Download Software.org

 

The Purpose-Driven Life- What on Earth Am I Here For-

2 stars (Nothing New Here) - I had heard people speak of this book and saw the author on the news so I figured it was worth reading. Unfortunatley there is very little that is new here wich has already been said by others. I personally don't agree with a bit of Mr Warrens conclusions and statements about what God's purpose for us is. In my opinion if you want to know What God's purpose for us is, read Neale Donald Walsch's books "Conversations With God" series and the others he has written. These books have changed my life and how I view God. They give many more answers wich are true to me than does "The Purpose Driven Life". But I will also say that if this book helps you,I am happy for you and Thank God. 5 stars (Live life with a purpose!) - The book is extremely well structured. Plenty of material to read and reflect upon. I recommend as a 'must read' and 'act upon'. Personally, will read this book once again in 6 months. 5 stars (The Purpose Driven Life) - A book that will lead you straight to God. Second only to The Holy Bible. EXCELLENT reading for ALL Christians! ...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life :: The Purpose-Driven Life- What on Earth Am I Here For-

 

Breakout Churches- Discover How To Make The Leap

1 stars (An unfortunate addition to Rainer's fine history of work) - I am sorry to report that this is one of the worst books I have ever read. It's hard to believe it was authored by Thom S. Rainer. The fundamental problem with research stems from the selection criteria for "breakout churches". The criteria was so abysmally biased by Rainer's desire not to promote growth that stemmed from the involvement of a new pastor that they only produced 13 churches out of 400,000. Rather than taking another pass at identifying churches that would energize us in our calling, they instead decided to write a book lauding these 13 churches as the "good to great" of our time. Before you put this in your shopping cart consider the criteria led them to the selection of churches who: -Have pastors with an average tenure of 21.6 years with this one church (pg. 57) -Current pastor must have participated in both the declining years, as well as the break-out growth (pg. 16) -None of the 13 churches seek to discover a vision (pg. 111) -"Are careful, even plodding in making changes" (pg. 150) If you're looking for a book that will make you feel better about your church which has been declining for years, without giving you much in the way of actionable strategies, you've come to the right place. I hope Jim Collins received a quarter every time his name, his book title, or a page number in Good to Great was referenced! The only thing this book inspired me to do was re-read my copy of Good to Great! 5 stars (Character Counts) - I must start by saying that I am not an advocate of what is typically known as the "Church Growth Movement." However, I believe "Breakout Churches" breaks all the molds of this genre of books. What the remarkable research of this book has demonstrated is simple and yet profound in our day: Church growth is directly related to the godly passion of its leadership and not to the promotion of pragmatic strategies. Several things struck me about the results of...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHURCH AND MINISTRY CHURCH LIFE CHURCH GROWTH :: Social Theology :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Parish And Churc :: Breakout Churches- Discover How To Make The Leap

 

The Sacred Romance- Drawing Closer to the Heart of God

5 stars (...Out of the dark night he leaps like a stranger to cripple and to bless...) - My guess is that readers who think they already have a good handle on life and Christian doctrine will probably be disappointed with this book. Likewise, this book will disappoint readers who want to see concepts like faith, hope, love, idolatry, grace, election, predestination, etc., expressed in religious language with which they are familiar, and not in language (and metaphors) in which people of our culture commonly express what is important to us and what drives us. Many thoughtful, ardent, traditionally-minded, well-meaning Catholics, Calvinists, etc., will not like this book. Readers, however, who are desperately asking questions like, "Why do I have to hurt so much? When can I finally get out of the situation I am in? Why am I so burned out even though I have done everything I know to be faithful to Christ? How can I be so lonely? Why does this addiction keep re-surfacing? What is God doing here?" will probably find this book a God-send. I re-read this book recently at precisely such a time in my life, and it was wonderful. It reminded me that God is not after my religious devotion and doctrinal comformity, he wants my *heart*, the deepest center of myself, and that he may well invade my life in a way that hurts me, that strikes me as ruthless and devastating, in order to get it. God is committed to my sharing and radiating his glory--nothing less. Amazing. In my view, one of the best aspects of this book is its emphasis not just on what God has promised to share with us (beauty, intimacy, adventure, glory), but *when* he will share it. Yes, we get a substantial foretaste now, but our deepest longings will be finally, fully satisfied only when we see him. Until Jesus comes back, God will mess with our lives and our idols in order to make sure that we don't get distracted by anything less than the awesome destiny he is preparing for us. As eloquently expressed toward th...
Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian L :: The Sacred Romance- Drawing Closer to the Heart of God

