning. Aren't you tired of being overwhelmed by life. Don't you want something more? Don't you?

I received A Woman Overwhelmed by Hayley DiMarco compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity. Almost every single woman can identify with feeling overwhelmed at some point in their life and she gives you the tools and encouragement you need, not only to realize you are not alone, but how to manage quickly through them and get to the other side of the issue. She opens up her own life and that is how I feel she wins readers over. We realize someone else has been there with us and the feelings she relates are exactly how we have felt. By the conclusion of this book, hopefully you can see the depths of God's love for you and maybe even the ability to catch a glimpse of the comedy of an overwhelmed life seen from the rearview mirror or the passenger seat of our car, and you will discover freedom. You will find grace to begin to close your worldly eyes to the messiness of life as you open your spiritual eyes to the beauty surrounding our messes. I easily give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars and plan on referencing it often along with prayer to get through my own issues that threaten to overwhelm me.

For more information about A Woman Overwhelmed, Hayley DiMarco or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Woman Overwhelmed by Hayley DiMarco

You can find Hayley DiMarco on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on A Woman Overwhelmed, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


"A woman overwhelmed"-is this a phrase you can relate to? If you answered yes, you need to read Hayley DiMarco's new book, A Woman Overwhelmed. The best-selling author shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God's love and power. Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

Become a woman less overwhelmed by life and more overwhelmed by God and enter to win Hayley's $75 Merry Maids Visa Card Giveaway to help lessen your daily load.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Woman Overwhelmed
• A $75 Merry Maids Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 3. The winner will be announced November 6 on the Litfuse blog.

Know The Word KJV Study Bible

I love reading the Bible. There is so much based on historical and archaeological evidence that to question its relevance in the world today, would be a huge mistake. In fact many libraries, museums and even archaeologists reference the Bible because its accuracy can't be questioned. From the ancient civilizations founded at the beginning of the world in Mesopotamia according to our history books, evidence has been found, and continues to be found to support every single book of the Bible. Makes you wonder why there are so many wanting to keep people from reading its very contents to see what it contains. Others make a mockery of it, calling it a random library of ancient made up myths from men in the desert who rode camels. Funny how this very book is the most published book in all of history and yet it continues to change lives forever.

This will be my 4th time reading it from cover to cover and what I have found is that each time, I gain greater understanding of what it going on in my life at the time, and how I can work through it. Think of it as our book of instructions if you will to get you through life. What I have found that benefits me is reading a different version each time and following up what I don't understand with a Bible Commentary. It makes it come alive in new and exciting ways because that is the beauty of God's Word. It is a living document of our entire past and our future that awaits us all.

I have been using the Know the Word Study Bible in the King James Version during my morning reading time because it helps you understand more of what your reading in vastly different ways. You can read it book by book which is how I have been doing it, but more along the lines of the chronological way the events happened, or you can just study the Bible verse by verse or even topic by topic. I find most people gravitate to the Bible by the topic at hand in their life the most when they reference it, like a quick answer guide of sorts. The King James Version is probably one of the most accurate versions of the Bible based on its interpretations from the the Greek and Aramaic texts found within the Dead Sea Scrolls word for word. For those new to reading the Bible, this version might turn you off, because it is like reading Romeo and Juliet from Shakespeare's old English interpretation. There are a lot of thee's and thous, with might frustrate a new time reading it.

However whatever version you choose, you can find valuable insights into every version. What I love about this version is the More Insight sections you find scattered throughout. It's like having a commentary right there and also provides you with additional resources to study in the Bible that will make the topic a bit more clear to the reader. I love following references that will help me understand what I am reading a bit more. Like a sequel to the book almost! Its almost like getting a commentary all in one place. There are also great resources included in this Bible, like full color maps, which I love to use to see where these places were in the past as compared to now, a concordance, which allows you to look up specifics words like "love," or "angels," to see where in the Bible these topics are referenced. This also includes Jesus' words in red so you can separate what others say compared to the exact words He spoke. Like most Bibles, I love the hard cover format. It makes it easy to keep your notes all tucked in one place and use for note taking by having something hard to write on in church.

I received Know the Word KJV Study Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Book Tours. You can even download a sample of this Bible for your reference first by going to downloads.thomasnelson.com/KJVknowtheword. That is a great resource to use before deciding on whether this might be the type of Bible for your use. This Bible also comes with resources to enable you to receive a lifetime guarantee on this Bible. Don't let reading the Bible intimidate you, simply pray and ask God to show you what He wants you to know and you're off and running. For me this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

For more information about Know the Word KJV Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers or where you can pick this Bible up today, please click on the links below:

Know the Word KJV Study Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers. 

You can find Thomas Nelson Publishers on Facebook, to stay up to date on all their latest products.

To read more reviews on Know the Word KJV Study Bible, visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Diving deeper into God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break it down book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic with the new KJV Know The Word Study Bible by Thomas Nelson. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

This fall, become a regular student of the Bible and enter to win the Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of the KJV Know The Word Study Bible
• A Kindle Fire 7
• A Kindle Fire case (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 31. The winner will be announced November 1 on the Litfuse blog.

The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

I fell in love the Random Acts of Kindness that first appeared in the movie Bruce Almighty, and even inspired me to spend my 49th birthday finding 49 different ways to do things for someone else instead of buying me more stuff I really don't need. And you know what, it is the only birthday I can remember over any of the other ones. I can even remember the things I did to make someone else's day instead of my own and the feeling was so amazing.

Now Tyndale House Publishers has appealed to me once again with The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional. In it readers will find themselves challenged not only by the daily Scripture reference from the Bible, but an applicable story that shows just how you can both apply the Scripture but also make someone else's day through random acts of kindness. At the conclusions of each days devotional, readers are challenged in some way to take that idea and make it their own, like Do something unexpectedly kind for a teacher, encourage someone else with your story of God's faithfulness, honor someone in your life by picking up the slack in their busy season, invite someone new to Thanksgiving this year and so many more.

