NIV, Life Connect Study Bible by Wayne Cordeiro

Most Bibles that I have come across that mentioned growing deeper usually have a devotional element to them. While this can be a good attribute, I find that some of the thinking has been done already for the reader. This can take away from the available riches that may be deeper if the reader were only to dig further.

The NIV Life Connect Study Bible is a bit different.

This Bible has sections where the reader can write down what impacted him/her. By doing this, the depth of understanding is enhanced as the reader is given the option to reflect and meditate. In my opinion, this is how someone grows deeper in their spiritual life.

However, this Bible is not an ideal devotional Bible as its weight is a bit heavy. If a reader would like a more easily transportable Bible for devotional reading, look elsewhere. Also, the sections for writing are not on every page and have more of a summary affect as they are placed at the back of books or in strategic locations.

That said, this Bible may be a great resource for those who have time to meditate on what they read but do not wish to carry another book like a journal or notepad. I prefer a journal or notepad which makes this Bible unattractive for my devotional reading. The choice, as always, is up to you.

*I received this Bible from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

PrayerPoints

This little book has prayers that are arranged by subject for various topics in a particular person's life. For example one of the prayers the book contains is regarding dieting and what they post there are several scriptures related to the proper care of a human body. By doing this the individual reader can go to various subjects and find a prayer or some information about that subject that comes from Scripture.

I must admit that I found this particular book very helpful in some areas however I also feel that well that is good information it is very brief. While I enjoy prayer books and devotional books I would definitely recommend that the reader of this particular book use this as a map but not necessarily as a personal guide.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Tyndale Blog Network

Proverbs Prayers by John Mason

Many have suggested that because Proverbs has 31 chapters that it is a great devotional to read daily; one Proverb per day. That is a great options.

John Mason has taken it one stop farther and built prayers around each of the 31 Proverbs. I found this to be a great way to meditate on the Word of God and would suggest that those reading the daily Proverb get a copy of this book and pray along with each reading.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for my honest review.

Welcome to a Reformed Church by Rev. Daniel R. Hyde

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Reformation Trust Publishing.

What is a Reformed Church?

I grew up in church all my life. I am familiar with the beliefs of a few denominations. However, I was ignorant of what a Reformed Church is.

What do they believe? How do they conduct services?

Those questions and more drew me to this book and I was glad that I received a copy. It explained a lot of things that I questioned, laid a great foundation for what a Reformed Church teaches and gives some resources for those that want more information on Reformed Churches.

One thing that stood out was the attention paid to creeds and catechisms of the faith. I really enjoy the creeds of the faith such as the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed. Such documents lay out in simplicity the major tenants of the Bible and what was taught as the Christian faith grew from Israel to the world.

A Reformed Church then looks to these documents as historical and Biblical so that their teaching does not stray away from truth but is confirmed first in Scripture, and then in creeds that are in Christendom's history and heritage. This book is a very nice resource to understand some great points in Christian history and to appreciate what was accomplished as Christianity grew. 

Christ Set Forth by Thomas Goodwin

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Banner of Truth Trust Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

As I read this book I was taken aback by the sheer weight and depth that was presented. Time and time again, Goodwin would keep pointing to Christ. The message was complete dependence on Jesus as the reason for my justification.

Goodwin would point out that I could trust Jesus because He was human. He suffered as a human suffers. Then Goodwin would direct the reader that Jesus was God and thus is the only one to bring justification to me. 

This is such a marvelous work that all who read this blog should check out the website here. It will be well worth your time.

Happiness According to Jesus by Bobby Schuller

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Happiness. It is something that almost all of humanity desires. It is the proverbial carrot that is placed before the donkey that is just out of reach. No matter what we try to do happiness seems to elude us.

Is it because we misunderstand the origin of happiness? In his book, Happiness According to Jesus, Bobby Schuller uses the Sermon on the Mount to show how Jesus defines happiness.

From anger, sex, love, self-righteousness, and others, Schuller uses the Sermon on the Mount to show that Jesus has a different view of happiness.

Rather than finding happiness in things, Jesus tells his followers to find happiness in letting go and letting God provide.

Instead of worrying, Jesus tells us to see how God provides for the animals. Since we are more important than the animals, does not it stand to reason God will provide for us? In the area of pride, instead of defending ourselves when insulted, Jesus says to try and find a way to make that enemy a friend.

Crazy!

Yet that is how Jesus defines happiness. Living for a higher calling; God's calling.

I found this book to be a great challenge and motivator to live for happiness God's way. Letting go of my desire to fight for my share and letting God bless me for being obedient. It is not easy, but then again, the best things in life usually take effort.

Awakening to God by Gerard Long

Are you asleep? I find it interesting you cannot answer that question. If you answer  then you are not asleep.

Many people are spiritually asleep and do not know it. Gerard Long wants people to wake up; not for themselves but for God.