 

How to Read the Bible Book by Book

2 stars (dissapointed...) - i could only read an hour of this. the 1st 3 chapters are on the bible code. the rest is probably just as bad. 5 stars (The Bible as a Whole) - I was exposed to this book as I was visiting Regent College and talking with Gordon Fee in his office there. It was about a week prior to the release of the volume and he was excited about it. Dr. Fee pointed out that this was actually mainly his own project and Dr. Stuart acted primarily as a consultant for the Old Testament material. He explained his vision in very canonical terminology. He wanted to create a reader's guide to the Bible as a whole and explained that this is more of a one-person project in order to give the book unity. Verses are descibed in relation to surrounding passages. These passages are included in the individual book of the Bible. The books are a part of larger section of Scripture (e.g., Genesis is part of the "Narrative of Israel in the Biblical Story"). These sections combine together to make the whole of the Bible itself. There is an overview to the whole Biblical story and one for each section. The chapters about the individual works of the Bible have the following setup (using Genesis as an example): ORIENTING DATA FOR GENESIS -Content (brief synopsis) -Historical Coverage (estimation of time the events take place) -Emphases (short list) OVERVIEW OF GENESIS (few paragraphs to summarize material) SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR READING GENESIS (a page or two of advice) A WALK THROUGH GENESIS (divides the book into sections and gives short commentary on each section) The chapters end with a brief concluding paragraph which reiterates the books role in the whole of the Bible. This book is extremely accessible for the layperson wanting a guide to reading the Scriptures. All too often verses and passages are used apart from their biblical story and this guide is a wonderful reminder of those dangers as well as a helpful tool in changing our perspective. Of course it is hel...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: BIBLICAL STUDIES GENERAL STUDIES GENERAL :: Religion - Biblical Studies :: Religion :: Reading :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: C :: How to Read the Bible Book by Book

 

The Anger Workbook Minirth-Meier Clinic Series

1 stars (Wasted Money......) - Wow, I know that I can be a fool, but I was definately robbed of $16.00, even after reading the front and back of this very deceiving book! I mean, I know that I need help with anger, but this book just seemed to make me ANGRIER! I spent $16.00 on a wanna-be Bible (Something I could have gotten for free at my FORMER Church) and the contents only seemed to anger me more! Not only did half of their text not make sense, their descriptions of anger and recognizing anger only seemed to categorize the entirety of this country! The verbage used and perspective in which this ~story~ is told borderlines an autobiography of a man named "Tom". If you like a good bedtime story, like to waste time and money, and do not need real anger management help, then by all means buy this "novel". My opinion~ Dont waste your time or money, you already wasted enough reading my review! Kyle.... 5 stars (Great help!) - This book changed the way i veiw anger. Yes, i am a bible believing Christian and this book does use the bible as a source of reference. I learned so much about my anger and the anger of others. It encouraged me and gave me tools to work with to choose to control my anger. I can't wait to read their next book! I also understand how to respond better to angry people. It is a real eye opener! 5 stars (Anger Managment) - This workbook provided immediate results on how to deal with anger. I did not believe anger was an issue with me until I read and understood anger also comes in the form of frustration and irritability. In reading and working through this book I found that I have a choice on how I respond to situations and it's up to me to decide how I will deal with issues in my life. I am glad I purchased this book to use as a reference or to offer to my friends. ...
Nelson Impact :: Religion & Christian Life :: Self-Help :: Religious aspects :: Problems :: exercises :: etc :: Family & Parenting & Childbirth :: Christianity - Christian Life - In :: The Anger Workbook (Minirth-Meier Clinic Series)