Divided into daily devotionals, readers will love the ease and simplicity of being reminded it is about serving others through the daily acts we can perform to show them the love of Christ working within us. It keeps these reminders at the forefront and helps us to keep our hearts in the attitude of serving rather than being served. Each of the three authors, Kendra Roehl, Kristin Demery and Julie Fisk each take their turns at writing each daily devotional so in a sense they are sharing their own testimony and life with you as you work your way through each of the 365 days. The best part is that you don't have to wait to begin in January 1st, you can just pick up like I did right when I received my book.

I received The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl and Kristin Demery compliments of Tyndale House Publishers. This is such a great book that I can speak more highly about, but that if you are looking at a way of making your daily life count more, looking for ways to serve others, and even ideas on incorporating daily acts of kindness into your day, than this book is perfect for you. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars because as a busy mom, wife and more, I need something to keep my heart in the right place and this works for me.

For more information about The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, and Kristin Demery

You can read more reviews of The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional by visiting Tyndale House Publisher's website. 

Mercy Triumps

Christian persecution.

Refugees.

Muslims.

Any of these three terms, most people on earth are aware of one or more of them. Did you realize how difficult it is for Muslims who convert from their faith to embrace the salvation of Jesus Christ instead? If they are immediately killed by their family members in order to retain the families honor in their own country, then they are immediate sought after by those who now have labeled them as "infidels" by their own religious standards.

I have had the distinct pleasure to read all the novels by Jana Kelley, based on the true life events of three distinct women who now have to face the foundations of the Christian faith, even if it means being killed. From an American missionary wife and mother, Mia, to one Muslim sister, Halimah, on the run for her very life, and the other Rania, trying to keep her own faith from being discovered by her family, all the while trying to figure out how to get out of the rapidly approaching arranged marriage to a Muslim man. The stakes have never been higher as each of these women will have to face just how strong their Christian faith is while living in a Muslim population where there is no tolerance for those who are trying to convert others to the Christian beliefs.

From Side by Side and then to Door to Freedom, Mercy Triumps is the third novel that has documented the lifestyles of each of these women. From Mia who longs for someone to share her faith with, while trying to share her own testimony with those around her, without subjecting her family to violence, jail or being killed. She and her family are awaiting the approval of their passports to return home for a short while but they remain in the hands of one man who believes that Islam is the only religion. Halimah is faced with working in Nairobi after flying from her family who wanted to kill her. She desperately misses them and loves them but knows she can never return. She must be discreet if she contacts her sister Rania, who has been hiding her own newly found faith in Jesus. Perhaps the greatest reminder of what Christians in other countries face is the opening verse, "Mercy triumphs over judgement." James 2:13. This is the central theme of this novel.

I received Mercy Triumphs by Jana Kelley compliments of New Hope Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. This is so eye opening to those of us that live in America where we still have the freedom to practice our own religious faiths and persecution for us, just might be harassment from co-workers, family or friends who don't agree with our own beliefs. This will not always be the case as we watch the slow erosion of our freedoms beginning to slip away without noticing it is happening. Meanwhile things like persecution of Christians in other countries remains a segment on the news if even they care to report it, but we know it is happening on a daily basis without anyone knowing it is happening. I have LOVED this entire series because it highlights just what it might mean to those who are willing to die for their beliefs might just be the ones we want to embrace the most, including those 12 disciples of Jesus Christ who while spreading God's messages to the world, suddenly found themselves being the first of those who would die for their faith in Jesus Christ. For me, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and hope others will find the message of hope, faith and mercy in this book.

For more information about Mercy Triumphs, Jana Kelley or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Mercy Triumphs by Jana Kelley

You can find Jana Kelley on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Mercy Triumphs, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 

Blink

I don't think there isn't anyone who doesn't know what the Rapture is? From Hollywood movies, to books, everyone has heard of it, but what remains to be seen is who believes it is a real event? In the novel, Blink by S.A. Jewell, it opens with the event known as the Rapture from the Bible. In less than a blink of an eye, millions from everywhere simply vanish leaving no traces behind that they were even there. Most of the disappearances have happened in the United States with relatively little coming from the Middle East or China. Now the world has to answer the one question lingering in everyone's mind, "Where did everyone go? Will it happen again?"

As the world begins its downward spiral into chaos, and while the economies all over the globe try to struggle with the implications of millions simply vanishing into thin air, there are a remnant that know precisely what has happened and why they have been left behind. Now they will be the target in the years ahead that usher in the seven years of tribulation or wrath of God on an unbelieving world that despite all these global catastrophes, refuse to acknowledge Him and instead reject Him even further. Just as the Bible predicts in countless books from Revelation, to Daniel to Ezekiel and even the New Testaments, time is running out for a world looking for answers.

Marcus Junius, a charismatic leader from Italy soon realizes how he can profit from what is happening around the globe, since the vanishings have not impacted the European Union as much and realizes that the leader who can control chaos and bring about prosperity and peace when the world is out of control, will be the one that they will look to for answers. Little by little he capitalizes on the situation and soon finds himself forming a Federation that promises peace, security and prosperity for the nations that join. He even manages to pull off the impossible when he gets Israel to sign a peace treaty for at least the next seven years to ensure that no one wipes this nation off the face of the earth. But is it really all that people expect or is there something even more sinister about to be unleashed on the world?

