Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Book Review: Spiritual Warfare, Jesus' Way







 
 
 
Book Description:   Do you have problems in life that won't go away? Struggles you can't seem to overcome? It isn't surprising. Like it or not, you are immersed in an invisible war. The problem is, most of us don't know how significantly, or directly, our lives are influenced by unseen battles and beings.

Jesus Himself is our model. He taught us how to fight. Here, respected teacher and bestselling author Larry Richards draws not only from the words of Jesus, but also from His actions in dealing with evil spirits, to offer a biblical, balanced approach to spiritual warfare. Richards explains how to

· recognize the enemy's attacks today
· prepare to face the enemy
· experience big and little everyday victories
· help others who are under attack
· and more!

Easy to follow and immediately practical, this handbook will help you become an instrument of God's redemptive grace, continuing Christ's ministry of setting Satan's captives--and yourself--free

My Review:   One thing is clear from reading Spiritual Warfare, Jesus' Way,
Larry Richards is a gifted, knowledgeable writer.  Packed full of information on the subject of inner warfare, this 6 part, 20 chapter book gives insight to the questions you may have asked yourself from time to time:  Why does everything always happen to me?  It's like there is someone, or something, out to get me!

As a Christian, the topic of demons and spiritual warfare is not unfamiliar.  Larry Richards knowledge base of the bible is true and just.  In addition, he gives great insight as to his own perception and thoughts.  Demons are out there - and in many forms.  Demonic possession can take the forms of that which is the most weak:  from the Satanic to the weakness of the person, such as addictions, pornography, depression, and more.  Around chapter 13 of this book, Richards explains that struggles and troubles could be demons.  Self-loathing.  Self-hatred.  Rage.  Annoyance.  Resentment.  Yes, demons -- of them very well could be.    There are spiritual accounts that 'bear witness' to Jesus casting out demons, addressing them by name and casting them out
as a way to conquering the demons by ministering to them.  While I would have liked more detail on that issue, there is a strong biblical base for demonic possession - just peek at passages in Matthew, Mark and Luke, for example.
Don't embrace sin - don't invite it in. 

Overall, one of the chapters asks of you several simple statements:
~ Focus on Christ in your life
~ Nuture an interest in those around you
~ Accept your role as a warrior in God's invisible war.

In the battle, whatever battle it may be - whether personal (addiction, depression) or something stronger (demonic possession) or somewhere in between, this book helps you to identify how coming to know and fully trust in God and his motives is one of the tools you'll need to embrace to win the war!

With this book, you'd be best served to know it's not a quick read.  It's one that needs time, thought, and a good highlighter to remember all the points you'll want to return back to for referencing in the future. 


*Disclaimer:  I received this book for an honest review from Chosen,
a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review.  
Any reflection of such is my own and this review is an honest reflection of such.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Book Review: Conrad and the Girl Next Door

 
This book is an absolute delight!   This is the second book in the series by Denette Fretz and Gene Barretta, however, this one in the series stands on it's own just fine!

From the hilariously clever lines to the bright, vivid cartoons drawn perfectly to the story line, this book draws the readers in - young and old.   The illustrator captures the essence of the writings so well with the expressions on the characters, from Conrad to the pig to the cat, etc!  All the farm mishaps and adventures are 'safe' enough for readers at any level - those reading and those being read to. 

Conrad, a young boy, goes to his Uncle Clint's ranch where he's armed with his medical kit, a sassy girl next door named Imogene, and a desire for a horse like so many of us hoped for when we were kids.  The book is a quick read, showcasing the daily adventures (and injuries, though humorously portrayed) of Conrad.  He reaches into his trusty medical kit on a daily basis to patch up himself or another cowboy on the ranch after several mishaps.

I so enjoyed this book.  My daughter is a first year teacher and we gave her a copy of this book to start her classroom library.  It's that good! 

The book's conclusion has a small vocabulary lesson which is funny and a wonderful touch - from explaining greenhorn to the Chuck Wagon song - I'm still smiling just thinking of this book.

BRAVO!

*Disclosure: A copy of this book was  received for review purposes from Book Look. The opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.