Standing Firm Against Doubt and Pride

“The Book of Jeremiah: A Bright Light in a Dark Season” is the third in the “Following God through the Bible Series.” The format of the book is user friendly with summary statements, stimulating questions, charts and maps. The series uses an interactive approach, designed to encourage the reader to apply Biblical truths to their own life today.

Award winning author Bette Nordberg contends that Jeremiah’s words are as pertinent today as they were to the citizens of Jerusalem in 700 BC.

Nordberg draws attention to three basic themes in the study: the person of Jeremiah, the people of God, and finally on God Himself. She makes it easier for the reader to understand the reaction God is looking for from His people and parallels Jeremiah’s message with contemporary times, calling for our response in worship and service to God, and the relationship He is looking for with His people today.

The book is filled with valuable time-lines, maps, and charts that help the reader comprehend and integrate the background of the lessons. Each of the eight studies follows a similar model and includes: A contemporary story illustrating how our lives and needs incorporate the same basic issues faced by God’s people in Jeremiah’s day with an application drawn from the Scripture narrative relating Jeremiah’s experience and message to our own day.

The study questions help draw out basic facts of each passage. I personally found the “as I follow God” section beneficial. This aspect included a modern day occurrence or story that concluded with a directed personal application which enabled me to see the similarity of living for God now in contemporary times.

“The Book of Jeremiah: A Bright Light in a Dark Season” is an outstanding resource for personal use or in a small group Bible study setting. Each book in the “Following God through the Bible Series” raises the bar in providing a higher standard of value. I look forward to seeing more studies created by Bette Nordberg.

AMG Publishers, 978-0899570303

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

A Biblical Basis For Healing Ministry Today

As I opened the pages of Richard Mull’s book “Lord, Heal Me” I sensed that I was on the brink of a deeper experience of God’s love and grace and of His healing power. I felt I was being invited into an experience of meeting God on Holy ground.

Richard builds a Biblical foundation with practical aspects of the ministry of healing. He opens with a contemporary story of a woman’s healing to illustrate his premise. He follows this with a series of thought provoking questions, and a meaningful case study.

Mull then reviews the history of healing from the books of the Torah as well as the Old Testament books of history, the poetic books, and the prophets. He then highlights incidents of healing in the New Testament Gospels, the book of Acts, Romans, and the Epistles.

In the final chapter Mull summarizes fifteen keys to divine health. He reminds the reader of the importance of confessing Christ’s Lordship, and the reality of Christ’s indwelling as the ultimate key to “ministering healing and walking in divine health.”

Mull’s writing is clear-cut, understandable, and thought-provoking. His work is well researched, Biblically based, and offers hands-on application for contemporary Christian living. A helpful appendix is included that provides material for future study and further consideration.

As I close the pages of “Lord, Heal Me” I anticipate returning to revisit its pages often. I want to allow the impact of this message to take root in my heart and become an intentional facet of my personal ministry.

Charisma House, 978-1599792934

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Introducing Apologetics to a Contemporary Generation

Mark Littleton addresses three specific audiences in “Big Bad God of the Bible.” He offers concrete answers to Christians grappling with unanswered personal questions regarding God and the Bible. He provides a refreshing new approach for equipping the Christian with model answers to the hard questions they are being asked. He also addresses the skeptic, who may be seeking trustworthy answers to sincere doubts and honest questions.

The book is inspired by an actual incident in which Mark was challenged to share the reasons behind his faith. The book reads like a novel and is made up of a composite of characters with frequently asked difficult questions regarding God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ as Son of God and His humanity.

The setting is a local Starbucks Coffee Shop where Mark’s new friends, fictional characters, meet on a weekly basis to discuss their questions. Mark responds by going back to the beginning, the Garden of Eden and the sin of Adam and Eve. He explains the penalty of their sin, and the resultant curse on the earth, on man, and on the serpent as recorded in the book of Genesis.