I received Blink by S.A. Jewell compliments of Ambassador International Publishers. Since I have been a fan of Bible Prophecy and Eschatology, I LOVED this novels perspective on the events prophesied to take place in the future. I would have liked to have seen this one broken into a series of books since the story line is so consolidated to wrap seven years into one novel. The perspective and subsequent passages from the Bible are wonderful and hopefully will lead the reader to do their own research to see what the Bible has to say. I would easily give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars and only wish the novel was more in depth instead of so consolidated in the events that happen during the Tribulation period.

For more information about Blink, S.A. Jewell or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Blink by S.A. Jewell

You can find S.A Jewell on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Blink, please visit Ambassador International Publisher's website. 

No Regrets

The one statement most of us dreads, is that we are dying. Perhaps dying before we have even had the chance to do some of those things we always thought we would have time to do. So what do you do when you get that kind of news, perhaps even personally, or a family member does? All of us wants to live a life so that when we look back, we can see it was a life well-lived. Filled to the brim. A life without regrets. Perhaps those that get that devastating news are the ones living their life to the fullest. Making every single moment count. Because in all reality they don't know when that last day will be. But doesn't it affect us all? No one knows when our last day might be. We might go without any warning or we might go over time.

How can you take the time right now to learn to make the most of your life. To love deeply and unconditionally. To let the past stay behind. Forgive those who have wronged you and for whom you still might be carrying resentment against. How to choose life. To choose joy. To choose love and live a life with no regrets! In Robin M. Bertram's book, No Regrets, she shares her own personal journey of her own death where she began to take an honest look at her life, do an inventory and change some of the things she wasn't content to spend whatever days left, doing. You will learn in this book, how to live every moment as if it were your last. To see things through a biblical perspective and live the way God would have you spend that moment in time. To see blessings instead of disappointments with the things that happen to us and most of all, to participate in a thirty day Love Challenge, which is something of an intentional challenge for all of us. To live like we were dying. How very different our own lives would be.

We have the opportunity NOW to look at our life and make a change. To live a life now without any regrets so when we are facing our final days, we can look back in satisfaction, knowing we lived our life well and hopefully lived it for Christ! It will change your life in ways that will express the importance of living today with greater joy while making every moment really count. It will encourage you to develop an intimate prayer life, to develop a willingness to forgive, to embrace every good gift you've been given with a thankful heart and to live your life to the fullest because no one is guaranteed a tomorrow. Through Scripture combined with the insight gained from real-life stories with victorious outcomes, No Regrets will encourage you to forgive, to love, to mend broken relationships, and to begin building a legacy now so that when that days comes, there will be a strong spiritual legacy to leave behind.

I received No Regrets by Robin M. Bertram compliments of Charisma House. This book will help you overcome those "If only..." moments, and using the Pillars of Abundant Living, scriptures that will give you comfort, wisdom, and insight during your own personal journey. The Intentional Living section at the conclusion of each chapter are several keys that will help you become more intentional in living your life for Christ and embracing today. The Shareworthy section are text boxes scattered throughout each chapter to expand on the ideas in this book that are worthy sharing on your social media platforms, and the 30-Day Love Challenge is a way to personally evaluate your own love walk on a daily basis for thirty days to get an honest picture of where you are and where you can grow. This is such an inspirational book and one that would be a great gift to anyone dealing with their own personal adversity. I love that this book can inspire us even now to take greater responsibility for the life we choose to live each day, and for that reason well worth 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about No Regrets, Robin M. Bertram or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

No Regrets by Robin M. Bertram

You can find Robin M. Bertram on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on No Regrets, please visit Charisma House Publisher's website. 

Included in Christ

The Book of Ephesians from the Bible is perhaps one of my favorite books. There is so much wisdom to be gleaned and it is a surprisingly short book at that. Yet don't be confused that just because it is short, doesn't mean that there isn't much to learn. In fact, Paul probably used so many concise specific topics that not only applied to the people living in Ephesus, but also is very relevant to us in our current modern day age. Ephesians is a letter from Paul that you can understand best by thinking about seven operative or most important words in this short study. These words happen to be vivid verbs. The seven words in the 8 week study of Ephesians surely change you. It represents deeply transformation material. The hope is that after you finish this study people will begin to wonder and ask if you are a different person.

To complete this study you will need, a Bible ( one that you love the most will benefit you the best and everyone has their preferred choice), something to write on and with. Even though this study comprises eight weeks, five days each, keep your own pace and what works best for you. God may be calling you to spend time on something in this book that might be relevant to what He wants to teach you and what you are going through. I guess what anyone needs in completing any Bible Study is an open mind and a willing heart. This book can be used in an individual, couple or even a small group study through the book of Ephesians.

Each chapter in this book will ask you to think carefully about the crucial verb in each section and to picture a scene in our mind about this verb, such as 'how does a person understanding this verb live?' You first begin to answer the question bu first identifying their opposites or contrasts to enhance how we make sense of our new identity in Christ. You will begin with a shadow narrative about the particular verb you are studying. How that applies to your life, what are you doing or should be doing  and then using your five senses see if you can develop a short story about how He is currently writing about this verb in your life. These can be positive or negative and can be things you want to share or just keep to yourself. By the end of the study you will quickly identify ways your Shadow Narratives prevent you from fully embracing and fully inhabiting God's Word and you will have new stories to tell, your Savior story, to truly learn from the Scripture.

I received Included in Christ by Heather Holleman compliments of Moody Publishers and Side Door Communications. Each of this daily and weekly studies are to help you understand how you can become a new creation in Christ and embrace that and learn to let go of the old you, the former person who is trying to keep you from all Christ has in store for you. Think of it like spring cleaning for your soul and its about time to learn to let go of that excess baggage we've been carrying and lighten our loads and embrace the joy that comes from having a Christ centered life. These are perfect for small group studies or even a couple's study that will enrich your relationships in ways you never dreamed possible. I would give this a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Included in Christ, Heather Holleman or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Included in Christ by Heather Holleman

You can find Heather Holleman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest information.

