Freedom from Performing by Becky Harling

This will be my last review for NavPress as this publisher has discontinued their blogger review program.

Anointed. Simply anointed best describes this book by Becky Harling. What I loved about this devo-conversational style book of encouragement and Bible truth was the down-to-earth way the author came alongside me. Often a Christian author will hit the wrong balance of speaking, teaching,exhorting and challenging the reader. Not so in Freedom from Performing.

The author hit the perfect note in regard to balancing Truth with faith, thus eliminating the irritating "legalistic" mumbo jumbo that so many devo style books deliver. There was much emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ (applause) as opposed to having to do many works to please God. The title was perfect for this book because every chapter in this book nailed the mission of the title. Freedom from legalism, bondage to having to be "good enough." The subtitle was Grace in an Applause-Driven World.

This was the first time I read a book by Becky Harling. I would jump at the chance to review another book by this author. Any Bible teaching church would benefit from this book. I will not loan this book out but will keep it in my bookshelf to refer to again and again as it delivered a Holy Spirit infusion each and every time I picked it up.

Well done! Applause in order for Freedom from Performing!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their  book review bloggers 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Trusting God for Everything: Psalm 23 by Jan Johnson

Trusting God for Everything: Psalm 23 was subtitled "A Personal Retreat Guide." I was quite excited to realize this book would be a guide for getting time alone with God to grow in my faith. Finding tools to slow down and allow God to quiet my mind are important to me as learning these concepts allows me to help not only myself but many other women as well.

Each chapter confirmed the previous chapter's message, which was basically growing closer to God through understanding His Word and letting it seep into your soul in a way that that Scripture had not previously done. Psalm 23 was the main Scripture presented.

I enjoyed the history of Psalm 23 as well as the explanation of the individual words and their original meanings. I also appreciated the consistency of each chapter: Opening to God's Message, Immersed in God's Message, Responding to God's Word and Resting with God in the Message. I also found the many questions for personal exploration interesting and helpful for personal introspection.

This book would be a good start for someone who needs to take a break from life and get back to God. The guide may also be good for a few women to use together if even just for a walk in the park as the guide suggested.

There were several areas of the guide I found concerning. I noticed a few references with a New Age undertone. One was to imagine God speaking to me and what color would I imagine during that interaction? I liken that visualization exercise with the New Age concept of Chakra. Imagining a conversation with God and having to visualize a color is not a biblical concept. God does not need anything added unto Himself as He is the epitomy of color.

Also, I was to imagine an empty chair next to me and God sitting in it. I remember that exercise from my "embrace your inner child" days before I came to Christ (I was a sold out hard core New Ager). And yes, the chair exercise was a New Age concept and still is today.

This book is marketed to "Christians" however in order for any person to commune with God, one must be "born again" (John 3:7). I was disappointed an Invitation to Salvation (Romans 10:9-11) was absent. Having the invitation or explanation of being born again provides essential clarification to the reader how to have a personal relationship with Christ. I say this because I was a 'Christian" all my life and talked to God, but it was not until I understood what the Bible had to say that I realized God did not hear my prayers until I became His child through Romans 10:9-11. John 9:3 (I do not review books from a religious standard).

Without separating the sheeps from the goats, the question then is, 'Who are you talking to? God or the enemy of your soul?" Being a Berean, I not only read the back cover of the book but the About the Author section. I saw the reference to Ms. Johnson having a DMin in Ignatian spirituality and spiritual formation not on the back cover but inside the book. I learned she writes primarily about spiritual formation topics. I googled Ignation spirituality http://ignatianspirituality.com/what-is-ignatian-spirituality/10-elements-of-ignatian-spirituality/. Had I only read the back cover I would have missed this important element of Ms. Johnson's theology.

Overall, I would recommend this guide to be used as a tool. I would treat it merely as a walk through a buffet line, taking just those best and useful tasty morsels that would benefit me, my soul and my walk with God. On the other hand, The Bible in its entirety I would eat as a nine course meal and more. All of Psalm 23 is a confidence psalm as the author shared. Spend each day in Psalm 23 and you will enjoy white glove table service for the rest of your life. You will be so satiated you will want to share your bounty with all who pass by your table.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their book review bloggers 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Money & Marriage by Matt Bell

Money & Marriage (subtitled A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples) by Matt Bell is a great tool not just for those planning to become married but also for those already married and finagling their way through all things financial (which is all of us marrieds!) It is never too late to begin a "Cash Flow Plan vs.  Budget". The author reminded us that we must look toward financial freedom in a different way than we may have previously viewed money management. He presented this topic from a biblical aspect.

