Lazarus Awakening

In the third book of a three-book series, Joanna Weaver encourages us to look at our relationship with God in a different way. It is not about keeping rules, fulfilling obligations, or living by the law. The basis of our relationship with God is LOVE. 

Jesus loved Lazarus. Jesus loves you. And just as He called Lazarus to new life (physically), He is calling each of us (spiritually) to walk in a new reality in our relationship with Him. 

As in any relationship, you will not understand having to go through what you will go through. Neither will you understand the delays, decisions, and disappointments you will experience along the way. You will not understand God's action...or inaction, at times. But the author encourages us to do one thing in order to persevere through the perplexity of it all: Embrace God's Love For You!

You should really give this book a try! You will hear your name being called - out of the tombs, out of the grave clothes, and INTO the light of the Lord's love. 

POSSIBLE by Stephan Bauman

Stephan Bauman has indeed given us a "blueprint for changing how we can change the world." Changing the world is possible...but we must change how we think it can be done. The need for change is real...it is urgent...and it is POSSIBLE. 

Bauman, the president and CEO of World Relief, really shows how even though one person cannot be the entire change, every person CAN be PART of the change! If we will band together, The Bible says in one place, "One shall chase a thousand, and two shall chase..." how many? Not two thousand, but TEN THOUSAND!!! In other words, there is a multiplying and exponential impact and effect when we work together. 

Can we change the world? Can we serve the poor for effectively and efficiently? Can we make a difference in our society? The answer is simple. It. Is. POSSIBLE!

Divine Applause

The only way anyone can really know the "invisible God" is if God decides to reveal Himself to mankind. Of course He revealed Himself ultimately in and through His Son, Jesus Christ. But today, in the lives of individuals, God continues to reveal himself in little and not so little ways, as well as in subtle and not so subtle ways.
 
This is the basic premise of Jeff Anderson's book, "Divine Applause." God is constantly revealing Himself to us in countless ways - if we will only "see" and "hear" Him. Knowing, seeing, and hearing God is within reach of every believer...anyone and everyone can achieve it. 

In a very practical way, the author talks about what it is to walk beside the Lord...and really, to have the Lord walk beside us! God is not just sitting on the sidelines of our life watching it unfold. He is involved. He is cheering us on. He applauds us. These are just some of the things you will discover while reading, "Divine Applause."

I was given this book for free by the publisher for an honest review.

Ask It by Andy Stanley

How do you know what you should do in life? Life is all about questions and answers. A successful life is about asking - and answering - the right questions. But what if there was one question that enabled you to discern the answer to all questions? In this book, pastor and author Andy Stanley shares that idea. He previously called this "the best question ever." The Bible says, "Wisdom is the principal thing..." This book is chocked FULL of it! 

Firsthand

As a "preacher's kid" myself, I can totally relate to the expectations that people have of you to duplicate the faith of your parents, church, denomination, etc. While the Church must make disciples, we must make sure that the people we are trying to lead in Christ have their own relationship with Jesus, and that they are not merely "playing the part" of a believer - i.e., mimicking or copying behaviors, cliches, etc.

In this book, "Firsthand," authors Josh and Ryan Shook have struck a nerve that needs to be stricken! Your faith cannot be what someone else tells you it must be. First-hand faith is a personal possession. We don't need second-hand religion; we need a first-hand relationship!

I cannot recommend this book enough. It is relevant and real, and I believe it will serve greatly in the Body of Christ to help people develop their personal, firsthand relationship with God!

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

The Blessed Church

Rev. Robert Morris is an amazing pastor and author. He is doing great things for God and His Kingdom. In his book, "The Blessed Church," he unloads principle after principle regarding the progress of the local church - his local church - but he makes the principles transferable to any pastor in any local church. 

In short, if you want a How-To Manual on how to lead and grow a Healthy Church, you have truly found a resource that will fulfill that desire. Whether you are a pastor, leader, or layperson, you can gain incredible insight into what it takes to grow a healthy congregation that advances the agenda of the Kingdom of God.

I received this book for free for an honest review from Multnomah Publishers' "Blogging For Books" program.

Be The Message - Review

Every now and then, you come across a book that truly speaks to you and changes your life. That is what I can say about Kerry and Chris Shook's latest book, Be The Message. Honestly, the book is practical and powerful. The first chapter is worth the book's purchase price.

For too long, Christians have given lip-service to the Gospel...instead of giving their life in service to the Gospel. When we understand that WE ARE THE GOSPEL - that we who have been changed by the power of Jesus Christ - that we are the message God is writing to someone in the world, it will change the way we live and approach everything.

God can use your mistakes and your victories, your failures and your successes, your pain and your prosperity. Nothing is off limits for Him to use for His glory. That is the message that is superbly communicated in this book. I highly recommend that you get a copy of Be The Message - and that then you go do what it says!

I was given a free advance copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review in their Blogging For Books program.