Author: (in)courage Grace P. Cho
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Bible Study/Devotional
My Review:
But in its purest form, influence is simply the capacity to effect change in someone.
This is the third book in the Courageous series and also the third that I have read. I love the way these studies are designed and organized. I appreciate the way they are created for personal growth. You can do the studies alone, or can do it with a group. Either way, I highly recommend these studies.
Author: Skye Jethani
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Christian Living, Prayer
My review:
I thought with the size of this book that it was going to be a quick and easy book to read. I was wrong. While you can read it quickly because it does not have a lot of pages, you would miss so much about it. This book is best to be read slowly and savor each section.
Author: Jennie Allen
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Christian Living, Christian Nonfiction, Bible Study
Source: I own it
My review:
Do you ever feel like your thoughts are spiraling out of control? You have one stray thought and then another and before you know it you have spiraled so far down the rabbit trail that you wonder how you got there? Yea, me either 😔 If we're honest, we all have. Jennie Allen has written this book to help us stop spiraling into the pit of toxic thoughts.
Author: Jennifer Dukes Lee
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Christian Living
My Review:
I am not a huge fan of jumping on a bandwagon. But, I kept seeing this book, Growing Slow, floating around Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I found myself drawn to it, so I bought it. I am so thankful that I did. I have been reading it for the last few weeks as part of my devotional time and it has valuable and timely messages.
Title: Walk With Me: Simple Principles for Everyday Disciplemaking
Author: Bill Mowry
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Christian Living
My Review:
I loved this book. It immediately draws the reader in with "an invitation." The author discusses how the Bible frequently uses the word "walk" when describing our relationship with God. The premise behind the book is quite simple, start walking. Once you start walking you can invite others to join you on your walk.
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Christian Living
Source: My personal library
My review:
I put this book on my list to read for this year because my word of the year is "Surrender." I like reading books on the word that I feel the Lord has laid on my heart. I have heard a lot about Elisabeth Elliot and I was not disappointed. Mrs. Elliot has a lot of wisdom to share.
"God calls me. In a deeper sense than any other species of earthbound creature, I am called. And in a deeper sense I am free, for I can ignore the call."
Told in a conversation style of writing, Mrs. Elliot begins the book by stating that we are created, cared for, and called. She then goes on to answering God's call. In this way, she is setting the stage to talk about discipline, not just surrender, but the discipline of the body, mind, our work, feelings, and so much more. Each chapter builds on the previous chapter until the final chapter where Mrs. Elliot wraps everything up.
"Discipline is the believer's answer to God's call."
Mrs. Elliot weaves stories from her life into this narrative on surrender. She incorporates Bible verses and relevant stories from the Bible as well. Discipline is a very easy read, but do not let that fool you, this is a very deep and practical book-like the lady herself. There are so many great nuggets tucked into this small book (150 pages of text). Such a profound and straightforward book.
"When the will of man acts in accord with the will of God, that is faith. When the will of man acts in opposition to the will of God, that is unbelief."
Discipline: The Glad Surrender is an excellent book to read if you want to be challenged in your faith and grow in your walk with the Lord. If you are looking for an easy religion and easy tasks, look elsewhere. If you are not willing to grow and surrender, then this is not the book for you. While Mrs. Elliot has passed on, these words will live on, and her legacy will impact many generations to come.
"There is always enough time to do the will of God."
4/5 ★★★★
Synopsis:
In our age of instant
gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is
hardly a popular notion. Former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth
Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for modern
people.
Now repackaged for the next generation of Christians, Discipline: The Glad Surrender shows readers how to
-discipline the mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings
-overcome anxiety
-change poor habits and attitudes
-trust God in times of trial and hardship
-let Christ have control in all areas of life
Elliot
masterfully and gently takes readers through Scripture, personal
stories, and lovely observations of the world around her in order to
help them discover the understanding that our fulfillment as human
beings depends on our answer to God's call to obedience.
Title: The Widow's Oil: Discovering God's Purpose in the Midst of Grief
Author: Nickcole Byrd
Publisher: Byrd Media LLC
Genre: Self-Help
Synopsis:
Simultaneously, I had experienced two untimely deaths. The death of my husband, and the death of a season in my life. After 24 years of marriage, God decided that this chapter was done. It was over. And there was nothing I could do to change it.
Title: The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks: Reclaiming the Gifts of a Lost Spiritual Discipline
Author: Dustin Crowe
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Genre: Christian Nonfiction
Synopsis:
The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to be anxious in nothing and thankful in everything. And when he said everything—he meant everything. We can all agree that this is easier said than done. Disappointments and discontent may cause you to slip into dissatisfaction, and grumbling becomes a state of mind—gratitude seems impossible to find. However, what if this is the precise reason you lack the joy of a God-filled life? Instead of a reaction to when things are going well, what if gratitude is actually necessary to knowing the hope of our gracious God?