BOOK REVIEW: The Will of God

Stanley, Charles F. (2019). The Will of God. Howard Books, New York:NY.

SUMMARY: In this writing, Stanley conveys the belief that God has a plan for every individual and wants each person to know it fully. The writer has developed means of discernment to assist readers in identifying their purpose and calling in God’s determined and desired will. All main points are backed by an abundance of scripture and examples from the Bible.

In the first few chapters, Stanley addresses God’s ultimate goal and His sovereignty. Readers are reminded that God wants a personal relationship more than anything else. The Father is said to communicate in an individual manner according to each person’s way of hearing. However, Stanley does recognize the barriers which block out God’s voice and the issue of free will.

The writer gently reminds believers that the key to knowing God’s will is a complete surrender of themselves. He identifies this subject as “staying on the altar” to be fully invested and remain connected to God’s will. He also tackles the importance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit by focusing on the role each plays. Stanley pinpoints eight elements in acquiring God’s will and reason for not hearing God. The final chapter is designed to assist readers in their dedication and commitment to fulfilling God’s plan for their lives.

MY $.02: This book was recommended by a friend and they even loaned me their book. My heart honestly skipped a beat as I began reading. Each page is filled with scripture reference and encouragement to knowing and living God’s will. It perfectly aligns with Refining because it focuses on the importance of attaining God’s purpose for your life, the significance of having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and the need to continually rely on Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

I appreciated how Stanley shared personal experiences and biblical stories to help solidify some of his points throughout the book. The book highlights key points and uses bold print to catch the readers attention to main thoughts or steps written. One example is “God’s desired will is that we serve Him—and that we do so wholeheartedly. Whether we do and to the extent that we do is up to us.”

If you are struggling to hear God’s voice, know your life purpose, identify your calling, or just want a deeper walk with the Lord, I would suggest this book. For me, it is a great personal resource to reference and is a perfect support when delivering some main topics in the Refining study. I love the fact that the appendix is filled with “promise verses about God’s will”.

Don’t just take my word for it:

https://tinyurl.com/rquf8gs

December 8, 2019 1

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

Seeking Your Purpose?

Allen Parr is dynamic in his delivery of various topics regarding God. I love his enthusiasm.

Although there are numerous resources to assist you in discovering your purpose, remember it will always bring glory to God. We are created by and for the Lord. Look to your creator to discover your purpose.

Remember…“The way you SEE your life SHAPES your life. How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships.”
― Rick Warren

October 2, 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