For more reviews on Included in Christ, please visit Moody Publisher's website.

The Unexplainable Church - Bible Study

How does the grace of God work harder within us? How do we promise its fruit in our lives? Can we accept the grace of God as an intellectual assent and not experience any of its effects? Many Christians rest in the assurance of God's grace to take them to heaven, yet experience little of its ramifications in their daily lives. Or they yearn for more. There is a stirring in their soul, ushering them to experience the fullness of God's grace in their lives. But how?

This fifty-day journey is an invitation to walk alongside a man who never got over the awe and wonder of God's grace. For years he had sought God's favor through a religion of works, spiritual disciplines, knowledge and service. Then he met Jesus, and after approximately a decade of understanding Jesus as the Messiah, he finally came to the realization of the fullness of His grace. And he was never the same again. Rather than resting on a bed of laurels at the gift of grace he had been given, he strove even harder to ensure that God's grace to him was not in vain. He accepted the divine invitation and most likely met his Savior with a clear conscience and no regrets.

In The Unexplainable Church by Erica Wiggenhorn, readers will use this study guide to work their way through the Acts, chapter 13-28 over fifty days to discover the invitation that not only went out to Paul and his disciples after the ascension of Jesus but also to those who began believers at that time, and the beginning of what we know now as the church age believers. It helps us all understand our own unique place we have not just to be followers of Christ, but understanding the importance the role of the church plays in spreading the gospel message. Each day's study begins with a thematic title and Bible passage that should take you about 20-30 minutes to complete. The version used in this study is the English Standard Version, but you can use any version you are most comfortable with to do this study. You will encounter questions in blue working through your daily assignment. These questions are geared to help you stop, pray, collect your thoughts, and write out the answers.

Writing responses will take you into a deeper understanding of these passages of scripture to see how they can apply to your life today. On certain days, you will come across blue frames and these are your time to be creative, draw, doodle or ponder and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you in the quietness of your heart. Bible Study is not meant to be a task to complete. Instead, it is an avenue for building a relationship with God. This resource can be used in small group Bible studies and the leader's guide for this study indicated which questions work best for groups. You can access this resource through the website provided in this book as well as additional resources that will take you deeper into the daily studies if you want to as well.

I received The Unexplainable Church by Erica Wiggenhorn compliments of Moody Publishers and Side Door Communications. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. Each days study can be completed in as little as 30 minutes or less and is designed to take you into a deeper study of the early believers that make up the age of church age believers which began when Jesus left and sent His Holy Spirit to begin to minister into the hearts of those willing to be open to His message. I especially love this study in Act because we have a common place with the invitation of the early church age believers. We are still adding to them daily and it helps to understand the various roles the church plays in making this the success that it has in the world today. It helps us all understand the individuals roles we all play to continue this ministry until we are called home. I easily give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars and I especially love the additional resources that can be found online that can incorporate this into a small group Bible Study.

For more information about The Unexplainable Church, Erica Wiggenhorn or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Unexplainable Church by Erica Wiggenhorn

You can find Erica Wiggenhorn on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on The Unexplainable Church, please visit Moody Publishers website. 

Kids' NIV Visual Bible

I am always on the look out for things I can give my kids or future grandkids and for me, the one book I want for any child is a great Bible that is friendly, fun and filled with things that will keep them interested and wanting to read God's Word. I am so happy to review the Kids' NIV Visual Bible. While the font may not be what I would call "kid friendly" more suited for kids a little older from 8-13, it does contain amazing photos that illustrate the points being made on each chapter or section of the Bible. There are full color maps that show that places beginning talked about as you read so you can take your teaching even further than you thought possible before when comparing the places in the world today as to the places historically being referred to in the Bible.

Perhaps so of my favorite parts are the story of Noah and the Ark. There is a colorful picture that outlines how long Noah was really on the ark and how each of those time periods is broken down, from the 7 days Noah enters the ark a week before the flood; 40 days of the rain surging on the land; 150 days the water recedes and rests on Mount Ararat, and finally the 178 days for the water to continue to recede and the releasing of the birds until Noah finally leaves the ark.

For me, as a teacher, kids respond well to visuals and this Kids' NIV visual Bible offers more than 700 images to take your child not only into learning more about the Bible but more importantly retaining what they have seen and heard. There is even an image showing how large the Ark was in comparison to a football field or a modern day house so kids can really understand the magnitude of what Noah accomplished without modern tools or electricity. There are some great questions to engage your child with as well, such as why  was an olive leaf special? Why does the Bible include lists of names? Why did Abram lie about his wife? It even includes important information about why woman and men are made differently and what God's plans were for them. I absolutely love the simple illustrations that help me understand things better like the age of our early ancestors, how some lived to be almost 1000 years and who were they? What the differences were in the staff that Moses used and Aaron used; a great visual on the differences between biblical calendars and current modern day calendars that your child can use to tell what the months are in Old Testament chapters.

I received the Kids' NIV Visual Bible compliments of ZonderKidz, a division of Zondervan Publishing and Handlebar Central. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. There are so many things that I know parents would love in getting this for a child they know. It would make a great children's study Bible as well using the New International Version to help children understand the meanings of what is being said and it helps them to stay engaged. There is a presentation page that makes this a perfect Bible to give any child as a gift, a table of contents to help them find their way to specific books of the Bible, an infographics index in the back to show the locations of all illustrations in case you're looking for a particular one for your child, and a maps section. There are simply too many great things to list, but rest assured, it will be one for your child to love and growth with. I would give this a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and it even includes a ribbon marker to keep track of where your child is!

For more information about the Kids' NIV Visual Bible, or where you can pick one up today, please click on the links below:

The Kids' NIV Visual Bible by ZonderKidz

You can pick this up at any retail location or online like Amazon by clicking here.

