Seeing The Unseen, Book review

Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

With Christ at the center of our life, T. W. Hunt believes we can deepen our faith and ultimately unveil the hidden presence of God. I believe he might just be right!

As a Bible teacher, speaker and author, the author explores the world's different philosophies and their many conflicting ideas whilst focusing on what is unseen, rather than what all of us actually sees.

Comparing the laws of the physical world with the spiritual world, he expertly teaches us how to look for the unseen, gives us evidence of the unseen and shows us what he considers spiritual blinders. 

As an example he cites the Apostle Paul telling the Church in Rome that 'the mind set of the flesh is hostile to God, because it does not submit itself to God's Law, for it is unable to do so. ( Romans 8:7).

Stressing how important the role of faith truly is and how to look beyond the physical, T. W. Hunt shows us the role of the Holy Spirit and how to look to Jesus for a clear pathway to faith using amples biblical references. 

In Seeing the Unseen, you will learn about probing reality, realizing faith and the destiny of faith thus bringing your relationship with God to a richer level. 

This is an excellent book for anyone struggling with faith issues and would be a great gift for the college student in your life.

I gave it 4 stars.

For more on T. W. Hunt and his ministries read (here)

I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Gospel For Real Life, Book Review

In our pursuit of Holiness we learn about the Cross, the pleasure of Obedience, the satisfaction of Justice and some of you might say you have heard all of this before and much more.

But in The Gospel for Real Life, Jerry Bridges does indeed go one step further, allowing us to receive new understanding and fresh insight to many questions many of us have in our daily lives.

The author clearly explains Christ's wonderful gift to His people, Eternal Life! There is so much more to this gift than we think and here you will find an explanation for all that you might have wondered about living the Gospel every day.

After all, a daily walk with God our Father can become a wonderful experience only if we received His gift in our heart!

As a Bible teacher, an author and a member of The Navigators' collegiate ministry group Jerry Bridges never fails to help us in our desire to learn more about our Saviour, to be more like Him.

In Chapter one for i.e. we learn about the unsearchables riches in God's plan.

Each chapter in fact provides more insight on this wonderful plan!

This paperback version now includes a complete study guide for individuals or groups, and as we have come to expect from Jerry Bridges, a complete list of resources/acknowledgements.

An excellent addition to any Church library and a thoughtful gift for any Christian!

I rate this one 4 stars.

I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Chase by Jerry Bridges, Book Review

If you are familiar with Jerry Bridges' work and particularly The Pursuit of Holiness you will soon realize The Chase, Pursuing Holiness in your Everyday Life is similar yet this time is aimed at the younger generation.

To quote Jerry Bridges: "We must have conviction that it is God's will that we seek holiness - regardless of how arduous and painful the seeking may be. And we must be confident that the pursuit of holiness results in God's approval and blessing, even when circumstances make it appear otherwise."

For all of us who can no longer claim to belong in the "younger" category, we find in this version Bridges, with co-authors Jay and Jen Howver, uses teen language and clearly draws from The Message as well as NLT, NIV and the NASB.

Well written and to the point, as we have come to expect from the Author, this is an informative book with clear references and thoughtful insights leading to a better understanding of Holiness and what God expects of young adults.

The authors have provided much information in the short chapters making it ideal for small groups or as an excellent addition to the family library.
I consider this one to be ideal for any Youth Minister's resources! Here is the answer to many questions!

I give it a 4 stars!


If you are not yet familiar with the Author I recommend reading a very good interview with Jerry Bridges.

I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

First Book Review of the Year: Angry

This is a very different book review for me and I must admit it was a bit of a challenge.
It has been awhile since I have had teenagers in the house yet as a Mum, I believe I have always striven to be the best I can be.
Problems such as communication betwixst Parents and Teenagers comes to mind first of all, something most of us do not get easily the hang of it.
I will admit however that albeit I might not have always heard what was said then, I have learned and my "difficult" teenager is now my best friend. There is nothing I would not share with her and I enjoy very much discovering her as an adult!

Angry is written by author Laura L. Smith and it brought back memories of the many phases of teenager years! Teens have a tough time growing up especially with peer pressure, school and family problems and our ever challenging society makes it even more difficult these days than it used to be in the past. Internet, Media, Latch key kids and lack of parental supervision, Money, all play a big part in the growing unrest of our Society.

Sixteen year old Laura shares her Summer betwixst caring for her young siblings and hanging out with her friends at the pool. Her Mother is an alcoholic, her Father is often traveling for business and finds someone else.
Soon Laura's parents announce they will be divorcing. For Laura this is the ultimate heartbreak and her world comes crashing. She tries very hard to hold things together yet she feels her life will never be the same and she is angry.

Her circle of friends and the upcoming school production of Les Miserables however are the two bright spots in her young life. At first Laura hopes to land the part of Cosette but when her Drama teacher gives her instead the part of Eponine, she finds her own way to deal with the pain. What she has not yet realized is that God is going to use the play to draw her to him.

Laura's journey from despair to victory is an excellent story for young people faced with similar problems but also for anyone who remembers how hard it was at times to grow up.
Not everyone will agree I am sure but I would recommend heartily and I give it 4 1/2 stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller, book review

A Praying Life is my first review of any of Paul L. Miller's work and I must admit the title attracted me very much. Like all of us I often struggle with just finding the time to pray. There are so many distractions, our lives are so busy, we simply forget the joy praying can actually bring.

I do not entirely agree with everything Paul E. Miller writes in his book but there is much more positive than negative in his statements and altogether, it offers much by way of guidance.