 

The Barbarian Way - Unleash the Untamed Faith Within

4 stars (Oh Yeah!) - Great book for anybody who is burdened for the lost and believes they are being called by God to do more than the Christian next door. I recommend this book to everyone thinking of going into ministry or missions, or for anyone who knows someone already involved. Maybe it will help you understand why they act like they do. Peace! 4 stars (Where Do We Go From Here?) - McManus says it like it is. The church has become a tame, domesticated version of what Jesus seemed to introduce. Nearly every page of this book highlights invaluable concepts for the Christian life as it was meant to be lived. I can relate to the author; I was born and raised to walk the barbarian way--living my faith in a way that demands obedience at any cost. While others have tackled similar subjects, they often times seem to be full of bitterness and rebellion toward the church at large. McManus never gives off that sense of a grudge; instead, he wants to raise the church from its slumber. His "barbarian" way is a way of sacrifice and servitude. This is no mamby-pamby gospel that he's talking about. This is a commitment to a life lived for Jesus, no matter the cost. I loved everything this book had to say. My only complaint is what it didn't say. It didn't give us any practical ways to walk the barbarian way while dealing with the existing church. How do we make these concepts real without seeming divisive? Or, if we are to be divisive for a purpose, how do we go about it with Godly accountability? These are issues I've wrestled with for years. This book encouraged me to keep wrestling, but it failed to answer some of my deepest questions. For those who are still "civilized," this book might change your world. For those still trying to reconcile McManus' concepts with everyday church life, you will be inspired. The question remains, though...Where do we go from here? 5 stars (Insightful and quick read...) - Erwin McManus once again demonstrates how he underst...
Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Discipl :: The Barbarian Way - Unleash the Untamed Faith Within

 

Organic Church- Growing Faith Where Life Happens

Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens...
Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion & Beliefs :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Institutions & Organizations :: E :: Organic Church- Growing Faith Where Life Happens

 

A Grief Observed

5 stars (Excellent!!) - Shipping was quick, everything was exactly as advertised! Two thumbs up, five stars, all of the above!!! 5 stars (Recorded Grief) - C.S. Lewis can almost be described as a contradiction. For much of his life, he was an agnostic, eventually coming to accept Christianity not through any miraculous transformation, but through rational thinking. He was a confirmed bachelor, but wound up marrying late in life, to the American divorcee Joy Davidman, his perfect counterpart in almost every manner. His life was awakened by Joy's presence, but their brief marriage (just nearly four years) was terminated when Joy died of cancer. C.S. Lewis kept track of his thoughts and ramblings after this event in a series of notebooks that became " A Grief Observed ". " A Grief Observed " is at times almost too personal. Lewis leaves nothing hidden, allowing readers access to his anger and his questioning of God. He claims that these are not all his thoughts, merely 'one in a hundred', that he has recorded as he tries to sort through his sorrow and grief. He likens his pain to various metaphors, including that of an amputee who still feels the pain of the lost limb - for Lewis, his lost wife who was part of him. He finds that it is always easy to offer comfort to those who have lost loved ones, to even pray for them, when they are not our loved ones. He questions God at every turn, eventually finding his way back to faith, seeing this challenge as a test of his faith and love. "God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn't. In this trial He makes us occupy the dock, the witness box, and the bench all at once. He always knew that my temple was a house of cards. His only way of making me realize the fact was to knock it down." " A Grief Observed " is a short book, under one hundred pages, filled out with an afterword that is a brief biographical sketch on Lewis ...
HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & General :: Religion & Christian Life :: Lewis :: C S :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE GRIEF :: SUFFERING :: CONSOLATION :: Religious aspects :: Religion :: A Grief Observed

 