A Day at the Beach - Devotional

One of the best places I love to go to gain some peace and perspective is the beach. There is something calming, mesmerizing, and relaxing watching the waves splash along the sand, the saltiness of the breeze and laughter of children. Its a place where we can let go of the stress and just let go of our daily worries. Sadly many people are landlocked and few have actually visited a real beach so these experiences are not commonly shared but often times have lakes or rivers they visit. The experience is relatively the same.

Jedd and Todd Hafer have written a wonderful devotional called A Day at the Beach with daily inspirations to help you relax, reflect and renew yourself. Each devotional carries with it a Bible verse and how we can simply change our attitudes to help reflect the peace that God can provide. So many of the best things in life are willing to wait for us. Perhaps this is God's way of telling us to embrace the anticipation rather than fight it. To surf with the tide rather than swim against it. To let the journey unfold on its own schedule so it can be savored. Good advice for the beach to road trips and for life itself. You can refresh your soul and encounter God even if there isn't an ocean in the picture.

This devotional is filled with a collection of personal accounts, intriguing beach trivia, and even a fable or two. It is geared to help your reading to be as refreshing as a day at the beach, offering soothing waters for your mind and sunshine for your soul. There are devotionals reminding us about the importance of being unplugged, which seems to be common place, that we simply forget about the things and people around us because we are caught up in social media, texting and our smart phones. People seem to use the phrase that they are simply, "too busy to find time to spend with God," but the truth is if we simply set our phones to vibrate, we can let go and find quality time in our days to get things done and enjoy those around us more and spend time with God in our devotionals or Bible reading. These are short and sweet but pack a lot of things to consider and hopefully give the reader a break for all the things that can drive us crazy.

I received A Day at the Beach by Jedd and Todd Hafer compliments of Tyndale House Publishers. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. Some of the topics include, Making the Ordinary Extraordinary, Nothing Ever Happens on "Someday," Ocean Baptism, A Sail With Attitude, The Throwaway Ritual, Uses for Sand, Thanks for Nothing and so many more. There are 70 devotions tucked inside a beautiful orange soft cover that is so cool to tuck away into your purse or beach bag. This would make the perfect graduation gift or even something to use to have a short Bible devotion the next time you are at the beach or lake. The topics are perfect for discussion to utilize ways to make our days a bit more stress-free and relaxing. I easily give this a 5 out of 5 stars and now have to find a way to get it back from my 18-year-old daughter who took it to a beach birthday party for her Christian friends.

For more information about A Day at the Beach, Jedd and Todd Hafer or where you can pick up a copy of this devotional today, please click on the links below:

A Day at the Beach by Jedd and Todd Hafer

To read more reviews on A Day at the Beach, please visit Tyndale House Publisher's website. 

Forensic Faith

Some people believe that the word apologetics means to apologize for something, but it actually means a way to defend what you believe. Most Christians fail miserably to defend their faith when push comes to shove. They know what they believe but they can't prove or defend it when it comes to someone who wants to know more. How then can we, as parents, provide the means to do just that, when sending our kids off to public schools and colleges only to have our kids unable to communicate effectively the case of faith in Jesus Christ?

The answer is so simple, and I myself found out the hard way when I opened up Forensic Faith, by homicide detective and former atheist, J. Warner Wallace. He found that by using the very same principles he used to re-open cold cases, and applied it to discovering the claims of Christianity, Jesus, the resurrection, God and if the Bible is in fact true. He pointed out something that is missing in churches and youth groups everywhere, that we are spending countless hours, teaching our children about the Bible and Jesus, but failing to train them in defending their faith, so when they leave home, they can be confident in their answers of why they believe what they believe. Just like our military and police don't receive teaching on their jobs or skills, they are trained in every potential situation that might come up in their line of work, that this is the very reason so many are walking away from their faith in Jesus temporarily or often times for good. We are missing the point of what we, as parents, teachers, pastors and others, should be doing in helping our children to be deployed into a world that is growing increasingly hostile towards Christians.

J. Warner Wallace is the author of Cold-Case Christianity and God's Crime Scene, helps readers understand that the very sample principles and techniques he used to re investigate cold cases is the very same techniques he teaches to defend our faith and belief in Jesus. He invites readers to answer 7 simple questions in under 21 minutes to show you where you need to spend more time in training yourself in preparing to defend your faith. These are your areas where you are weak and need to devote some time and training should you need it. They are: 1. Why are you a Christian? 2. What evidence do you have to believe God exists? 3. Why do you trust what the Bible says about Jesus? 4. Why would God send people to hell just because they don't believe in Jesus? 5. If God is all-loving and all-powerful, why is there so much evil in the world? 6. If God is the creator of everything, who created God? 7. Why would a loving God command the total destruction of all of Israel's enemies (including their children and livestock)?

I received Forensic Faith by J. Warner Wallace compliments of David C Cook Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.  I can't recommend this book enough to Christians. This is exactly what should be happening inside our youth programs and churches, not only for our children but for new believers and old believers as well. Most people haven't even read their Bibles from cover to cover, and the Bible is our "casebook" that we rely on to determine our relationship with Jesus Christ. Why are so many people walking away from their faith? How as parents can we accurately answer our children's doubts when they have them? This book is the perfect engaging resource to help you know why you believe what you believe and help you to truly understand everything you ever wanted to know about defending the faith we so desperately hold on to. This book provides the training we need as well as resources to help you launch your own investigation into forensic faith. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and also recommend you pick up Cold-Case Christianity and God's Crime Scene which are referred to in this book as well for more ways to become an expert detective and investigator of the Christian faith.

For more information about Forensic Faith, J. Warner Wallace or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Forensic Faith by J. Warner Wallace

You can find J. Warner Wallace on Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest information to defend the Christian faith.