Mark then addresses other questions the group ask, including: The ultimate quandary of evil in the world, how to discover God’s plan, how to experience true freedom, the problem of Hell, unbelievable rewards, and what it means to have faith in Jesus.

Littleton uses dialog to carry the story forward. This dialog is fast moving, stimulating, and interactive. Mark’s characters Doug, Julie, Jesse, and others are all believable, genuine and sincere individuals. Together they probe Mark with their difficult questions as they respond to the story of the salvation provided through the gospel message of the Bible.

The topical headings throughout the chapters are attention grabbing. These include such titles as: “A Look in Lucifer’s Wardrobe,” “Dilemmas, Contradictions, and Antinomies,” and “Rewards Galore.”

“Big Bad God of the Bible” is relevant, timely, and important. Littleton’s fresh approach to apologetics will readily be received by today’s generation of seekers, and the generations to follow, especially, those who enjoy the story form of literature which combines solid information with a hint of entertainment. They are drawn to a story which proclaims a message and a challenge to a worthy cause. Littleton is fast becoming a pacesetter in a new trend of evangelical writing.

Living Ink Books, 978-0899570334

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Bringing Passion Back into the Spiritual Life

“The Divine Embrace” is designed to help today’s Christian live out genuine Christian spirituality by taking them back in time for a glimpse of the ancient past.

Robert E. Webber supplies the reader with the tools to live out God’s story in their lives, individually and in the collective life of the church community. Webber holds to the premise that God’s story is the embodiment of Christian living and true spiritual life is a constant movement toward Christ-likeness.

The book is made up of two parts. Part one includes a history of spirituality beginning with the ancient church up through the present day. In this section Webber makes clear how spirituality was misinterpreted. As a result true spirituality was separated from the divine embrace.

Part two concentrates on the resurgence of a biblical and historical spirituality. Weber goes on to convey a challenge for returning to the divine embrace. He includes such topics as the story of God’s incarnation, death and resurrection, baptism into union with Christ, and the importance of exercising the spiritual disciplines.

“The Divine Embrace” is comprehensive yet concise. The thoroughness of Webber’s research is indeed impressive. This is evidenced by the notes at the end of the book, the quality of the selected bibliography, and the comprehensive index to the book itself.

The “Summary for Reflection and Conversation” section, included at the end of each chapter, was especially helpful to me. Webber is articulate, an expert in his field and portrays genuineness of integrity in his writing.

“The Divine Embrace” is a book for anyone eager to learn how to live out authentic Christianity in today’s world.

Baker Books, 978-080106552

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

A Model for Ministering to and Transforming a Self-indulgent Generation

“Releasing God’s Life” is intended to develop the ground-work for a “one on one” nurturing ministry. It is a model for evangelizing in today’s culture. Author David Case begins by establishing an understanding of the relationship of the forces at work in the spiritual realm that impact our daily living and our communion with God.

David uses illustrations from present-day life which clearly reinforce the scriptural truths relevant to spiritual transformation and a connection with God. He also discusses the role of our attitude, our expressions, and our deeds in relation to spiritual transformation. He offers insights into the war being waged between spiritual presence and spiritual substance.

Other subjects Case discusses deal with man in the image of God, brokenness, humbleness, closeness to God, talents and gifts, disappointment, obedience, and the process of spiritual maturity.

An appendix at the end of the book includes a detailed summary list of areas of sin, their related core values, and an alternate potential for releasing God’s life through your heart. This list is meant to be a source of help for the reader to develop vision and to recognize the value of the individuals being ministered too.

Each chapter ends with a moving personal prayer, based a scripture passage taken from the theme of the chapter. An excellent study guide is provided made up of thought provoking questions designed to help the reader assimilate the material and to motivate a resolve and action. This feature augments the book as a valuable resource tool. The prayer and study guide became important elements to my enjoyment of the book.

“Releasing God’s Life through the Hearts of Men” provides a model for transforming a self-indulgent generation into men and women of God. David Case is articulate, and relevant. He writes with fervor, clarity and conviction.