There is so much life that God has for us yet many choose not follow God into an abundant life. Why?

God has a purpose; some revealed and some not revealed. Yet, many will not go even so far as to walk in faith. "I have no idea what God wants from me" is something that might be heard.

Are you listening to Him?

Long points out that God is speaking but we have not have our ears tuned to His music. Suffering, brokenness, opportunities, love, and more are all part of the symphony of God's workings.

Sadly, many do not see God in all that He does. We try to understand it all in our own strength when the All-Powerful is offering His strength to carry us. Gerard Long wants you to experience God's power and discover His purpose for you. Awakening to God is his book to challenge his readers to find God: even in the places we may have forgotten.

While My Soldier Serves by Edie Melson

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This book is a collection of prayers that Edie Melson has written for those who have loved ones in the military. Ranging from asking for guidance, wisdom to make the proper decisions, and also protection for the soldier(s), this book could be a great resource for those who struggle with how to prayer for their loved one(s).

I really enjoyed the honesty and heart of this book. The prayers are segmented into topics which also allow for ease of finding a prayer or finding several prayers for a specific topic. As someone who enjoys prayer books this book is a nice addition with a military bent.

Praying Over God's Promises by Thomas R. Yeakley

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

How should I pray? That is a question that many a Christian has asked and most likely will continue to be one.

In his book Praying Over God's Promises, Thomas R. Yeakley teaches that one way to pray is by praying the promises of God. By taking God at His Word, a Christian can have the wonderful experience of seeing God work.

One thing that I enjoyed about this book is that Yeakley discusses the misuse and abuse of promises for personal gain and for selfish reasons. I do not often find this taught and was grateful that it was discussed.

This little book is a nice addition to my library and should be considered for anyone wanting to study a life of prayer and how to pray.

You Can Hear the Voice of God by Steve Sampson

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Do you hear God?

Asking a questions like that may get you some strange looks, maybe even causing some to question your sanity. Hearing from God almost seems to take on a mythical connotation for some. Steve Sampson disagrees.

In his book, You Can Hear the Voice of God, Mr. Sampson shares various ways to hear the voice of God. Such ways include: Scripture, the Holy Spirit, other believers, visions, and your conscience.

What I enjoyed about this book was that it was simple to read and understand. It didn't require a theological understanding of God but rather the goal was to develop a personal relationship with God.

The Happy Christian by Dr. David Murray

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Joy. Its a word I heard a lot growing up in church. "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where!? Down in my heart. Where!? Down in my heart." Those are the lyrics to a song I would sing a child in Sunday School.

As I get older I find that I have less joy and, where is it? Not down in my heart it woudl seem. Thus, when I saw this book I was curious.

First, I have heard of Dr. Murray and have a few books of his. Second, I had to ask myself: do I consider myself to be a happy Christian? Some days I can say yes, others would be a no. Why is that? It is because I do not have the complete mind of Christ.

Dr. Murray lays out ten ways to take on the mind of Christ to have joy in life. I will not go into all ten but highlight the one that stood out to me the most: giving.

Most think money when giving is mentioned in church and that does play a part. However, Dr. Murray mentioned an area of giving that I had not considered as giving: leadership.

There are qualified people who attend church who do not give of their leadership talents. Whether that is teaching, mentoring, prayer group, hospitality, singing, or leading in a non-church building related function (I would submit that this is sorely lacking), Dr. Murray pointed out that is a a way of giving.

Giving can lead to joy. It focuses on another and helping others may make one feel good. Leadership is giving to others with the intent of making them better. Who would not want a leader like that? It is a double-joy; joy for the receiver and joy for the giver.

That nugget of wisdom alone causes me to recommend this book. Christians need joy in this gloomy environment. This book can help them get there.

365 Pocket Prayer for Mothers

*I received this complimentary copy from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

Before I get too far I must first say that I am not a mother; I am a father. However, I was really curious about this little book. As someone who enjoys prayer books (Book of Common Prayer, Celtic Prayers, etc) I really wanted to see what this book had to offer.

The first thing I noticed was the heart of prayers. They were deep, emotional, honest, but potent. I was greatly surprised by some of things that were written. I would not have thought to pray like that.

For example, one prayer was how the child challenged the mother to be more joyful. This was inspired by giggles. Giggles! Who would have thought that giggles would cause a longing to be joyful?

Another example was the mother recalling her child walking very wobbly and how she longed to be "caught" by God when she struggled to walk in her life.Those are just two examples of some very powerful prayers that were inspired from ordinary childhood events.

I would highly recommend that mothers get this little book to read when they have the chance. It should encourage you as a mother, challenge you to enjoy those "moments", and to thank God that you are a mom.

P.S. I was saddened that there is not a 365 Prayers for Fathers...yet. If it is anything like this book it will be a great book for any father.