BOOK REVIEW: Chazown

Groeschel, C. (2017). Chazown revised and updated edition. New York, NY:Multnomah.

SUMMARY: Chazown is a book assisting readers to find God’s purpose which is designed for them. The writing is divided into five sections, creating a “Chazown” discovery process. Pastor Craig clearly addresses the need for individuals to embrace a vision and the importance of aligning it with God’s will. The method presented attends to personal core values, spiritual gifts, and past experiences. Readers are urged to establish a purpose statement and a plan of action. Groeschel concentrates on five fundamentals of a person’s vision as relationships with God, people, finances, health, and work. In closing, the author discusses the significance of accountability and the magnitude in plays on staying “hot” for God. The book is supported with online resources and participant guide.

MY $.02: I have been on the hunt for a prominent means to support individuals in discerning their unique, God-given purpose. Before reading Chazown, the main resource I referred others to employ was Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Groeschel’s book is a valuable read for those who lack direction and/or unsure of their God-given purpose.

Chazown is thoroughly laid out with many concise, straight to the point chapters. Groeschel presents several scenarios, written illustrations, and personal experiences. The book is filled with scripture references and meaningful key points which are thought provoking and relevant. I found myself mesmerized by various topics presented because they paralleled with my writing of Refining.

One thing that caught my attention was his distinctive weight given to a person’s past. His key thought in this area was “Your past often holds the key to unlock your future.” He denotes the magnitude of purpose in your grief, pain, heartache, etc. Groeschel had a way of validating life’s residue as part of my endurance and making me feel well-equipped to live out God’s plan because I have undergone a very qualified past.

This is a remarkable read for those individuals who have not taken the time to ascertain their individual purpose, core values, and spiritual gifts. I found it useful in re-examining my vision and goals. It supports the reader in the process and allows an individual to discern areas of needs. The online resources and study guide questions make the discovery doable. The massive amount of scripture references reinforced the material and maintained the primary focus-God’s exceptional plan for each life. I bought more than one copy because it is worth the investment to share with others.

Don’t just take my word for it:

https://tinyurl.com/u3tj6jc

November 12, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: gods at War

Idleman, K. (2013). gods at War. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

SUMMARY: gods at War is a book about idolatry applicable to all readers. Idleman plainly addresses several false gods which separate us from fully worshipping God. The writer furnishes relevant testimonies to illustrate how honor is given to things like success, food, personal pleasure, and money. The writing is crafted to engage the reader through insightful questions in order to personally identify the “little gods” within the heart and mind. The author distinctly concentrates on the inner war and focuses on its effect-prohibiting a close, pure relationship with the Lord.

My $.02: Before reading this book, I would have probably said I did not have a concern with false gods in my life. Idleman’s writing was a pleasant wake-up call. The situations shared were touching. Idleman was gentle in his method of revealing items we idolize and how they prevent us from experiencing an intimate relationship with our Savior. I found myself evaluating my own actions and thoughts to discerning the false gods I had approved to takeover. I utilized this book with an adult small group for thirteen weeks and paired it with the 13 chapters of Hebrews. The book is an eye-opening read geared for adults. My copy is out on loan currently because I feel it is a good recommended read for those wanting to enhance their relationship with the Lord.

Don’t just take my word for it:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16182595-gods-at-war

September 24, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: Grace is Greater

Idleman, K. (2017). Grace is Greater. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

SUMMARY: Grace is Greater is an engaging writing with a straightforward message about the capability of God’s grace. The writer furnishes significant stories and profound personal experiences based on Hebrews 12:15. Grace is exhibited as a two-fold approach; first, understanding what grace is and then, experiencing its true potential on a personal degree. Idleman distinctly expresses, “God’s grace is compelling when explained but irresistible when experienced”. Three applications of grace comprise the narrative’s main sections: your past mistakes, your hurts from others, and your life circumstances. The writer crafts his delivery throughout the book with the main message being, “Grace is only grace if it goes both ways. Receiving it from God but refusing to give it to others isn’t an option.” A powerful ending awaits readers showcasing the immense depth of grace when applied.

My $.02: On many occasions, my prayer has been for God to establish in me a pure heart as in Psalm 51:10 in order to acquire a steadfast spirit. This is a struggle for me because of my own shame and guilt from situations I see in the rearview mirror as well as hurts and broken relationships I can’t seem to shake.

There are a few people from the past that I find it hard not to say, “Go get’um Lord!”. Yet, selfishly, I want grace extended to me. Call it what it is-unforgiveness. This book allowed me to take ownership for my actions and extend grace to others because of God’s unsurpassable love. Honestly, this book revealed how to supernaturally love others through the power of God’s grace given.

If you wrestle with regret and/or unforgiveness on any level, I would recommend reading this narrative. For those of you that have been able to overcome such adversities, the book offers great insight for everyone as life brings disappointments, weakness, and despair.

You will find the book in my library!

Don’t just take my word for it: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30259187-grace-is-greater

September 19, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: It’s Not About Me

Lucado, M. (2004). It’s Not about Me. Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers.