Come Thirsty - No Heart Too Dry for His Touch Lucado- Max

5 stars (You can't go wrong with Max) - Is there any better way to compliment study or prayer time with a little Max Lucado. In a world which we must live with our antennas up and dealing with sin and heresy -- even in our own lives and our own churches -- the writings of Max Lucado always calm the soul and refresh the spirit. He can tell why the Bible says not to sin in a way that's not abrasive and hypocritcal, yet confrontational. He can write about the Holy Spirit in a way that accentuates the love of God, yet contains discernment of the sweaty TV evangelists who tear apart believers. He explains stories and life experiences in a manner that connects us directly with God. The most compelling issue: how Max writes about faith in God. The last chapters are the most memorable for me. He writes of the promises of our eternal security in Christ, according to Romans 8:38. Indeed, nothing can separate us from God's love, and Lucado's "Come Thirsty" is just another one of his simple yet strong reads that brings every Christian that reads it closer to God. 5 stars (Pour me a glass, please!) - Mr. Lucado continues to write on spiritual truths in a way that makes them easy to understand and relevant to everyday life. "Come Thirsty" is no exception and a must read for all Lucado fans. Also would make a great gift for anyone who feels they are too far from God and undeserving of His grace. 5 stars (Goose bumps by page 10) - Max Lucado hits another home run with this book. "Come Thirsty" arrived at my house just when I felt I was going through a dry spell. His method of conveying God's love and the promise of your spiritual thirst being quenched by the living water of the Lord is,as always, clear, concise, and uplifting. Don't miss having this one in your Lucado collection. ...
W Publishing Group :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Christian Life :: Max Lucado :: :: Come Thirsty - No Heart Too Dry for His Touch (Lucado- Max)

 

What-s So Amazing About Grace-

3 stars (Not bad, but way below my expectations) - I think one of the most important subjects in christian theology is Grace. After reading the book by Erwin Lutzer titled ''How you can be sure you will spend eternity with God'' (one of my favourite books on that subject), i decided i need to give more time reading and studying about Grace. That's how i stumbled upon Whats so Amazing about Grace. Reading a fairly good reviews about it, i was so anxious to get it. But alas, i was very disappointed. The book has some excellent chapters and ideas for sure, but all in all, i am afraid its a boring book and doesnt present any new insight on Grace. Some ideas are very redundant and repeated over many chapters. The author uses very very limited bible referencing and you feel as if the author isnt bothering with scripture, and speaks more from a ''social'' point of view. I agree with another reviewer when he said 'Grace got lost in the way' as Yancey doesnt speak about the real Grace (God towards man) but more like grace as in man towards man. At the end of the day, i didn't learn anything new on Grace and was more or less bored. This book is ''ok'' but nothing more. I would give it 2.5 over 5. 2 stars (Grace gets lost in the mix) - I have read and reviewed The Jesus I Never Knew and Rumors of Another World by Yancey and loved them both...See reviews on those pages. However, I was completely disappointed with this book. There are few pages on which Yancey does not accuse and condemn the church for various imperfections. He uses several stories to show how the church lacks grace. Several of these include non-Christians accusing Christians of lacking grace. Yancey seems to side with any who condemn Christians for what they deem as "ungrace." One example is an addicted mother of a 2 yr old girl who has prostituted the girl for drug money. She states she did not go to a church because they would make her feel bad. This story opens the book and is referred to several t...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Theology - Sot :: What-s So Amazing About Grace-

 

Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul

4 stars (Understanding and Healing a Woman's Soul.) - If your a man and just can't seem to figure out woman, then this book is not necessarily for you. I would encourage you to read John Eldredge's, the co-authors other book, "Wild at Heart". It touches on everything in this book, and will also help you understand yourself better as a man, which in turn will help you come to a better understanding of what makes woman tick. If you are a male that is into counseling woman then I would recommend this book to you. From my interaction with woman over the years, I can see this book bringing healing to many a woman's life, as long as they give the book a chance and are honest with themselves. I do see some anger in some of the other reviews, but I really think these reviewers are just missing the point. As a man I do find the type of woman that the author tries to lead all woman to become, to be the only ones that I truly find Captivating. And no matter what some people would say, as a woman you are entitled to be Captivating. So buy the book and enjoy becoming all that you can be. 5 stars (Every man and women on earth should read this and Wild @) - Hello!! Jesus came and died for our sins. We have been released from the curse of sin and death, this includes the curse issued in the Garden. I believe that this book should be read in conjunction with Wild at Heart for we can not understand our roles as men and women unless we understand each other. John has taken on an incredible task - to understand a woman's heart. He did the only thing that he could do, he asked his wife to help. They have taken modern culture and showed us the desires reflected in unsaved and saved humanity. Then they showed us how to meet those desires - to pursue a romantic relationship with God. In order to give ourselves permission for this romance, they had to first show us that God needs us - no one else on earth can fulfill the purpose that God created us for. Then they showed us th...
Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religious life :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christ :: Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul

 

The Problem of Pain

5 stars (A life altering book) - I first listened to this book in audio form on a long drive, so heard the entire text in one session. It really was an inspiring experience. I actually listened to it a second time on the return trip. Lewis' gift for verbalizing complex logical and moral issues amazed and inspired me. As one reviewer said, Lewis is the "ideal persuader for the ... good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." His discussions are logical, yet human. A masterful book. 3 stars (Good stuff, except for the Arminian slant) - C.S. Lewis makes many insightful points, but his Arminian (vs. Calvinistic) views distort his presentation at times. For example, he suggests that it isn't God's "fault" that pain and suffering entered the world, i.e. God's sovereign will was thwarted by man. When of course Calvinists like myself argue that it's the Biblical view that our all powerful and sovereign God foreordains all things as the prophet Isaiah says. But overall, it was a worthwhile read. 5 stars (Thought Provoking Jack Lewis) - I'm a blogger. Blogging makes me read. It makes me turn off the television and read. This is very good. What I have been reading lately is C. S. Lewis. Particularly, I've been re-reading The Chronicles of Narnia. After reading through The Magician's Nephew and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, I decided to shift gears and read one of Lewis's theological works before resuming the Chronicles. All I can say is, "Wow!" The Problem of Pain is not what I expected. I'm not sure what it was that I did expect. Perhaps something more along the line of a good evangelical book - you know, shallow, but with lots of Bible verses. Pain is exactly the opposite. Deep and with very little use of prooftexting. How the Church of the twenty-first century needs more minds like C. S. Lewis! We have been drowning in the fluff of "make-me-feel-good-like-Jabez-bless-me-bless-me" Christian publishing for years. It is ...
HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & General :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PERSONAL GROWTH :: Suffering :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Classic Works :: The Problem of Pain

 

Foundations Participant-s Guide

5 stars (A Solid Foundation) - Saddleback Community Church gets a lot of criticism stating that it is too "seeker sensitive" and therefore implying that they water down or distort the truth. This resource is one example of how that isn't the case. The doctrinal studies found in the Foundations study are some ofthe best that I have seen in years. I have used these in small groups as well as adapted these for large group. These studies provide exactly what they advertise - Solid faoundations on which to build your life. ...
Zondervan :: UNDATED ELECTIVE CURRICULUM ADULT BIBLE STUDY ELECTIVES TOPICAL :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Theo :: Foundations Participant-s Guide

 

Life You-ve Always Wanted- The

5 stars (good as it gets) - I have read several of John Ortberg's books and this one is no exception. If you are truly looking to seek God and have a personal relationship with him in your life... but need help, this book (with your bible of course) can do just that... using it as Sunday school material in our church... they really like it.. 5 stars (The Life You Always Wanted) - This is a fresh look into how you live your faith and how you look at your faith. The book provides a simple look into several areas of your life and tips on how to live life to its fullest from a spirtual viewpoint. I found it to be very insightful. 5 stars (Book for practical spiritual growth) - This is an excellent book from an accomplished author. John Ortberg makes growing spiritually a realistic task, not some unattainable mission that only a priest or monk could hope to achieve. I highly recommend it. ...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Prayer & Spir :: Life You-ve Always Wanted- The

 