To read more reviews on Forensic Faith, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.

Champion

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." ~ Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

How do you find it in your heart to truly forgive someone? Do you wait for some kind of restitution from them? Do you wait for an apology? What happens when we lose someone before we can make amends? 

These are all the kinds of questions that are being asked in the latest movie coming to theaters on May 19th from Icon Media Group, Champion. I guess you could ask the question what makes a true champion in the eyes of the world? Someone who is great at winning? Someone who takes the risk no one else would or does God have a different definition in mind? 

For both Seth Weathers and Ray Reed, the competition on the dirt track racing circle is fierce. For Seth Weathers, he has always held to the belief that to win, you must be willing to do whatever it takes even if others around him don't like it. He isn't winning anyone to his side as his arrogance and pride in being the winner brings about some harsh criticism from his sponsors and boss if he doesn't work on his ego and his attitude. They even threaten to fire him unless he wins more races. With upcoming rookie Ray Reed always on his heels, Seth believes it is time to show him who is the winner and not to be messed with. 

When the race ends in tragedy, Seth is fired from his boss due to the sponsorship being pulled out. Seth lashes out to anyone close to him including his crew and even his own daughter. As a single dad with no hopes of work, he falls into a depression taking prescription pain killers to help him cope with his life. But when he fails to make it to his daughter's ballet recital as promised and she walks to the recital in the rain, he faces a loss in the custody of his daughter until he can straighten his life out. His help will come in the most unlikeliest of places and will define for both men the true meaning of what it takes to be a champion. 

I received Champion by Brannon Pictures compliments of Icon Media Group. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a heart moving message of what forgiveness is and looks like when modeled in the eyes of the world. There are a few surprises I didn't see coming in this one and believe it will help those who see this film in understanding what forgiveness really is and how they too can become "Champions" to those around them. I easily give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars and hope you take someone to see this amazing movie on May 19, 2017. 

Champion by Brannon Pictures

You can find Champion on Facebook to get all the latest details about the film and message of forgiveness including the 40 day forgiveness challenge. 


About Brannon Films
With a heart for bringing stories to life, Judd Brannon has had the opportunity to direct and produce multiple video projects. His music video "For Freedom," featuring the music of Avalon, and was selected to be a part of Sean Hannity's "Freedom Tour." His recent projects include working on the Kendrick's feature film "War Room." Currently, Judd serves the people of First Woodstock in Atlanta, GA where he is the staff video producer. Judd is thankful for the support of his wife and two boys.

NKJV Woman's Study Bible

I love Bibles, and I can say I do have quite a few, but what makes a Bible truly unique for you? For me there are features that I am always looking for in any Bible I consider to use for my Bible Study or just daily readings. I love study Bibles because they contain so much back story information about any particular passage you are reading. It's like getting a commentary and a Bible all in one. So what makes Thomas Nelson's New King James Version of the Woman's Study Bible so special?

First of all, I love the New Kings James Version. It is what most pastors teach from in reading from the Bible because it is accurate in its translation from the King James Version which was found in the Dead Sea Scrolls and makes them a reliable source to reference in any of your Bible Studies. Just the box alone makes this Bible appealing. It pertains to women in each section you read. If there is some reference to a godly woman quality such as Commitment, found in the Book of Ruth. It highlights why that is so important for women that it is the very bedrock of any relationship along with other references on where you can find more notes on commitment like Matthew 16.

Just the comparisons of Ruth and the Virtuous Woman are highlighted in Ruth and cross compared to those specific traits in Proverbs 31. Her family commitment is noted by others, she provides sustenance for her household, her selfless lifestyle drew praise from others, and she committed herself to Yahweh as God. It even takes special consideration to note Orpah, the daughter in law with a wavering faith, as well as Naomi the wise mother-in-law. There is a section on Ruth the faithful Moabitess and what made her truly unique that an entire chapter was devoted to her actions while Orpah was never heard from again.

There is even a illustration of the family tree of Ruth and why it was so important in the line of David's descendants and later in Jesus Christ. We even get a description of grandparenthood when we dive further into Naomis' life as a live-in grandma and what impact that has in not only her life but in the life of Ruth and Boaz and how if that is your situation, how you can benefit from that in your own life exemplifying for your grandchildren, that forgiveness is the highest form of giving, right and wrong are defined by God's Word, and that great joy can be experienced in each day, rather than dwelling on the past or future.

I received the NKJV Woman's Study Bible by Thomas Nelson compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I especially love the Large Print 11-point font format and the fact that this Bible is so wonderful to hold. It is a soft leather cover with embossed flowers on it and the best part is that it lies flat! Full color illustrations are found throughout the Bible as well as maps that highlight each chapter and show you exactly where that took place in the world. There are over 100 biblical profiles of women in the Bible as well as insightful essays by women who are experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology and philosophy. Also included are topical index, concordance, quotes from Godly women throughout history, book introductions and outlines. This is such a beautiful Bible that would make the perfect gift to any woman in your life and would be perfect for Mother's day or Easter! I give this Bible a 5 out of 5 stars and now is my new morning devotional Bible of choice!

For more information about NKJV Woman's Study Bible or where to pick up a copy of this Bible today, please click on the links below:

NKJV Woman's Study Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers

You can find Thomas Nelson on Facebook to stay up to date with all their newest products.

To read more reviews on the NKJV Woman's Study Bible, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.