SUMMARY:

The book was released over a decade ago yet the message is applicable to past, present, and future—we exist to glorify God. Lucado fills the book with analogies and life experiences to support his stance. The author delivers the biblical based posture in two parts: God-Pondering and God-Promoting. Readers are given many examples of historical and modern-day life that contradict the real reason for our existence. In the second half of the writing, the author crafts his approach by covering all aspects of a person’s life as a reflection opportunity to reveal God’s glory. Lucado exposes the selfish human nature in order to shed light on the need to exchange egotistical reasoning for upward thinking. Each chapter is backed by scripture and reflection through the study guide found in the back section of the book. The conclusion of the book leaves the reader with a daily choice based on a story shared containing a moral.

My $.02:

I have read this previously when it was first published. It is part of my husband’s reference library. As I have fallen deeper in love with the Lord, I am aware that my approach to reading has been transformed. Each book is now read with an intense purpose—to refine my self-centered human way of thinking so I read it through a different set of lenses this go around.

The book is written in such a way that it feels as though Lucado is in the room speaking to me. There are numerous sections that were eye-opening and convicting. Although my honest intent was to gather supporting information for a Refining lesson, the book captured my attention and spoke to me on many levels. This timeless book is relevant to everyone who reads it. Lucado has an enticing delivery technique and packs a powerful punch at our sinful nature. He shares some of his own family experiences and lessons. I pray with God’s refining I can live out a life all about God and leave this world as a nobody. If you are curious about life and want to know what God has to say about it, read this!

For a formal book review: https://tinyurl.com/y35rh9w8

September 15, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: The Promise Principle

Hunter, P. (2017). The Promise Principle: A New Way to Encounter the Bible. Southlake, TX: Gateway Press.

Summary:

The book is based on a technique to use when reading and studying God’s Word. Hunter shares the strategy as a steadfast method to grow spiritually and rely solely on faith. The author shares numerous stories where the struggles in life seem to overwhelm individuals and control their everyday emotions. Readers are urged to study scripture through the lens of discovering God’s promises and deciding if the verse is a truth or a commandment. Then, Hunter encourages participants to apply the promise to a current circumstance and carry through with a prayer of thanksgiving or a request in faith.

My $.02:

We have been using the promise principle in our small group for about a year now. This technique reminds me of what I began doing as I learned how to effectively pray scripture into my circumstances. During the dark valley I was walking out life with scripture and guarding my heart from the circumstances by relying on God’s Word. The Promise Principle confirms what I was doing during this time:

a. not being tossed around emotionally by circumstances

b. using scripture to become steadfast

c. applying scripture to life by using the sword. (the weapon to fight)

I would recommend this book to those who desire infusion of God’s promises into their everyday life. The prayer format given is based on “me” language and not just a general overall covering. It requires each individual to make it personal. Application was the greatest take-away for me.

It did seem to be a struggle to implement the “I, me, my” language for some in our mixed adult group but like anything new, we all improved with practice. (Just keeping it real)

For more info: https://www.amazon.com/Promise-Principle-New-Encounter-Bible/dp/1945529148

September 6, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: Fervent

Shirer, P. (2015). Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer. Nashville, TN: B&H.

Summary:

The purpose of the book is to assist the reader in spiritual warfare battle. Based on the movie, War Room, Shirer presents ten areas and urges readers to compose “intentional, deliberate, strategic” prayers. The writer clearly portrays thoughts of the enemy and the schemes used for each topic. The chapters are backed by scripture evidence which identifies the attack plan of the enemy. The book emphasizes constructing prayers with great intent and precision. Scripture is highly advocated by the author. Readers will find pages of reference from God’s Word at the end of every chapter to assist them in writing the strategic prayers. Cardstock prayer cards are included for the self-written prayers.

My $.02:

Priscilla Shirer is a “shoot-straight” gal. She does not spend time “beating around the bush” nor “beating a dead-horse”. When I first read this book, I wrote ten reasons why I needed to read it. So, let me share those with you:

I wanted change.
I wanted freedom from everything that was holding me back from being ALL God needed me to be.
I wanted a “whole heart” for the Lord.
I wanted to accomplish His will while on earth.
I wanted to experience the promises of God.
I wanted to see my husband, children, and family living out what God had called them to do, be, and become.
I wanted God’s hedge of protection.
I wanted God’s favor on my life.
I wanted the enemy and his plans to go back to hell and stay there.
I wanted to encourage others for generations to seek the face of God first.

The strategic prayers are in my interactive growth notebook and ready for battle. They were not all easy to compose but Shirer’s guidance and encouragement allowed me to persevere.

For more info:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25245760-fervent

September 5, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children

Berndt, J. (2017). Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Summary:

The book is a parent resource to assist praying for adult children. Each subject area is full of real-life scenarios and bursting with supporting scriptures. At the end of every topic, the author provides cloze procedure prayers based on God’s word. The writer ensures the prayer pages begin with the parent first. As the book unfolds, the relevant stories and scriptures provide encouragement and reassurance for parents. The book is well arranged based on areas of a young adult’s life such as well-being, temptations, and relationships.

My $.02:

My heart skips a beat at the opportunity to infuse scripture into my prayer life. Berndt’s book is very user friendly and a delight to read. The prayer pages at the end of each chapter support the subject matter sufficiently and give numerous scriptures which reinforce the promises of God regarding the topic. For those who embrace an interactive growth notebook, these prayers could easily be added. It is a book that will remain in my personal library and often be recommended for those with adult children.

For more info:

https://tinyurl.com/y4hucluj

September 4, 2019 0