God at Your Wits- End - Hope for Wherever You Are

God at Your Wits' End : Hope for Wherever You Are...
W Publishing Group :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Prayer :: Faith :: Consolation :: Marilyn Meberg :: :: God at Your Wits- End - Hope for Wherever You Are

 

Parental Guidance Required Study Guide - How to Enhance- Advance- and Influence Your Children-s Rela

Parental Guidance Required Study Guide : How to Enhance, Advance, and Influence Your Children's Relationships (Northpoint Resources)...
Multnomah :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING & RELATIONSHIPS & PARENTING :: Religion - Marriage & Family :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life - Paren :: Parental Guidance Required Study Guide - How to Enhance- Advance- and Influence Your Children-s Rela

 

Every Young Woman-s Battle - Guarding Your Mind- Heart- and Body in a Sex-Saturated World The Every

4 stars (So far, so good) - I'm 26 years old and for the past 5 years, I have compromised myself for the sake of being in a relationship. I have decided that I do not want to do this anymore and recently began searching for reading material to help me (along with my Bible of course). Yesterday, when I saw this book, I felt compelled to buy it. I'm on page 43...and so far, so good. I must admit that it's made me blush a few times because the writings are so frank, but I appreciate Mrs. Ethridge's honesty especially since my parents we unable to counsel me in this manner. I would recommend that parents read it along with their children so that they can answer the many questions that will be asked...and of course, the many times that blushing will happen. Happy reading :o) 3 stars (This book was good.) - I read this book and I thought It was a good read. was actually kind of glad that it was so bold because a lot of people sugar coat words when we here them everyday in movies...etc. It was real and it addressed a lot of issues. it helps to only a certain extent though. I like the fact that it highlighted on the fact that sexual integrity is a four componenet collective. It deals with the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects as a whole to be completley pure. It showed that It was not just sexual abstinence but self control, thought control, and God's expectations. I couldn't totally relate to the book only because the guys that I go out with are truely living their lives as disciples of christ and have God on their mind. My mentality is that if this guy at school, or work..etc can't lead me spiritually and help me get to heaven, then he is not someone I will date. which rules out every guy except the ones at church. we double date and do things that glorify god and in the book she kind of pinned every guy as a sex addict or something and there are no christian guys trying to be sexually pure. I know different and that is why I gave it three stars. 5...
WaterBrook Press :: Religion & Christian Life :: Young women :: Religious life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Conduct of life :: Christianity - Christian Life - Women' :: Every Young Woman-s Battle - Guarding Your Mind- Heart- and Body in a Sex-Saturated World (The Every

 

Love Must Be Tough - New Hope for Families in Crisis

5 stars (Excellent book, but you must have the fortitude to follow!) - Dr. Dobson is 100% correct in his methods. It IS guidance by the Lord. Showing TOUGH LOVE is the only way to help someone you love. Be it your spouse, a child or a relative. The methods in this book are not tricks. They delve into the psychology of what happens when someone feels "caged" in a relationship. It's based on the well known fact "the harder you try and hold on to someone, the harder they fight to get away." And this book is not just for Marriage issues. Dr. Dobson lists 16 things you need to know when you enter into a relationship that can keep you from blowing it. Had I known then what I know now, I would be upset at myself. I blew 14 of the 16 things and it's no wonder she ran away calling me "clingy" and "soft." I was and Dr. Dobson showed me exactly why. This book is NO GUARANTEE that you will win your spouse or significant other back. But, like anything else, if you don't do something you will more assuredly lose them anyway. Pray hard and read this book if you want to keep them. Learn to give them space. While I may have blown my chances with my ex (and I think I have) at least I am sure I will never repeat the same mistakes again. Single or Married, you need this book! 1 stars (Awful, Awful, Awful) - If your husband or wife just left and you are in the middle of the confusion and despair of that situation DO NOT follow the suggestions in this book! Trust me, go to the Lord in prayer, seeking only Him for your answers, He is absolutely faithful. Don't talk to your neighbors, friends, relatives, counselors or anyone until you talk to Jesus. He is your only hope and this book's advise is definitely not recommended if you want your spouse back!! I would never even sell this book for fear of the distruction it can cause. It belongs in the dumpster, after being shreaded. Also, I gave it 1 star because 0 was not given as an option! 5 stars (Not just for the desp...
Multnomah :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING & RELATIONSHIPS & LOVE & MARRIAGE :: Spouses :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Love Must Be Tough - New Hope for Families in Crisis

