Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose

 This is a very practical and inspiring book about productivity from a Christian perspective. The author describes the five pillars of productivity which are the following:

1 The Origin of Productivity: You Belong to God

2 The Purpose of Productivity: You Exist to Glorify God

3 The Content of Productivity: You Were Saved to Bear Fruit for God

4 The Source of Productivity: You Are Uniquely Gifted by God

5 The Motivation for Productivity: You Will Give An Account to God

Following each chapter, there are helpful ways described to put those pillars into practice. The author does a good job explaining the how and why of productivity so more can be done for the glory of God. There are scriptural references throughout the book which reinforce the principles presented. This would be a great book to read with another person for accountability in putting the pillars into practice or to be discussed in a small group setting. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

The Loudest Roar by Judy Dunagan

 So often it is easy to get discouraged when facing battles, temptations and difficult circumstances. This book is a great reminder of how believers can live in the assurance that the power of Jesus Christ which greater than anything in this world. Living in the victory outlined in this book will help the reader to discern God's voice over the lies of the enemy, stand firm in faith rather than give way to fear, dwell in the cover of God's armor over Christians and their loved ones, guard thoughts with truth and find victory over cycles of sin in life.

At the end of each chapter, there are prayers, Scripture readings and worship songs to reinforce the truths presented. At the end of the book there are questions to go deeper whether in an individual study or in a small group setting, I highly recommend this book as a wonderful reminder of the truth of Scripture and how to apply that truth and to live in victory each day.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

Reading the Bible, Missing the Gospel by Ben Connelly

Many times, when we read the Bible, we miss the gospel in that we only read parts of it and don't view Scripture as a whole. We may also spend little time reading the Bible at all. This book will help us see where Scripture passages fit and where we fit into God's story. To better understand how a given command, verse or story relates to us, the author encourages us to ask the following questions. Who is God? What does God do? Who are we? And What do we do? Also, after we do this, we can also ask ourselves, how does this passage point us to Jesus?  So, when we read the Bible, we look to see how the passage points us to Jesus.

As we do this, we will read the Bible though a new lens. The new lens helps us to read the Bible as the story of God, knowing our place in it and seeing Jesus as the hero. We will look to understand and embrace what the gospel is in its past, present, and future aspects.  

The book is divided into two parts which include the topics of a spiritual eye exam and learning to see clearly. Each chapter has questions at the end to engage the reader in applying the material presents and also for a group discussion. Online resources are also available to make it appropriate to use in a small group setting. Also, included is an afterword for church leaders. This book will help us to focus on seeing the gospel clearly throughout the Bible and as believers in Christ, living out the gospel and applying it in our daily lives.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.  

The Six Conversations by Heather Holleman

 As a culture, we are becoming more isolated and divided. This book is an important guide in helping individuals to connect with others and engage in meaningful conversations. The four mindsets of a loving conversation are to be curious, to believe the best, to express concern and to share your life. This will set the tone to have meaningful and connected conversations. Looking at the overall picture of what it means to be human, the areas to focus on are the social, physical, emotional, cognitive, volitional, and spiritual dimensions in asking questions leading to great conversations. Along with the principles presented, there are many illustrations in how to engage in effective and warm conversations. There are effective questions and action steps outlined to implement in any situation.

This book totally changed the way I think about conversations, and I will begin to put some of the principles presented in my conversations. I know this is a book I will refer to frequently and I am already planning on giving copies of this book to others. I highly recommend this book to help improve our conversations with others and to heal some of the divisiveness we are seeing in our society today.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.           

A Deeper Walk by Marcus Warner

This book aims to set forth a understandable and clear path to a deeper walk with God. The goal is to grow in maturity beginning as an infant or child and going on through the stages until becoming a spiritual elder. The path is built on five core elements found in the gospel which are freedom, identity, spirit, heart focused community, and mission. This path goes deeper in faith, deeper in obedience, and aids in living a less fearful life. There is work involved to grow. There is a lot in the book about dealing with spiritual warfare which is very helpful

The book in organized into 11 chapters which can be discussed individually in a small group study. There are also appendices in the book which add to the material presented including: a summary of memory devices, Bible memorization tips, a one year transformation plan, and a ministry model. This book goes beyond the traditional methods of discipleship methods and delves deeper into the spiritual development of the individual which I found extremely helpful/

A received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

 

 

Heaven Rules by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

 This book is an encouraging reminder that when going through challenging times Heaven Rules and that our God is in control. Using the book of Daniel, the author encourages putting our view of God, our view of ourselves and our problems in the right perspective. As the book is read along with the book of Daniel, you will constantly be referring to Scripture to reinforce the concept of Heaven Rules. Heaven Rules over our daily lives and problems, concerns in our nation and world and even in times of crisis. By seeing these issues and concerns through the lens of Heaven Rules, the problems and conflicts will not disappear, but your perspective will.  By keeping your focus on God, through reading Scripture and prayer, you can take comfort that in the end God will overcome.

I highly recommend this book to everyone as we continually need reminders that God is personally, purposefully involved in all that's taking place here on earth. He reigns over everything, and we can take comfort and hope in that.    

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

Holy Hygee by Jamie Erickson

 Hygee is a Danish word that has no English word as an equivalent. It implies peace, comfort, and a place to gather.  The author illustrates this concept to include how the truths of the Gospel. Hygee appeals to our desire to escape the busy life, slow down, and connect with others. It is warm and inviting and embraces beauty and contentment.

The chapters in the book include Hospitality, Relationships, Well Being, Atmosphere, Comfort, Contentment, Rest and A Home for the Homeless. At the end of each chapter there are questions to consider about the topic presented, Scripture to read and ponder and a prayer about the topic.  There is also an appendix that has many ideas to put into practice the concepts presented.

This is a timely topic and one our busy world desperately needs. It could be used for a small group discussion. I highly recommend this book.   I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.