Book Review: Alive in Him by Furman

This is a great companion book to read alongside your study of Ephesians. Gloria is witty and clear in her writing. She helps biblical truths become practical for our everyday life. This book will enhance your bible study time.

The book of Ephesians is helpful to enrich your study of doctrine and practical walk. The book is interesting and easy to read. It is helpful for any student of the word. It is worth your time and will be a tool that God can use to help draw you nearer to Christ.

I was encouraged personally and grew in depth of my understanding of Ephesians after reading this. One thing I especially like after reading Gloria's books is her increased understanding of different cultures and points of view. This increases understanding of the word which she passes on to the reader. She lives in the culture of which the bible was birthed. There is something about that that enhances her writings but also makes it practical enough for the western reader. That is a great gift.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.

Book Review: Nothing to Prove by Allen

I loved this book! I think it is definitely worth your time. It is helpful and applicable in a world where "selfie" is a regular daily term. We live in an age where we are so consumed by what people think of us. We wonder if we are good enough? We wonder if God loves us if we just rest in Him alone? We have lost or way. We think we  need to earn our way in God's kingdom. We equate this world with the world to come. Yet, sadly we have it all wrong. God's kingdom is an upside down kingdom. This book will help you find that freedom.

I just felt peace over and over after reading this. And peace is good because Peace is also a person; Jesus. As I read, I was continually pointed to Jesus. This book was focused on Him; not us. It did give practical tips on how to walk out our walk in a God honoring way that is filled with hope in Him alone, not striving.

This book is divided up so that you can read it alone or in a group. At the end of each chapter there are practical steps you can take or study further.

I was encouraged by this book and would love to see more written like this out there. We don't have to be a product of the selfie culture. We don't have to strive. We just have to train ourselves to be. In that being comes the good works He has given us to do for our good and His glory.

I received this book free of charge for the purpose of an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book on Amazon.com here.

How God Revealed My Love of Money

^"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;
    I will not fear;
what can man do to me?” 

~Hebrews 13:5-6

When God drew me to Himself, I had a dream. In that dream He rescued me from death and said very clearly, "I will not leave you or forsake you." I had no idea that was scripture at the time. I was only twelve years old and did not know the benefit of being in God's word. 

However, later on in life, I discovered that those very words were Scripture! I also learned that context is important when interpreting scripture. The words around, "never will I leave you or forsake you", would give me the context of the deeper meaning. I was astonished to see that these words are framed around contentment and the love of money. (Though these verses do occur first in the book of Joshua encouraging him not to fear entering the land of promise.)

This season is tough. My husband is losing his job as a contracting company comes in to restructure. It is a time of revealed trust or lack there of in our Savior as provider. The pressure from this situation helped me see that I was loving money. Not because I am wasteful or like expensive things. I lack trust when I don't know if money will come in. This is a lack of trust in my Savior as Provider. I was trusting money as my savior.

Once that was revealed it was necessary to confess it. Then walk forward in faith that he will provide as He always has. It is only through trials or pressures that our hearts will reveal what we truly worship. If I was not walking through this season, I would think I was trusting God for our needs, but really, I was trusting in a steady paycheck.

I am thankful for this revelation. I am thankful God cares enough to reveal our hearts so we can confess this idolatry and move in fuller allegiance to Him. He gives more grace. In the process of dying to worry and dependence on a paycheck, we become more Christ like because we walk without fear knowing that God will provide. It is His promise. We must walk in it. This doesn't make it easy but a regular realization that I need to trust Him instead of any other thing. 

As we journey this path of the unknown for the next few months, I know God will provide. And at the end of this test, He will strengthen our faith. He is a good Father. He is always there. He truly will never leave or forsake us.