 

Approval Addiction - Overcoming Your Need to Please Everyone

5 stars (How Practicing the Presence of God can Save You a lot of Grief) - An excellent - well organized and easily absorbed work about one of the most important subjects - which few of us think much about - the need for devotion in our lives. Most of us spend our thinking hours absorbed in worldly pursuits - fulfillment of immediate or, when it comes to loved ones, longer range concerns. Yet, few of us actually practice absorption in thinking about our relationship with God - actively feeling God's presence in our lives continually. Perhaps, many of us feel that we lack the courage of faith to believe that God is more than an idea, and act on that conviction. When we think of God - when we attend church - or generally when things fail to go as we wish - when we find ourselves in distress, trouble, or experiencing loss - we think in terms of salvation - our object is to get to 'dry ground' - to be delivered - to find Heaven - but we never really give complete preference to devotion - and when you think about it - as Joyce Meyer has - deeply - devotion really is the way to salvation. As Jesus has informed us - every hair on our head is numbered - and we ought to focus on that - how we present ourselves before the Lord - at every moment - giving deference to God - rather than people who happen to have something that we want. An observation of particular merit, I feel, is that most of our negative behaviors - dishonesty, violence and the like - arise from our obsession with gaining the approval and esteem of our fellow humans. Is this insight not true - and truth of the highest order? Meyer claims that God makes Himself absolutely accessible to us at every moment we chose to seek Him. Then, what reason is there to prioritize imagined approval from any of His creations when God's approval alone would seem to be the most important criteria for living this life, or any future one? 5 stars (A good book that everyone should read or listen to.) - Thi...
Joyce Meyer Trade :: Religion & Christian Life :: Self-esteem :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Interpersonal Relations :: Codependency :: Christianity :: Approval Addiction - Overcoming Your Need to Please Everyone

 

Velvet Elvis - Repainting the Christian Faith

2 stars (What's all the hype?) - I am about done with "velvet elvis". I give it two stars since it is a good read, but only give it two stars because the author makes it see like what he says is brand new. That he is "repainting" the Christian faith. All you have to do is pick up Philip Yancey (The Jesus I Never Knew, Reaching for the Invisible God, The Bible that Jesus Read, Soul Survivor) who is a much more thoughtful author, or take a sememster at your local seminary and sign up for a hermenuetics class and you will see that what Bell says is nothing new at all. In fact what he says is in the book is the rule of thumb for interpreting scripture... CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT. There you go... nothing new. So for me, when reading this book, I was thinking, Why all the hype? Nothing I haven't heard before... from some of reviews it seems like this book is an ephiphany. I don't know where you have been going to church, but Rob doesn't hold the corner of truth. Now, with that said, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the book. It is good, and insightful... but again... nothing new here. I liked learning about the women with a hemorrage and the significance of here touching the bottom of the robe of Jesus and that was here proclamation of Jesus being the Messiah. I learned something there. I also liked his take on the superpastor... but again nothing new... nothing that you wouldn't hear at a Promise Keeper Conference. I disagree at times with Rob on the binding and loosing issue. He does leave the Bible much to open ended for me. But I wouldn't call him a heretic. I think I understand what he said regarding the Trinity, but he does say it in an awful confusing way. On one hand he says he affirms the trinity, yet on the other hand he seems to say it's OK not believe it. I do agree the term "trinity" is not found in the Bible. The term trinity was used to describe the God-head, that all three persons are of one essence. Scripture is filled with this message (both OT an...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE GENERAL :: Sociology - General :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Faith :: Culture :: Christ :: Velvet Elvis - Repainting the Christian Faith