You're invited to receive God's truth for balance, hope, and transformation in the fully revised and redesigned The NKJV Woman's Study Bible. The new edition features a beautiful, full-color redesign and poignantly reveals the Word of God with Scripture insights and the contributions of more than eighty women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Special features designed to speak to a woman's heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman's identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

This spring, cultivate your heart's spiritual roots and enter to win the Grow in the Word Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)
• A decorative plaque
• A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

Prayers for A Simpler Life

I absolutely love the simplicity of the Mennonite or Amish life styles. Their sense of community and their love of God is something to be admired and replicated within our own lives and homes. Yet in our far-too busy lifestyles, we barely have time to complete all the items off our "To-Do" list, and can't even find time for prayer or God. We make bargains to ourselves we will try and do a better job of that tomorrow. Yet what if we simply took the time at the beginning of our day and just spent 10 minutes with God, reflecting on His attributes, growing our faith, seeing the light of God's truth in our daily lives, dealing with negative emotions, improving our relationships with others, understanding the Fruit of the Spirit, seeing analogies in our lives with that of the ocean, learning how to have a servant's heart, and even dealing with the joys of cooking and seeing lessons of faith in that. Perhaps it is reflecting on the beauty of God in the way we get ready for our day, dealing with the stress women do, understanding the sacrifices to God that can improve our lives and finally coming back to the spring that refreshes and provides water for a thirsty and parched soul.

In 13 weeks, once a day, Faith Sommers, a Mennonite mother leads readers into a short devotional, Prayers for a Simpler Life, focusing on each of these situations to help us understand that even in our daily routines, God can be found and a lesson gleaned from something as easy as gardening or putting on our makeup. Each promises to take up no more than 10 minutes but it is a place to begin our days with time with God instead of waiting for the end of the day to do so. Yet you can do both or either one or simply work these into your day however it may suit you. Each daily devotion is coupled with a passage from Scripture to set the tone of each devotion topic along with a short prayer, a real life example from Faith's own life experience and a simple reflection for you to consider on the subject.

This would be an ideal way to begin a women's study either in a small group setting or in a larger church atmosphere because each of these topics deals with the daily struggles of women and the stress loads we bear, from raising children, dealing with our marriages, husbands, friends, and even finding time to serve when we can't even find time to get through our daily tasks at home. It creates a balance and gives readers a reprieve for a short time, to realize that God is always present and He is always teaching us from everything we deal with each day without realizing it.

I received Prayers For a Simpler Life by Faith Sommers compliments of Herald Press. The best part I love about this book is that it often leads you to further personal study on the subject and really makes you evaluate the simplicity of the things we take for granted every single day. Since it is spring in my next of the woods, the week on using gardening and planting was a huge life to my parched soul and now I look forward to bringing my garden back to life and enjoying my time in it even more. I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion.

For more information about Prayers for a Simpler Life, Faith Sommers or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Prayers for a Simpler Life by Faith Sommers

You can find Herald Press on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest books. 

You can pick up a copy today through Amazon as well.

The Coming Apostasy

Are we truly living in the Last Days? Is the imminent return of Jesus just around the corner? Is there a road map of sorts we can reference to see if we are and if so, how close? Many would say all the answers we need to know the signs of the end times are right inside the Bible. They are as clear as looking into the sky and knowing if rain is coming or if it will be a sunny day. We know as people living in this world, things are getting worse. They are far worse than they were 50 years ago or even 10 years ago and it would benefit us all to know what is coming next and just how close to the end we truly are.

In the book, The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley, they both take us alongside the relevant events that the Bible predicts with 100% accuracy of what is happening now, what is coming and where we stand currently in light of End Times Prophecy. I am not conveying in any manner that a definite day and time are predicted, but if you are a follower of the Bible, Jesus did tell us that we would know the signs of those days drawing closer as well as you could tell spring from winter and I believe we, who are looking, are seeing them coming to some sort of culmination of not getting any better, but instead we have fallen so far from where we used to be and it appears as if there is no going back.

There is a growing apostasy happening within the Christian church and we see more and more signs of those turning from the truth of what the Bible has said, and instead casting aside some of the teachings of condemnation and judgement in light of what will grow their churches inside and satisfy what the the world wants in a church now and not what has always been. We see people accepting that all religions are in fact the same in such worldly signs such as COEXIST. We see Muslims trying to convince the church that we all do in fact worship the same God, but we know that is another worldly lie. We have seen some of the signs prophesied being fulfilled such as the regathering of the Jewish people, the rise of globalism, as well as others that continue to move into a growing culmination of the end such as the ratification of a peace treaty between the nation of Israel and her enemies; rumors of wars in the Middle East, rebellion of apostasy.

I received The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley compliments of Tyndale House Publishers. The purpose of this book is to help the reader understand what apostasy is, to help you understand that it is surging all around us and is a a serious sign of the end times, to guard you from a spiritual shipwreck and the danger of sinking in your own faith, and finally to help you understand the truth so you can stay on course until Christ's returns. Many people pray today for a great revival, and though it may happen, no such revival is prophesied. On the contrary, according to Scripture, a great apostasy is coming and you might just want to pay attention to just how close we truly are. I absolutely LOVE this book and give it a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I believe everyone needs to read this book and understand where we stand in regards to end times events and what are the signs we need to be aware of even in our own lives.

For more information about The Coming Apostasy, Mark Hitchcock, Jeff Kinley, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley

You can find Mark Hitchcock on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

You can find Jeff Kinley on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

To see even more reviews on The Coming Apostasy, please visit Tyndale House Publisher's website.

Kingdom of Grace

Grace as defined by a dictionary is unmerited favor or goodwill. Think of it as kindness, charity, or even mercifulness. It is what sets being a Christian or Christ-follower apart from the world's religion. There is nothing you can do to work your way into heaven, it's a free gift. You don't have to do anything to earn it, just simply take it and accept it from Jesus. Yes, it's that simple. That is why most in the world reject it or spend their lives trying to earn their way into heaven by what they do. Now, don't get me wrong, works are important, but they are a reflection of that grace we have accepted. It is what defines whether we are loving as Jesus would have. It is a by-product of Jesus transforming our lives and now that is what comes out of who we have become, a changed person reflecting the love and grace of Christ in our own lives, much like a mirror.

