Book Review Archive

Divine Applause

Secrets and Rewards of Walking with an Invisible God

By Jeff Anderson

Review by Elder Karen

This is the second book that I have read and reviewed by Jeff Anderson. And once again, I was blessed. I thoroughly enjoy Jeff’s writing style of weaving personal stories into principles of God. Some points that made an impact on me are:

Act on what the Bible says & then experience the rewards.
Begin to start taking risks by moving forward in your relationship with God.
Please God in all things; that is our purpose.
We have His attention. He sees us. Do we see Him?
Being involves doing. You can be with God, but you must be active in your relationship with God. Faith is an action word. Participation—intentional.
God rewards those who please Him.
Giving is not what you do after you straighten out your finances; Giving is what you do when you straighten out your heart.
Giving is our way of telling God how much we value our walk with Him.

To hear God:

Be intentional & focused to hear Him.
Move closer to the voice of God to hear Him.
Hearing God requires initiative, planning and action.
Seek to hear Him through His Word.

This book also blessed me with it’s insights on fasting which was very timely because I was in the midst of a forty day fast when I read this book. I was encouraged to continue to press through because I know that God was watching. “When we give, pray, fast, or do anything else that is directed toward Him in ways that cost us, God notices. When you believe God is watching, sacrifice makes sense.” Jeff has also provided more info regarding fasting on his website. http://www.divineapplause.com/fasting/

Divine Applause is a great follow-up to Plastic Donuts.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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PLASTIC DONUTS

Giving That Delights the Heart of The Father

By Jeff Anderson

Review by Elder Karen

If I had to give this book a rating on a scale of one to five, I would give it a five. The reason being, it was scripturally based and I loved how Jeff intertwined personal stories throughout.

People always have questions about how much to give. Should I tithe my net, my gross? Should I give from my structured settlement, my lottery winnings, etc., etc.?

Jeff solves this dilemma well by explaining the concept of an “acceptable gift”. I believe a lot of people misunderstand what acceptable means. They believe that it means it’s good enough or this will suffice. But that’s not what acceptable means. Acceptable means that it is pleasing to God. Therefore, it should be your best.

I think all pastors and church leaders should get this book to teach their members on what it means to give an “acceptable gift.” Jeff also writes about the four acceptable truths that we can all follow and make our gifts acceptable to God:

1. The amount matters.

2. We determine the amount.

3. We give according to our ability.

4. The heart makes the gift count.

If we all can learn and understand these four truths, then we will become more prayerfully and know how much to give and in turn we will be blessed and God will be pleased. So, get the book. Get more than one. As a matter of fact, make sure every member of your church has one.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group

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PLASTIC DONUTS

Giving That Delights the Heart of The Father

By Jeff Anderson

Review by Elder Karen

If I had to give this book a rating on a scale of one to five, I would give it a five. The reason being, it was scripturally based and I loved how Jeff intertwined personal stories throughout.

People always have questions about how much to give. Should I tithe my net, my gross? Should I give from my structured settlement, my lottery winnings, etc., etc.?

1. The amount matters.

2. We determine the amount.

3. We give according to our ability.

4. The heart makes the gift count.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group

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LIMITLESS

Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life

By Nick Vujicic

Review by Elder Karen

I selected this book to review because of photo of Nick Vujicic on the cover. I had never seen or heard of his story, so the book cover was intriguing to me. After reading snippets of his life, I felt extremely encouraged. His life shows you that no matter what your circumstances are, God still has a plan and purpose for your life that He wants you to complete. The scripture that came to mind is found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (KJV)

I loved the format of the book where he starts with a scripture verse and then shares a personal experience with the reader to bring understanding to the verse. And ends the chapter with an inspirational summary, which was quick, and to the point. This devotional book is easy to read and timeless. It would be a great addition to everyone’s library.

I am now a fan of Nick and the calling God has placed on his life!

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. for

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The Gospel of Yes

By Mike Glenn

Review by Elder Karen N. Craig

Unfortunately, I did not finish "The Gospel of Yes". This book did not motivate me. It did not keep my interest because I never looked at God as only a God of No.

I believe that 'with God all things are possible.'--Matthew 19:26 Therefore, I always leave my heart open to His direction. I still would recommend that everyone give it a read because it may bless you.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my review.

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I AM NOT BUT I KNOW I AM

Welcome to the Story of God

By Louie Giglio

Review by Elder Karen

The title of this book is what intrigued me. It definitely gets your attention and draws you in. Reading this book definitely was a blessing because it got me to focus on the I AM instead of myself (i am not).

If you are a person who tends to be a "control freak", someone who thinks more highly of themselves than they ought (see Romans 12:3), then this is a book for you. Specifically on pages 33-35, where Louie Giglio breaks down who I AM is versus who i am not, will be an eye-opening, humbling revelation.

I hope everyone who reads this book will come to realize that I AM is the answer to every question, frustration, problem, conflict that you will ever have. No matter what the situation is, I AM is the Orchestrator of it all. I AM is in control, i am not!!!

I also appreciated the (OBSM)>One-Word Bible Study Method, which I have incorporated into my personal Bible study.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

UNFINISHED

The Four Callings from Jesus that Empower and Complete Your Purpose on Earth

By Steven K. Scott

Review by Elder Karen

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt that it was like reading a training manual for anyone who may be looking for their purpose as a follower of Christ. I would recommend this book to be incorporated into all church’s discipleship training. Stephen outlines for specific gifts and calling, which I have listed below.

The Gift and Calling outline:

Become more intimate with God
Accelerate your personal growth
Empower other believers
Impact the lives of nonbelievers

Within these four callings, Stephen gives out assignments and action steps for you to complete to fulfill your purpose in Christ. He also forewarns us of the Roadblocks and Booby Traps that will try and derail our callings. Even though the enemy may try to derail our purpose in God, Stephen ends with promises from God that will build our faith and trust in Him.

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Get this book! Study this book! Follow the roadmap and you will be a blessing to God and His people.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group