Night Driving by Addie Zierman

Wanting to escape the cold of Minnesota in February and the silence she experiences from God, Addie Zierman loads up her minivan along with her two sons (ages 2 and 4) and heads to Florida. Her account of her traveling, her expectations of the trip, and her response to the events along the way make for an engaging story.

Addie experienced a faith filled youth in which she felt God's presence and was on fire for Him. Over the years after that, she lost that feeling and is looking to regain the faith she once had. Instead of the emotional faith of her youth, she begins to find her way back to God in the quiet and the darkness with all of life's ups and downs along the way. I appreciated her vulnerability and honesty as she related her journey. It is a reminder that sometimes God speaks to us in a still small voice and other times he may be silent in the darkness
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I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Habits for Our Holiness by Philp Nation

Taking a new look at spiritual disciplines, Philip Nation takes the focus off of our needs and desires and focuses on God. As the author puts it, "The disciplines can increase our intimacy with God so that we can work to extend His reign in the lives of those around us." It is not about doing more, but rather fulfilling God's desire that we reflect His love.

Instead of using the word discipline, the focus is on developing some spiritual practices which include worship, Bible study, prayer, fasting, fellowship, rest, simple living, servanthood, submission, spiritual leadership, and disciple-making. I found the information very practical as well as challenging. This book could also be read and discussed within a group setting
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I would recommend this for anyone interested in growing spiritually in their relationship to God. I received this book from Moody Publishers for this review.  

The Gift for All People by Max Lucado

The gift for all people is the gift of God's Grace through Jesus Christ. In this inspirational collection of thoughts on this gift, Max Lucado weaves Scripture passages with stories to illustrate this truth.These short passages are arranged under the headings of The Gift of a Savior; Ransom for Sinners; Bounteous Grace and The Choice.  

This book could be used as a devotional to read each passage one at a time. It would make a great gift to someone going through a difficult time who needs some encouragement and hope.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Oneness Embraced by Tony Evans

Racial reconciliation, the Kingdom of God and unity within the church are the themes running through this important book by Dr. Tony Evans. Often the contributions of Blacks have been omitted from American history and the history of the church. These contributions are highlighted by Dr. Evans. He also shares his own story of being in both the black urban culture and white mainstream evangelicalism and the struggles as he tries to reconcile the two. .

Balancing the issue of social justice that is the emphasis in the Black Church along with the personal response to Christ and living morally that is the emphasis in the White Evangelical Church is discussed throughout the book. Dr. Evans reminds us that what is important is the witness to the world of a Church that is supernaturally united and living out the Gospel. When we have Biblical social justice we can truly be a light in a world of darkness.

I highly recommend this book for all Christians to read and take note of the actions listed at the end of the book. We can no longer ignore racial injustice that is still
evident in our churches today.

I received this book from Moody Publishing for this review.          

Fear and Faith by Trillia J. Newbell

Fear is something most of us struggle with. From an anxious feeling in our stomachs to our hands clenched tightly, fear can have a powerful effect on us not only physically but also spiritually. Fear can be a bully that taunts us with thoughts of illness, tragedy, worries about the future and not measuring up to others to name a few.

Trillia Newbell shares her own story and reflections on Scripture to help us to battle those fears that plague us. She shares examples of women who have walked the road of fear or who  are still on the journey who have found their security and strength in their relationship with the Lord.  He is the One who can replace our fear with faith.

Both thought provoking and encouraging, this book can help us begin to deal with the fears that continue to nag us and gives hope to help us replace fear with faith.

I received this book from Moody Publishing for this review.
 

Writing My Wrongs by Shaka Senghor

Heart wrenching and compelling are the words to describe Shaka Senghor's journey from being a drug dealer in the midst of the 1980's crack epidemic in Detroit to 19 years in prison to becoming an activist and mentor to young people facing similar circumstances like his. His experience in prison leads him to re-examine his life and he begins the journey to healing and hope from a life of anger and despair.

His work in the community and by sharing his story has giving him opportunities to speak at events and also led him to fellowships at the MIT Media Lab and the Kellogg Foundation. He encourages others to view crime, prison, and prisoners from a different perspective.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

A Martyr's Grace by Marvin J. Newell

This book is a compilation of 21 brief biographies of Moody Bible Institute Alumni who were killed for their faith while on the mission field in various parts of the world. These inspiring stories are about ordinary men and women who chose to go to different cultures to minister to the people there not realizing that they were going to be giving the ultimate sacrifice.

It is a good reminder to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to Christ and their fellow man. It also challenges Christians to examine their own lives to see if they would be willing to do the same.

I received this book from Moody Publishing for this review.