Cho Larson in his wonderfully written book, Kingdom of Grace, the fourth book in his Kingdom Series, allows us to see this very nature at work in the lives of believers. Using the way Jesus chose to heal people, He never punished them for their way of life up to the point of His healing touch. He didn't worry about what people might think if He touched an unclean man with leprosy, it was all done out of love and compassion for the person He healed. It doesn't mean others were simply neglected either. It was to demonstrate what the simple act of grace could do, not just in the transforming of the outside of someone but more importantly what it did on the inside. It just couldn't be contained! Jesus even asked those He healed to tell no one about what happened, but they couldn't help it. They were forever changed on the inside and out.

I guess it is easy for some people to see it in order to believe it. Imagine how many more people might be won over for Christ, if He simply appeared and healed all the diseases and illnesses in the world. But it is that kind of faith that won't last. It's like thanking someone for a gift you wanted, and then when you no longer desire that gift, you lose interest in it and even possibly the person who gave it to you. That isn't the kind of grace Jesus provides when it is genuine. It changes you from the inside so much, you can't go back to the way you were before. You don't want to! This is a wonderful book that explores that life changing grace in a way, you might not have considered before. Believers and non believers alike will all get something amazing out of it, if you are willing to be open to see what the grace of Christ looks like!

I received Kingdom of Grace by Cho Larson compliments of Westbow Press. This is such a profound book using the scriptures found in the Bible to illuminate the differences of the grace the world sees and the one that Christ offers to all who put their faith and trust in Him. They will be forever changed by the simple definition of grace according to Jesus. For this reason I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This would make for a great small group Bible study along with the previous books in the series to help you grow in your spiritual walk.

For more information about Kingdom of Grace, Cho Larson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Kingdom of Grace by Cho Larson

You can find Cho Larson on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To see more reviews on Kingdom of Grace, please visit Westbow Press' website. 

Life After Heaven

Heaven.

It's something all of us want to believe exists and even hope that we will enter into if we die after this life on earth. There have been numerous books written from those who have died and come back, all conveying similar experiences. So what would make any other book different? I would challenge you to read, Life After Heaven by Steven R. Musick and see how you feel after you read it.

Like all the other books, Steven R. Musick did die and went to heaven. First entering through the tunnel of light and entering into what he believes is heaven. He walked with a man who he believes was Jesus and discussed all the things that had happened in his life up to the point of his death and how God worked in situations he may not have recognized. He conveyed to Steven that it's not really about what good we do for others but how God can use any and all circumstances in our life to further His plan in our lives and those whom our lives come into contact with, like ripples in the pond. Sadly Jesus told him that he wasn't there to stay and within minutes was back in his old body away from heaven and Jesus. He explains it simply as "the experience to taking a kid to Disneyland, letting him ride just one ride, and then tossing him back in the car without explanation, a profound sense of loss." In fact Steven would go on to keep his life after death experience a secret for almost a decade, but during those years, he attempted to discover why Jesus told him he wouldn't stay.

When he returned to his body, he discovered that the years in front of him would be the ultimate test f his faith as he suffered from a decrease in lung capacity by 60% and every breath of air would be a truly gift from God. All his future plans were simply re-written and now he would have to find a new beginning with his wife and soon to be family of sons, ones he simply couldn't play with due to his own physical limitations. He wondered why his prayers would go unheeded by God for healing. "Many people - and I was one of them - equate God's work of healing us or giving to us with the prosperity gospel. That's a false notion that God exists to benefit us and give us what we want. That couldn't be further from the truth. But an opposite mistake of equal danger is to think that God is dome kind of sour pragmatist who only gives something to you with divine strings attached. God does not exist for our appeasement. Nor does he find some excuse outside of pure love to give something good to us.  He is a father. He loves to give things to his kids. Things we need. Things that make us joyful. Things that are good."(pg 113).

I received Life After Heaven by Steven R. Musick compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. This goes beyond all the other books I have read on life after death on those believers and even non-believers that have seen what they believe is Heaven. This takes things a bit further. What does someone who has seen Heaven do when they come back? Are they changed for the better by having seen eternity? I believe that Steven has taken on God's challenge as he explains, "The economics of the kingdom of heaven are upside down: giving is better than getting, death can be life, life as the world sees it can be death, loss can be gain, gain can be loss. God's kingdom often flips the way we do little things upside down. In our culture we insulate ourselves in all kinds of ways. We cocoon. When the situation calls for it, God's volunteers needs to be able to strip away the cultural things to keep people apart." (pg 135).

I found myself challenged to really take my own personal relationship with God to a much deeper level than simply going through the bland Christian lifestyle, going to church, reading the Bible and praying when I remembered. This made me want to really understand what it means to connect with God more intimately and understand why I am here at all. "In terms of life on earth, I still have a retirement account," as Steve would say. "My purpose is to make my death worth living for. I mourn for what we're missing here on earth. I mourn for the things God offers here that we somehow choose not to appropriate. I mourn for the fullness we ignore, the love we don't recognize, the power and joy just waiting to be picked up by us. I would like to help everyone I can to receive a full measure of what's offered."( pg 141). I encourage you to pick this book up today and see for yourself what God's calling you to do with your life. You just might be surprised at what you find tucked inside and the reason I give this a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Life After Heaven, Steven R. Musick, or where you can preorder a copy of this book today due out on March 7, 2017, please click on the links below:

Life After Heaven by Steven R. Musick

You can download the first chapter of Life After Heaven by clicking here.

To read more reviews on Life After Heaven, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website.