Starting in Chapter One, statistics were given and pages upon pages of questions asked the reader to take an inventory of their financial situation. The questions could be overwhelming but for the later chapters, which allowed the reader to easily discover solutions. Easy-to-understand plans with resources to help financial stewardship were presented.

Pages 39&40 Mr. Bell shared his personal account of inheriting $60K and how though he squandered the money, he learned a valuable lesson from the experience. The definition of "consume" was sobering. I won't look at money quite the same way after reading about wasteful spending and how we can all do much better with our money.

Chapter Four was fascinating as it gave four distinct categories in which people land in regard to spending. I easily discovered I was a 'phleg" but could not quite place my husband in a category. This chapter was interesting as I never realized personality played a part in money management .

There were so many helpful downloadable monthly cash flow plans and numerous website helps. I would be confident in contacting the author for future consulting or help if I did not have someone to aid me in that area currently. The "Know Your Stuff" website was amazing!

However, the best advice in the entire book was found on page 144. DINKhood has changed my life. Also, the discussion of prenups quite interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the use of Scripture throughout as well as the case studies and personal accounts of the author and his wife.

Money & Marriage would be an excellent engagement gift or even a wedding gift. The subject of money is often overlooked and it does not have to be. This is an excellent tool which includes God. It is never too late to get serious about financial stewardship. Certainly implementing the concepts in this book will help married couples get on the same financial page!

Check out a sample chapter. Buy it today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their book review bloggers 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

The Practice of Godliness Small-Group Curriculum by Jerry Bridges

This Bible study book is for small groups or for personal Bible Study. The format allows for a 12-week schedule if you do one chapter per week.

The process:

1. Read the chapter

2. Look up the Scripture

3. Answer questions about the session topics

4. Dive into personal application = write down what God has revealed to you and prayerfully consider how to allow the Word to change you.

In the "Before You Begin" section, Mr. Bridges reminds the reader that the goal of any Bible Study is this, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 Wisdom as we can have head knowledge all day long but if the head knowledge does not make it's way to our heart and change us from the inside out - our studies will just be lessons done but not become life changing.

Here is just one example of Mr. Bridges' sharing of godliness from page 13, "It is sad that many Christians do not have this aura of godliness about them. They may be very talented and personable, or very busy in the Lord's work, or even apparently successful in some avenues of Christian service, and still not be godly. Why? Because they are not devoted to God. They may be devoted to a vision or to a ministry, or to their own reputation as a Christian, but not to God.

Godliness is more than Christian character; it is Christian character that springs from a devotion to God. But it is also true that devotion to God always results in godly character. As we study the three essential elements of devotion in the next chapter, we will see that all of them, individually and collectively, must express themselves in a life that is pleasing to God. So the definition of godliness we will use in this book is devotion to God that results in a life that is pleasing to Him."

My favorite chapter was Chapter Twelve. In the section titled "Love Reaches Out" this section particularly caught my attention, "Often in our teaching on love, we stress - and rightly so - that biblical love is not emotions or feelings but attitudes and actions that seek the best interests of the other person, regardless of how we feel toward him. W.E. Vine says, for example, "Christian love....is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered." The chapter goes on with the biblical explanation of 1 Corinthians 13 with the incorporation of emotions and how emotions come into play with love. Very interesting and helpful in understanding love from God's perspective!

Undoubtedly, this is a book that will be written in, reviewed, dog eared and brought out time and time again to review and receive wisdom and guidance. This study guide must be accompanied by a Bible as the Bible is the foundation upon which this book was written.

I enjoyed reviewing The Practice of Godliness and will refer to it often. For more information or to purchase please visit the NavPress website .

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their book review bloggers 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

NAV PRESS BOOK REVIEW: The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges

This work by Mr. Bridges is laden with much Scripture and without pause I recommend it to anyone who wants to go deeper in their study of the Word. I believe this book was written for someone who already understands the poweer of a personal relationship with the Lord. The deeper Truths outlined in this book challenged me to open myself up to God in a way I had not done so before.

One example I appreciated (among many) was the author's explanation of "refined sins" found on page 33. Guilty of being judgmental and critical of others, I smiled as the author confessed this sin in the opening section. I appreciated reading Psalm 141:3 and was grateful for the reminder that David often cried out to God because of his speech which came directly from his heart.

Many books on pursuing holiness and living in God’s grace are watered down “feel good” bathroom books. You know – you pick them up for a reminder and then go back to sinning? Well this book is nothing like those books. This book is invaluable to understanding not only what God’s grace is, but Application is taught. I will refer to this book often.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their book review bloggers 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.