He first offers a kind of Kindergarten through 12 format which makes sense: baby steps are exactly the way we start our lives. Throughout the book you will find his approach getting however more and more detailed and finally in my opinion very helpful.

In the end I found myself intrigued and I can only say this book challenged me in many ways. I particularly liked the following: "At the center of prayer is God, carving me in his Son's image". That's something I can understand.
How about this question? "How would you love someone without prayer?" I am still working on that one!

Overall, A Praying Life is definitively inspirational and practical. It will certainly help you to improve your prayer life and give you a much closer relationship with God. I will certainly add it to my family library and I give it 4 stars.

I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Church Awakening by Charles R. Swindoll

If you are a serious churchgoer maybe looking for a better way to help guiding your Church or perhaps a Pastor wishing to make the word of God the most important part of your worship service than this book is for you!

In his latest book, The Church Awakening, Swindoll takes us first to the very beginning of the Church when Jesus Himself revealed to Peter and the other Apostles that "on this rock, I will build my Church.
Using the early Church as the very example of how any church should be, not as we too often perceive it these days through the eyes of others, he clearly defines the drifting of the church from its earlier teachings by Peter and his fellow disciples. The sharing of the death on the cross, the resurrection of Jesus, the ministry of giving to the poor, the helping of widows and orphans all seems to have lost their rightful place in our worship.

Often today's services resemble a social club gathering with little praise or gospel sharing. In The Church Awakening, an urgent call for renewal, Charles R. Swindoll gives us great insight on how we can work our way back to the basics of the Church in the way he does best, through stories, scriptures and examples of daily living.

This is an honest look at the Church the way it is now and showing us that if we are willing, we can change. An excellent source of renewal for everyone and a great book for any church library! I give it a 4 stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hachette Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges, book review

Jerry Bridges is an author whose work I very much enjoy reading. He has a remarkable talent to choose a particular subject, delving in it and presenting in such a way anyone can relate to!

The more I read on and the more I found it to be true: God's Grace is so simple!
Jerry Bridges shows us the true side of God's Grace and reminds us our Saviour paid the price of our admission into eternal life. He skilfully tells us to stop trying to buy our way in, instead showing us how to give out of love, not as a way to earn merits.

Each chapter gives us a remarkable insight into life as we see it and allows us to use God's Transforming Grace to live confidently in His wonderful love.

Ten years in the making, this book comes with an amazing study guide of eight sessions that will bring even more understanding of God's love for His people, a perfect tool for personal reference or discussion in a small group.

I give this book a 5 stars. It belongs on any Christian library!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Fruitful Life by Jerry Bridges, book review

"Healthy human life is a fruitful life." So begins the preface of this book. Each chapter takes us through the fruits of the Spirit beginning with taking on God's character and pursuing our devotion to God.

In this book, Jerry Bridges describes each fruit of the Spirit - Humility, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness and Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and finally Self control. Guiding us with references to the books of the Bible, the author identifies each fruit as well as the many ways we can use these to strengthen our daily spiritual life.

Well written and easy to use "The Fruitful Life" including its exercises for practice and discussion will help the reader or group to develop his/hers daily devotions. Either read chapter by chapter or read in its entirety, this book will help you to cultivate the beautiful fruit given by the Holy Spirit.

This is indeed a Spirit filled book and I give it 4 1/2 stars. You will too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Christlike by Bill Hull, NavPress book review

In this inspiring book the author describes the cause of our "Christian" troubles, falling short of a true spiritual life, and compares it with real life. He gives examples of the spiritual growth most of us experiences and reminds us of the example Jesus gave, daring us to be different.

He goes on asking Churches to rethink what it truly means to be a Christian. For example, TV evangelists who claim the more you give to their ministry, the more God will give you back. Sadly the only ones blessed in this case are the TV evangelists. Expensive clothes and flashy lifestyle are often their trademark.

Bill Hull describes the real benefits to Christians being happiness, love and the improved lives of those we help. He then shows us how to become more Christlike and to truly make a difference in our world.
For anyone who cares to meet this challenge, this is a book to read. I could not give it any less than 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Intercessors Arise by Debbie Przybylski

"Blessed is the man who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he medidates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper."

-Psalm 1:1-3

All of us struggle with prayers. We live such a busy life, filled with distractions and many concerns such as family problems, finances difficulties, job security and many others challenges.

Debbie Przybylski reminds us that there is hope in this fast paced life of ours. Focusing on prayers inspired by biblical passages, real world events and key concepts she teaches us to remain true to God's teachings and to pray more deeply.

Our world is in need of change and when we pray, individual lives change. Imagine what we can do all together! This book will help you to remain focused. It is a great tool for anyone praying for family and friends and it holds excellent instruction for small groups as well as classroom courses.

I found it to be uplifting and I gave it a 4 star rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

It is my opinion that this fictional work by Ian Morgan Cron goes hand in hand with the theme of the Life Recovery Bible and to be sure, a good addition to any family library.

I laughed and wept as each chapter unfolded. This is truly a book about life's lessons.

A successful minister suddenly finds himself questioning life and the resulting confrontation between the Elders of the church and his congregation ends in a leave of absence which sends him on a journey of recovery. He meets wonderful people including a life long lost Uncle whilst following the trails of St Francis of Assisi thus the title.

Albeit a work of fiction it includes many actual events as well as historical facts. I was however surprised by the ending and therefore give it a 4 1/2 star rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”