Creation House, 978-1559793283

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Stephanie Herzog’s goal in writing her book “God Is Your Matchmaker” is to revolutionize the reader’s preconceived ideas on singleness and marriage. She challenges the church to rise up to Christ’s standards regarding relationships. She provides principles that will enable the reader to better understand the dynamics of personal relationships.

The book becomes a conduit of love, inspiration, wisdom and counsel for singles. Stephanie encourages singles to learn how to live out their singleness for God and to accept their individuality in light of God’s purpose.

Herzog discusses steps to wholeness and life adjustments which prepare an individual to experience fullness and purpose on their spiritual journey. Stephanie addresses dating, identity, restoration, and destiny. She talks about Christian service, the family unit, friendships, and about God’s will in relation to seeking a future mate. Guidelines are provided for the godly woman to consider as well as important issues for the godly man to develop in his Christian character.

Stephanie openly shared lessons she learned and her personal story of life as a single. She tells how God confirmed his plan and provision of David Herzog to become her life partner. Hers is a beautiful love story.

Stephanie Herzog is a gifted communicator an anointed writer. “God Is Your Matchmaker” is important and timely. In our society today the church needs to face up to the need for a new standard in relationships within the body of believers. This is a challenge for the individual believer as well as the corporate body of the church.

Destiny Image Publishers, Inc., 978-0768427202
As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

The Power of An Unforgettable Dream

Jentezen Franklin, New York Times best selling author, shows how a dream, or vision, is nurtured when you “Believe That You Can.” Franklin’s writing models the passion, zeal, and holy fire that he challenges his readers to practice.

Illustrations from the lives of Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and others from the Old and New Testaments illustrate how God’s timing and His purposes come to fruition. These men and women acknowledged their vision, were true to their dream, recognized their destiny and moved into God’s appointed time and place to take part in His Kingdom harvest.

Jentezen uses examples drawn from his own experiences and stories from contemporary champions of the faith to reinforce the relevance of resolutely moving toward a God given dream.

Franklin exemplifies the authority of words in his writing. He communicates a message that calls for envisioning a specific dream, and then following the process and stages needed to see that dream fulfilled.

Each chapter includes a quick review. These summary statements or questions often include suggestions for written assignments. The written exercises guide the reader into formulating action steps for maintaining their vision, their dream, and for pursuing their destiny. I found these suggestions helpful in honing in on my own dream, asking God to fulfill the His destiny for me.

“Believe That You Can” is motivational and inspirational, however it is more that that. It is anointed. This is a book for dreamers, for visionaries, for the shy and for the bold. As the cover reads, “It’s time to make it Happen! Moving with TENACITY toward the DREAM GOD has given you.”

Charisma House, 978-1599793481

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Practical Recommendations for an Anointed Legacy

Steve Brooks opens the teaching of the scriptures on a question of mantles in his book “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants,” This is an area of study, often neglected, important in preparing Christians today as we enter the end-time generation. Steve helps unfold new understanding through Old and New Testament teaching that focus on how God places mantles on willing hearts which is applicable to today’s church as well.

Brooks talks about mantles, being an anointing, which will enable you to accomplish what God has gifted you to do. Examples from Elijah and Elisha and Moses and Joshua illustrate the Biblical pattern of transferring a mantle. Other excellent examples from the Bible are also introduced throughout the account.

Noteworthy stories from Steven’s ministry and those of other Christian leaders, past and present day, dramatically exemplify how mantles are being passed on today.

I found the guiding principles for receiving a mantle especially helpful. Steven’s hands-on advice on developing the Christian disciplines of prayer and Bible were an important reminder. I was also personally interested in learning of more of what it means to allow the Holy Spirit to choose your mantle.

“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” is a crucial presentation of passing on anointed mantles which offers guidelines in preparing the church to move forward into a fresh anointing from God. Christian leaders from all denominations will benefit from Steven Brooks’ bold presentation of the signs and wonders already being manifest throughout the world today.
Charismatic in doctrine and in personality, intent on helping people, Steven’s writing is practical, spiritually motivating and genuine.

