Old Paths, New Power by Daniel Henderson

Although this book is mainly for pastors, anyone who is in a church leadership position can benefit by reading this book. Daniel Henderson makes the case that the early church leaders knew that ministry was received not achieved. Their understanding was not that they had to reach the world for Christ, but rather Christ was ready to use them to reach the world.

Sections in the book include Christ’s Sufficiency in the Old Paths; Praying Leaders and the Sufficiency of God’s Spirit; Preaching Leaders and the Sufficiency of the Truth of God; and Faithful Leaders and the Hope of an Awakening of God.

The emphasis in the book is about getting back to the basics through prayer and the proclamation of God’s Word.

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

Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth & Dannah Gresh

In this updated version of  “Lies Young Women Believe, “  the authors expose 25 lies that are most commonly believed by today’s teen girls. Through Scripture and real life stories, the reader will be helped to overcome any lies they might believe.  The sections of the book include: The Landscape of Lies, Lies Young Women Believe, and Overcoming Lies.

Lies exposed include Lies about God, Lies about Satan, Lies about Myself, Lies about Sexuality, Lies about Relationships, Lies about my Faith, Lies about Sin, Lies about the Media, and Lies about the Future. Under each of these lies, topics are broken down into chapters with a section at the end of each chapter called “Dousing the Lies with the Truth.” This section addresses each aspect of the lie with the truth of God’s Word with specific Scripture references.  

The book is arranged in an engaging fashion and is designed with many illustrations and pictures. This would be a great book to use with teen girls in a small group setting or on a one on one basis.

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

Age of Crowns by Kori De Leon

This book is about looking forward.  While acknowledging the challenges of this life, the author encourages readers to look forward to the Age to Come.  She encourages us to become  “fairy-tale” philosophers,” those who approach the Word of God full of wonder because we serve a God of wonder who authored it.  In taking this approach, we can look at how God can use our present sufferings and challenges in a way to accomplish greater kingdom works. Using Scripture throughout and personal examples, this book challenges the readers to examine what they are pursuing and if they are overestimating our life in the here and now while underestimating our life with Christ both now and in the Age to Come.

The book is composed of three parts: Made For a Grand Adventure, The King and His Bride and Glorious Reward. Each chapter ends with thought provoking questions to further delve into the material presented.  This book would make a thought provoking individual study or in a small group setting.

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

One Blood by John Perkins

This book is described as "parting words to the church on race." John Perkins, a pioneer in the Civil Rights movement has written his final book as a challenge to the church in America to address the racial divide and tension existing in the country and the church today. He makes the case that there is only one race, the human race, and as humans we were made from one blood and then saved by one blood which is that of Jesus Christ.

The author covers issues of lament and confession followed by forgiveness and prayer. Examples of successful multi-cultural churches are described throughout this book.

There are questions for each chapter which would be helpful to use in a small group setting. The first step in overcoming our division is to listen. This would be a great way to begin with discussing the book with people of various cultures in a group setting. I plan on doing just that in my local church and community.

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

Longing for Motherhood by Chelsea Patterson Sololik

This is an important book addressing the pain and suffering as the result of being unable to bear children. Chelsea Sololik found out at the age of nineteen that she would be unable to bear children. Her journey through the grief and suffering as a result of that condition is at times painfully honest. She openly shares her feelings as she processes what that means as she gives up the desire of bearing her own children.

She offers practical advice to individuals who are experiencing the same pain she has, those who are involved with someone dealing with infertility and finally how the church can minister to those who are suffering.

This book also explores how to grieve unfulfilled desires; how to trust God in the seasons of sorrow; how to fight for and hold on to hope and finally how to find purpose when a traditional mothering role is not an option.

I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with the issue of bearing their own children.
I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.   

Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

This book is a updated and expanded version of the earlier book  “Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free”  published in 2001 by the same author. This new book addresses some of the current issues facing a new generation of women.  The principles described in this book include identifying the area of spiritual bondage and/or sinful behavior;  identifying the root of the bondage and/or destructive behavior; and then replacing the lie found in the Truth of God’s Word, the Bible.

Lies women believe include lies believed about God, about themselves; about sin; about priorities; about sexuality; about marriage and children; about emotions; and about circumstances. At the end of each chapter are specific lies that women believe followed by the truth found in Scripture confronting each of those lies.

This book would be a valuable tool for a women’s small group study or individual study. It also would be a good tool to use for women who are mentoring other women.

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

  

Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert

This book is a very helpful handbook for those in church leadership who make decisions about giving financial help to their own members and to those outside the church coming to the church for assistance.  The book begins by explaining the basic principles of poverty relief and guides you through the complex nature of poverty.  The purpose is to prepare you see the challenges faced by low income families and to prepare you to walk along with those individuals in humility helping them to transform their lives.

Also included in this book are helpful tools and resources that the church can use as you enter into relationships with low income individuals. Various scenarios are also described to help you to see how the principles presented in this book are applied. An online portal with resources is also included at the end of the book.

This book is an extremely helpful tool to enable churches to respond in a compassionate and godly way to those who are hurting financially.

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