Destiny Image Publishers, Inc., 9780768427363

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

My pastor is always quoting books by author John Ortberg, so I was really excited when I was offered the chance to review his latest, Faith & Doubt. The topic was especially intriguing because it’s one that often stays in the closet. Most of us have probably had doubts about God at one point or another in our lives, but we feel ashamed about lacking faith and often keep it to ourselves, hoping it will pass. But, in Faith & Doubt, Ortberg assures us that doubt is not the opposite of faith. In fact, it can actually strengthen our relationship with God! Ortberg admits that even he has struggled with faith in God. And great Christians like Billy Graham and Mother Teresa have also expressed feelings of doubt. It’s comforting to know that faith and doubt can walk hand-in-hand. So, this book answers the question: “Is it possible that doubt might be one of those unwelcome guests of life that is sometimes, in the right circumstances, good for you?”

John Ortberg is a master at using real-life stories and down-to-earth writing to explore the religious issues that we all grapple with. He tackled materialism in When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. He spoke of fear and courage in If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. And he wrote about having an intimate relationship with God in God Is Closer Than You Think. But, of all these issues, I think that doubt is a “biggie” in today’s world. It’s far too easy to wonder if God exists when we see tragedy and violence all around us. If there is a God, we tell ourselves, why doesn’t he stop all the awful things from happening? Why did he let a child die, or a house burn down, or a father of six lose his job? These are questions that all of us grapple with. It’s easy to have faith when things are going well, but much more difficult to hang onto when they aren’t.

Of course, doubt isn’t always okay. It can have very negative and serious consequences. “I often find myself wishing, given the damage that doubt can do, that God would just remove it,” writes Ortberg. “But he generally doesn’t. Maybe he has a reason not to.” Ortberg knows that God can use doubt to help us grow. “Sometimes doubt can do good in us. It can motivate us to study and learn. It can purify false beliefs that have crept into our faith. It can humble our arrogance. It can give us patience and compassion with other doubters. It can remind us of how much truth matters.” 

In Faith & Doubt, Ortberg doesn’t shy away from the tough issues, but addresses them head-on. He answers the questions we have about belief and comforts us in our doubts. And, in closing, he explains why, despite his doubts, he chooses to believe. If you’ve never once in your life doubted God’s existence or promises, then feel free to skip this book. But if you are like most of us with imperfect faith, Faith & Doubt is eye-opening and highly recommended.

Stories That Demonstrate Authentic Christianity

Ed Delph’s “The 5 Minute Miracle” is filled with real life stories which demonstrate authentic, genuine Christianity and validate the power of God’s Word in everyday life experiences.

The stories in this book are a compiled from articles taken from “The Church-Community Connection” Ed’s newspaper columns published earlier in the Glendale Star and the Peoria Times. Each of the chapters is from one of Ed’s columns and includes a story with an application the reader can apply in their own personal spiritual journey.

There are inspirational stories on meeting adversity. They reflect wisdom for helping the reader work through times of crisis. Many provide practical reminders: such as the difference between urgent and vital, or vignettes featuring real people who have demonstrated authentic Christianity in meeting their adversity.

Ed is a gifted writer and story teller. His writing is filled with wit and humor. He provides a comedic relief, entertainment, inspiration, encouragement, and motivation in each article. His stories are dynamic and life transforming. His subtle humor kept me smiling, grinning, and chuckling.

As I completed each chapter I stopped to reflect on the new insights, spiritual nuggets, and the life changing challenges opening up to me. A succinct phrase or meaningful verse from the Bible round out the day’s reading. Each short chapter is relevant and engaging, providing spiritual insights, and applications for everyday life.

“The 5 Minute Miracle: Standing Out by Becoming Outstanding” has awakened a thirst for my more of Ed Delph.

Destiny Image Publishers, Inc., 978-0768427653,

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review